Fargo Public Library Board – December 16, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: John Rodenbiker, Paul Jensen, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper (online), & Jenna Reno (online)
Board Members Absent: Amy Ouren, Hanna James
Staff: Tim Dirks, Cindy Haff, Megan Lass, Jenilee Kanenwisher
Board Vice President John Rodenbiker 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; Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the Nov. 18 Regular Meeting
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the minutes of the November 18 Regular Meeting; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
Christopher Cohen presented concerns regarding the Library’s “Top Leadership”. He explained he had requested thru Open Records protocol the personnel records of said leadership and found troubling information. He believes the Board should be aware of this and advised the board review the personnel record on their own.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Staffing
– We have a two open LAI position a Carlson. Interviewing is underway
– The Outreach Librarian and Volunteer Coordinator position will be filled next year following Pam Strait’s Dec. 26 retirement after almost 25 years of service.
• Service Changes (effective Jan. 1)
– New fees for Non-Resident and Meeting Rooms
– Losing Database access for several sites
– Libby/Overdrive Access will be limited to City of Fargo residents
• Programming
• Children's
– Happy Blue Year: A Bluey Noon Year, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m. at Main Library(with countdown to Noon)
• Multigenerational
– Gift Wrapping Session, Dec. 23, 3-7 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
– 125TH Anniversary Celebration, Open House Jan. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Main Library
– Winter Reading Challenge (theme is Happy Birthday, Fargo Public Library!), Jan. 5 through Feb. 28, 2026
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the Main Library Coffee Space Repurposing Project. He explained he is still working with Facilities to find ways to cut costs. He will be meeting with City Administration in the next few days concerning the project
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
Jenilee Kanenwisher, Collections Development Manager, gave a presentation on E-Content and how it will be affected by the upcoming budget cuts.
Statistical Reports
November Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted a general decrease in attendance for 2025 which directly corresponds to our closure on Sundays. In all, our circulation statistics were up by about 6% over last year.
November Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted with thanks to the Friends of the Fargo Public Library the programs which made use of their donations in the past month. He also noted with thanks the contributions of local patrons in the past month. With 92% of the year complete, our budget is 87% utilized. Our year-to-date revenue has exceeded 2025 expectations.
Friends of the Library Report
Friends President Marisa Nygord was present to give the following highlights of 2025:
• March Read In event was a huge success with over 80 participants on an exceptionally cold day
• Best ever Booksale this fall, with special note to the Dr. James Carlson Library
• FM Area Foundation Grant this summer of $2,000
Ms. Nygord noted that while final numbers where not yet official, the FFPL was able to fund over $25,000 in funding requests this year. (with many thanks from Director Dirks)
Finally, the Friends President wanted to personally thank the FFPL Board members and BookStore Manager for their diligent work over the past year.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo Public Main Library Community Room (Please note location change).
The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.