Fargo Public Library Board - April 20, 2021 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Minutes
Board Members Present: Mary Batcheller, Rachael Steenholdt, Scott Beaulier, Kristen Schipper, Carlos Hawley Jr., Carrie Peterson
Board Members Absent: Whitney Oxendahl
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Richardson, Jason DeShaw, Betsy Dauer
Others Present:
President Mary Batcheller called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. and a quorum was declared. This meeting was attended virtually.
Order of Agenda
A motion was made by Kristen Schipper to approve the Order of the Agenda. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.
Minutes of February 16, 2021 Regular Meeting
Rachael Steenholdt made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 16, 2021 meeting. Carrie Peterson seconded the motion; motion carried.
Minutes of March 16, 2021 Regular Meeting
Carlos Hawley Jr. made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 16, 2021 meeting. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.
Staff Report
Megan Richardson, the new staff liaison, presented a few highlights of staff updates and events.
Staff updates and Staff development activities:
• LAI position filled – Callie King starting the week of April 19
• LAII Position at Main – This position is in the hiring process, currently reviewing applications.
• National Library Workers Day was April 6. We celebrated with a gift for each staff member funded by the Friends generous donation to Staff Development.
Programming:
All in-person programs have been suspended indefinitely. For a full list of all upcoming FPL activities visit FargoLibrary.org
Upcoming Events & Programs (a partial and incomplete list):
Children's
• Going Places Virtually Book Club-- Wednesday, April 21 at 4 p.m.
• Baby Rhyme Time Online—Thursday, April 22 at 10am.
• Crafts to Go for Kids-- April 26: Caterpillar Clothes Pin (this is the last craft packet on the season).
• Northern Narratives Jr. -- Entries accepted through Friday, April 30.
• StoryWalk in the Sodbuster Plaza will be changed to “What Does Bunny See” by Linda Sue Park on May 3 and will be up through June 1.
Teens
• Crafts to Go for Teens – April 26: Mini Seashell Mobile (last of the season).
Adult
• Stay-at-Home Book Party – May 20.
• Crafts to Go for Adults – April 26: Piñata Party Favors.
• DIY Spring Care Kit.
Multigenerational
• Northern Focus 2021 Photography Project.
• Online Trivia for Adults & Teens: Games.
• Book Clubs.
-Classics Book Club, April 21 – The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
-History Book Club, April 27 – For All the Tea In China by Sarah Rose
-Tea Tiem Book Club, May 10 – Domincana by Angie Cruz
Outreach
• E-Pals Program- This is a pen pal program ran through email and is a partnership between Touchmark and VTC.
Community Engagement Activities
• World Book Night. Celebrate the annual magic of World Book Night on Friday, April 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Broadway Square.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to his written report in the Board Packet and gave a library covid update. Standard summer hours will resume June 1.
Unfinished Business
Director’s Review Committee
The next meeting will be April 22.
New Business
Material Challenge
Jason DeShaw, Collection Development/Technical Services Manager, directed the Board to the Statement of Concern Committee’s recommendation in the Board Packet regarding the material challenge of four Dr. Seuss titles; And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, and The Cat’s Quizzer.
After hearing from the patron who submitted the Statement of Concern and Board discussion a motion was made by Kristen Schipper to retain the four Dr. Seuss titles in question per the Statement of Concern Committee recommendation. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.
Art Display and Acquisition Policy Review
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Art Display and Acquisition Policy in the Board Packet. No changes were recommended.
A motion was made by Kristen Schipper to approve the Art Display and Acquisition Policy as is. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.
Bulletin Board and Brochure Table Policy Review
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Bulletin Board and Brochure Table Policy in the Board Packet. No changes were recommended.
A motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the Bulletin Board and Brochure Table Policy as is. Kristen Schipper seconded the motion; motion carried.
2022 Library Budget Proposal
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the 2022 Library Budget Proposal in the Board Packet.
A motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the 2022 Library Budget Proposal. Mary Batcheller seconded the motion; motion carried.
Statistical Reports
Usage
The Library had 30,497 registered patrons for the month of March. Attendance was 2,056, which includes virtual and passive programming. Circulation was up 13.53% compared to March of the previous year. Overall circulation year to date is 188,608.
Financials
There was $110 of incoming donations. There was $467 expenditures of donations. The year is 25% lapsed while the budget is 23.89% expended. Revenue is at $2,873.18 year to date.
Friends of the Library Report
No Friends report.
Public Comment
No public comment.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 4 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
These minutes were amended 6/15/21.