Fargo Public Library Board – March 19, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Jenna Reno, Paul Jensen, Wanda Mengelkoch, Hannah James, Kristen Schipper, and John Rodenbiker (Online)
Board Members Absent:
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Ben Daeuber, Jenilee Kanenwisher, Cindy Haff
Board President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the order of the agenda; John Rodenbiker seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the Feb. 27 Regular Meeting
Paul Jensen moved to approve the minutes of the February 27 Regular Meeting; Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no one present for public comment
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Winter Reading Program Update
– 1,104 registered readers (513 adults, 96 teens, 495 children)
– 635 completed challenges
– 47% increase over last year
*Board President Amy Ouren asked if we did anything different this year.
*Megan replied there is a greater interest in using Beanstack and also that it has become much more of a family event with teens and adults/parents participating together with children.
• Children
– Little Squirt Sun and Moon Science –Eclipse events (Pre-registration required)
March 28, 10 a.m. at the Main Library
March 30, 10 a.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library
– Eclipse glasses a take & make craft & other eclipse-related activities are available at all locations the week of April 1-7
• Adult
– Seed Library – open March 15 while supplies last (5 per visit, per household)
– Seed Starting Workshop
March 26, 6 p.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library
– Virtual Reality for Beginners
March 23, 10 a.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library
• Multigenerational
– Who’s Afraid of Big Bad Tech – presented by Dr. Dennis Cooley, NDSU
March 26, 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library
– Volunteer Fair
March 23, 1 p.m. at the Main Library
25 vendors
– Northern Focus Photography Project
Submissions accepted April 1 – May 31
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the Library Shade Punch List Walk Through. This project went very well and they did a tremendous job. This resulted in very few items needing attention.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business
New Business
• E-Content Collections Overview (Presenters Ben Daeuber & Jenilee Kanenwisher)
– Brief overview of history
– Overdrive
5 check outs, 8 holds per user at a time
Librarians in ND Consortium choose the titles
Paid per title license
– Hoopla
6 check outs per month
Titles chosen by the platform
Pay per each use
– Kanopy
15 tickets per month (5-6 check outs)
Titles chosen by platform
Pay per each use
– E-Content has been steadily increasing over the past few years
Overdrive -66% over last two years
Hoopla – 50% over last two years
E-Audio is the fastest growing content and has surpassed all other media
• Registration Policy Review
– Motion to approve as written by John Rodenbiker. Seconded by Wanda Mengelkoch. The motion carried.
• Staff Identification Policy Review
– Motion to approve as written by Kristen Schipper. Seconded by Wanda Mengelkoch. The motion carried.
• Travel and Continuing Education Policy
– Motion to approve as written by Hannah James. Seconded by Kristen Schipper. The motion carried.
Statistical Reports
February Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted continued strong numbers noting an increase over 2023 which was a record breaking year for program attendance. All areas showed a strong increase in library attendance and participation over last year.
February Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted gifts from a private individual as well as continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks. 2024 Revenue to date was $6,248.92.
Friends of the Library Report
No representatives of the Friends group were present for the meeting.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.