Fargo Public Library Board – October 18, 2022 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, October 18, 2022 Minutes
Board Members Present: Wanda Mengelkoch, Jenna Reno, Amy Ouren, Carrie Peterson (virtual)
Board Members Absent: Hannah James, Kristen Schipper, Carlos Hawley
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Lori West, Cindy Haff
Others Present:
Board Members Present: Wanda Mengelkoch, Jenna Reno, Amy Ouren, Carrie Peterson (virtual)
Vice President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared.
Order of the Agenda Approved
Jenna Reno made a motion to approve the Order of the Agenda. Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Minutes of the September 20 Regular Meeting Approved
Wanda Mengelkoch made a motion to approve the minutes of the Sept. 20, 2022 meeting. Second by Jenna Reno; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Public Comment
No public comment.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Children
– Pumpkin Decorating on Oct. 30 for kids ages 3 & up at both Main & Carlson
– Recognizing Reptiles event Oct. 22 10 a.m. at Main
• Teens
– Creepy Crafts for teens on Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. for Teens at the Main Library. Registration is required.
• Adults
– Go and Grow: Peperomias on Nov. 9, Main library. Registration opens 1 week prior
• Multigenerational
– Family Trivia Night: Halloween and Other Spooky Stuff Oct. 27, 6 p.m. Main
• One Book One Community
– Nature printing, Nov 12. Registration opens Oct. 24
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He also noted that the JLG Group submitted more details for the Facilities Master Plan with lots of helpful information. More information with be forthcoming.
Unfinished business
No unfinished business was discussed.
New Business
• Service Hours Proposal – Director Tim Dirks presented the proposed new schedule beginning Jan. 8. 2023.
Sunday Summer hours from Memorial Day – Labor Day will continue to be closed.
– Main Library:
Mon-Thur: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 1 pm – 6 pm
– Dr. James Carlson Library:
Mon-Thur: 10 am – 8 pm
Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 1 pm – 6 pm
– Northport Library:
Mon-Tue: 10 am – 8 pm
Wed-Thur: 10 am – 6 pm
Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: Closed
Jenna Reno made a motion to accept the proposal. Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the proposal was accepted
• FPS Student Library Card Collaboration Update – Lori West provided information on the new collaboration between Fargo Public Schools and the Fargo Public Library. This year, students/parents in grades 6-12 were offered the opportunity to sign their student up for a FPL card through Power School during the beginning of year registration process. Using their student ID, these students may now access all services that the FPL offers. Approximately 5200 students took advantage of the opportunity. Registration will need to be repeated yearly. Lori West explained it is our hope to offer this opportunity to all students grades K-12 in future years.
Statistical Reports
September Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted the large increase in registered patrons thanks to our partnership with the FPS. Attendance and circulation are both up and programming is continuing to increase back towards pre-pandemic levels
September Financials
Director Tim Dirks recognized the Friends of the Library with thanks for the donations expended toward One Book One Community and a private donation utilized for new display shelves at Northport. Special thanks also to Prairie Heights church for their generous donation toward the Wiggle Room.
Friends of the Library Report
Director Tim Dirks reported that the Friends had another successful book sale. Revenue was up and the Friends of the Library are looking for new members.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 at 4 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:17 p.m.