Fargo Public Library Board – April 19, 2022 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Minutes
Board Members Present: Scott Beaulier, Carlos Hawley Jr., Kristen Schipper, Amy Ouren, Rachael Steenholdt, Jenna Reno, Carrie Peterson
Board Members Absent:
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Richardson, Betsy Dauer
Others Present:
President Scott Beaulier called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared.
Order of Agenda
A motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the Order of the Agenda. Rachael Steenholdt seconded the motion; motion carried.
Minutes of March 15, 2022 Regular Meeting
Rachael Steenholdt made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 15, 2022 meeting. Kristen Schipper seconded the motion; motion carried.
Public Comment
No public comment.
Staff Report
Megan Richardson presented a few highlights of staff updates and events.
Staffing Update:
• Andy Gustafson has been promoted to branch LAII
• Currently interviewing for two part-time LAI positions at the branches
Services:
• Tech Drop In Sessions. Starting May 4, we will begin hosting tech help sessions every Wednesday, 3:00-6:00pm.
Programming:
Upcoming Featured Events & Programs (for a full list of all upcoming FPL activities, visit FargoLibrary.org). All programs are subject to change due to COVID numbers.
Red River Valley Kids Read series:
• Storm Warning: An Author Visit with Elizabeth Raum, April 21, 6:30pm – Main Library.
Children
• Virtual Pokemon Trivia for Kids, May 15, 2:00pm
Teens
• Teen Time, Tuesdays, Carlson and Main Library (alternating)
- 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00pm – Carlson Library
- 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00pm – Main Library
• Mothers Day Gift Craft
- Carlson Library – April 30, 11:00am
- Main Library – May 5, 6:00pm
Adults
• Houseplant Swap, April 25, 6:30pm – Main Library
• Basic Birding, April 30, 10:00am – Main Library
• Daisy Spoon Wreath, May 10, 6:30pm – Main Library
- Main Library – May 10, 6:30pm
- Northport Library – May 12, 6:30pm
• Book Clubs
- History Reading Club, April 26 – Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues that Made History by Alex von Tunzelmann
- Sense of Place, May 5 – The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
- Diverse Perspectives, May 12 – The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
- Tea Time Book Club, May 16 – The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
- Classics Book Club, May 18 - Persuasion by Jane Austen
Multigenerational
• Northern Narratives Jr
• Library Card Design Contest
• Northern Focus Photography Project
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to his written report in the Board Packet and gave a library covid update. One staff is currently impacted by covid.
Unfinished Business
No unfinished business.
New Business
2023 Library Budget
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the action item summary sheet regarding the 2023 Library Budget. He presented a few highlights from the budget and recommended the Board approve the budget as presented. This budget officially asks for the four FTE’s the Board wrote a letter to support last month.
A motion was made by Kristen Schipper to approve the draft letter to be sent to City Admin. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.
Facilities Master Planning Update
Director Tim Dirks gave an update on the facilities master planning set to happen this year with capital funds. Three firms responded to the RFP however all three were significantly above the budget for this project. Director Tim Dirks modified the scope, removed the public engagement section of this project, and asked the three firms if they would re-evaluate their submissions. Not an action item.
Statistical Reports
Usage
The Library had 27,863 registered patrons for the month of March. Program attendance was 1,485. Circulation was up 1.04% compared to the same month of the previous year. Overall circulation year to date is 213,642.
Financials
There was $175 of incoming donations. There was $316 expenditures of donations. The year is 25% lapsed while the budget is 27.26% expended. Revenue is at $5,235.63 year to date.
Friends of the Library Report
No Friends report.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 4 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.