Children's Department
The Children's Services Department offers a variety of materials and programming for children and their families.
Check out this short introductory video to meet the Children's Librarians at the Fargo Public Library.
Upcoming Events for Kids and Families
Battle of the Books Tournament
March Madness isn’t the only battle going on this spring! Join us for the Fargo Public Library’s eight annual Battle of the Books. Sixteen books will battle, but only one will win! Stop by the Main Library every 2 weeks beginning Saturday, February 22 and vote to make sure that your favorite advances to the next round. You can also cast your vote online through the library’s website. For more information about the Battle of the Books, contact Children’s Services at 701.241.1495.
Feb. 22 – March 8: Round 1 voting
March 10 – March 22: Round 2 voting
March 24 – April 5: Round 3 voting
April 7 – April 19: Round 4 voting
Winner announced Monday, April 21
Northern Narratives Jr.
Grab your pencils and paper, kids! The Fargo Public Library is accepting writing and art entries for its kids-only edition of the library’s literature publication. Kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade are welcome to submit entries in any of the categories including short stories, poetry, comics, nonfiction essays, drawing, or photography. Entries will be judged and prizes awarded for 1st and 2nd place in each category. All submissions will be included in the online literary magazine (provided they meet eligibility requirements and guidelines). A full list of guidelines, including how to submit entries and the entry form is available online or at any Fargo Public Library location.
Entries accepted March 1 through April 30
Winners announced on May 26
Northern Narratives Jr. Online Magazine will be available on June 20
Baby Rhyme Time
Babies ages birth to 24 months are invited to join us for the next sessions of lapsit storytimes at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Baby Rhyme Time is an opportunity for parents to share songs, fingerplays, short books, rhythms and rhymes with baby while introducing books and the library! Each session concludes with open play time. No pre-registration required. One child per grown-up lap please.
April 17 @ 10 a.m.
May 1 & 15 @ 10 a.m.
Bugs in Your Backyard
Join us at the Main Library on April 19 at 10 a.m. as we welcome the bugs to the library! Learn about insect biology and ecosystems, make a "bug house," and pet the hissing cockroaches all in one exciting event. This program is geared towards kids ages 6 and up. No pre-registration is required.
Mind Mysteries LIVE!
Stop by the library between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and join Dr. Ben Balas from NDSU Psychology for Mind Mysteries LIVE! We'll have an all-new experiment to help us learn how kids' brains help them understand what they see. Whether you've already taken some Mind Mysteries home or want to try one out for the first time, come join us to make your mark for science! Mind Mysteries LIVE is for school-age kids.
Dr. James Carlson Library
April 19
Crafternoons
Makers ages 15 and younger are welcome to stop by the Dr. James Carlson Library on Mondays or the Northport Branch on Tuesdays each week to get their craft on! Note: the same weekly project will be done at both locations. No pre-registration is required.
April 21 & 22: Bumble Bee Plate
April 28 & 29: Flower Wreath
Family Reading Rumpus
Let the rumpus begin! Designed for families to enjoy together, these interactive events invite children and parents to dive into the world of books through storytelling and hands-on activities at the Main Library at 6 p.m. Create lasting memories and bond over stories - all before bedtime! Storytime/activities are geared towards ages 2-6, but children of all ages are welcome to attend. No pre-registration is required.
April 29: May Day Madness
Toddler/Preschool Tumble Time
Introducing Toddler/Preschool Tumble Time! Kids can wiggle and giggle with the Fargo All-Stars at the Main Library at 11 a.m. Learn tumbling moves and shake your sillies out! We'll start with a short storytime and end with creative movement. Wear clothes that you can move and grove in.
May 1
Kindergarten Success! Storytime
Get your child ready for Kindergarten by exploring literacy and STEAM topics through music, stories, songs, and play at the Main Library. Library staff will share tips you can use to instill a love of reading in your child. Activities follow each storytime and all children receive a FREE book! These events are appropriate for children ages 3-5.
May 3 @ 10 a.m.
Namaste Toddler/Preschool Yoga
Introducing Toddler/Pre-School Yoga by Mojo Fit! It's never too soon to learn how to relax, breathe, pose, and find your center, all while having fun at the Main Library with a certified yoga instructor from Mojo Fit. Come dressed to stretch and move. We have a few mats available for kiddos to use, but if you have your own, bring it along! This class is best suited for ages 2-6. No pre-registration required.
May 8 @ 10 a.m.
Paws for Reading
Reading therapy pets from Pet Partners of the Red River Valley are available on the second Saturday of each month (through May) to listen to children practice their reading in a relaxed, informal setting. Kids in Kindergarten to 6th grade are invited to register for a 15-minute session with one of our non-judgmental listeners. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. at the Main Library. Bring your own books to read or choose from a selection of library books. Call the Children’s Services desk at 701.241.1495 to register for the current month.
May 10
Dial-A-Story
If you’ve ever wished you could listen to a story, a poem, or even a joke at any time, day or night, now you can! Call the Library’s Dial-A-Story phone line at 701.298.6927 anytime and choose the children’s option; new recordings are available every Monday. Selections are recorded by Children’s Library staff and are up to 5 minutes in length. Dial-A-Story recordings can be accessed by 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
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Children's Services Department. We'll be happy to help!