Fargo Public Library Board – December 17, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Wanda Mengelkoch, Hannah James, Jenna Reno, and Kristen Schipper (Online)
Board Members Absent: John Rodenbiker, Paul Jensen
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Board President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
Hannah James moved to approve the order of the agenda; Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the Nov. 19 Regular Meeting
Jenna Reno moved to approve the minutes of the Nov 19 Regular Meeting; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no one present for public comment.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• General News
– Reminder that our new Hours of Service begin on Jan 2, with the Main library opening at 10am M-F and all branches closed on Sundays
– Reminder that Hoopla will no longer be a service offered in 2025
• Children
– LEGO Mania, Dec. 30, 11 a.m., Main Library
• Teen
– Library Lair, Tuesdays Jan. to May, 4:30 p.m., Dr. James Carlson Library
For ages 10-18
• Multigenerational
– 2025 Library Reading Challenge
Register beginning Jan. 1 thru Beanstack.
– Winter Reading Challenge (Jan. 6 through March 1, 2025)
Log in through Beanstack
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his meeting with the Facilities Protection Office where he learned that Facilities Protection employees will make 4 circuits thru the breezeway daily to assist with security issues. Director Dirks also confirmed that the new security contract with Signal of ND will begin on February 1, 2025.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Review and affirm the Library Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom Statement
– A motion to approve was made by Wanda Mengelkoch. It was seconded by Hannah James.
– The motion carried unanimously.
Statistical Reports
November Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted continued increases in Attendance, Volunteer Hours, Electronic activity and Circulation in October. Even with the Northport closure in November, total circulation has increased year-to-date by over 7%. He stated we are still on track to exceed 2019 numbers.
November Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted with 92% of the year lapsed, we are at 89% of the Budget spent. We are identifying needs left for purchasing, especially in the area of electronic resources and technology. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks. 2024 Revenue has now exceeded 2024 budget expectations by almost $6000.
Friends of the Library Report
No representative was in attendance.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m. in the Main Library Community Room (Please note the change).
The meeting adjourned at 4:13 p.m.