The West Fargo Library Director told the board Dec. 11 that library spending stood at about 83% of budget through November and that operations and programs remain active heading into winter.

"We are 83% expended, through November," the director reported, noting an open position had kept year-end spending somewhat under budget. The director provided branch-level statistics: the satellite location recorded over 300 door counts and 459 physical-item circulations in November, while the main branch recorded more than 10,000 items circulated, over 4,000 visitors and 120 new library cards in November.

On collections and digital services, the director said the library discontinued Hoopla in May and increased investment in the Libby platform; electronic circulation has remained steady. Technical services refreshed travel guides and added 475 new items to the collection in November. "We just added 475 new items to the collection in November," the director said.

Operations changes include an updated meeting-room practice at the satellite: unreserved rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while reserved rooms will continue to be counted in meeting-room statistics.

Programs highlighted include LaunchPads (preloaded tablets for learners), youth activities (including a large open play day and school visits from third graders at Trinity Elementary School), an adult TOLES presentation from the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County that filled the meeting room, and the Winter Reading Challenge with 107 participants aiming to read 15 hours. The director also announced the library's 17th annual mitten tree is collecting winter gear for West Fargo children through Jan. 10 and will be distributed through schools.

Board members agreed informally to cancel the January board meeting and have individual check-ins with the director rather than hold a formal meeting unless pressing legislative issues require a special session.

Next steps: the board plans to resume regular meetings in February unless special sessions are called.