Fargo Public Library Board – July 21, 2026 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Wanda Mengelkoch , Hannah James, Jenna Reno, and John
Rodenbiker
Board Members Absent: Paul Jensen and Kylie Sollie
Staff: Tim Dirks, Cindy Haff, Megan Lass
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 June 16, 2026 Regular Meeting
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the minutes of the June 16 Regular Meeting; Jenna Reno seconded
the motion. The motion carried.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Services update
Fax Service charges of $.50/page began this month to offset rising costs
• Staffing
Three (3) LA I positions filled
Two (2) open LAI positions remain
• Upcoming Events:
• One Book One Community book selection this year will be The Birth of Loud by Ian S. Port. The author visit is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at MSUM's Weld Hall.
• Historical Programs (America’s 250th Anniversary)
– Soldiers of the American Revolution, July 23, 1pm at Main Library
– Teddy’s Tales, Aug 13, 6:30pm at Main Library
– The American Revolution Experience, Aug 10-17 at Main Library
– Revolutionary Times for Kids, Aug 11, 1-3pm at Main Library
• Wrap Up the Summer with Dakota Dinosaur Adventure, July 27, 10am at Dr. James Carlson Library
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his visit to Williston for the North Dakota Library Coordinating Council Meeting July 15-17.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Welcome Kylie Sollie
– Kylie is filling the open seat left by Kristen Schipper. She was unable to join us this month
• 2027 Budget Update
Director Dirks gave the Library Budget Presentation to the Mayor and Commissioners earlier in the day. He presented the challenges of our environment as argument in support of a new Library Safety Specialist position. This position is currently posited as
being funded for the 2027 budget year.
– Amy Ouren asked if there was any feedback on the letter sent by the Board to the Commissioners last month.
– Director Dirks informed the Board that the City Commission and Administration acknowledged receipt of the letter
– Amy Ouren asked when the 2027 City Budget will be final.
– Director Dirks commented that the Budget should be finalized this fall as it is required to be submitted by October.
• Library Media Relations Policy
Director Tim Dirks submitted changes to the policy which reflect minor language updates
– Hannah James made a motion to approve the document.
– John Rodenbiker seconded the motion.
– The motion was approved unanimously.
• Electronic Communication Policy
Director Tim Dirks submitted changes to the policy which reflect minor language changes.
– Wanda Mengelkoch made a motion to approve the document.
– John Rodenbiker seconded the motion.
– The motion was approved unanimously.
• Programming Policy
Director Tim Dirks submitted the updated Programming Policy for approval
– Hannah James made a motion to approve the document.
– John Rodenbiker seconded the motion.
– The motion was approved unanimously.
Statistical Reports
June Usage
Director Dirks noted a 17% growth for the year in attendance and a 13.36% grown in circulation for the 1st half of the year.
June Financials
• With 50% of the year complete, the Library is at just at 44% spending with $19,204.61 received in revenue. He also noted an increase in spending due to utilities.
Friends of the Library Report
Marisa Nygord was unable to attend.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 4 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.