Remember when the thought of a library conjured up musty old books and fussy librarians in thick glasses telling everyone to “Be quiet?” Those days are long gone for the downtown Fargo public libraries.
Taking your children to the library is a free way to make sure the kids are busy for an hour or two. Every week the library hosts one or two events for children and teens. These events range from story time for tots to Mario Kart gaming competitions for all ages. The library hosts these events free of charge to the public. 
Specific programming draws in a different crowd
Some programs appeal to more specific audiences.
“Sometimes we do do particular things to appeal to certain audiences,” said Amber Emery, the children services coordinator. “I do try to do some programs that I know will appeal to boys because sometimes it can be a more of a challenge (to get them to come).”
Each event remains open to all children within the specific age group. No event is limited by sex. Some events such as a Star Wars party appeal more to boys than to girls.
Librarians use own interests to plan activities
The librarians plan all the events in advance. Some events are weekly or recurring while others are one time events.
“We have a lot going on. The library has long history of programming,” Emery said. “Some of our things are on-going, every year or every couple of months.”
Taking ideas they are interested in, the librarians plan bigger events based on personal interests.
It varies and sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to (the events),” said Bree Schmidt, teen librarian. Some weeks have more events than others but the librarians try to keep the programs balanced to avoid over-programming.
Libraries offer more than book programs
Not all of the events at the Fargo and Carlson libraries are centered around books. The libraries also offer DVDs, video games, e-books, and audio books. On Nov. 12, national gaming day was observed a day early because most schools did not have class. The libraries celebrated by hosting a Mario Kart tournament for all those students who didn’t have to attend school.
The libraries try to plan events when school is not in session as a lot of parents call in and say their kids are bored, said Schmidt. More events are planned for when students don’t have class. As a result, holiday breaks and summer have more programming than on school days.
Summer programs involve all ages
We do more in the summer because students are looking for something to do anyways,” Schmidt said. “We do more activities outdoors in the summer.” Summer reading challenges and themed events make those warm days pass more quickly for out-of-school children.
“It gives them something to do other than sit at home and watch TV or sitting on the computer,” said Schmidt. “It also lets them socialize with other teens. We get home-schooled teens and teens from other schools across the Fargo area.”
A variety of events appeal to even the pickiest of kids
Because of the varying interests of the librarians, the program themes vary.
“We had our zoo visit, the weather guys Hutch Johnson visited,” said Emery. “We do parties that relate to certain books. For instance there is a series of books called “My Weird Books” and I did a party based on those.”
In addition the library hosts crafts, gaming tournaments, reading programs, story time for tots and more. Disney characters and Fargo Force players also come periodically. During the holiday break, gift themed crafts are hosted so children can take the gifts home to give to their families.
Registrations keeps events from “Dissolving into chaos”
The teen programs and a few of the children programs have registration. Participants are asked to register by phoning the library, walking in or filling out the online form.
Many of the craft projects have caps on them so that there are enough supplies and enough librarians to staff the event.
If a program is really popular, some might get turned away due to availability. If a person registers and is unable to attend, let the library hosting the event know, said Emery. Other people might be willing to fill those spots.
Library locations and upcoming events can be found on Fargo’s public library website: http://www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Departments/Library/
Doing it Downtown 