NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  January 27, 2006
Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President
Subject: January 2006 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on January 9, 2006. 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 4 new resident and 1 new non-resident cards being distributed in December.  The Library received almost $300 for the Book Fundraiser during the holidays.      

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the December’s circulation figures, which included our new service of interlibrary loans.  In December there was a total of 153 books and items borrowed, an increase of 10 books, and 225 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. 

Mrs. Speers has requested a review of the computer usage/internet policy to address inappropriate behavior.  A subcommittee was formed and the current policy will be reviewed and updated.

A mandatory Illinois State Small Public Library Management Conference for 2006 was discussed.  The library board approved the Librarian attending.  The registration fee and mileage reimbursement was also approved. 

The list of bills to be paid for January was presented.  These bills included charges for the upcoming summer reading program for materials needed.  The third installment of property taxes has been received from the City of Altamont. 

Website statistics for December were presented with 457 sessions for the month.  An average of 14 pages were viewed for a total of 5,551 pages viewed.  These statistics continue to increase from previous months.  The highest usage was for new books listing at the library section. The next two sections of the web were the geneology and web interface sections, along with the news release section which provides information on the library.  The board approved the renewal contract for web hosting for KTD Computers in Effingham. 

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

Under new business, December 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.  Gift certificates for library cards are currently available on a trial basis.  A “New Book Fund-Raiser” has also begun.  More details about these upcoming fundraisers are 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.   The library building brickwork is in disrepair and bids are currently being requested.  Funds are not budgeted, and fundraisers and other options are being considered. 

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.