Library · West Fargo
West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo Public Library serves West Fargo’s 40,601 residents. Last year it logged 60,701 visits, about 1.5 for every resident, and lent 235K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
West Fargo Public Library
215 Third Street East, West Fargo 58078
58 hrsopen a week
24,000sq ft
58Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#56
#56 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
61K
visits
1.5 per resident
235K
loans, print + digital
5.8 per resident
566
programs & events
18K attended
19K
library cards
46% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 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
1.5 visits · typical 2.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
4.0 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 53% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
1.8 e-items · typical 1.2
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.5 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 67% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.4 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 66% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
46% of residents
Higher than 61% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
235K loans last year
Books & media (adults)25%Kids’ books & media44%E-books, audio & streaming31%
Who the programs are for
566 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$54 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $2.2M.
Local 91%State 2%Gifts & other 7%
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.