FARGO, N.D. – Changes are looming at the Fargo Public Library.
Beginning January 1, access to e-content through the Libby service will be available to Fargo residents only. The change is in alignment with other libraries across the metro that limit access to only their residents, according to Fargo Public Library officials.
The library’s 2026 budget is decreased by more than $200,000, which creates significant impacts to the library’s electronic database budget and the library’s physical collections budgets, according to the library.
This will mean the following resources are not going to be available electronically — 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 said.
Non-resident library cards will be reinstated.
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 experience very few 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.
