How Do I Get a Library Card?
Free Fargo Public Library cards are available to residents of the City of Fargo and to individuals who own property in the city. Also, residents of the City of West Fargo, Grand Forks County, and the 13 branch libraries which are part of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library System (LARL) are eligible for a free reciprocal library card. These libraries and the Fargo Public Library have agreed to extend their resources to citizens of these communities. Residents of West Fargo, Grand Forks County, and the thirteen branch libraries which are part of LARL must present a library card issued by their home library when applying for a free Fargo Public Library card.
Non-resident library cards are issued to individuals who do not live in or own property inside the incorporated limits of the City of Fargo and who wish to check out library materials or who want to access the Internet at the Fargo Public Library. Non-resident cards are $20 for out-of-state residents and are free for residents of North Dakota for the duration of the half-cent sales tax that supports the library building program (the tax expires in June 2006). Library cards are not required in order to browse library materials, use the online catalog or use most information services.
In addition, an Internet-only card is available for $5 for 3 months. This card will not allow the holder to check out materials, but will allow the use of library computers at all Fargo Public Library locations.
To acquire a library card, you must provide a valid photo ID. If the address information on the I.D. is not current, please supplement it with another form of address verification (water bill, checkbook, lease agreement, etc.). If no proof of address is presented, a card number will be issued that allows only two items to be checked out; the permanent card will be mailed to the address given on the library card application. If you are a Fargo resident, you could complete our online card application.
Replacement cards are $1; however, if the card is damaged from normal wear and tear, it can be replaced free of charge. Should your card be lost or stolen, call the library immediately.