Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to many questions can also be found in the links on this page.

How do I log into my online account? What is my username? What is my pin/password?
By default your password is your last name in all capital or upper case letters. This can be changed at our online catalog. Please note that your password with various online resources such as Overdrive/NDLibrary2Go, the Libby app, Hoopla, Rosetta Stone, or Mango Languages may be different. Further information on how to navigate the library's online catalog is available in the library's How to Navigate the Online Catalog brochure. The brochure is available in print at each library location or you can click on the link and download and print it.

Can I return items I checked out from the Dr. James Carlson Library or the Northport Library to the Main Library?
Fargo Public Library items can be returned to any Fargo Public Library branch. Items from Moorhead, West Fargo or Fargo Public Schools must be returned at their respective libraries.

Where do I park?
Main Library: Parking is available at the Main Library in the west parking lot along 4th St. N. and in the east parking lot along 3rd St. N. on the south side of the City Hall. Library patrons park for free when using these lots each day. These spots have a 3-hour time limit in order to accommodate as many library patrons as possible each day. Handicapped parking spaces are available in both parking lots.

Dr. James Carlson Library and the Northport Library: The Dr. James Carlson Library and Northport Library branches both have parking lots. Handicapped parking spaces are available at both branch library locations.

What collections, services, and resources does the library have?
In addition to lending books, media, e-books and more, the library offers many additional services and resources. You can view information about library services at left, access the library's Hours & Services brochure or contact us for more information.

Do you have study rooms or meeting space available?
The Main Library and Dr. James Carlson Branch have study rooms available on a first come, first serve basis. All locations also have seating and tables available for study or group work and the Main Library has a dedicated silent reading space.
All three locations have meeting rooms available for pre-booking.

You don’t have an item I’m looking for. How can I get it?
You can request that the library purchase an item by logging into your account at our online catalog and clicking Your Purchase Suggestions. Items can also be requested through interlibrary loan.

Why do cards expire?
Fargo Public Library cards are valid for five years to ensure that our patron information database remains current.

How old does my child need to be to go to the library on their own?
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are on library property. Children must be 10 years old to be in the library by themselves. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible individual 14 years or older in the same service area at all times while on library property. Please see the Unattended Child Policy for more information.

Can I pick up my spouse’s hold items with my library card?
Hold items may be picked up with the card that was used to place the hold, or by an authorized user whose name has been added to the account. Please call our Circulation Desk at 701.241.1472 to learn more about authorized user access.

I have fees on my card. Can I still check out/place holds/use ebooks?
Borrowers who have $30.00 or more in outstanding fees on their account may not check out any library materials including ebooks, or place items on hold. Borrowing may resume when fees are reduced below the $30.00 maximum by either returning the item(s) or by payment of fees.

In order to provide equitable access to collections, services, and resources, the Fargo Public Library does not charge late fines* for overdue items. Fees are charged for lost and damaged items per the library’s policy.
*Note: Any item that is more than 30 days overdue is considered long overdue, and the cost of the item is automatically charged to the borrowing account. Lost item fees are automatically removed from the patron account upon return of the item(s) in good condition.

I lost my card. What do I do?
If your card is lost, please contact the library circulation desk at any location (see sidebar). Replacement cards are $1.

Do you have wi-fi?
All Fargo Public Library locations have free wi-fi.

Do you take donations?
The Friends of the Fargo Public Library take donations of books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks to sell at all FPL locations and during their regular book sales at the Main Library. If you are donating more than three boxes of materials, please contact the library or the Friends so they can be prepared. Donations to the Friends are tax deductible.

The Fargo Public Library welcomes all financial gifts, no matter the size. Monetary gifts to the Fargo Public Library are tax deductible in the manner and extent provided by law.

You can make an online donation to the Fargo Public Library here.

Consult with your personal financial advisor for specific advice with regards to any gifts to the library.

Please contact Library Director Tim Dirks at 701.241.1493 or by email with any questions.