For Immediate Release:  August 10, 2005

Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President

Subject: August 2005 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on August 1, 2005. On the agenda was the status of the library circulation desk remodeling, report on the library’s website, and review of non-resident fees and computer fees.

The library’s circulation continues to increase with 14 new resident cards being distributed in July and two new non-resident cards.  Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the July’s circulation figures, which included our new service of interlibrary loans.  In July there was a total of 97 books and items requested from the Altamont Public Library and requested for the Altamont Public Library patrons.   This new service has increased the numbers of material loaned through the inter-library loan program – both material being requested from the library as well as coming into the library.  The Library is now able to share its material through the program to other area library patrons.    So far, the Library staff has been able to meet the increased requests without additional staffing.

Michelle Freezeland, Treasurer, presented the bills to be paid for August.  The City of Altamont’s annual auditing fees were added to the list of bills, and quarterly payroll taxes are being finalized. 

Website statistics for July were presented with 154 sessions for the month.  An average of 14 pages were viewed for a total of 2,484 pages viewed.  The highest usage for July was for the web interface, a new service offered through the Altamont Public Library.  This service is available as a result of the recent Automation Grant that allowed the library to computerize its catalog of materials.  The next two sections of the web were the New Books listing – which will be updated monthly, and News Releases – which will share all new information on the Altamont Public Library.

The Library’s circulation desk remodeling has been held up due to damaged supplies being delivered.  The desk should be completed by the end of August. 

Non-resident fees were discussed and area library policies were reviewed.  At this time, the Library Board has left the Non-resident Fee to remain.  A motion was presented and approved to create a computer fee of $1.00 an hour for any non-library card patrons.  Patrons will sign-in for computer use and the fee will be paid at that time.  This fee will be effective immediately.  This fee will assist in covering computer maintenance and internet charges. 

Under new business, July communication efforts were shared as well as possible August efforts were discussed.  The Board discussed various methods of possible future fundraising for consideration.  The Board is working with the Library Building Corporation to resume fundraising for the Library.  Members of the Altamont community are invited to volunteer on this board.   With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

For more information on the Altamont Public Library call 618-483-5457 or go to www.altamontpubliclibrary.com.