Fargo Public Library Board – June 18, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Paul Jensen, Kristen Schipper, Hannah James (online), Wanda Mengelkoch (Online)
Board Members Absent: Jenna Reno, John Rodenbiker
Staff: Tim Dirks, Beth Postema, 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
Paul Jensen moved to approve the order of the agenda; Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the May 21 Regular Meeting
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the minutes of the May 21 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
– Currently hiring for 2 librarian positions, 1 Library Associate PT position
• Children
– Know My Culture: Japan (Open to all ages)
June 22, 2 p.m. at Main Library
– Gooseberry Park Players preview of The Little Mermaid
June 28, 11:30 a.m. at Main Library
– Mixed Nuts Comedy Show
June 28, 1 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
• Teens
– Investigator Adventures
June 29, 1p.m. at Main Library (Registration is required)
• Adult
– Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club (inaugural meeting)
June 26, 5:30 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library (will meet quarterly
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his Quarterly Check-in meetings with Administrative Staff
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business
New Business
• Review of Notary Public Policy
– A motion to approve the draft was made by Paul Jensen. It was seconded by Kristen Schipper. The motion carried unanimously with no further discussion.
• Library Equipment for Virtual Meetings Policy Presentation
– Deputy Director Beth Postema explained the history of why and how this policy was developed
– A motion to approve the policy was made by Kristen Schipper. It was seconded by Hannah James. The motion carried unanimously with no discussion.
Statistical Reports
May Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted strong increases in all areas of Library Use over 2024, noting that May was another record breaking month for circulation. Overall, circulation has increased 10.85% or over 43,000 titles.
May Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks as well as several memorial gifts last month and our thanks to the FM Rotary for their donation of children’s literature. 2024 Revenue to date was $15,368.30.
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, July 16, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.