September 2005 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on September 12, 2005. On the agenda was the status of the library circulation desk remodeling, report on the library’s website, and National Library Card Sign-up Month event.

The library’s circulation continues to increase with 13 new resident cards being distributed in August and four new non-resident cards.  September is National Library Card Sign-up Month.  To encourage the community to sign-up for a new library card, the library is offering a “ReadStrong” gel bracelet to each family that registers for a new card during October 2005.  Patrons renewing their cards are not eligible for this offer. 

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the August’s circulation figures, which included our new service of interlibrary loans.  In August there was a total of 96 books and items borrowed and 313 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program.   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.  In July there was a total of 97 books processed through the loan program.

Memorials for Jean Wendling have been received, and books will be selected.  The Board’s condolences were extended to Jean’s husband, Bill, who is a Library board member.  The Board appreciated the family’s memorials.

Michelle Freezeland, Treasurer, presented the bills to be paid for August.  Current rates for Certificates of Deposit were discussed and CD’s will be renewed at the newer rates in September.  Estimated 2004 property tax money is expected to be $25,000.36.

Website statistics for August were presented with 206 sessions for the month.  An average of 16 pages were viewed for a total of 3,942 pages viewed.  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 will be 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, August communication efforts were shared as well as possible September efforts were discussed.  The Board discussed various methods of possible future fundraising for consideration.  The library is selling “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.

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