Adult Programs & Events
We welcome adults of any age to join us for author events, instructional classes, workshops, 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.
Visit the library's full calendar of events.
If you need accommodation to participate in library programs, we are happy to help to the best of our ability. Please contact us at accessibility@fargolibrary.org or call 701.241.1495 at least 3 business days in advance.
Upcoming Events for Adults
One Book One Community Events* at Your Fargo Public Library
Area residents are encouraged to unite in reading this year's title, The Birth of Loud by Ian S. Port, in preparation for the related events to be held at area libraries and participating organizations this fall. Related events* include book discussions, music performances, exhibits, presentations, and an author visit set for October 22 at MSUM's Weld Hall. A calendar of events is at www.1book1community.org.
Upcoming, related events at the Fargo Public Library include:
6 Strings and History – An Enthusiast's Look at the Electric Guitar with Musician Dave Schacher
Learn about the evolution of Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, and Rickenbacker electric guitars, from early building techniques to today’s instruments, with local musician Dave Schacher. Contact Lori at lwest@fargolibrary.org for further details. All ages welcome. No registration is required.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Main Library at 6:30 p.m.
Rockin’ Docs Film Series at the Dr. James Carlson Library
Join us for screenings of documentaries featuring influential artists and genres in rock and roll. Movies will be screened at the Dr. James Carlson Library location. A short discussion will follow each film. Free popcorn. Contact Lori West at lwest@fargolibrary.org for more information. Titles and dates in the film series:
• How They Got Over: Gospel Quartets and the Road to Rock & Roll (2020) 86 minutes
Saturday, Oct. 10 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m.
• Fanny: The Right to Rock (2021) 96 minutes
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m.
• Fargo Rocks (2006) 87 minutes
Saturday, Oct. 24 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m.
*All One Book, One Community events are free and open to the public.
This project is made possible in part with support from Friends of the Fargo Public Library (major sponsor), Friends of the West Fargo Public Library, Friends of the Moorhead Library, Concordia College Cultural Events, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Moorhead Community Education.
Jazz Into Fall Concerts in October
Start your October weekend evenings out on the town with live jazz at the library! The free concerts start at 4 p.m. at the downtown Main Library. Whether a lifetime jazz fan or a young person learning an instrument, all ages are welcome. Contact Beth at 701.241.1492 for details.
Dates and featured performers:
Saturday, Oct. 3 – Twelve Strings feat. Guitarists Chris Argenziano and Eric Martens
Saturday, Oct. 10 – Jazz Nickel feat. musicians from the FM Kicks Big Band
Saturday, Oct. 17 – The Mardi Gras Kings, feat. Matt Patnode on saxophone
This free jazz series is entirely funded by the Friends of the Fargo Public Library and would not be possible without their generous support.
"Exploring the Molecular World" with Cathy L. Drennan from MIT Set for Oct. 7
Professor Cathy Drennan of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is fascinated by the molecular world. In her presentation for the general public, Drennan will provide an overview of the methods that allow her to “see” the atoms that make-up protein molecules. No registration is required. Contact Lori at lwest@fargolibrary.org for further details.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6:30 p.m.
Silent Reading Parties
B.Y.O.Book or check out a librarian-selected title. Enjoy a good book & a good beverage along with others who appreciate the same. Librarians will be on hand to provide snacks, reading suggestions, set up library accounts & check out books. Note: Unless stated, these are 21+ events.
Upcoming dates and locations:
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Front Street Taproom (614 Main Ave.) from 2 to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 10 – Troll Lounge (722 2nd Ave. N.) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Virtual (Online) 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 for your To Be Read pile. 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, Oct. 15 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 19 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17 – ONLINE on Facebook at 7 p.m.
Ongoing Adult Programs and Events
Beginner Yoga for Adults Returns This Fall
Beginner Yoga is geared for those who have not 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. recommended for adults, and no registration is required. Call the Dr. James Carlson Adult Services Desk at 701.476.5980 with questions.
Thursdays – Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.
Community Game Nights
Join us for Community Game Nights at the library. A variety of tabletop games will be provided at each session, 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 at the Northport Library. Community Game Nights are offered on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Snacks will be provided. These sessions are recommended for ages 16+ and families are welcome. No registration is required.
Upcoming dates:
1st Mondays at the Northport Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7 (No Game Night in September due to the Labor Day holiday.)
3rd Wednesdays at the Dr. James Carlson Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21. Nov. 18, and Dec. 16
Monthly Jigsaw Puzzle Socials
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.
Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1
Select Saturdays at the downtown Main Library at 9 a.m.
Oct. 17, No. 21, and Dec. 19
Tech Help Sessions at the Dr. James Carlson Library on Tuesdays and at the Main Library on Wednesdays
Tech Help is offered weekly at both the Dr. James Carlson Library Branch and the downtown Main Library. 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? Our tech expert staff are available for one-on-one assistance with technology issues.
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.
Call the Main Library Adult Services Desk at 701.241.1492 for an appointment, or you may drop in at the Main Library Community Room (if time slots are still available).
Wednesdays – Main Library from 3 to 5 p.m.
Please note: When attending Tech Help, please bring your device – laptop, smartphone, e-book reader, etc. – with you.
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. The library’s Chess Club is free and open to all 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.
2026 FPL Year-Long Reading Challenge Starts January 1, 2026
The Fargo Public Library is excited to announce the 2026 Fargo Public Library Reading Challenge! This challenge is designed for adult and older teen (16+)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, 2026.
To participate, complete prompts on the online BINGO card in Beanstack. Readers who complete a BINGO card will be entered into a 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 from our librarians.
To get started with the 2026 Reading Challenge, visit the Beanstack website. Or, download the Beanstack app:
• Apple Store
• Google Play
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