Fargo Public Library Board – August 16, 2022 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 Minutes
Board Members Present: Carlos Hawley Jr., Kristen Schipper, Jenna Reno, Hannah James (virtual)
Board Members Absent: Carrie Peterson, Wanda Mengelkoch, and Amy Ouren
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Others Present:
President Carlos Hawley called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared.
Order of the Agenda Approved
Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve the Order of the Agenda. Hannah James seconded the motion; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Minutes of the July 19 Regular Meeting Approved
Hannah James made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 19, 2022 meeting. Second by Jenna Reno; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Public Comment
There were no public attendees
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• One Book One Community – This year’s book, Louise Erdrich’s The Night Watchman. Author visit will be Oct 27 at the Knutson Campus Center Centrum on the Concordia College Campus.
• William Kent Krueger Author Visit – Aug. 27, 1pm at the Main Library (Come early!)
• Birding for Kids with Audubon Dakota – Aug. 27, 9am (registration required)
• Fall Storytime Series (Mon – Main, Tue – Northport, Wed. – Carlson)
• Teen Time – Tuesdays @ Carlson
• Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons, beginning Sept. 8, 6pm at Northport (Multigenerational event)
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He said there will be a tour of facilities by JLG Representatives on Sept 15/16 to assess functionality and limitations of workspaces in all 3 facilities. Funding will be covered by approved capital expenditure.
Unfinished business
No unfinished business was discussed.
New Business
Director Tim Dirks presented the Statement of Concern Policy Draft which was revised to be in line with current best practices of the ALA. Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve Statement. Jenna Reno seconded the motion; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Statistical Reports
July Usage – Director Tim Dirks said July attendance up 36% from last July. Programming has been moderated somewhat due to staffing issues. It is great to have the volunteers are back. Internet usage and webpage hits are about the same as last July. Overall circulation is up almost 10% over last year.
July Financials
Director Tim Dirks said the Library received $4950 in donations. Expenses include $550.00 for Children’s Programming. He thanked the Friends of the Library for their donations toward One Book One Community. At this point in the year, about 59% of the budget is expended. Revenue through the end of July is at $15,759.33.
Friends of the Library Report
No report.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at 4 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:13 p.m.