NEWS RELEASE   

For Immediate Release:  December 10, 2006
Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President
Subject: November 2006 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on November 13, 2006. On the agenda was the status of the building maintenance and repair, backup library lighting, and tax levy information.

The list of bills to be paid for November was presented.  These bills included charges for books, utilities, internet filters, and library supplies.    

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the October’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans.  In October, there was a total of 211 books and items borrowed, and 225 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program.   Through October, there was a total of 773 library cards being used. Three non-resident cards were renewed.  Over 1,400 people used the library during October and over 1,200 items were checked out. 

The grant from the state library for $22,312 for the library building’s front brickwork and interior repair has been approved.  Bids for brick work are being reviewed and finalized.  Any additional repairs to the library building and interior work will be considered after brick work is completed. 

 Backup lighting in the library has ceased to work.  A motion was approved to purchase backup lighting for building security.  Board member Bill Wendling will work on getting bids. 

Permission to park behind the Library building in the designated Library only parking spaces was requested.  Permission was granted.  Signage from the City of Altamont will be requested so designation of “Library Parking Only” will be more visual.

Possible fundraising ideas were discussed.  A possible bus trip is being investigated.  Ideas from the public are welcome for future fundraising for the Library.

Seven library board members were present at the recent City Council meeting.  The board members were present to ask for support for an increased tax levy because last year’s tax levy was lower than what was allowable.  Also, the board asked for support for the maximum allowable for building maintenance and social security assistance, which the library has not requested in the past.  These amounts are allowable by the State of Illinois Library law.  The city council was agreeable with our request and asked the library board to formally present a request.