NEWS RELEASE

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

The Altamont Public Library Board met on March 13, 2006. On the agenda was the status of the library circulation desk remodeling, report on the library’s website, building maintenance and repair, and the budget.

The treasurer’s report was presented for February.  The list of bills to be paid for March was presented.  These bills included charges for renewal of area newspaper, the internet computer filter, and new books.  Additional property taxes money has been received from the City of Altamont.  A memorial donation was received to purchase a year’s subscription of Midwest Living.

The Library received almost $150 in fines during February.  The library’s fine policy has been posted at the circulation desk and is being reviewed with patrons as they check out books.  Material is to be returned by close of library on the day due or a fine is imposed.   Fines are ten cents per day per item. 

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the January’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans.  In February, there was a total of 256 books and items borrowed, and 360 loaned, an increase of over 100 items, 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 is now able to provide circulation figures by patron type.  A comparison report will begin to be presented in April.  In February, almost 1,500 books and material was circulated through the library, with a year to date total of almost 3,000.

Website statistics for February were presented with 382 sessions for the month.  An average of 17 pages were viewed for a total of 5,395 pages viewed, a decrease of 85 pages.  The highest usage was for new books listing at the library section. The next two sections of the web were the news releases and web interface sections. 

The Library’s circulation desk remodeling has been completed.  All comments to librarians have been very positive.   

The library building’s front brickwork is in disrepair and bids continue to be requested.  Funds are not budgeted, and fundraisers and other options are being considered.  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 2006-07 Budget was proposed to be presented to the City of Altamont for approval.  Also being presented to the City for approval will be new board member nominations.

Other topics discussed included National Library Week and the Summer Reading Program.  The Summer Reading Program planning is moving forward with the librarians working on all the details.  The Altamont Junior Women’s Club will again sponsor a special event during the month of June.  The Club holds fundraisers throughout the year to help provide this event.