Interview subject: Tim Dirks, director, Fargo Public Library.
In 2004, Fargo voters considered an 18-month, half-cent sales tax in order to build a new downtown library and two branch libraries. The measure passed with 62 percent of the vote.
Q. How has the library been since it opened in 2009?
A. I think it's been a tremendous success, and the library has been very busy.
Q. What are some of the more popular features that you have?
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A. Well, certainly the increased access to public computers has been very important.
On top of that, wireless internet is something that people like at our library.
We also have separate areas for children's centers as well as teen centers.
Q. Have there been any issues that have come up since the library opened?
A. Nothing major with the library or the system. Just some minor water issues in the parking lot on the south side of the building when it rains.
Q. One popular trend in libraries has been in the self-service area -- self-service checkouts and so on. Have you seen that in Fargo?
A. Our library is a high-volume library, and so self-checking services are highly encouraged.
Since the library has opened, we actually have added an additional self-check desk to assist with the high level of usage that we are getting.
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Q. The sales tax that was implemented to build the Library there is similar to the one that is being proposed here. How has that affected the project or the community?
A. Well, the proposed tax went up for referendum and passed by more than 60 percent, so I think this shows the support that the citizens of Fargo had for the addition of this building.
Q. Any advice for us in Grand Forks?
A. Just be sure to include the people of the community in the decision-making process and input of ideas, because it is the continued support of the people we rely on down here that has given us the opportunity to grow the way we have.
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Interview subject: Patricia Conley, director, Washington County Library, Woodbury, Minn.
The Washington County Library is a public library system with nine branch and associate libraries.
In 2002, the R.H Stafford Library was built in Woodbury. The library is connected to the local YMCA.
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Q. How has it worked out for the library to co-exist with the YMCA?
A. It works out very well. Early on, we had some problems with teens acting out in the walkway that connects the two buildings. Those are going to be problems that you expect in any kind of a community center area, and the solution was pretty simple. That was to lock the doors to that hallway at night.
Q. Since the library was built in 2002, have you seen an increase in usage?
A. Yes. The most recent numbers I have are from 2009. At that time, the library was the sixth largest in the state in terms of visits, with more than half a million people.
Q. What are some popular features that you have at this library?
A. Aside from our collection of books and DVDs, our most popular things are our computers, wireless internet and self-service. We were early adopters of the self-checkout, because the Washington County Library has a very low level of staff. This has given the staff the chance to focus on other tasks rather than checking people out.
Q. Is there anything you wish you had but was not included?
A. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about the future of their library to have a drive-up book drop as well as an automated materials handling system. A lot of staff time is used on checking books back in, and that takes away from helping others.
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Also, building teen-oriented centers is a big draw. Just make sure that the teens and children's areas are far from each other because teens don't like to be near kids (laughs).
I also urge people to get rid of a reference desk. At our library in Forest Lake, Minn., we have one service desk located right up front, while the reference desk "roams" throughout the library with several small locations to help people out.
Q. Any advice for us here in Grand Forks?
A. Make sure to build your library in a very community-oriented location. At our location, we are near several housing communities and apartments as well as City Hall and a few local businesses. This has helped the library be a part of a central area in the community.
