Fargo Public Library Board – June 16, 2026 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Kristen Schipper, Paul Jensen, and Wanda Mengelkoch (online)
Board Members Absent: Hannah James, Jenna Reno, and John Rodenbiker
Staff: Tim Dirks, Cindy Haff, Megan Lass, Jenilee Kanenwisher
President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
Paul Jensen moved to approve the order of the agenda; Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the May 19, Regular Meeting
Paul Jensen moved to approve the minutes of the May 19 Regular Meeting; Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) update
– 600 attended the Kickoff event
– As of Friday, June 12, 1,200 individuals had signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge
• Upcoming Events:
– Adopt-a-Dino: July 10, 11 a.m. at Main (children)
– Prehistoric Beats: July 17, 11:30 a.m. at Carlson (children)
– Can you Dig it?: July 25, 2 p.m. at Main (children)
– Unearth a Red River Valley Story: July 10, 2 p.m. at Main (teen)
– Uncommon Critters: June 22, 2 p.m. at Main (children)
– DinoSoars!: July 20, 10 a.m. at MSUM Planetarium (everyone)
– Roar & Score Dinosaur Trivia Night: June 29, 6 p.m. at Carlson (everyone)
• Guided Watercolor Workshop: (Adults and Teens)
– June 22, 6 p.m. at Carlson Library
– June 29, 6 p.m. at Northport Library
• Summer Immunization Clinic w/Fargo Cass Public Health
– Walk-in event, all childhood and adult recommended immunizations
– All childhood and some adult vaccines for low or no cost
– June 30, 1-4 p.m. at Main Library
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the June 15 City Cabinet Budget Meeting. He relayed that no cuts are anticipated for 2027 operating costs. Reclass, New Positions and COLA have not yet been decided.
– Kristen Schipper asked if the new mayor was available for this budget meeting. Director Dirks replied that there are a series of budget meetings planned after the July 6 swearing in of the new Mayor & Commissioners.
Unfinished Business
Director Tim Dirks presented the letter to the Mayor and Commissioners to be presented after the installation of the new Mayor and Commission members. He requested all Board Members sign the letter after the meeting. Those not in attendance will be contacted by Director Dirks directly for signature.
– Kristen Schipper asked if the letter could be submitted to The Forum. Director Dirks was unsure if they would post the letter or now.
New Business
• Overview of E-Content Use
– Collections Manager discussed the drop in hold times for FPL Overdrive patrons as a result of our limiting Overdrive access to Fargo residents in January of this year.
• Meeting Room Policy Draft
Director Dirks explained the changed provided clarification in relation to fundraising activities and walk in usage.
– Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve the document with this change.
– Paul Jensen seconded the motion.
– The motion was unanimously approved with this change
• Circulation Policy
Director Tim Dirks submitted changes to the policy which reflect current practice per renewals and other changes to provide greater clarity.
– Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve the document.
– Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion.
– The motion was approved unanimously.
• Acknowledgement of Kris Schipper for Library Board Service
Director Dirks took a moment to thank Kristen Schipper on her last meeting as Board Member for 6 years of service. Amy Ouren, Paul Jensen and Wanda Mengelkoch expressed their pleasure in working with Kristen over the years and also thanked her for her service.
Statistical Reports
May Usage
Director Dirks noted the 9% drop in attendance and indicated that the new library in Moorhead may be part of the reason. He expressed strong support for the new library. He also noted other factors such as non-resident policy changes which began this year.
May Financials
Director Dirks noted with great appreciation the gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library including the first $20,000 to begin the fundraising campaign for Dr. James Carlson Renovations. With 42% of the year complete, the Library is at just under 39% spending with $14,58.07 in received in revenue.
Friends of the Library Report
• Marisa Nygord was unable to attend. She did send an update to Board members of the following:
– Fall Book Sale will be Oct. 22-24
– Capital Campaign launch event will be Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library.
Public Comment
There was no public comment
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at 4 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.