May 20, 2008 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of May 20, 2008
Present: Gale Chapman, Helen Levitt, Leo Wilking, Richard Zeck
Absent: Prakash Mathew, Suzanne Morrison, Herb Snyder
Others: City Commissioner Linda Coates, Friends Representative Carol Sawicki, Fargo Moorhead Area Foundation Interim Director Mike Hannaher
Staff: Monique Andresen, Tim Dirks, Eve Haaland
Staff Report
Eve Haaland reported that the Dr. James Carlson Library is very busy. This month the City of Fargo recognized several library employees for years of service. Diane Briggs and Mary Haedt have been with the library for forty years. Steve Hubbard has been with the library 35 years. Congratulations to them. Automated external defibrillators (AED’s) are now at both the Roberts Street location and Carlson. Training for staff took place this month. A police officer spoke to staff about New Americans and Alicia Helgeson spoke to staff about conflict resolution at a recent all staff meeting.
Computer training for adults has started with access to five laptops at Carlson. A recent rock band gaming program for teens took place with thirty teens in attendance. The time was extended from one hour to two hours to accommodate the crowd. A Kite Day was held in conjunction with the parks at the park outside the Carlson library. The children’s department participated with a craft activity. Approximately 200 people were in the park. Children’s staff also participated at the Share a Story program at Rheault Farm, and conducted seven area school outreach programs.
The summer reading program “Catch the Reading Bug” starts June 9 with an ice cream social at the Carlson library.
Director’s Report
Tim Dirks reported the part time Reference Associate position has been filled by Beth Willoughby.
The floor coverings over precast concrete are being completed at the new main library. Work is being done on roofing and ductwork. Construction is on schedule at this point.
The Dr. James Carlson Library exterior is being inspected. New tables for the conference rooms arrived May 12.
The library received a grant from the Jaycees for the Children’s theater area in the amount of $2,500. The Jaycees are also working on a raffle with proceeds benefitting the library.
Order of Agenda
Richard Zeck moved to approve the order of the agenda with the staff and director reports first. Gale Chapman seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Leo Wilking moved to approve the minutes of April 15, 2008. Richard Zeck seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Statistical Reports
Attendance has increased 22% year to date from last year. Programming attendance is up with the added space at Carlson. Print circulation has increased 35% tear to date and non-print circulation has increased 39%.
Overall at 33% of the year past 27% of the budget has been expended.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Carol Sawicki reported the Friends held a meeting at the Dakota Medical Foundation offices. The Friends will be added to the list of nonprofits at the Impact Foundation. The Impact Foundation offers growth opportunities and assistance to area nonprofits. This will give the Friends an opportunity for a web presence for one year. After that time, they could choose to continue at a fee of $600.
Funding was approved for hand trucks and bags for the Outreach Department.
Continuing Business
A. Art Gift Policy
Leo Wilking moved to table this discussion until the next meeting.
New Business
A. Presentation of Grant Award to FPL from Fargo Moorhead Area Foundation
Mike Hannaher, Interim Director of the Fargo Moorhead Area Foundation presented a grant award of $11,500 for the Children’s Area of the new main library.
Leo Wilking moved for a resolution of thanks to the Fargo Moorhead Area Foundation for the generous gift. Gale Chapman seconded the motion; the motion carried unanimously.
B. Review of Library Policies
Leo Wilking moved to approve the draft Art Display Policy. Gale Chapman seconded the motion. Leo Wilking withdrew the motion; Gale Chapman agreed.
Leo Wilking moved to that action be deferred until next month. Tim Dirks will look at other library policies regarding art display.
Leo Wilking moved to approve the Rules of Conduct Policy. Richard Zeck seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at 4 p.m. in the City Commission room. The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen