Fargo Public Library Board – November 18, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Hanna James (online), John Rodenbiker, Kristen Schipper, Paul Jensen (online) & Wanda Mengelkoch
Board Members Absent: Jenna Reno
Staff Present: 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
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the order of the agenda; John Rodenbiker seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the October 21 Regular Meeting
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the minutes of the October 21 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:
• Staffing
o We have a new open LAI position at the Carlson Library
• Programming
o Adults
– Lit Lounge: Fantasy Fiction
Dec. 3, 6 p.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library
– Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Party
Dec. 13, 2 p.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library
o Children
– Libraries Dance: The Nutcracker
Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library
o Multigenerational
– Train Day
Nov. 22, all day at the Main Library
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his meeting with Commissioner Turnberg & the Kilbourn Group CEO regarding the proposed convention center plan. Director Dirks explained that they have changed the location from the east parking lot (which would have greatly affected FPL patrons and employees alike) to the Civic Center. This eliminates a disruption to library functions.
Director Dirks then noted an incident at Northport on October 23 in which staff acted quickly and cohesively to an incident in which Narcan had to be administered. In lieu of this incident, Narcan training for all staff will be offered across several dates in January.
Finally, the director gave an update on the proposed Coffee Space Updates. Mr. Dirks explained that the initial estimate of costs submitted by the architects is over budget by more than $48K. The facilities team is working with the architects to find ways to reduce costs and Director Dirks will be meeting with the City Administration regarding this issue later this week.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Gifts to the Library Policy
– The policy was reviewed with no recommended changes.
– Paul Jensen moved to approve the policy. John Rodenbiker seconded the motion. The policy was approved unanimously with no discussion
• Naming Rights Policy
– The policy was reviewed with no recommended changes.
– John Rodenbiker moved to approve the policy. Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The policy was approved unanimously with no discussion.
Statistical Reports
October Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted an highlighted the large turnout for Community Engagement Events.
October Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted that the large increase in renewals over last year is reflective of the Library’s initiation of the Auto-Renewal program. He noted with thanks to the Friends of the Fargo Public Library the programs which made use of their donations in the past month. With 83% of the year complete, our budget is 79.67% utilized. Our year-to-date revenue has exceeded 2025 expectations by over $3000.
Friends of the Library Report
Friends President Marisa Nygord was present to give the following updates:
• As of October, the Friends of the Fargo Public Library is excited to announce they are operating with a Board at full capacity.
• The semi-annual Book Sale in October was a huge success with $6215 raised.
– Dr. James Carlson Library location was very productive with over $2000 in sales
• The friends held a social event for its member last week. It was very positively received.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular vBoard Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:17 p.m.