Fargo Public Library Board – May 21, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Jenna Reno, Paul Jensen, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper, Hannah James and John Rodenbiker
Board Members Absent:
Staff: Tim Dirks, 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
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the April 16 Regular Meeting
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the minutes of the April 16 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:
• Staffing
– Currently hiring for 2 librarian positions, 1 Library Associate PT position and 1 Page position
• Children
– The 2024 Summer Reading Program (Adventure Begins at the Library) begins June 3.
Pre-Registration began this week.
Kickoff: Monday, June 3, 10 a.m. at Rheault Farm
– Smokey Bear is turning 80!
Monday, June 10, 11 a.m. at Main Library
• Teens
– Spray Tie-Dye Shirts
Thursday, June 6, 1 p.m. at Carlson (registration is required)
• Adult
– Ferris Bueller’s Day off Movie and Diamond Art Craft
Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. at Main Library
– Explore Our Parks Walking Club (visit a new trail every other week)
Begins Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. at Island Park
• One Book One Community Project
– “The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks noted that the initial 2025 budget meeting took place on May 17. Follow-up departmental meetings are expected in June.
Unfinished business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Review of update to Rules of Conduct Policy
– Updated language after consultation with City Attorney’s Office
– Kristen Schipper asked if the library experiences a lot of problems with sleeping, hygiene, etc. Director Dirks replied that it’s pretty much a daily occurrence with varying degrees of severity. This is why the Library Security Position is so vital.
– A motion to approve the draft was made by Kristen Schipper. It was seconded by John Rodenbiker. The motion carried unanimously with no further discussion.
Statistical Reports
April Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that the Library continues strong growth in 2024. Attendance has grown by 17% circulation by 11% over last year. The last 6 months have shown consistent all-time high numbers for circulation each month.
March Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks as many of our programs would not be possible with their generosity. 2024 Revenue to date was $12,475.38.
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, June 18, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.