June 17, 2008 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of June 17, 2008
Present: Gale Chapman, Helen Levitt, Prakash Mathew, Suzanne Morrison, Herb Snyder, Richard Zeck
Absent: Leo Wilking
Others: Friends Representative Carol Sawicki
Staff: Monique Andresen, Tim Dirks, Eve Haaland
Order of Agenda
Prakash Mathew moved to approve the order of the agenda. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Prakash Mathew moved to approve the minutes of May 20, 2008. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Eve Haaland reported the Summer Reading Program is going great. The door count on the day of the ice cream social at the Carlson library indicated 1,300 people were there that day. We had 400 pre-registrations and an additional 500 registrations on the first day June 9. Programs have averaged 100 people in attendance.
The RFID, radio frequency identification, project at Roberts Street is projected to be complete within two months. Staff is continuously working on the collection.
Director’s Report
Tim Dirks announce the library received a $30,000 grant from the Alex Stern Family Foundation.
The first floor of the new main library is being poured and is ¾ finished. The roof is almost finished. Window installation has not started yet. They are being manufactured locally. Electrical and duct work continues.
The James Carlson Library touch ups are ongoing. They should be complete by next week.
Monique Andresen has resigned from the Principal Office Associate position. Advertisements were in the Forum starting June 20. The City of Fargo application process is online and there is a good pool of applicants.
Fundraising activities are now focused on grant opportunities. Overall the project is doing well. As people are interested, the deputy director, director and former campaign committee members continue to visit with potential donors. Funding will continue to be sought for collections.
Statistical Reports
Approximate registered patrons now reports active patrons. Previously the number reported active and inactive cardholders. As ODIN continues to improve reporting features, more relevant information will be available.
Program attendance has significantly increased with the Carlson Library. Print circulation has increased year to date by 30%. Non print circulation has increased year to date by 35%. Overall, the libraries have seen an increase in circulation of 32%.
Staff continues to work on e-mail notification of holds as well as placing holds on items that are on the shelves.
A gift from Microsoft employees with a match from Microsoft was received this month. Fine revenue is keeping pace without the collection of nonresident fees. The library is 41.67% through the year and has expended 34.57% of the budget. Areas to watch include part time benefited wages, NDPERS retirement, phone service, travel and conferences, general supplies, and natural gas/electricity.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Carol Sawicki reported the Friends held their annual meeting last week. Officers were voted into office. Mary Kerbaugh is President, Rocky Schneider is Vice President, Kathy Gilstrap is Secretary, and Carin Noriega is Treasurer. A committee has been formed to plan for the book sale space in the new main library. Currently the Friends have 99 household members.
Continuing Business
A. Art Display Policy
Tim Dirks presented options taken from other library display policies. Rich Zeck moved to have Herb Snyder review the art display policy and present options for review at the next meeting. Suzanne Morrison seconded the motion; the motion carried.
New Business
A. Review of Bulletin Board and Brochures Table Policy
Suzanne Morrison moved to accept the Bulletin Board and Brochures Table Policy with no changes as presented. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Public Comment
The board communicated best wishes and good luck to Monique Andresen as she leaves the library. Monique Andresen stated it was a pleasure to work with a great bunch of people.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at 4 p.m. in the City Commission room with the annual meeting immediately following. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted with sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work with a professional devoted group of individuals,
Monique Andresen