Fargo Public Library Board – September 17, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, John Rodenbiker, Paul Jensen, Hannah James, Wanda Mengelkoch
Board Members Absent: Jenna Reno, Kristen Schipper
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff, City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg, Michele Anderson
Board President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the Aug. 20 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the Aug. 20 Regular Meeting; Hannah James 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:
• General Information
– Radon Detectors are now available at the Fargo Public Library through a partnership with the University of North Dakota.
Currently there are 150 holds for the devices
– September is Library Card Sign Up month
60 Students were signed up for cards at NDSU’s new student block party this year
– One Book One Community Author Event will be October 29 at Concordia College.
William Kent Krueger, The River We Remember
• Children
– Intro to Engineering (by NDSU’s Society of Women Engineers)
Northport Branch – Sept 21, 10 a.m. for grades K-6
– Reptiles at the Library (by NDSU’s Herpetology Club)
Main Library – Oct. 12, 10 a.m. for kids of all ages
– Tuesdays for Toddlers (Sponsored by the Friends of the Fargo Public Library)
Plains Art Museum, Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Register at plainsart.org
• Adult
– Dakota 38 Documentary Screening (One Book One Community Event)
Main Library, Sept. 22, 2 p.m.
– Finding Balance Between Self-Care & Community (One Book One Community Event)
Main Library, begins Sept 29. 5 session program series
Christine Ellsworth, National Association for Poetry Therapy
– Jazz Into Fall (Sponsored by the Friends of the Fargo Public Library)
Main Library, Sundays in October at 2 p.m.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his quarterly check-ins with Administrative Staff members.
He also discussed the tremendous and immediate response we received to the receipt of the radon detectors.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business
New Business
• Commission Liaison Update with Michelle Turnberg
– Commissioner Turnberg noted she meets monthly with Director Tim Dirks concerning Library concerns
– A priority for Commission Turnberg is the safety of Staff & Patrons alike
– She reported she will be meeting with the Mayor and potentially the Chief of Police to discuss potentially re-allocating resources to assist and also working with DEC (Downtown Engagement Center) Staff to identify ways to assist
– Director Tim Dirks also mentioned the employees will be attending De-escalation Training scheduled for November.
Statistical Reports
August Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted continued increases in Attendance, Volunteer Hours, Electronic activity and Circulation in August. Total circulation has increased year-to-date by 8.72%. He indicated we are still on track to exceed 2019 numbers, but highlighted the uncertainty of how the carpet replacement at Northport will effect these statistics. Board President Amy Olson asked if there is a plan in place to inform the patrons who use the Northport Library that the collection and holds will not be available on the days that the library is closed. Director Dirks stated that the library staff are currently reviewing options and he is not sure yet how this will work.
August Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks. With 67% of the year lapsed, we are at 63.85% spent on our total annual budget. Director Dirks is in the process of reviewing end of year spending to ensure we do not exceed our budget. 2024 Revenue to date was $22,220.11 and is on pace for 2024 budget expectations.
Friends of the Library Report
Friends President Michelle Anderson reported that they have hired a new Bookstore Manager. A picnic was held to introduce him to staff and volunteers. There has been a trial eBay offering of 4 title listings that are of higher value. One of those titles has already sold.
The next Friends of the Fargo Public Library Booksale will be held next month.
• Friday, Oct 4: 11am-5pm
• Saturday, Oct 5: 9am-5pm
• Sunday, Oct 6: 1pm-3pm (Bag Sale)
• Ways to Help:
Come Shop!
Volunteers are always welcome
Donations gladly accepted
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.