Fargo Public Library Board – December 19, 2023 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Minutes
Board Members Present: Jenna Reno, Paul Jensen, Wanda Mengelkoch, John Rodenbiker, Kristen Schipper, Amy Ouren (Online)
Board Members Absent: Hannah James
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Board Vice President Jenna Reno called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda Approved
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the order of the agenda; John Rodenbiker seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the November 21 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the Nov 21 Regular Meeting; John Rodenbiker seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no one present for public comment.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Children
– Summer Sun & Fun Storytime
• Dec 26 (Main) 10 AM
• Dec 28 (Carlson) 10AM
– Lego Mania – Registration Required
• Dec 27 (Main) 11AM
• Adult
– Casual Crafters – Monthly
• 1st Sunday – Carlson
• 3rd Monday - Northport
– Temperature Scarf Kick Off – Registration Required
• Jan 13 (Carlson) 10AM
• Jan 16 (Northport ) 6pm
– 2024 FPL Reading Challenge (Beanstack)
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the Wencil Dusek Memorial Event on Dec 7. He gave a tour to the family.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business
New Business
Director Tim Dirks presented an updated draft for the Meeting Rooms Policy with updated language to clarify technology use and conference room set up. The draft was approved unanimously with no changes or discussion.
Statistical Reports
November Usage
Director Tim Dirks highlighted our continued growth in Library usage which included a record high circulation for the month of November. Event numbers were excellent due in part to the popularity of the Train Days event and the final numbers from the Library’s scavenger hunts. Director Dirks noted we have not yet gotten back to our 2019 levels, but we are continuing to climb. Our circulation numbers continue to rise as well by almost 9% which is 73,000+ titles.
November Financials
Director Tim Dirks reported that with 92 % of the year complete, the budget is at 87.45%. Revenue is at currently over $29,000. Director Dirks thanked the Friends of the Fargo Public Library for their continued contributions to helping our programming happen.
Friends of the Library Report
No representatives of the Friends group were present for the meeting.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:12 p.m.