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

Unearth a Story: 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
We are ready to Unearth a Story this summer! 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.
July 9 @ 10 a.m.
August 13 @ 10 a.m.

Adopt-A-Dino
Search the children's library for a hidden dinosaur and bring home your new prehistoric friend at the Main Library on July 10 at 11 a.m. You'll get an adoption certificate and can enjoy a few hands-on activities to help your new pal settle in. One dinosaur per child. This event is open to all ages; little ones may need help from their grown-up. No pre-registration 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.
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

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.
July 16 @ 10 a.m.
August 6 & 20 @ 10 a.m.

Prehistoric Beats with Conductor Jack Norton
Conductor Jack is bringing his instruments and puppet friends for a dance party at the Main Library on July 17 at 11:30 p.m.! Conductor Jack is an Emmy Award winning children's educator, YouTuber and entertainer. He sings family folk songs and original children's music that promotes reading, literacy and having fun at the library! Travel back in time as Conductor Jack plays live music on guitar, ukulele, harmonica, kazoo and more - while introducing children of all ages to the world of music. No pre-registration is required.

Dino-Mite Family Puzzle Challenge
Get ready to piece together a roaring good time at the Main Library on July 18 at 10 a.m.! Families are invited to join our Dino-Mite Puzzle Challenge, where teamwork is key and every piece brings you closer to prehistoric glory. Work together to complete a dinosaur-themed, 350-piece puzzle. Whether you're a speedy "Tyranno-solver Rex" or a careful "Stego-stitcher," there's a role for every dino-mite team member. Expect laughter, a little friendly competition, and plenty of wonderful moments as you race to see who can put the past back together the fastest. Perfect for families with school-age kids. Families are welcome to bring a puzzle or two to exchange. Teams can consist of no more than 4 members. Register by calling 701.241.1495.

Dinosoars! Change Over Time at the MSUM Planetarium
Perhaps the most astounding discovery about dinosaurs is that they are still around today - and not just in the movies. Birds are living dinosaurs! Follow the story of Malkia, a museum paleontologist, as she explores fascinating connections between birds and dinosaurs. Activities will follow. This program is open to ages 3 and up. Due to space limitations at the MSUM Planetarium (700 11th St S, Moorhead), pre-registration of all attendees (children and adults) is required and opens July 6.
July 20 @ 10 a.m.
July 21 @ 2 p.m.
July 22 @ 6:30 p.m.

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).
July 23: Ocean Animals
August 27: Community Helpers

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.
August 1 @ 10 a.m. - Dino Dance Party
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!

