April 15, 2008 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of April 15, 2008
Present: Helen Levitt, Prakash Mathew, Suzanne Morrison, Herb Snyder, Leo Wilking, Richard Zeck
Absent: Gale Chapman
Others: City Commissioner Linda Coates, Friends Representative Carol Sawicki
Staff: Monique Andresen, Tim Dirks, Eve Haaland, Beth Postema
Vice Chair Herb Snyder called the meeting to order.
Order of Agenda
Suzanne Morrison moved to approve the order of the agenda. Prakash Mathew seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Richard Zeck moved to approve the minutes of March 18, 2008. Suzanne Morrison seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Eve Haaland announced it is National Library Week this week with many activities planned. The author Will Hobbs will visit the Dr. James Carlson Library tonight. A potluck is being held tomorrow at the Carlson Library for area public library staff. The Friends of the Fargo Public Library gave gift certificates to each staff member in appreciation of what they do each day.
A luncheon honoring our volunteers is being planned for April 30. Four volunteers were nominated for the Golden DOV awards this year.
Director’s Report
Tim Dirks reported the part time Library Associate I positions have all been filled. An offer has been made for the part time Reference Associate contingent upon background and drug screen.
The main library construction of the metal decking is 60% complete, joists 80% complete. Roofing will be in place at the end of the month.
The Dr. James Carlson Library continues with the construction punch list of items to complete. They are waiting for the ground to dry out to walk around and inspect the exterior of the building.
Statistical Reports
Total registered patrons have increased by 341 from last month. Patron visits have increased 25% from this time last year. Now that there is a venue for programming, attendance has increased for programs as well.
A defibrillator was purchased for the Carlson Library. This will be expended from special projects funds. Training is being scheduled. A defibrillator is already in place at the Roberts Street location.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Carol Sawicki reported the Friends held a meeting last week. The treasury has $8,081.85. Current memberships stand at 93 households. Approval was given to conduct a half price book sale at the Roberts Street location to clear out space for new donations and discards. The Dakota Medical Foundation will be at the May meeting.
Continuing Business
A. Updated Patron Registration Form
Prakash Mathew moved to accept the registration form, striking number six on the front page. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
B. Wellspring Donation Agreement
A revised agreement was voted on via e-mail after the last board meeting with Leo Wilking, Herb Snyder, Richard Zeck, and Suzanne Morrison agreeing to the document, Prakash Mathew disagreeing, Gale Chapman abstaining because she was not a part of the original decision to accept the gift, and Helen Levitt not voting.
The document was forwarded to the City Commission. The agreement is now in effect.
New Business
A. Gifts of Art to the Fargo Public Library
Space is programmed in the new main library for displays in the corridor. No display cases will be added as were in the old main library. The Carlson Library has a large quilt on permanent display. The Northport Library has Rourke woodcuts on permanent display. The new main library will have space for the Bodmer-Catlin prints.
Herb Snyder will draft a revised policy for gifts of art.
B. Public Library Association Conference Report
Tim Dirks, Melisa Duncan, Sarah Kauffman, Karen Kohoutek, Cheryl Lackman, and Beth Postema attended the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis June 26-29.
Lori West reported going to a pre-conference seminar on management. Programs throughout the conference were very high quality and interesting. Programs she attended included a reference program discussing Google and focusing on it as a tool for librarians. She walked away another with some ideas to implement for the senior programming. She also attended programs related to nonfiction readers advisory, Native Americans, and teens.
Tim Dirks reported attending a Community Crime Solvers program. It stressed the investment in staff time and resources needed. From previous meetings with service organizations, a sensitive question has been asked about homeless patrons. Michael Carbone, Executive Director of Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons, spoke to the library staff at a meeting in March to assist in providing resources to our staff to present to people in need.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at 4 p.m. in the City Commission room. The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen