Fargo Public Library Board – October 21, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: John Rodenbiker, Hanna James , Jenna Reno, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper (online) and Paul Jensen (Online)
Board Members Absent: Amy Ouren
Staff Present: Tim Dirks, Cindy Haff, Megan Lass
Board Vice President John Rodenbiker called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
Hannah James moved to approve the order of the agenda; Jenna Reno seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the August 19 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the Aug. 19 Regular Meeting; Hanna James 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 A conditional offer has been made for the open branch Library I Associate position
• Programming
o Teen Volunteering
– Beginning Nov. 1, 1-3 p.m. at Main; ages 12-18; monthly
o Adults
– Explore your Norwegian Roots (One Book, One Community event)
Oct. 23, 6 p.m. at Main Library
– Virtual Trivia Murder Party
Oct. 31, 7 p.m. online (Discord)
– Creepy Cinema Classics
Saturdays in November
o Children
– Libraries Dance! Great Pumpkin Shuffle
Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. at Main Library
o Library Card Design Contest
Winners will be announced October 30.
Cards will be released in January 2026 to coincide with our 125th Anniversary.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted progress on the Dr. James Carlson Library Renovation plans. He is working with Facilities to get costs for future renovations per the Facilities Master Plan. Director Dirks will bring project details to the Board at a future meeting.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Rules of Conduct Policy
– Updates were made to include new language that clarifies which wheeled devices are allowed and their proper usage
– Hannah James moved to approve the policy as recommended. Jenna Reno seconded the motion. The policy was approved unanimously with no discussion.
• Service Policy Registration
– Updates were made to include language that reflects previous Board of Directors' action related to non-resident library card fees.
– Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the fees as recommended. Hanna James seconded the motion. The policy was approved unanimously with no discussion
• Main Coffee Space Repurposing Project Update
– Director Tim Dirks informed the Board that the project is scheduled to begin in November per Facilities.
• John Rodenbiker asked what the timeline is for completion.
– Director Dirks was not sure as he has not had information from Facilities or the architect chosen yet with further details.
• Kristen Schipper asked if the project was being handled by Facilities Management or if it was offered out for bid.
– Director Dirks said the Facilities Management team is acting as the project managers and that an architect has been chosen which will chose an outside group to subcontract the work. He has not be given more specific information at this time.
• Kristin Schipper asked if costs will be increased due to the delay in actioning the project.
– Director Dirks responded that he has not seen any numbers as of yet.
• Kristin Schipper followed up by asking where the funds were coming from
– Director Dirks explained that the project was approved as a capital expenditure by the City.
Statistical Reports
September Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted and highlighted a large increase in renewals statistics due to the implementation of the new auto-renewal program.
September Financials
Director Tim Dirks was excited to announce a very generous donation of $10,000 from Ms. Sara Lindberg to the Fargo Public Library. He also noted with gratitude the gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library and several local partnerships with area libraries for donations for One Book One Community. With 75% of the year complete, our budget is at 69.65% spent. He noted we have surpassed expected revenue for the year.
Friends of the Library Report
With no one present to give a report, Board Vice President Rodenbiker reminded everyone of this week’s Semi-annual Booksale taking place on Oct. 23, 24 & 25.
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.