Checking Out Materials
How long do materials check out for?
- DVDs and Blu-Rays - 1 week with two renewals (3 weeks maximum)
- Video Games - 3 weeks with two renewals (9 weeks maximum)
- Audiobooks and CDs - 3 weeks with two renewals (9 weeks maximum)
- Books and Magazines - 3 weeks with two renewals (9 weeks maximum)
- Book Club in a Bag Kits - 6 weeks with no renewal (6 weeks)
- Interlibrary Loan Items - 4 weeks with no renewal (4 weeks)
If the item is eligible, renewals will be made automatically. Eligible items may be renewed for up to 2 additional loan periods if there are no holds.
How many items can I check out on my card?
A library user may have up to 50 items checked out at any one time. In general, the following limits apply per format:
- DVDs and Blu-Rays - 20
- Video Games - 2
- Audiobooks and CDs - 20
- Books and Magazines No Limit (up to 50)
- Book Club in a Bag Kits - 2
- Interlibrary Loan Items - 4
Fines for overdue items
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 or damaged items per the library’s policy.
Excessive outstanding fees can affect access to public computers.
*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.
Borrowers who have more than $30 in outstanding fees on their account may not check out materials. Borrowing may resume when fees are reduced below the $30 maximum by return of the item(s) or by payment of fees.
After hours book returns
Main Library: A drive-up book drop is located on the west side of the building.
Dr. James Carlson Library: A walk-up book return is located near the entrance to the building and a drive-through book return is located on the east side of the building.
Northport Branch: A drop box is available next to the outside door of the Northport branch at the Northport Mall.
Any item that has been checked out from any Fargo Public Library location may be returned to any branch or book drop.
For more information on the library's check-out policies, please see the Circulation Policy.