Fargo Public Library Board – June 20, 2023 Minutes

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 Minutes

Board Members Present: Carlos Hawley, Amy Ouren, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper, Hannah James, Carrie Peterson (online)
Board Members Absent: Jenna Reno
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Others Present: Whitney Oxendahl, Michelle Anderson, Paul Jensen

Board President Carlos Hawley 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; Amy Ouren seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Minutes of the May 16 Regular Meeting
Amy Ouren moved to approve the minutes of the May 16 Regular Meeting; Wanda Mendelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Public Comment
Whitney Oxendahl recommended a new Facebook resource called “701 Library Advocacy” where anyone can follow events happening in libraries across North Dakota and beyond. Ms. Oxendahl also suggested asking the City to post a news event whenever there are board positions opening so that the public can be aware of the opening(s). Whitney Oxendahl closed by thanking the current Board of Directors for their service.

Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Children
– The Summer Reading Program is underway
– Under the Big Top with Ringmaster Aimee Klein will be on Jun 26 at the Main Library and Jun 29 at the Carlson Library
– One World, One Sky Event at MSUM Planetarium is happening over several dates for kids ages 3-8. Registration opens June 26 with event dates of June 10 (10AM), July 13 (6:30PM), and July 14 (2PM)
• Teen/Tween
– Teen Volunteer programming is blossoming. Next meeting is June 21 from 1-2 pm. A signed permission slip from a parent or guardian is needed
– Five Nights at Freddy’s Escape Room will be held July 6 at the Main Library
• Adult
– Community Game Nights continue on July 3 at Northport Library from 5-7 pm
– Jigsaw Puzzle Social will be on July 15 from 9-12 at the Main.
• Multigenerational
– Volunteer with River Keepers Event June 27, from 5:30 -7:30 pm. Volunteers will learn about River Keepers and enjoy an outdoor walk and pick up trash near the Red River.

Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He highlighted the Main Shade Replacement project which has 2 proposals. Director Dirks is hoping to have a proposal ready to submit to the City Finance office by noon on Thursday.

Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.

New Business
A. Meeting Room Application
Tim Dirks presented updated Meeting Room Application which added a single line to describe the Nature of the Event. Amy Ouren moved to approve the plan; Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.

B. Social Media Policy
Tim Dirks presented the updated Social Media Policy for Staff which was due for update. Director Dirks pointed out the document emphasizing employee activities on Social Media while at work and the need to clarify personal posts as not the opinion of the Fargo Public Library. This policy is only for staff. Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve as presented; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Statistical Reports
May Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that the programming and circulation numbers are still rising. Volunteer numbers are down slightly as we are short a few volunteers. Program Attendance has risen over last year by 65% and Circulation by 11.26% or over 40,000 titles

April Financials
Director Tim Dirks clarified the difference between restricted donations (funds given with a specific designation) and unrestricted donations (funds given to be spent as we decide are best needed). Many thanks to the Friends of the Fargo Public Library for their continued contributions towards staff development and Library programming.

Director Dirks then explained that in light of the recent revenue concerns by the City, the effects have not yet fully been determined for this year or next year’s budget, but Materials, Programming and Marketing budgets will all be affected.

Friends of the Library Report
Michelle Anderson was available for a Friends of the Library Report
• The Read-In held last month was well attended. Many Kudos were given for Director Tim Dirks for his participation in the event. The Friends are considering adding this as an annual event.
• Annual Booksale – one of the best in recent history. It was held in conjunction with a popular children’s event and an afternoon concert which greatly increased foot traffic.
• There has been a resignation of a long-time Library Board Member (Janet Murphy)
• The Friends are considering participation in Giving Hearts Day in the future. If any Board or Staff members know of a local business or community member who might be interested in discussing funding matching funds, please contact Michelle Anderson or any member of the Friends of the Fargo Public Library.

Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.

The meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.