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Adult Programs & Events

We welcome adults of any age to join us for author events, instructional classes, and more. Anyone is able to participate, even if you don't have a Fargo Public Library card. Some programs and events require registration, and others are first come, first serve. If registration is required, it will be listed in the details for each event.

One Book, One Community 2024

William Kent Krueger’s book “The River We Remember” has been selected as the title for the 2024 One Book, One Community reading project. Related events will be held at area libraries and participating organizations this fall. Please join us at the Fargo Public Library for the following upcoming One Book, One Community events:

• Connections: Finding Balance Between Self-Care and Community with facilitator Christine Ellsworth
In this five-session workshop, we'll read poetry, discuss, and write for greater well-being. We’ll start with the idea of "querencia"-defining a personal safe and happy place, and move through the realms of friendships/relationships with others, work-life equilibrium, our fundamental connection to nature, and finish by establishing and celebrating our need for community! These sessions are for adults and older teens(16+). Pre-registration is required for these sessions and can be done online. Contact Lori at 701.476.5977 for details.
Sundays: Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, & Oct. 27 – Main Library from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

• Veterans' Mask Exhibit
To raise awareness for veterans' mental health issues, masks made by veterans will be displayed at all Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo public and university library locations, and at the Hjemkomst Center.
October 15 – November 15 at the downtown Main Library

• An author visit with William Kent Krueger
An author visit with William Kent Krueger regarding his novel The River We Remember is set for late October at Concordia College.
Tuesday, Oct. 29 – Knutson Center Centrum on the campus of Concordia College at 7 p.m.

A full calendar of events and a list of resources is available at www.1book1community.org.
All One Book, One Community events are free and open to the public.

The 2024 One Book One Community event series is sponsored in part by the Friends of the Fargo Public Library.

"Jazz Into Fall" Returns Sundays in October

The Fargo Public Library welcomes music fans and jazz aficionados to free, live jazz concerts in October. On four Sunday afternoons, live music will start at 2 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library. Whether a lifetime jazz fan or a young person learning an instruments, all are welcome. For details, contact Beth at 701.241.1492.
These are the dates and performers for this year's concerts:
Oct. 6: Max Johnk Quintet
Oct. 13: Matt Patnode and Friends
Oct. 20: The Skipjacks, with a tribute to Tom Christianson
Oct. 27: Kathie Brekke and the 42nd Street Jazz Band
This year's jazz series is completely underwritten by financial support from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library, and would not be able to be offered without their generous support.

ScanDay with the North Dakota State Library is Oct. 28

Help share and preserve North Dakota history! Bring in personal documents, photos, etc., to be scanned and then displayed online on Digital Horizons through the North Dakota State Library. All participants will be provided flash drives with digital copies of their items. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited; please contact the Dr. James Carlson Library Information Desk at 701.476.5980 to reserve a time slot.
Monday, Oct. 28 – Dr. James Carlson Library from 2 to 6 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Education Series This Fall at the Dr. James Carlson Library

The Fargo Public Library is excited to offer a series of caregiver skill-building courses in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. The courses aim to help caregivers feel more prepared to handle the challenges that come with caring for someone living with dementia. Registration is not required for these free sessions. Contact Lori at 701.476.5977.
• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia (60 minutes)
This course covers basic information on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages, risk factors, research and FDA-approved treatments.
Wednesday, Sept. 11 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.

• Empowered Caregiver: Communicating Effectively (60 minutes)
This course teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals.
Wednesday, Oct. 9 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.

• Empowered Caregiver: Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors (90 minutes)
This course details common behavior changes and how they are a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors, and recognizing when additional help is needed.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.

Silent Reading Party book and wine glass

"Silent" Reading Parties

B.Y.O. Book or check out a librarian-selected title. Enjoy a good book and a beverage along with others who appreciate the same. Librarians will be on hand to provide snacks and reading suggestions, set up library accounts, and check out books. The BookBike may also be on hand at some of these events. No registration is required to attend the library's Silent Reading Parties. Contact Sarah at 701.241.8295.
Upcoming dates and locations:
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Front Street Taproom* at 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12 – The Troll Lounge* at 4:30 p.m.
* Please note: These events are for adults (21+).

ND Job Service at the Main Library

North Dakota Job Service Staff will be at the Main Library on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Contact Beth at 701.241.1492 for details.
ND Job Service staff will be on site to offer:
– Job seeker assistance
– Veteran's services
– Information on training programs
– Resume building assistance
– Migrant and seasonal farm worker services
Learn more about the services offered by Job Service North Dakota at https://www.jobsnd.com/
Upcoming dates: Nov. 19 and Dec. 17

Ongoing Adult Events

Yoga for Beginners at the Dr. James Carlson Library

Yoga for Beginners is geared for those who haven’t tried yoga before or who want a refresher. Along with gentle stretching, this class will teach breathing exercises to provide calmness. Bring a yoga mat if you have one or a large towel and wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. This program is for adults. Fall classes are held most Thursday evenings at 6 p.m., at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Contact Lori W. at 701.476.5977 with questions.
Thursday evenings – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.

