Fargo Public Library Board – September 15, 2026 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, , Hannah James (online) , Jenna Reno, John Rodenbiker and Kylie
Sollie
Board Members Absent: Paul Jensen Wanda Mengelkoch
Staff: Tim Dirks, Cindy Haff, Megan Lass
President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Jenna Reno seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the July 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the minutes of the July 21 Regular Meeting; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Staffing
Library Associate I position in Tech Services/Cataloging, interviews this week
• Upcoming Events
One Book One Community book: The Birth of Loud by Ian S. Port.
– The Author visit is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22 at MSUM
– Various related events scheduled throughout September and October
Children's
– Fall Fest Storytime & Petting Zoo
October 17, 2 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
Adult
– Seasonal Container Design
September 23, 6:30 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
– Let’s Talk Houseplants
September 28, 6:30 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
– Northern Narratives and Northern Focus Celebration
October 13, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall
Event has seen significant growth that we have out-grown our Community Room space!
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the Carlson Renovation Meeting with JLG on Sept 3. Decisions on Carpet, Donor Recognition space, paint, furniture and Friends spaces were discussed.
– President Amy Ouren asked if there was a completion date identified. Director Dirks replied nothing yet. The building will need to be closed for the renovations. December/January timeframe is currently being considered.
– Board member John Rodenbiker noted the Friends are very close to their fundraising goal. Director Dirks confirmed we are very close (under $5,000).
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Welcome Kylie Sollie
– Kylie is filling the open seat left by Kristen Schipper. She is excited to join us.
• Social Media Policy
– The policy draft was tabled until next month to receive a copy of the draft document with revisions.
– John Rodenbiker made the motion. It was seconded by Jenna Reno and passed unanimously.
• Naming Rights approvals for the Dr. James Carlson Library
– In light of the renovations, several additions were suggested for addition to the list of naming rights opportunities to provide potential donors a greater variety.
– John Rodenbiker made the motion to approve the recommendation. It was seconded by Kyllie Sollie and passed unanimously.
• 2027 Budget Update
Director Dirks updated the Board on the current 2027 Budget process.
– The Library Safety Specialist and Reclass items are still in the 2027 budget.
– Continued retention of the contracted Library Security is supported by the Mayor, Chief of Police and City Administrator.
– The next meeting of Finance and Commission is set for Sept 23 with the final Commission meeting and vote on September 28.
Statistical Reports
August Usage
• Director Dirks noted a 14.97% grown in circulation
June Financials
• With 67% of the year complete, the Library is at just at 61.81% spending with $26,626.20 received in revenue. He noted this was above the projected 2026 revenue of $25,000 with several months left in the year.
Friends of the Library Report
• Friends Board President Marisa Nygord was unable to attend.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.