Fargo Public Library Board – January 17, 2023 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 Minutes
Board Members Present: Carlos Hawley, Amy Ouren, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper, Hannah James (virtual)
Board Members Absent: Carrie Peterson, Jenna Reno
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Others Present:
Board President Carlos Hawley called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared.
Order of the Agenda Approved
Director Tim Dirks noted one change in the Agenda: The February meeting will be moved to Friday, Feb 24 due to the Fargo City Commission meeting which is re-scheduled to Tuesday, Feb 21, in lieu of the President’s Day Holiday. Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve the amended Order of Agenda. Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Minutes of the November 15 Regular Meeting Approved
Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve the minutes of the Dec 20 meeting. Second by Wanda Mengelkoch; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Children
– Intro to Engineering for Kids, Feb 4 (Northport) in collaboration with NDSU’s Society of Women Engineers. No registration required
– Animal Adaptations, Feb 17 (Main), in collaboration with Director of Cass County Soil Conservation. No registration required
• Teens
– Card Making, Feb 11 (Main) No registration required
– Escape the Library! Feb 17 (Carlson), Registration opens Jan 30
– Faux Stained Glass, Feb 21 (Main) Registration opens Feb 7
• Adults
– Yin Yoga, Tuesdays @ Noon (Carlson)
– Cross Stitch – Registration required
Jan 28 (Northport)
Jan 21 (Carlson)
– Diamond Painting Bookmark – Registration required
Feb 7 (Northport)
Feb 11 (Carlson)
• Multigenerational
– Winter Reading Challenge through Feb 26 “All the Feels”
– Northern Narratives – 7th Annual – open to 13 years and above
Submissions starting Feb 1
• Fiction
• Non Fiction
• Poetry
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He highlighted his meeting with Facilities Management and Stone Group Architects for shades. He stated the 2nd floor shades are currently not working. An RFP will be pursued.
Unfinished business
No unfinished business was discussed.
New Business
Electronics Communications Policy
No specific changes were presented. This was a policy that that has not been reviewed in recent years.
Amy Ouren made a motion to accept the proposal as presented. Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the proposal was accepted.
Gifts to the Library Policy
No specific changes were presented. This was a policy that that has not been reviewed in recent years.
Wanda Mengelkoch made a motion to accept the proposal as presented. Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the proposal was accepted.
Media Relations Policy
No specific changes were presented. This was a policy that that has not been reviewed in recent years.
Amy Ouren made a motion to accept the proposal as presented. Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the proposal was accepted.
Library Board Testimony in opposition to Sentate Bill 2123 & House Bill 1205
Currently there are two bills that, if approved, would censor library collections in the state of North Dakota. Library Director Tim Dirks presented language to use in testimony in opposition of these two bills. HB 1205’s testimony was submitted on Saturday in advance of this morning’s hearing with the Judiciary Committee. Director Tim Dirks explained both those in opposition and those in support were each given 30 minutes in which to supply verbal testimony. Director Tim Dirks will keep all board members apprised of any decisions or developments in this matter.
Kristen Schipper made a motion to accept the proposal. Hannah James seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the proposal was accepted.
Statistical Reports
December Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted the library had an increase of 25% in attendance in 2022. Programming and Web page hits remained virtually unchanged, while internet signups increased by 36% and volunteerism greatly increased (95%) last year. Overall, Circulation increased by over 7%.
December Financials
Director Tim Dirks recognized the gifts from the Artis Haaland, MBN Engineering and Laura Ennis. He also extended his thanks to the Friends of the Fargo Public Library for contributions which went toward various programs, Children’s Reading and Staff Development. Director Tim Dirks explained the budget report numbers do not accurately show all 2022 expenditures as there were still end of year expenditures not yet accounted for. Closing balance will be closer to $30K. 2022 Revenue was over $28K, which was $18K more than anticipated.
Friends of the Library Report
No report this month
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:24 p.m.