The Fargo Public Library is announcing service adjustments that will take effect in 2026, in an effort to align with The City of Fargo’s approved 2026 budget. The changes are the result of a comprehensive review of all library spending.
“Our budget priorities for 2026 were set with one goal in mind: serving Fargo residents with the highest level of library services possible. While the reductions are difficult, we are protecting the services and programs that make the greatest impact on our community,” Library Director Tim Dirks stated.
The following service changes approved by the Library Board will take effect starting January 1, 2026:
• Access to e-content through the Libby (e-book and e-audiobook) service will be limited to Fargo residents. This change aligns with other metro-area libraries that already limit access to their residents. This change is expected to help decrease wait times for popular titles. Note: North Dakota libraries share the same Libby collection. West Fargo library patrons can obtain a card with the West Fargo Public Library and other North Dakota residents can obtain a North Dakota State Library card to access Libby.
• A reduction of $241,858 to the library’s 2026 budget creates significant impacts to the library’s electronic database budget and the library’s physical collections budgets. As such, the following electronic resources will no longer be available after the first of the year: Auto Repair Source, Data Axle Reference Solutions, Foundation Directory, Gale Legal Forms, Morningstar Investing Center, Sanborn Maps, Tumblebooks, and Value Line Investment Survey. In determining what resources are retained and what services and resources are not being renewed, library staff members analyzed the use of both electronic and print collections to find the highest community use; those with limited use were not retained.
• The library will reintroduce fees for non-resident library cards in order to provide a level of financial equitability for Fargo residents whose taxes fund library operations and collections. Non-resident cards will cost $60 per year. The library will maintain its reciprocity agreements with both West Fargo and Lake Agassiz Regional Library as those with valid library cards from those areas can get a free Fargo Public Library card. Also, library accounts made before January 1, 2026, will not experience any changes until the account’s expiration date with most library cards expiring five years after a person signs up for a card or last renews their card.
While difficult to identify adjustments to services, it should be noted that through this process, the library successfully preserved essential public resources, including e-content for Fargo residents, library service hours, staffing levels and programming resources.
“Despite these budgetary challenges, the Fargo Public Library remains dedicated to being the leading provider of information, literacy and community connection for the citizens of Fargo,” stated Director Dirks.
If you have questions about the service changes, please contact Library Director Tim Dirks at 701.241.1493 or email TDirks@fargolibrary.org.
For more information about the library, its services and a list of upcoming events, call 701.241.1492.