Altamont Public Library
121 West Washington
Altamont, IL 62411
618-483-5457
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 20, 2005
Contact: Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President
Subject: June 2005 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting
The Altamont Public Library Board met on June 6, 2005. On the agenda was the 2005 Summer Reading Program, reports on the library’s website, demonstration grant, and building repairs. Two new Board members, Corey Guy and Karon Oliver, were introduced to the Board.
The library’s circulation continues to increase with 13 new patron non-resident cards being distributed in May. Mrs. Speers gave a brief overview of her tour of the library Altamont Lutheran Interparish School’s First Grade Class. Mrs. Speers has submitted a Letter of Intent for grant submission for the State of Illinois Weed and Feed Grant Program. There are over 75 area children enrolled in the 2005 Summer Reading Program entitled “Superheroes – Powered by Books”. A free puppet show will be performed on June 17, at the Altamont Living Museum, for participants and the general public. This show is sponsored by the Altamont Junior Women’s Club, through a donation from their recent Cuddly Bunny Contest. The Altamont Living Museum has generously donated the use of the Museum for this show. At the end of the show, reading participants will be eligible for prize drawings, donated by many local merchants.
The Board discussed an upcoming donation for the library from an area organization. Plans are being finalized and details will be shared in the next few weeks. This donation would assist the library in funding several building improvements. Website statistics for May were presented with 138 sessions. An average of 9 pages were viewed for a total of 1,314 pages viewed. The highest usage for May 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 it’s catalog of materials..
Under new business, remodeling of the Library’s main desk was discussed and a bid was accepted from Rick Ohnesorge. The remodeling will allow better work flow, allowing books to be returned or checked out in a more efficient manner. The possibility of applying for a State of Illinois Grant for Digital Imaging was discussed. Currently, the Altamont area does not meet state guidelines, but the Board will consider applying for the grant next June. A summary of area library’s usage policies and charges was discussed, and additional information will be added to the summary in July. May communication efforts were shared, and possible June efforts were discussed. The Board discussed various methods of possible future fundraising for consideration. 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.