Fargo Public Library Board – September 19, 2023 Minutes

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Minutes

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

Board Vice President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was met.

Order of the Agenda Approved
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the order of the agenda; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Minutes of the August 15 Regular Meeting
Jenna Reno moved to approve the minutes of the Aug. 15 Regular Meeting; Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Public Comment
Whitney Oxendahl highlighted a number of events of interest to the library coming up:
• Banned Books Week is October 1-7 celebrating our freedom to read
– October 7 is designated as Let Freedom Read Day
• The North Dakota Library Association’s Annual Conference is October 11-13
– Location this year is at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo
– There is a Free Pre-Conference session from 1-4pm on October 11
– Cost and Registration at ndla.info/NDLA-Annual-Conference
• On October 8, there will be a Freedom to Read event in Fargo
– Author Signing at Zandbroz at 1pm
– 7:30 p.m. film showing at Fargo Theater w/panel discussion after (including Tim Dirks)

Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Staffing
– Anna Lynch has been promoted to an LAIII position in the Adult Services Dept.
– Drea Cook (Long time LAIII Circulation Lead) has tendered her resignation
• Community Engagement
– Family History Workshop, Saturday Sept. 23 @ Ramada
– Fall Job Fair, Wed, Sept. 27 @ Delta Hotel
– Library card sign-up drive – Oct. 3, NDSU
– Red River Market, Oct. 7
• Children
– Namaste: Toddler/Preschool Yoga once a month at Main library
• Teen/Tween
– It’s a Mystery Archeology and Fiction w/Author Deb Watley on Sept 24 at 2pm at Main
• Adult
– Jazz into Fall returns to the Main Library on Sundays in October
• Multigenerational
– 1 Book, 1 Community Events:
– Canoeing Adventures with Rollie Johnson Sept. 26, 6:30 (Main)
– Rivers as a Thread: Considerations from Hudson Bay Bound, Oct. 5, 6:30 with Dr Tess Varner (Concordia College) (Main)

Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks discussed a meeting with City Administration and Fargo City Attorney regarding a request from West Fargo to draft a letter to the Attorney General for opinion on recent legislation. The Fargo City Attorney feels our policies are adequate to cover the definitions of the new law and did not advise us to participate. Director Dirks acknowledged the City Administration and Attorney’s strong support throughout this entire process.

Paul Jensen asked what precipitated this request from West Fargo. Mr. Dirks could only offer speculation that without a director currently, the Board of Directors might have some concerns on next steps for them, but reiterated this was only his personal speculation and that he cannot speak fully on this.

Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business

New Business
A. Rules of Contact Policy
Tim Dirks presented updated Rules of Conduct Policy in which he clarified the library’s definition of “Library Property” from “public sidewalk” to “Sodbuster walkway” on the north side of the building as the old language was causing some confusion.

Paul Jensen motioned for the draft to be approved as written. Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The Draft was approved unanimously.

Statistical Reports
August Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that numbers continue to climb. Attendance is up 11% over last year, despite Carlson’s lower numbers due to recent road construction. Program attendance is up 23% and Internet signups and electronic activity are also up over 10%. Volunteer numbers were up 10% this month as well. Circulation is up over 8% at just over 50,000 titles.

August Financials
Director Tim Dirks reported that with 67% of the year complete, the budget is at 62.3%. Director Dirks will be meeting with the finance team to review end of year estimates and planning. Revenue is just over $22,500 for the year.

Director Dirks thanked the Friends of the Fargo Public Library for their continued donations which serve to enhance what we are able to provide to the community as well as to our staff. It is greatly appreciated.

Friends of the Library Report
Michelle Anderson, Friends Board President was present to report
• The vacant board seat has been filled and the Friends Board is again full.
• The Friends Book Sale will be Friday and Saturday Oct 6-7. Posters were made available to help spread the word.

Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.

The meeting adjourned at 4:16 p.m.