August 21, 2007 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of August 21, 2007
Present: Prakash Mathew, Helen Levitt, Herb Snyder, Leo Wilking, Richard Zeck
Absent: Gale Chapman, Suzanne Morrison
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Liaison: Carol Sawicki
Staff: Monique Andresen, Tom Fortin, Eve Haaland, Beth Postema, Pam Strait
Others Present: City Commissioner Linda Coates
Order of Agenda
There were no additions or corrections to the order of agenda.
Minutes
Herb Snyder moved to approve the minutes of July 10, 2007. Leo Wilking seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Eve Haaland reported new deliveries for the Carlson collection are arriving at the Public Safety Building keeping staff busy. The RFID process at Southpointe is proceeding with just DVDs and CDs left to process. Patrons question daily about the progress of the Carlson Library and when it will open.
Story time will take place this fall at all three locations. Staff have volunteered to assist with the seven week program.
The library had a staff picnic in July organized by the staff development team. The staff development team also arranged for a relaxation workshop at the Spirit Room in August.
Tom Fortin will partner with the Fargo Housing Authority to present a small business and business research workshop in September.
Director’s Report
The Carlson Library is progressing with paint and ceilings. Basic shelving bids were in last week. The main library demolition is underway with all walls down. The next two weeks will entail clearing and preparing the site for construction. A Construction Kick off ceremony is planned for September 5 at 10:00 a.m. No models of the new main library have been commissioned, but renderings have been done.
There were more than 4,400 additional visits to the downtown temporary location in July compared to last month. All locations are extremely busy.
The summer reading program reader’s challenge was completed by 86 children. A full page ad with pictures of the children was in the Forum acknowledging their accomplishment. Children pre-kindergarten to seven years old read 4,416 hours and children eight years old and older read 5,072 hours for total summer reading hours of 9,488.
Some disruptive groups have been at Southpointe. These people are asked to leave, police have been called in some instances. A costume event will be held October 31 marking the last day Southpointe will be open. The Carlson Library is scheduled to open November 16. Some volunteer groups will assist with the move. A book brigade will be held November 9, a day Fargo Schools are out, to help move a portion of the collection.
Statistical Reports
Southpointe juvenile nonfiction has increased in circulation from 500 to 900. In preparing for the move to the Carlson Library the adult and juvenile nonfiction books have been separated. This may have helped the circulation of juvenile nonfiction books over the summer months.
In working through the budget process, the start up costs for the downtown temporary location which were taken from the operational set aside of the sales tax may be transferred to the general operating budget. There is some savings in the operational budget due to the open director position and this would preserve some of the sales tax proceeds for future expenditures. The mayor’s 2008 budget should be available mid-September.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Carol Sawicki reported no official meeting was held this month. The $10,000 pledge to the Capital Campaign has been paid. They will discuss opportunities for naming rights. The used book sale during the street fair was successful.
Continuing Business
A. Library Director Search
The closing date for applications is September 1. Twelve applications have been received to date.
New Business
A. Volunteer Policy
A volunteer policy was reviewed by the assistant city attorney. It is similar to policies used in other libraries. Currently there is a volunteer handbook for procedures and the library does have a recognition program in place. Prakash Mathew moved to approve the volunteer policy as distributed. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Public Comment
Beth Postema added the Public Library Association conference is in Minneapolis next year. The dates are March 25-29. Board members and Friends are encouraged to attend.
Russ Hodge will be in town during next month’s meeting. More fundraising will be discussed at that time.
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission room.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen