NEWS RELEASE

The Altamont Public Library Board met on November 7, 2005. On the agenda was the status of the library circulation desk remodeling, report on the library’s website, tax installment, and fundraising ideas.

The library’s circulation continues to increase with 13 new resident cards being distributed in October and eight non-resident cards were renewed.  On November 8, Altamont Head Start school will receive a tour of the library.    

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the October’s circulation figures, which included our new service of interlibrary loans.  In October there was a total of 106 books and items borrowed and 275 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. 

Michelle Freezeland, Treasurer, presented the bills to be paid for November.  Additional first installment for the 2004 property taxes, $2,069.01, was received.  An additional for replacement tax, $434.53, was also received.  The decision was made to discontinue the St. Louis Post Dispatch at the end of November.  

Website statistics for October were presented with 443 sessions for the month.  An average of 12 pages were viewed for a total of 5,393 pages viewed.  These statistics are an increase from previous months.  The highest usage 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 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, October 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.  Tree decoration fundraiser was discussed and will be implemented starting November 25.  Book ornaments will be available for a minimum donation of $1.00 and will be displayed on the library’s Christmas tree.  Gift certificates for library cards will also be available during the holiday season on a trial basis.  A “New Book Fund-Raiser” will also begin.  More details about these upcoming fundraisers will be available soon.  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.