Fargo Public Library Board – December 20, 2022 Minutes

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, December 20, 2022 Minutes

Board Members Present: Carlos Hawley, Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch, Jenna Reno, Carrie Peterson (virtual)
Board Members Absent: Amy Ouren, Hannah James
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Others Present: Whitney Oxendahl

Board President Carlos Hawley called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared.

Order of the Agenda Approved
Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve the Order of the Agenda. Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.

Minutes of the November 15 Regular Meeting Approved
Jenna Reno made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 15 meeting. Second by Kristen Schipper; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.

Public Comment
Whitney Oxendahl reminded the board of available resources for governance boards from the State of North Dakota Library including the Board of Trustees Manual. She recommended such topics as services & resources from the State & National Library Associations, national library trends, current & new legislation & laws affecting libraries.

Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:

• Staffing
– Recently hired 2 new LA 1 employees, with 2 more in backgrounding process
• Services
– New Library Hours beginning after the 1st of the year
• Open Sundays 1pm – 6 pm
• Closing Hours: 8pm (6pm Wed & Thur for Northport)
• Children
– Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Dec 27-28 (Main)
– Mary Poppins Sing-a-long, Dec 29 (Main)
– LEGO design Contest, Dec 30 (Main) – Pre-registration required
• Teens
– Weekly Teen Time suspended through the holidays, resuming in January
– TikToks & Selfies, Jan 17 (Carlson)
• Adults
– Tea Tasting, Jan 7 (Carlson) Registration required
– Silent Reading Party, Jan 8 (Drekker Brewhalla)
– Book Clubs in January
• Sense of Place, Jan 5
• Tea Time, Jan 9
• Diverse Perspectives, Jan 12
• Multigenerational
– Chess Club – all are invited. Tuesdays, 5:30 (Main)

Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He highlighted the recent Facilities Master Planning meetings which have seen interesting ideas for the future of Carlson and Northport facilities. He is very happy with what we’ve seen so far. The plan is due to be completed by the middle of first quarter of 2023.

Unfinished business
No unfinished business was discussed.

New Business
Access to Materials Policy
No specific changes were presented. This was a policy that that has not been reviewed in recent years.

Wanda Mengelkoch made a motion to accept the proposal with the proposed wording update. Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. All the members voted aye and the proposal was accepted.

Statistical Reports
November Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted the numbers continue to increase in attendance, volunteer hours, circulation and internet signups. We are still behind our 2019 numbers, but continue to increase since COVID.

November Financials
Director Tim Dirks recognized the gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library and added thanks for the donations expended towards One Book, One Community, Staff Development, Adult & Children’s programming and additions to our Children’s Reading Program

Friends of the Library Report
No report this month

Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at 4 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.