While closures metro-wide leave residents looking for ways to pass the time, the West Fargo Public Library is excited to offer digital versions of their popular programs. “West Fargo Public Library at Home!” includes live storytimes for young children via Facebook live, an online book club for adults, interactive craft and family activity videos, an evolving list of educational resources on the library website and more.

Online storytimes will follow a similar format to the weekly in-person storytimes usually offered by the library. “Online Wiggle Worms Storytime” is an activity for infants through two-year-old children and their parents. Each “Online Wiggle Worms Storytime” session features multiple book readings, songs, rhymes, and a sensory activity. “Online Preschool Storytime” targets children aged 3 – 5 and features multiple books, songs, activities and a craft that children can do from the comfort of their home. These videos will be live-streamed on the library’s Facebook channel and can be found for later viewing on YouTube. 

Online Book Club is a program for adults aimed to keep readers engaged with other book lovers. Interested patrons can join the Facebook group. The group opens Tuesday, March 24. Books for the online book club will be chosen together by participants. A West Fargo Public Library card is not required to participate, but is recommended to more easily access e-books.

In the coming weeks, West Fargo Public Library staff will also be sharing multiple videos on a wide range of topics for all ages via social media, Youtube and the library website. Topics include crafts for all ages, exploring library resources, career development, mental health, fitness, technology basics and more.

The West Fargo Public Library e-card program also remains available. E-cards allow those who do not have a library card to gain access to digital books and media, research databases, online learning opportunities and more.

“With people spending more time at home, we are excited to offer opportunities to keep people of all ages entertained, engaged and empowered,” Library Director Carissa Hansen said.

Patrons with questions can reach library staff 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling the library’s main phone line at 701-551-8940, by email at askus@westfargolibrary.org or via  Facebook message.