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Director outlines finances, staffing search, new SMS notices, strategic plan rollout and carpet project
Summary
Director Jenna reported the library is about 60% expended through August with roughly $1 million remaining, interviews for the adult services manager position have concluded, an SMS patron-notification system launched, the strategic plan was approved and is being implemented, and a carpet-replacement project will start Oct. 2.
WEST FARGO, N.D. — At the West Fargo Library Board meeting on Sept. 11, the library director summarized fiscal standing, personnel recruiting, communications upgrades, strategic planning work and an upcoming facilities project.
Jenna, the library director, told the board expenditures through August were “about 60% expended” and said the library has “a little over a million dollars left in our appropriation.” She said interviews for an adult services manager position have concluded and staff expect to announce a candidate soon.
On communications, Jenna said the library has launched a new SMS system that will send users text updates about accounts, holds and renewals if patrons have provided a cell number. She said, “I think this is going to add a whole new layer of communication with our library patrons.”
Jenna said the board previously approved the library’s strategic plan and staff are now conducting workshops and surveys to turn broad priorities into measurable goals. She told the board managers will compile staff input and return with specific, tangible measures for the board to review; a staff‑and‑board survey will be circulated to gather additional ideas.
Facility work: Jenna announced contractors will begin replacing carpet at the main library starting Oct. 2. Contractors estimate the work could take “a week” and possibly up to two weeks depending on how quickly the old carpet comes up and adhesive removal. Jenna said staff plan phased work “in sections at a time,” will maintain walkways where possible, and attempt to perform stairway and elevator work on a weekend to avoid accessibility impacts. She added that public computers will be temporarily removed while sections are worked on and the library will try to shift services and hours to the satellite location if closure is necessary.
Questions from board members included how long the carpet work would take and whether city staff use the satellite library; Jenna said most satellite users are community members. No formal board actions were taken on these items during the meeting.
Ending: The board received the director’s report and will await staff follow‑up on the FY26 final budget, measurable goals from the strategic plan rollout and a schedule for carpet project phases.
