The West Fargo Public Library has released its 2022 Annual Report. The report, which describes the library’s accomplishments and usage statistics for the 2022 calendar year, also shows growth in library usage over the last five years and illustrates a continued need for library services in West Fargo. 

In 2022, the library saw over 53,000 visits to the building to use library services. In-demand services included: checking out items, attending events, using library computers, printers and study spaces, reserving public meeting rooms, and seeking a wide variety of assistance from library staff. 

Cardholders checked out 186,495 items in 2022. Of those items, 72% were physical books and materials. Both physical and digital item checkouts were at a record high in 2022.

Library staff issued 4,102 new library cards in 2022, while 16,468 people used their cards at least once during the year. 

Engagement in West Fargo Library programs and events reached a record high in 2022 as well, with nearly 18,000 participants. Storytime attendance tripled since 2018 with over 3,000 attendees in 2022.

The library continued outreach programs in 2022 to bring books and other materials to residents who may be unable to visit the library building themselves. Library staff delivered 2,503 books to partnering West Fargo senior living facilities and daycares. Patrons also checked out over 2,500 books through the library’s Little Red Reading Bus program, which brought library services into six West Fargo parks during the summer. 

In 2022, the West Fargo Public Library’s team of 12 full-time and 12 part-time staff received a North Dakota State Library Star Library Award for outstanding service to the community.

“The entire West Fargo Library team can take pride in the wonderful services we provide to the community,” Rossow said. “However, we are only scratching the surface of what value and quality of life the library could bring to West Fargo. With continued support from residents and elected officials, we could serve our community even better.” 

View the full annual report online.