Fargo Public Library Board – November 21, 2023 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Hannah James, Paul Jensen, Wanda Mengelkoch, John Rodenbiker, Kristen Schipper,
Board Members Absent: Jenna Reno
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Board President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the order of the agenda; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the Oct. 17 Regular Meeting
Hannah James moved to approve the minutes of the Oct. 17 Regular Meeting; Paul Jensen 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:
• General
Staff are busy with end of year activities:
– Final Book Orders
– Program planning through May
• Services
– Community Options visits
Dr. James Carlson Library, 1st Tuesday of the month
Main Library, 3rd Tuesday of the month
• Children & Teens
– Gingerbread Houses – registration is required
Children: Dec. 14 (Northport); Dec. 16 (Main)
Teen: Dec. 1 (Main)
• Adult
– Grinchmas Wreath – Dec. 9 (Main)
– Silent Reading Party – Dec. 7 (Sons of Norway)
• Multigenerational
– Family Puzzle Competition – Nov. 25 (Main)
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his visit to the NDSU School of Architecture Presentations in which Juniors gave their opinions and ideas for a new library in Paynesville, MN
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business
New Business
Director Tim Dirks gave a summary of Goals 4-6 of the Strategic Activity Plan for the Library.
John Rodenbiker has several inquiries:
Q: 4.1 & 6.3 are related…what is your approach to identifying marginalized groups?
A: The Community Engagement Committee is intentional and purposeful in identifying the who, then brainstorming ideas of what and the how to reach them.
Q: Are there specific groups targeted for 2024?
A: Downtown population, with partnership with the Downtown Engagement Center
Kristen Shipper remarked that we should include Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities in our report. She shared that her father greatly appreciates our visits. Director Tim Dirks gave praise to Outreach Coordinator Pam Strait and her team for doing an amazing job.
Q: Regarding 5.3 and our Endowment fund: Is there a target balance?
A: Formally, no. (Personally, it would be $1 million. In the past there was discussion of pursuing an annual endowment campaign, but the Board at that time preferred to hold back in case we needed to conduct a capital campaign in the future. Currently the Facilities Master Plan is focused on the future of the Fargo Public Library. Note, When the Main Building project was completed on time and under budget, those funds where put directly into the principle of the Endowment.
Q: Is there anyone currently focused on funds development (either Capital or Endowment)?
A: Not at this time
Q: What’s next for the strategic plan and how is it updated/revised?
A: It’s lived a longer life than was originally planned. Covid was a big part of that. Currently our Facilities Master Plan(FMP) has taken priority. In the future, with the FMP in place, we’ll do a much better job of strategic planning merging the goals of the FMP with the strategic plan. In lieu of Covid recovery, 2023 is the 1st non-epidemic year. We can now move forward with marrying the FMP with a new strategic plan in the future.
Statistical Reports
October Usage
Director Tim Dirks highlighted our strong Community Engagement numbers last month including Boo at the Zoo and the Red River Market. Our Oct. attendance from 2022 to 2023 was up significantly (80%). Our year to year comparison shows a 29% increase. 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 just over 8% which is 63,000+ titles.
October Financials
Director Tim Dirks reported that with 83 % of the year complete, the budget is at 76.5%. Revenue has surpassed our expectations for 2023 at currently over $27,000. Director Dirks thanked the Friends of the Fargo Public Library for their continued contributions to helping our programming happen. Significant gifts were used to assist in participating in One Book, One Community and Northern Narratives again this year in addition to Crafternoons, Staff Development and Children’s Collection additions.
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, December 19, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:41 p.m.