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.
If you need any accommodation in order to participate, we are happy to help to the best of our ability. Please contact us at accessibility@fargolibrary.org or call 701.241.1495 with at least 3 business days advance notice.
Upcoming Events for Kids and Families
Family Reading Rumpus
Let the reading rumpus begin! Designed for families to enjoy together, these interactive events invite children and parent to dive into the world of books through storytelling and hands-on activities. Create lasting memories and bond over stories - all before bedtime! These stories and activities are geared towards ages 2-6, but children of all ages are welcome to attend.
May 26 @ 6 p.m. - Let's Go Camping!
Sensory Storytime
Join us at the Dr. James Carlson Library at 10 a.m. for an inclusive, sensory-friendly storytime presented by Anne Carlson Early Intervention designed specifically for young children who benefit from a gentle, supportive environment. We'll explore stories, songs, and movement activities using visuals, repetition, and hands-on sensory elements. Families can expect a calm, flexible space where children are free to move, make noise, and participate in the ways that feel comfortable for them. Sensory storytime is appropriate for ages 0 to 5 (siblings welcome).
May 28: Animals
June 25: Water
July 23: Ocean Animals
August 27: Community Helpers
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.
June 4 & 18 @ 10 a.m.
July 2 & 16 @ 10 a.m.
August 6 & 20 @ 10 a.m.
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. No pre-registration is required.
June 6 @ 10 a.m.
August 1 @ 10 a.m.
Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
We are ready to Unearth a Story this summer and we need your help! Kick off the Summer Reading Challenge with big dino digging machines at the Main Library on June 8 between 10 a.m. and noon! And while you explore the excavators, backhoes and Bobcats, be on the look-out for mountains of foam at the fantastic foam party! We rawr-commend dressing to get foamy and to bring a towel. Park in the east lot next to the Main Library downtown then follow the dino prints up to the fun. Activities will take place in the green space between the Library, City Hall, and Civic Center. In case of inclement weather, these activities will be rescheduled to later date.
Then, track your days spent reading from June 8 - August 15 and earn chances to spin the wheel for some great prizes and a free book during the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
Summer Storytimes
The 2026 Summer Storytime sessions run from June 9 through July 29. These sessions are available for families to spend quality time sharing stories, learning school-readiness skills, and preparing children for a lifetime love of reading. Through the use of age-appropriate stories, songs, and fingerplays in a group setting, staff help parents and caregivers learn how to foster early literacy skills that prepare their children to learn to read – all while having super storytime fun! All sessions are open to children ages 2 – 6. No pre-registration is required.
Main Library - Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library - Wednesdays @ 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.
June 11 @ 10 a.m.
July 9 @ 10 a.m.
August 13 @ 10 a.m.
Dino Stomp Art
Stomp Around! Create messy dinosaur and stomp art using a variety of materials, like dinosaur toys, bubble wrap, and your own feet. We’ll provide aprons, but dress for a little mess just in case. This program is geared towards toddlers through elementary school ages and their adults. Younger kids may need to work together with their adults, while older kids may create independently. Pre-registration is required; only kids need to register. Registration opens June 1.
June 15 @ 1 p.m. - Dr. James Carlson Library
June 18 @ 6 p.m. - Main Library
Uncommon Critters
Kids of all ages are invited to join us at the Main Library on June 22 at 2 p.m. when Amanda Hillier Hodney from Amanda's Critter Encounters shares a few of the amazing creatures in her menagerie. Lizards, snakes, birds and more will be on hand to give kids a chance to visit with some critters from the prehistoric animal family tree! Hodney has a degree in Natural Resources Management and has done independent exotic animal rescue for 16 years. No pre-registration is required.
Summer Movies
Join us for free movies and popcorn this summer at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Movies start at 1 p.m. Adults must accompany children age 9 and younger.
June 26: The Land Before Time, rated G, 69 minutes
July 10: The Good Dinosaur, rated PG, 100 minutes
July 24: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, rated PG, 94 minutes
August 14: Night at the Museum, rated PG, 108 minutes
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!