September 28, 2004 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of September 28, 2004
Present: Betty K erns, Helen Levitt , Prakash M athew, Jean R ayl, and Herb Snyder
City Commissioner: Linda Coates
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Liaison: Robert Mason
Director: Charles Pace
Staff Representative: Nancy Giere
Guest: Virginia Dambach, Citizens for Better Libraries
Order of Agenda
Helen Levitt moved to approve the order of the agenda. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Jean Rayl moved to approve the minutes of August 24, 2004 . Helen Levitt seconded the motion; the motion carried. Prakash Mathew moved to approve the minutes of September 2, 2004 , noting Jean Rayl was not present at the meeting. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Guest Virginia Dambach
Citizens for Better Libraries raised over $2,500 to date. Brochures were distributed. Speaking engagements are under way to various service groups. Virginia D ambach was a guest on radio talk shows. The web site www.newfargolibrary.com is now up and running. This web site is available if the amendment passes for a nominal monthly fee which the Friends of the Fargo Public Library will fund. The group is continuing to meet weekly. Letters and brochures were sent to current Friends of the Fargo Public Library members. Several downtown sites have been suggested for a new library. The library is committed to the downtown area and site selection will take place at a later date.
Staff Report
Nancy Giere reported new hires Alicia Helgeson and Jessica Clark started in the Childrens Room, and Rachel Schlecht started with the Bookmobile and shuttle materials. The library card campaign is going very well. To date we have 1,100 new borrowers in the first two weeks and replaced 725 cards. The Bookmobile at North Fargo has received several positive remarks.
Directors Report
The ALEPH system data has been converted and we are looking at a mid-November go live date. Certain services may need to be temporarily curtailed as a result of the conversion. Holds and interlibrary loan services may be affected.
North Dakota Library Association conference was great. Charles Pace presented a program on the facilities planning process. Erin Smith, Pam Strait , and Jim Ferragut presented the library card campaign. Diane Briggs presented her living history of the Lewis and Clark journey as well. Fargo Public Library was well represented at the conference. The Minot Public Library staff hosted an evening at their facility which is 40,700 square feet. It was funded through a sales tax initiative serving a population of 35,000 people. It was a very nice facility. Charles Pace now is serving as the chair of the public library section.
The budget process is complete and approved by the city commission. There were no changes to the preliminary library budget.
The library card campaign was launched September 14 with a press conference. The mayor, chamber of commerce ambassadors, representatives from Fargo Public Schools , and library customers were present. Television and radio commercials are now running. Print advertising has also started. No replacement fee will be charged through the end of the year for those receiving the new library card design.
Statistical Reports
We continue to reflect strong growth in our statistics. 818 registered borrowers were added this month. Electronic activity increased 32% compared to August of last year. Program attendance this month compared to August 2003 nearly doubled. A Secrets and Spies program September 24 targeted 2nd through 5th grade students started out to be one program and ended with three programs scheduled that day with the help of the police department. While these programs were under way, Jimmy Neutron from Nickelodeon and Geoffrey from Toys R Us made an appearance. Circulation increased 12% compared to this time last year. A graphic will be placed on the web site regarding growth and circulation increases.
We officially received the $25,000 increase for materials and people are placing additional orders. Several areas of the collection are being targeted with the additional money.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
A special meeting was held last Tuesday to approve a contribution to this campaign committee. $1,200 was given to the citizens for better libraries. A letter was sent to current Friends of the Fargo Public Library members. Childrens book bags have been purchased and are available for sale.
Continuing Business
A. Library Card Campaign Update
This was covered in the staff report and directors report.
B. Select date for library board workshop
Pat Owens is able to conduct a workshop January 28-29 or February 4-5. A decision will be made at the next meeting.
New Business
There is no new business at this time.
Public Comment
There is no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting will be held October 26, 2004 , at 4:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen