Show All Answers

1. How do I get a library card?

For Grand Forks County residents you may fill out an application online or you can visit the library at 2110 Library Circle to complete the application. If you are visiting the library please bring an ID with your current address. For out of county citizens you will need to stop in to the library with an ID and proof of address to complete the application and receive your library card.

• Library Card Fees
  • Grand Forks County Residents: FREE
  • Out of County 1 Year Card: $25
  • Out of County 1 Month Card: $5

Get A Library Card

2. How old do you have to be to get a library card?

There is no minimum age to have a card, however those under 16 years of age will need a parent or guardian to complete the application for library card.

Get A Library Card

3. How many books can I have checked out at one time?

A library patron may have up to 50 items checked out on their card at one time. With the following limits

Books	Up to 50
DVDs	5
Board Games	1
Audio Books	10
Music CDs	5
Video Games	1
E-Books	5
Roku	1
Mobile Hotspot	1

4. Can children be left unattended at the library?

Children eight (8) years of age and under may not be left unattended in the library and must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

5. Can I check out library materials without a library card?

You must have an active library card in our system in order to check out materials. However, if you forget your card please bring an ID to the Information Services Desk and we can look up your card number to check out the items.

If you card has become lost or stolen please alert us right away. Replacement cards are provided for free.

6. How are book organized in the library?

Books are shelved in multiple ways in the Grand Forks Public_

• Fiction titles are arranged by author's last name, first name, and then title. The following codes indicate the specific genera
  • X - Mystery Books
  • SF - Science Fiction
  • W - Western
• Biographies are shelved by author last name
• Nonfiction books are shelved by the Dewey Decimal System

7. What can I do if the library doesn't have a book I want?

If you find that we do not have the book you are looking for there are several options for you.

• Library 2 Go, has several ebooks available
• You may request that we order the book and add it to our collection
• You may also request the book through the Inter Library Loan Program - allowing you to check out the book from a partnering library and have it shipped to Grand Forks Public_

Request an Inter-Library Loan

8. How do I request an inter-library loan?

There are two ways to request an inter-library loan:

• Online under the "Library Information" Menu
• Stop at the Information Services Desk in the library 
• Inter-Library loans are free to request, however the length of check out and late fees are dictated by the lending library

Request an Inter-Library Loan

9. How do I check on the status of my loan?

To renew your inter-library loan (ILL) or inquire about the status of your loan, please call the Grand Forks Public Library at (701) 772-8116 and ask for the Information Services staff.

10. I received a notice for a library book I thought I had returned, what should I do?

Please contact the Information Services staff at (701) 772-8116. We will attempt to locate the material and file a claimed return if we cannot locate it.

11. I can't locate a book I checked out. Do I have to pay for it?

Yes. If you are unable to find the library material you will be billed for the replacement cost plus processing fee and any late fees accrued. If you find and return the lost material within 90 days of the due date the charge for the replacement will be refunded. (Processing fees and late fees are non refundable).

12. I let someone borrow my library card and they didn't return the materials. Am I responsible for them?

Yes. You are responsible for all library materials check out to your library card. If your library card has become lost or stolen, please contact the library right away to have a replacement card issued and the current card shut off.