Library Cards

Library Card Signup Month

A library card allows you to borrow items from the West Fargo Public Library collection and take advantage of other services and resources. Nearly anyone can get a West Fargo Public Library card, but depending on where you live, you may need to pay for full access to our services. Learn more about library cards below or in our Library Cards Policy.

Who can get a library card?

Library cards are free for: 

  • West Fargo residents and property owners
  • those who live within the West Fargo Public School District (check your address here)
  • West Fargo Public Schools employees
  • City of West Fargo employees

To obtain a library card, you can apply in person or online. 

To apply in person, visit the West Fargo Public Library service desk for a paper application. You will need to present a photo ID and proof of current eligible address (e.g. utility bill) to receive your library card. Your photo ID can serve as proof of address if it shows a current, eligible address.

You can also apply for a card online. Click here to access our online application. Online applicants receive their library card in the mail. 

Online applicants, please note:

  • Any numbers provided to you during the application process are only confirmation numbers or will be used to pay an out-of-area fee if applicable. 
  • If you apply online, you cannot check out items or use online services until you receive your card in the mail. 
  • If you apply online, you receive a Temporary Card. This means it has some limitations and will expire after three months. To avoid expiration and get full access to library services, visit the library with proof of address to renew your card.  

Non-Residents

Fargo or Moorhead residents who have a library card from the Fargo Public Library or Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) may get a West Fargo Public Library card for free by presenting a library card from their home library along with their photo ID and proof of current address. A photo ID can serve as proof of address if it shows your current eligible address. Patrons who obtain their West Fargo Library card through this reciprocity program may not have access to West Fargo electronic resources or interlibrary loan services.

All other non-residents or reciprocity patrons seeking full access to WFPL services must pay an annual fee of $25.00 to obtain a library card.

Expiration and Renewal

Expired cards must be renewed in person at the library service desk. Most cards need to be renewed every two years. Out-of-area cards, which cost $25 per year, must be renewed annually. Temporary cards or cards obtained through online registration, need to be renewed after three months. Replacements for lost cards may be purchased for $1.00. Damaged or worn-out cards may be replaced at no charge.

Children and Teens

The West Fargo Public Library supports literacy for all ages by inviting children and teens to obtain their own library cards. An application for a child under 18 must be signed by a parent or legal guardian who assumes full responsibility for any materials used by the child. The parent must provide identification and proof of current address.

Parental Controls

Parents and guardians can now opt-in to add a parental control block to their minor child's library card. This option ensures the child can only check out West Fargo Public Library books or other materials with their parent or guardian present. The parental control block does not block children from access to West Fargo Public Library public computers or electronic resources. To opt in and place this block on your child's card, please call or visit the library service desk.  

Little Red Reading Bus Cards

Little Red Reading Bus library cards are no longer valid. To check out books from the Little Red Reading Bus, please sign up for a West Fargo Public Library card.

"My First Library Card"My First Library Card Program

A library card opens a world of opportunity for children while giving them ownership of their library experience. Having their own card makes visiting the library and picking out books tons of fun too! To obtain a My First Library Card, visit the service desk at the library to fill out an application for your youngster. Be sure to choose the My First Library Card design option when you fill out your application form. At this time, a My First Library Card cannot be applied for online.

West Fargo Public Schools Partnership

At fall registration, parents/guardians are now able to register their student for a library card through the West Fargo Public Library. For those requesting a card, the student’s annual district student ID is activated as the library card as well, reducing the number of cards the student is required to carry and maintain. The cards are activated twice per year, once following fall semester and again shortly before second semester. The opportunity is available to all students in grades six through twelve at West Fargo Public Schools, not just those within City of West Fargo city limits. For families moving to the school district after fall registration, a request can be submitted at the time of arrival, with cards becoming available according to the bi-annual activation schedule. Read on...