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Library Card Application Basics

Anyone 16 years old or over must fill out the application form, show a photo ID, and provide proof of current address. People can apply for cards at any of the three Fargo Public Library locations, or online. With an online application, the patron will need to bring in a photo ID and proof of their current address to finalize their account and pick up the card.

For children age 15 or under, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application form, show their photo ID, and provide proof of current address.

If a person does not have proof of address with them at the time they apply for a card, staff will mail out the card to verify the current address. In that case, checkout is limited to five (5) items until the card is received in the mail.

If a library card is lost, the cardholder can bring in a photo ID and get a replacement card for $1.

Pre-Register for a Library Card

Fill out an application before coming to the library by completing the library card application online!

After completing the online application and verifying your account by email, you will be able to place 2 items on hold. To complete a registration and receive your library card, please visit any of the three Fargo Public Library locations with a photo ID, proof of address, and non-resident payment if required. Once your account is fully registered in person, you will be able to check out physical library materials as well as e-books, e-audiobooks, and streaming videos*.

* NOTE: Starting Jan. 1, 2026, e-books, and e-audiobooks, and streaming videos will only be available to library cardholders who are Fargo residents.

Please see our Registration Policy for a list of acceptable photo IDs and more information.

If you reside within Fargo city limits and are unable to get to the library due to mental or physical disability, please contact our Outreach Services Department for more information.

Residence Requirements

Resident Cards
A free Fargo Public Library card is available to all Fargo residents and Fargo property taxpayers with proof of identification and address. Library cards are also available for free to K-12 students in Fargo public and private schools whose residences may be outside the city limits.

Reciprocal Cards
You may also qualify for a free Fargo Public Library card if you live in the following reciprocal areas:
• The West Fargo Public Library service area.
• The 7-county area served by the Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL).

Residents from these reciprocal borrowing libraries must present a valid library card from their home library at the time of application. These library systems also extend the same benefit to cardholders from the Fargo Public Library. If residents of the LARL system and West Fargo do not choose to have cards from their local library system, they will be charged the non-resident fee of $60.

Non-Resident Cards
For patrons who do not qualify for a Fargo Public Library Resident card or Reciprocal card, paid Non-Resident library cards are available. Non-Resident cards are valid for one (1) year for a fee of $60 per year. The non-resident fee is set by the Library Board of Directors based on the library’s per-household revenue from property taxes.

Note: Starting January 1, 2026, Reciprocal and Non-Resident library cards will not provide access to e-books, e-audiobooks, or streaming videos.

Limited-Edition Library Card Designs Now Available

As part of the library's 125th Anniversary celebration, the Fargo Public Library is introducing three limited-edition library card designs. The new cards will be available at all three library locations starting Friday, Jan. 2. Residents are invited to apply for a library card and receive one of the new designs while supplies last. Current library cardholders are welcome to change the look of their existing FPL card with a sticker featuring one of the new designs.

The limited-edition card designs were created by area artists of all ages who submitted art to the library’s “Color Our World Library Card Design Contest” during the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. The winning artists’ designs in each age category were then created into the new library cards. The winners, who were selected through a public vote, are Savannah Wohlers (Kids 12 and younger); Maria Kamrud (Teens 13 to 18); and Nikki Nelson (Adults 19+).

For more information about the library’s limited-edition cards, contact the Main Library Circulation Desk at 701.241.1472.

Fargo Public School (FPS) Student ID Cards

In partnership with Fargo Public Schools, the Fargo Public Library is excited to provide FPS students with access to the library using their student ID cards!

Once a student and/or parent opts into the program during school registration, the student is able to use their FPS Student ID card as a Fargo Public Library card. By making it easier to get a public library account, we hope students utilize and enjoy our available collection, resources, and services. This includes checking out materials, downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks, researching with our online resources, and using our computers and printers.

This program is currently offered to Fargo Public School students in grades Pre-K – 12.

Learn more about how this program works here or contact the Main Library Circulation Desk at 701.241.1472.

"My First Library Card" for Kids

The Fargo Public Library is in the business of building readers, and what better way than to celebrate our youngest community members! Did you know that beginning at birth you can get your child a Fargo Public Library card and open the door to all of the excellent materials and services offered by your library? Children ages birth through age 7 who are getting their very first Fargo Public Library Card can choose the special "My First Library Card" design. The unique design will make any child feel special as they proudly check out books, music CDs, and other materials all on their own.

Children who share books with parents from an early age have better success learning to read, which leads to success in school and beyond. Make it a family event and get everyone a card, since children who see adults reading are more likely to enjoy reading themselves.

Parents or guardians are welcome to come in to any Fargo Public Library location and apply for a My First Library Card for their children by bringing identification and proof of current address. Residents of West Fargo or the Lake Agassiz Regional Library service area can bring identification and proof of current address, as well as show their child’s valid card from their home library system, to get their child a Reciprocal Fargo library card for free.

For more information about the My First Library Card program or other Fargo Public Library programs and services, please contact Children’s Services at 701.241.1495. Stop by any Fargo Public Library locations and get the whole family library cards today!