Fargo Public Library Board – May 20, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Jenna Reno, Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch, Paul Jensen and John Rodenbiker
Board Members Absent: Hannah James
Staff Present: 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; Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the April 15 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the April 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:
• General Information
– This year’s 1 Book, 1 Community Title has been chosen
– “The Bell in the Lake” by Norwegian author Lars Mytting
– This year’s title celebrates 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States and our region's deep connection to Norway and Scandinavia.
• Summer Reading Program Color Our World begins
– Children
Color Fun Kickoff Party, June 9 at 10 a.m. at Main Library
– Multigenerational
Color Our World Library Card Design Contest
Runs June 9 – July 31
– Tiny Art Show
June 14, at 10 a.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library
– Fabric Art Collages
June 16 at 10 a.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the May 9 City Budget Team meeting with a follow up to come mid-June discussing Library budget needs for the 2026 budget. He also highlighted his participation in the panel discussion as part of the Prairie Public screening of the movie “Free for All: The Public Library" on April 23.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Updated Registration Policy
– An updated draft was reviewed with updated language on electronic resources no longer available and other minor language changes
– A motion was made by John Rodenbiker to approve the draft as written. It was seconded by Kristen Schipper. The motion passed unanimously.
• Updated Circulation Policy
– An updated draft was reviewed with updated language on electronic resources no longer available, added information on the new auto-renew function to begin in June and other minor language changes
– Kristen Schipper asked if we have a problem with books not being returned by their due date. Director Dirks noted there was not a big change from when we moved away from fines for overdue. The Auto-Renew function was a benefit to patrons that we could add with little effort or cost.
– Jenna Reno asked if patrons need to sign up for this new service. Director Dirks explained that they do not need to sign up it will be a seamless upgrade to their existing account. He further explained it will not but an item back on hold if it is ineligible for auto-renew as these are two separate functions.
– A motion was made by John Rodenbiker to approve the Circulation Policy as written. Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
• Northport Interior Painting per Endowment Disbursement
– Director Dirks detailed cost of updating the paint at the Northport Library and explained the usage of the remaining endowment disbursement along with additional funds from the unrestricted donation balance on hand.
• John Rodenbiker asked who will be doing the painting. Director Dirks explained that a firm already approved through the City will be doing the work.
• Amy Ouren asked how we decided on colors. Director Dirks indicated a group of employees along with community volunteer reviewed several samples and made their decision.
• Jenna Reno asked if this would require approval from the Landlord. Director Dirks said it does not. They are happy to have renters make improvements to the facility.
– Motion was made by John Rodenbiker to approve the usage of funds. A second was made by Kristen Schipper. The motion carried unanimously.
Statistical Reports
April Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted an increase in program attendance and volunteer hours. He also highlighted that, while circulations were down from last year, they were still the second highest on record (after last year’s number).
April Financials
Director Tim Dirks with 33% of the year complete, our budget is at 30.23% spent. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks.
Friends of the Library Report
No members of the Friends of the Fargo Public Library were in attendance.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled Tuesday, June 17, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.