Fargo Public Library Board – March 17, 2026 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Hannah James (online), Jenna Reno, Kristen Schipper (online), Paul Jensen (online) and Wanda Mengelkoch
Board Members Absent: 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
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the order of the agenda; Jenna Reno seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the December 16 Regular Meeting
Jenna Reno moved to approve the minutes of the December 16 Regular Meeting; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Staffing – 2 open positions, currently
• 125th Anniversary Event Series
– Strong attendance at previous events
– Final event is March 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library
• Programming
– Volunteer Fair, April 18, 1-4 p.m. at the Main Library
– James Bond Film Series, Saturdays at 2 p.m. at the Main Library
– Seed Library opens March 23
– Northern Focus entries open April 1
• "The Librarians" will show at the Fargo Theater this Thursday evening
– Panel discussion on Friday at noon.
– Director Tim Dirks will participate in the discussion
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the 2025 Impact Report which was sent out today to elected officials and library benefactors. Kudos to Melisa Duncan for her excellent work on creating this year’s report.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Dr. James Carlson Library Renovation Project & Funding
– Motion made by Kristen Schipper, 2nd by Jenna Reno. Passed unanimously.
– Jenna Reno asked if the endowment principle would be our last resource for funding.
Director Tim Dirks replied yes. Our first source will be the Capital Campaign.
– Jenna then asked about how the Distributions are determined from 2025.
Director Tim Dirks explained that they are determined after all monies from 2025 are complete.
• Rules of Conduct Policy Draft
– Motion made by Wanda Mengelkoch, 2nd by Paul Jensen. Passed unanimously.
• Library Card Registration Form Draft
– Motion made by Jenna Reno, 2nd by Paul Jensen. Passed unanimously.
– Jenna Reno asked if staff check a DVD’s rating before allowing a child to check out.
Director Tim Dirks replied that we let the parents decide (same as books).
• Statement of Concern
– Collections Manager Jenilee Kanenwisher spoke explaining the Statement of Concern and the process the library followed.
– Director Dirks let the Board know that the person who summited the concern was ok with the recommending action.
– Motion made by Wanda Mengelkoch, 2nd by Hanna James. Passed unanimously.
• 2025 Security Report
– Lengthy discussion on the current security situation, where we have been and the ways we have tried to improve.
Paul Jensen recommended the Board submit a letter to the Mayor and Commission in support of the library and encouraging greater support in the area of security.
Director Tim Dirks encouraged the Board to discuss it at next months’ meeting in order to comply with Open Records Rules.
It was agreed that Paul will gather pertinent details from Director Dirks and craft a letter which will be reviewed, discussed and finalized at next month’s meeting.
Amy Ouren encouraged the Board to share with the public the best ways to support the library in this endeavor.
Statistical Reports
February Usage
Director Dirks noted that, while attendance was down, volunteer and programming numbers were strong.
February Financials
• Director Dirks noted we are seeing the impact of the 2026 changes in our circulation numbers with Overdrive being lower this year. Overall, we’ve still seen a 16.96% growth over last year.
• With 17% of the year elapsed, we are at just under 15% of the budget spent. Revenue is just under $6,000 thru the end of February.
Friends of the Library Report
• Michelle Anderson shared with the Board the Friend’s enthusiasm to be leading this year’s Capital Campaign for the renovations at Carlson
• She also shared some upcoming events:
– April 23-25 will be the Spring Book Sale. This year it is a Crawl together with West Fargo and Moorhead Friends groups.
– May 17, the Friends will be participating in the Vintage Fair at Wild Terra.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, at 4 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.