Library · Fargo
Libraries in Fargo
Fargo Public Library serves Fargo’s 125,990 residents from 3 locations. Last year it logged 445,264 visits, about 3.5 for every resident, and lent 1M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Fargo Public Library
102 North 3rd Street, Fargo 58102
64 hrsopen a week
57,950sq ft
257Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#27
#27 of 74 ND libraries for visits per residentAmong every public library system in North Dakota that reported visits
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
445K
visits
3.5 per resident
1M
loans, print + digital
8.3 per resident
998
programs & events
33K attended
45K
library cards
36% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
3.5 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.6 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.7 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.3 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 65% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.3 attendees · typical 0.2
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
36% of residents
A little below typical (38th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1M loans last year
Books & media (adults)40%Kids’ books & media28%E-books, audio & streaming33%
Who the programs are for
998 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$44 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $5.5M.
Local 97%State 2%Gifts & other 1%
Locations
Other libraries in Fargo
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.