Fargo Public Library Board – October 17, 2023 Minutes

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Minutes

Board Members Present: Jenna Reno, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper, Paul Jensen (online), Hanna James (online)
Board Members Absent: Amy Ouren, John Rodenbiker
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; Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Minutes of the September 19 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the Sept. 19 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:
• Staffing
– Approximately 10 Library employees attended last week’s NDLA Annual Conference held here in Fargo
– 2 Employees were presenters during the Conference
• Children
– Pumpkin Decorating at our Branch Libraries this week
– Train Day, Nov 18, Main Library
• Teen/Tween
– Spooky Terrariums, Oct 19 at Main
• Adult
– Bridgerton Team Party, Carlson Library, Oct 21
– ChatGPT for All: Nov 16 at Main. A discussion on AI technology
• Multigenerational
–1 Book 1 Community Author Event: Natalie Warren: Oct 19, 7pm at Concordia College

Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks discussed several activities during Banned Book week included: Moderating a discussion on Banning and Legislation with Concordia Students, Participating as a Panelist with the Zandbroz event on Oct. 8 and Presenting at the NDLA Conference. Director Dirks also gave interviews to WDAY Television and The Forum this month.

Paul Jensen highlighted the letter by Lisa DeVille concerning censorship in this week’s Forum.

Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business

New Business
Director Tim Dirks gave a summary of Goals 1-3 of the Strategic Activity Plan for the Library. Upon request from Paul Jensen, Director Dirks will send out copies of his slides to members of the Board.

Statistical Reports
September Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that numbers continue to climb. Attendance is up 10% over last year. Program attendance is up 20% and Internet signups and electronic activity are also up over 10%. Volunteer numbers were down slightly. Circulation is up almost 8% at just over 55,000 titles. The bulk of this increase is in our electronic resources which are up over 25%.

September Financials
Director Tim Dirks reported that with 75 % of the year complete, the budget is at 69%. Revenue is just over $25,000 for the year.

Friends of the Library Report
While no representatives of the Friends group were present for the meeting, Director Dirks reported their Book Sale had over $3000 in sales.

Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.

The meeting adjourned at 4:31 p.m.