Fargo Public Library Board – February 20, 2018 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Board Members Present: Howard Barlow, Carlos Hawley Jr., Scott Beaulier, Mary Dickson
Board Members Absent: Rachael Steenholdt, Jan Ulferts Stewart
Staff: Tim Dirks, Lauren Johnson, Betsy Dauer
Others Present: John Strand
Vice President, Howard Barlow called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM, and a quorum was declared.
Order of Agenda
A motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the Order of the Agenda. Mary Dickson seconded the motion; motion carried.
Minutes of January 16, 2018 Regular Meeting
Carlos Hawley Jr. moved to approve the minutes of the January 16, 2018 meeting. Mary Dickson seconded the motion; motion carried.
Staff Report
Staff updates and Staff development activities:
• We have several new employees starting this month. Jane Campbell is the new Library Page at the Main Library and Jennifer Hess is the new Library Page at the Carlson Library. Also, Claire Kuhlman is the new Part-Time Outreach Specialist at the Main Library. Interviews have concluded for the Reference Librarian I position, and for the Part-Time Library Associate I at the Branches position.
We are excited to have all these positions filled.
• The Tech Services department is setting up interviews for a Part-Time Library Associate I. Jeff Morris has put in his notice and his last day was Feb. 20th.
• On Jan.26th, the Staff Development Team brought in Greg Lemke from the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center for Bystander Training dealing with sexual harassment. Library staff submitted some questions and real life scenarios that we worked through as a group. It was an informative presentation that was well received by staff.
Programming:
Upcoming events (a partial and incomplete list):
• The library will be hosting another Silent Reading Party, this time at Atomic Coffee on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. This is an all-ages event. Patrons can B.Y.O.Book (or pick a librarian selected title) & read together—independently. Patrons can find a cozy spot at Atomic Coffee, and read uninterrupted. Fargo Public Library staff will be on hand to check-out books and provide snacks.
• Children's book author and self-described "mischief elf" Ame Dyckman will share some of her playfulness at the Main Library on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. All ages are invited to meet the author and learn why she loves writing for children. This event is co-sponsored by the Valley Reading Council. No pre-registration is required.
Notable Past events & programs (again, a partial list):
Children’s Programming:
• A second Northern Narratives Open Writing Session will be Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Dr. James Carlson Library, from 1 to 4 p.m. For those interested in submitting to the second annual Northern Narratives journal published by the library, assistance will be available for scheduling and guidelines. Patrons are reminded to please bring all the tools you require. No pre-registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.
• The Adult Silent Reading Party at Front Street Taproom on Jan. 21st brought in 34 people. 1 dollar from each beverage sold was donated to the Fargo Public Library.
• The Children’s Department had a booth at the Winter Market on January 22nd. We had around 125 people stop by our booth where we had winter crafts for kids as well as books to check out and people could sign up for library cards.
• Wizard of Oz Play Practice is underway with 65 children participating! Practice has been every Thursday at the Main Library and will continue through the end of March. The performance is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27th at 6:00pm at The Stage at Island Park. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this event.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to his written report in the Board Packet.
Vice President, Howard Barlow opened the floor for comments. No comments.
Statistical Reports
Usage
The library had 38,973 registered patrons for the month of January. Attendance was up 4% from January 2017 and up 4% year to date. Program attendance was up 16% from January 2017 and up 16% year to date. Internet signups were down 1% year to date. Print circulation is up 6.41% year to date while nonprint circulation is down 2.96%. Total circulation is up 3.25% year to date.
Financials
Incoming donations totaled $4,720 and expenditures of donations totaled $1,575. The year is 8% lapsed while the budget is 8.55% expended.
Vice President, Howard Barlow opened the floor for comments. No comments.
Friends of the Library Report
There was no Friends report.
Old Business
Strategic Planning Draft Goals
Director Dirks referred the Board to the Draft Vision, Mission, and Goals in the Board Packet.
A motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the Draft Vision, Mission, and Goals as written. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.
New Business
Gifts to the Library Policy Review:
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Gifts to the Library Policy in the Board Packet. No changes were recommended.
A motion was made by Scott Beaulier to approve the Gifts to the Library Policy as is. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.
Interlibrary Loan Policy Review:
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Interlibrary Loan Policy in the Board Packet. No changes were recommended.
A motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the Interlibrary Loan Policy as is. Mary Dickson seconded the motion; motion carried.
Library Media Relations Policy Review:
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Library Media Relations Policy in the Board Packet. No changes were recommended.
A motion was made by Mary Dickson to approve the Library Media Relations Policy as is. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Commissioner, John Strand asked what the library does with Rosetta Stone and English language learning. Director Dirks stated that the library, through partnerships and volunteers offers Project English every Tuesday evening at the Carlson branch.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
This meeting was Vice President Howard Barlow’s last meeting. Thank you Howard for your years of service to the Library Board!
The meeting adjourned at 4:20 PM.