Fargo Public Library announced major cuts for 2026

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The Fargo Public Library is making major adjustments to its services starting in January of 2026.

“Basically, we had to come up for our 2026 budget of a little over $240,000, which required us to really reduce electronic resources, in terms of electronic databases. Well over $110,000 out of the book budget and various portions of our budget,” said Tim Dirks, Library Director.

The reductions also include a reintroduction of fees for non-residents. Anyone who is not a resident of Fargo and wants a library card would have to pay $60. But people who have a library card with the West Fargo and Lake Agassiz Regional Library do not have to pay due to an agreement.

“We have a reciprocal borrowing agreement with both of those libraries, West Fargo and Lake Agassiz. So what they allow Fargo residents to check out on their Fargo card, we’re going to continue for free,” said Dirks.

Dirks says that while the reductions were difficult to make, they hope to continue their goal of serving Fargo residents with the highest level of library services.

“I would hope that if, you know, folks really desire, citizens, residents, a level of resources from public agencies such as the Fargo Public Library, that they communicate that to their elected officials,” said Dirks.

While many of the services will be changed in January, the library is providing all the services they can offer right now.