Fargo Public Library Board – August 20, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Jenna Reno, John Rodenbiker, Paul Jensen, Hannah James, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper (Online)
Board Members Absent:
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff, City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg
Board President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the July 16 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the July 16 Regular Meeting; John Rodenbiker 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:
• Summer Reading Program Highlights
– Participation was up across all ages above 2023 numbers
– 2,476 Participated
– Over 76,000 days read
• Children
– Prepare with Pedro and the American Red Cross (fire safety)
Main Library – Sept 4, 6:30pm
Carlson Library – Sept 7, 10am
Northport Branch – Sept 9, 6:30pm
• Teens
– Paper Airplane Competition
Carlson Library – Sept 10, 4pm for Ages 11-15
Main Library – Sept 12, 5pm for ages 14-18
• Adult
– Author Visit with Eric D. Larson
Main Library, Aug 22, 6:30pm
– Jigsaw Puzzle Socials
Carlson Library – Sept 8, 5pm (New to this location)
Main Library, Sept 21, 9am
• Multigenerational
– First Amendment Film Festival (a showing screen adaptions of banned and/or challenged titles in conjunction with Banned Books Week)
– Saturdays in September, 2pm at Main
Sept. 7: Dead Poets Society (PG)
Sept. 14: Captain Underpants (PG)
Sept. 21: Twelfth Night (PG)
Sept. 28: The Hate U Give (PG-13)
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his quarterly check-ins with Administrative Staff members.
Board Member John Rodenbike asked for more information on the KVRR and WDAY TV Interviews. “What do you attribute our record numbers to?” Director Dirks noted a post-Covid bounce, E-Content popularity, excellent Collection Management and Community Support. He noted we are still on pace to surpass 2019 record statistics by the end of 2024.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• 2025 Budget Updates
– Director Tim Dirks wanted to be clear in stating the 2025 Budget is still in process.
– Operating Increases
– Books & Materials: Of the $80,000 increase which was requested, only $13,746 was approved. This will result in some decisions concerning physical and e-content additions for next year.
– Capital Expenses
– Repurposing of the Coffee Shop has been preliminarily approved
– State Aid was received at a higher level than expected
• Carpet and Door Widening projects for 2024 are approved
– Staffing Requests
No new positions were approved for the City of Fargo as a whole
2 of the 3 positions requested by the library have been rejected for the last 5 years.
– Board Member Hannah James requested information on the role of our new City Commission Liaison Michelle Turnberg. Commission Turnberg will speak to the Library Board next month concerning her role and expectations.
• Northport Branch Update
– We are still in the process of getting estimates for the work
– Director Tim Dirks notified the Board that when the carpet gets replaced, the branch will need to close for an undermined amount of time as everything will need to be removed before carpet can be removed and replaced.
Statistical Reports
July Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted continued increases in Attendance, Volunteer Hours, Electronic activity and Circulation in July. Total circulation has increased year-to-date by 9.38%.
July Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks. With 58% of the year lapsed, we are at 56.94% spent on our total annual budget. 2024 Revenue to date was $19,973.43 and is on pace for 2024 budget expectations.
Friends of the Library Report
There was no report from the Friends this month.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.