Fargo Public Library Board – August 19, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Hanna James , Jenna Reno John Rodenbiker, Kristen Schipper, and Wanda Mengelkoch
Board Members Absent: Paul Jensen
Staff: Tim Dirks, Cindy Haff, Megan Lass
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 July 15 Regular Meeting
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the minutes of the Jul 15 Regular Meeting; John Rodenbiker 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:
• Programming
– Summer Reading Program Highlights
62,414 Days Read
598 Adult Registrations with 257 Completed Challenges
202 Teen Registrations with 89 Completed Challenges
1,403 Child Registrations with 671 Completed Challenges
– One Book One Community Upcoming Events
Thirteen Strings from Scandinavia (Sept. 6, 2 p.m. @ Main)
Tea Time Book Club (Sept. 8)
Children’s Troll Storytime (Sept. 13, 10 a.m. @ Carlson)
– AARP Events
Six Pillars of Brain Health (Aug. 20, 1:30 p.m. @ Carlson)
A Home Fit for Aging (Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. @ Carlson
– Multigenerational
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament (Aug. 30 @ Main)
Jr. Bracket (13 and under) – Noon
Sr. Bracket (14 and up) – 2 p.m.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted collaborative meetings with the West Fargo Library Director as well as representatives of the Red Cross.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• 2026 Budget Update
Director Dirks gave the final budget cut total for the Library as $241,858. While there will be no branch closures or staff reduction, the cuts will still be felt deeply. The cuts will be in:
• Electronic Databases
• Maintenance Service Contracts
• ILS Development
• Processing/Technical Services
• Collections from all branches
• Contract Security for Carlson
• Meeting Room Policy and Application
The Meeting Room policy and application form were updated in accordance with the fee structure changes approved at last month’s Board meeting.
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the fees as recommended. John Rodenbiker seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
Statistical Reports
July Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted an increase in program attendance and volunteer hours for the year.
July Financials
Director Tim Dirks with 58% of the year complete, our budget is at 55.33% spent. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks.
Friends of the Library Report
• Friends President Marisa Nygord highlighted some accomplishments over the past month.
o Program Sponsorship
– One Book One Community
– Summer Reading Program Wrap up
– Tuesdays for Toddlers
– Jazz into Fall
• $2,000 Grant received from the FM Development Foundation
• The Fall Book Sale will be held Oct 23-25, with the Bag Sale being on Oct 25
– Donations are needed specifically in Novels and Children’s Book
• There is still 1 Board position open.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:33 p.m.