Fargo Public Library Board – June 17, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: Jenna Reno, Hannah James, Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch, Paul Jensen and John Rodenbiker
Board Members Absent: Amy Ouren
Staff Present: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Board Vice President Jenna Reno called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the order of the agenda; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the May 20 Regular Meeting
Paul Jensen moved to approve the minutes of the May 20 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:
• Services
– Auto-renewal may be delayed due to some logistical issues, but will be released soon.
• Programming
• Fargo Time Capsule Event Series:
– '70s Retro Rewind Capsule Opening
June 26, 4pm Sodbuster Plaza
– Funky Tie Die Towels (kids ages 8-12)
June 23, 2pm (Carlson)
June 24, 2pm (Main)
June 25, 2pm (Northport)
– Far-Out Fashion and Disco Grooves
June 21, 1pm (Main)
– Brady Bunch Movie & Craft
June 28, 10am (Main)
• Crafting Events
– Needle Felted Birds
June 25, Carlson
1pm – Teens (12-18)
6pm – Teens & Adults (12 and up)
– Silk Dying
July 10, 2pm (Northport) – Teens 12-18
July 12, 10am (Northport) – Adults (18+)
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the Northport painting project is tentatively scheduled for late August/Early September. He is actively working on security issues with City Administration and our security vendor.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• 2026 Budget Update
– The City is still working with the State Government to determine what revenue will look like with the new caps. Preliminary numbers appear to leave the City with a $6.5 M deficit. There have been no specifics on what cuts will be made to cover this shortfall.
Statistical Reports
May Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted a record May for Circulation. Jenna Reno asked if the new Auto Renewal process will change these numbers. Renewals are already noted on the Circulation Statistics.
May Financials
Director Tim Dirks with 42% of the year complete, our budget is at 40.37% spent. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks.
Friends of the Library Report
President Marisa Nygord reported that the Friends board has a new member (Lela Eckland) with one position still open. Suggestions are welcome. At their last meeting, a new gift acceptance policy was passed. The Friends were pleased to acknowledge they will again be funding the Jazz into Fall event series for the month of October. Also in October will be the semi-annual Friends Book Sale (dates to be announced soon).
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled Tuesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:14 p.m.