NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  October 24, 2005

Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President

Subject: October 2005 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on October 3, 2005. On the agenda was the status of the library circulation desk remodeling, report on the library’s website, tax installment, Illinois State Weed and Feed grant decision, and recent memorials.

The library’s circulation continues to increase with 8 new resident cards being distributed in August and two non-resident cards were renewed.  On September 28, Altamont Head Start school received a tour of the library for it’s 18 children.  The library was notified that it’s grant application was not approved for the 2005 Weed and Feed Grant due to the high number of grant applications being submitted.  The 2006 Weed and Feed Grant will be applied for once it’s available. 

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the September’s circulation figures, which included our new service of interlibrary loans.  In September there was a total of 98 books and items borrowed and 325 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program.   These numbers are an increase from previous months.  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. 

Additional memorials for Jean Wendling as well as a memorial for Marjorie Tipsword have been received, and books are being selected.  The Board’s condolences are extended to the family of both Mrs. Wendling and Mrs. Tipsword.  The Board appreciates both family’s memorials.

Michelle Freezeland, Treasurer, presented the bills to be paid for September.  The first installment for the 2004 property taxes, $12,718.54, was received.  An additional for replacement tax, $273.03, was also received.

Website statistics for September were presented with 409 sessions for the month, which was double August’s figures.  An average of 14 pages were viewed for a total of 4,714 pages viewed – also doubled from August.  The highest usage for August 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, September communication efforts were shared as well as possible October efforts were discussed.  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.  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.   With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.