NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  December 23, 2005
Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President
Subject: December 2005 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on December 12, 2005. On the agenda was the status of the library circulation desk remodeling, report on the library’s website, building maintenance and repair, and fundraising ideas.

The library’s circulation continues to increase with 8 new resident and 2 new non-resident cards being distributed in November.  The Library received a donation of a beautiful Christmas tree for the Book Fundraiser.      

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the November’s circulation figures, which included our new service of interlibrary loans.  In November there was a total of 143 books and items borrowed, an increase of 40 books, and 265 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program.   These numbers continue to increase monthly.  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. 

The list of bills to be paid for December was presented.  These bills included the yearly Shawnee Library System maintenance and support charge as well as internet filter charges.  

Website statistics for November were presented with 473 sessions for the month.  An average of 11 pages were viewed for a total of 5,937 pages viewed.  These statistics continue to increase from previous months.  The highest usage was for the history of the library and general library information. The next two sections of the web were the New Books listing – which is updated monthly, and News Releases – which will share all new information on the Altamont Public Library.

The Library’s circulation desk remodeling is continuing.  Finishing work is all that remains.    

Under new business, November communication efforts were shared.  New book club groups are forming and information on them will be available soon.  If interested in joining a book club, check at the circulation desk at the Library.   

The Board discussed various methods of possible future fundraising for consideration.  The library continues to sell “ReadStrong” gel bracelets as a small fundraiser.  These bracelets are available at the library’s circulation desk.  A new tree decoration fundraiser was discussed and was implemented November 25.  To date, over $250 has been raised through this new fundraiser.   Book ornaments are available for a minimum donation of $1.00 and will be displayed on the library’s Christmas tree through the holiday season.  Gift certificates for library cards are also available during the holiday season on a trial basis.  A “New Book Fund-Raiser” has also begun.  More details about these upcoming fundraisers will be available at the library circulation desk.  The Board is continuing to work with the Library Building Corporation to resume fundraising for the Library.  Members of the Altamont community are invited to volunteer on this board.   

Ideas for the Altamont Public Library’s 100 Anniversary were discussed and the library welcomes ideas from the public on how to celebrate it’s 100^th Anniversary in 2008.

The library board went into closed session to discuss staff evaluations.  Upon completion, the board returned to open meeting.  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.