Tech Help Sessions at the Dr. James Carlson Library on Tuesdays and at the Main Library on Wednesdays

Tech Help is offered weekly at the Dr. James Carlson Library Branch. Each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. our tech expert staff are available in the Christianson Conference Room for one-on-one assistance with technology issues. Need help with getting connected to eBooks? Can’t quite understand your new “smart” device? Struggling with questions with such programs as Word or Excel? Call the Dr. James Carlson Adult Services Desk at 701.476.5980 to register for a 30-minute session. Drop-ins will be accepted based on availability of staff.
Tuesdays – Dr. James Carlson Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Our librarians are ready to help you, one-on-one, with your technology questions at the downtown Main Library on Wednesday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. Call 701.241.1492 for an appointment, or you may drop in at the Main Library Community Room (if time slots are still available). Please note: When attending Tech Help, please bring your device – laptop, smartphone, e-book reader, etc. – with you.
Wednesdays – Main Library from 3 to 5 p.m.

Monthly Jigsaw Puzzle Socials at the Main Library; Sessions Coming to the Dr. James Carlson Library This Fall

Calling all puzzle lovers! Do you have lots of puzzles just taking up space in your closet? Do you want to meet other jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts? Let's work on a puzzle together while chatting and making friends. We’ll have puzzles available or you are welcome to bring some to swap. No registration is required. These sessions are recommended for adults and teens(16+). Snacks and beverages will be provided. Contact Christina at 701.241.8199 for details.
• Select Tuesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library at 5 p.m.
Nov. 5, and Dec. 3
• Select Saturdays at the Main Library at 9 a.m.
Oct. 19, Nov. 16, and Dec. 21

Community Game Nights at the Northport Library

Join us for Community Game Night at the Northport Library. A variety of tabletop games will be provided, and participants are also encouraged to bring a favorite game they would like to share. All tabletop gaming experience levels are welcome. Game Nights are scheduled for the 1st Monday of the month. Snacks will be provided. These sessions are recommended for ages 16+ and no registration is required.
Upcoming dates:
1st Mondays at the Northport Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 4, and Dec. 2

Virtual Book Parties

It’s like a book club, but you can read whatever you want! Chat about the books you've been reading recently. Or, find out what our librarians recommend. No registration is required. We meet online on the library's Facebook page to discuss all things books. Contact Megan at 701.241.1492 for details.
Upcoming dates:
Thursday, Nov. 21 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.

Chess Club at the Main Library

All area kids, teens, and adults are invited to be part of the library's Chess Club. Whether you are an expert or are new to the game, chess players of all ages and abilities are invited to join. Chess Club meets Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Dawson Conference Room at the downtown Main Library. Newcomers and novice chess players are welcome. Local chess expert Joe McNamara will facilitate and lead the sessions. The library’s Chess Club is free and open to all ages; registration is not required. Adults must accompany children under 10 years old. For more information about this or any other Fargo Public Library program, please call Lori West at 701.476.5977.
Tuesday evenings – Main Library from 5 to 8 p.m.

The 2024 FPL Reading Challenge Runs Through Dec. 31, 2024

The Fargo Public Library is excited to introduce the 2024 Fargo Public Library Reading Challenge! This challenge is designed for adult readers who are looking to add fun, discover a new favorite, or have a little extra motivation for reading during the year. Registration is open and participation starts January 1 in Beanstack. The challenge runs through Dec. 31, 2024. Throughout the year, participants complete any of the 12 reading prompts by keeping track and entering the title of what you read in Beanstack. Participants who complete 10 of the 12 prompts will be entered to win a grand prize drawing at the end of the year. If you need recommendations for the reading prompts, contact the Main Library's Information Desk at 701.241.1492 or email askreference@fargolibrary.org to request title suggestions.

To get started with the 2024 Reading Challenge, visit the Beanstack website. Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google Play

Dial-a Story Available

If you ever wish you could have a story, a poem, or even a Shakespearean monologue read to you at any time, day or night, now you can. Call the Library’s Dial-A-Story line at 701.298.6927 anytime to listen to a short story, poem, Shakespearean monologue, or children's story. New recordings are available every Monday. Selections are recorded by Library Outreach Staff and are 3 to 5 minutes in length. Dial-A-Story can be accessed from any phone.

Library Program Evaluation

Attended one of our programs? Tell us about your experience! This is a post-program survey to help us bring more events to our patrons. Your feedback means a great deal to us; thank you for your time in filling out this form.

Contact Us

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