Fargo Public Library Board – January 21, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch, Hannah James, John Rodenbiker, Paul Jensen
Board Members Absent: Amy Ouren, Jenna Reno
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Senior Board Member Kristen Schipper called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the Dec. 17 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the Dec. 17 Regular Meeting; John Rodenbiker 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
– The PBS All-Stars Event has been cancelled by its organizers
– The FPL now offers complimentary access to the New York Times Digital edition on a 24 hour basis with your FPL Library Card.
• Children
– Family Reading Rumpus, Monthly beginning Jan. 28
– Main Library at 6 p.m.
– Designed for families with Storytime and other activities
• Adults
– Indoor Tomato Seed Starting with Jack Wood, Jan. 28
Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.
Learn how to set up a seed starting station
– Romance Round Table, Feb. 11
Dr. James Carlson Library at 6 p.m.
Open discussion on all things romance books
• Multigenerational
– Northern Narratives 2025
Accepting Submissions Feb. 1 through March 31
Open to anyone ages 13+
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted meeting with Facilities Management to discuss the repurposing of the Main Library coffee area. This will eventually be converted to a gender neutral bathroom, a nursing room for nursing parents and a laundry area for the Wiggle Room. Discussions are ongoing.
Unfinished business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Computer Use Policy
– Paul Jensen questioned if the age limit of over 18 was appropriate/necessary.
Tim Dirks highlighted the policy verbiage that parents of anyone under that age should be aware of and approve the usage with their child/children.
– Kristen Schipper asked if the library is being used as a babysitter
Tim Dirks referenced the Unaccompanied Children policy for children under 12 and the Behavior Policy for those 12 and over. He also assured the Board that the Dr. James Carlson Library staff regularly coordinates with school staff and parents if there are individual issues
– A motion to approve was made by John Rodenbiker. It was seconded by Wanda Mengelkoch.
– The motion carried unanimously
• Access to Materials Policy
– Director Tim Dirks highlighted the importance of this policy in lieu of SB2307 which was presented to the ND Legislators this week.
– Paul Jensen asked what the essence of this bill is.
– Director Dirks answered that libraries will not provide physical access to any items deemed obscene by the legislature.
– This would mean no access to 2nd floor by children at Main and no access to Carlson and Northport libraries at all as all materials are on 1 floor or the locking up of items deemed “obscene.”
– Paul Jensen then asked what chance is there of this law passing.
– It is not known at this time since there has been no discussion as of yet.
– A motion to approve was made by John Rodenbiker. It was seconded by Paul Jensen.
– The motion carried unanimously.
Statistical Reports
December Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that the door count numbers at Northport are low due to technical issues for over 1 week of the door counter. He noted that 2024 has been a record year for program attendance with 43,421 participants. He then highlighted a month to month comparison chart of circulation from 2008 through 2024. Last year was a record breaking year. Paul Jensen noted he would like to see population growth percentages for Fargo for the same time periods for comparison. Kristen Schipper asked if there had been any negative feedback on the hours reduction. There has been none received.
December Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted it is estimated we will closed the 2024 budget with 98.71% spent. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks. 2024 Revenue was just over $36,000.
Friends of the Library Report
Marisa Nygord, the newly appointed Friends president was in attendance. Marisa noted the following:
• The Spring Book Sale is scheduled for April10-12
• There are currently 2 open board positions. Recommendations or referrals would be appreciated.
• The Friends are aiming to increase bookstore foot traffic and FFPL awareness in 2025.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. in the Main Library Community Room. (Please note the change).
The meeting adjourned at 4:39 p.m.