The State Library actively collects materials about North Dakota and North Dakotans, as well as those produced by North Dakotans.
The State Library also maintains a collection of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and large print books; and more! Use the State Library's Online Catalog to search the collection.
The State Library has made hundreds of historical images, books, state documents, atlases, county and town histories, diaries, cookbooks, and other items relating to North Dakota available online. The digital collections of the State Library are publicly accessible and searchable in two locations: Digital Horizons and the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).
Select the link to learn more or to start browsing the Digital Collection.
E-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines
Online Library Resources - topics include continuing education, genealogy, newspapers, research, streaming, and more!
The State Library is the principal depository of documents produced by North Dakota state government agencies. These documents comprise a wealth of historical, governmental, and current information. For more information, see the State Document Depository Program.
Through the Federal Depository Library Program, citizens have free access to United States government publications on a wide variety of topics, such as North Dakota and regional census information, agricultural statistics, and health and consumer information. The FDLP also provides access to a vast amount of federal government information on the web.
To browse and request the State Library's various kits, go to our Online Catalog.
Book club kits - The State Library has nearly 150 fiction and nonfiction book club kits that are available for circulation to libraries, schools, and patrons. Each kit includes 10 copies of the book and discussion questions.
STEM kits - The State Library has over 50 STEM kits and outdoor games available to individuals, libraries, and organizations. These include programmable robots, fairy tale kits, NASA kits and games such as bocce ball, croquet and ladder toss, as well as many others.
For more kit information, please visit Kit FAQs.
Bismarck Tribune - Microfilm: June 30, 1885-2016; Electronic: 2003-current
Fargo Forum - Microfilm: November 17, 1891-2016; Electronic: 1993-1997
Grand Forks Herald - Microfilm: March 28, 1882-March 31, 1993; Electronic: 1991-2015
The State Library maintains a collection of county atlases, primarily from the 1980s to the present.
These atlases are not available for loan.
North Dakota libraries and State Library patrons may contact the State Library to request photocopies from the county atlases.
Out-of-state requests for copies must be submitted as interlibrary loan requests through a local library.
Historic atlases of North Dakota counties, primarily from 1890-1929, are accessible online on Digital Horizons.
The Resource File consists of materials and newspaper clippings about North Dakota people, places, things, and events.
This material does not circulate.
Patrons may view files in the Reading Room.
To search for Resource File items, go to our Online Catalog.
In partnership with the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, the State Library has State Park Passes available for checkout. These passes are good for daily admittance into the state park. Any additional charges, such as camping and rentals, are not included and are the responsibility of the pass holder. State Park Passes are also available at your local public library.
Use the State Library's Online Catalog to check the availability of the State Park Passes.