Fargo Public Library Board – January 16, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Paul Jensen, Wanda Mengelkoch, John Rodenbiker, Hannah James (Online)
Board Members Absent: Jenna Reno, Kristen Schipper
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff, Sarah Nelson
Board President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
Amy Ouren noted one change to the Order of the Agenda. Item 7A should read 2022 Children’s Summer Reading Challenge Promotional Video instead of 2023. John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the December 19 Regular Meeting
Amy Ouren noted one change to the minutes of the December 19 Regular Meeting. President Ouren should be recognized as in attendance, online. John Rodenbiker moved to approve the minutes of the December 19 Regular Meeting; Wanda Mengelkoch 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:
• Services
– As of Jan. 1, the circulation limit for Hoopla has been reduced from 8 credits per month to 6. This is due to increased patron usage and cost.
• Children
– Winter Pop-Up Stem Event
Open House Event February 17, 10 a.m. – noon at the Main Library
• Teens
– Edgar Allan Poe’s 215th Birthday Party
January 20, 1 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
• Adult
– Canyons of the Rio Grande (Berlin Nelson Jr)
January 21, 2 p.m. at the Main Library
– Sci-Fi Film Series (Matt Olien hosts)
Sundays in February, 2 p.m. at the Main Library
– How to Run for Office (League of Women’s Voters)
February 15, 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library
• Multigenerational
– Northern Narratives 2024 submissions open on February 1 for three categories:
• Fiction
• Non-Fiction
• Poetry
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the City Commission Legislative Meeting during which he met Karla Hanson with the Juvenile Justice Committee. This committee is responsible to review the reports submitted to the State Legislation by all libraries across the state. Their first meeting will be in March.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business discussed.
New Business
Sarah Nelson, Children’s and Adult Services Librarian, presented the 2022 Children’s Summer Reading Program promotional video. The theme that year was "Oceans of Possibilities." This video won the 3rd place Savvy Award in the “Use of Humor” category. This contest is held each year by the 3CMA (City-County Communications Marketing Association) nationwide with around 100,000 entries.
Director Tim Dirks present 2 existing Policies for review with no changes.
Art Display and Acquisition Policy
Motion to approve was made by John Rodenbiker, Second by Wanda Mendelkoch. The motion passed unanimously
Bulletin Board & Brochure Policy
Motion to approve was made by John Rodenbiker, Seconded by Paul Jensen. The motion passed unanimously
Statistical Reports
December Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted this month’s reports reflects the full 2023 calendar year. Attendance was up 11%. Program attendance saw a record number of participants (33,758) and was up 37%. Circulation was up for the year by almost 9% with a record number for December at just under 79,000.
December Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted a gift in kind by the HERO group of a wheelchair for the Main Library. Revenue for the year was $32,790.64.
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, February 20, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.