NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  June 30, 2006

Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President

Subject: June 2006 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on June 12, 2006. On the agenda was the status of the building maintenance and repair, report on the library’s website, and Summer Reading Program.

The list of bills to be paid for June was presented.  These bills included charges for books, utilities, and library supplies.  Several donations were received in May, including a donation of several magazines from a local business as well as a donation in memory of Artie Wagemann. The library has also been receiving donations for the summer reading program.  The Library received over $85 in fines during May. 

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the May’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans.  In May, there was a total of 169 books and items borrowed, and 235 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program.   The Library is now able to share its material through the program to other area library patrons.  Through May, there was a total of 797 library cards being used. Twenty-four new resident and nine non-resident cards were processed.  Over 1,300 people used the library during May.  Mrs. Speers gave an overview of the Small Public Library Management workshop she attended.  A grant application has been submitted for non-fiction healthcare material to update the library’s selections.

The library building’s front brickwork is in disrepair and bids continued to be requested.  At this time, only one bid has been received for the repair work.  Funds are not budgeted, and fundraisers and other options are being considered.  The Board continues 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.    

Website statistics for May were presented with 807 sessions for the month, an increase of 76.  An average of 5 pages were viewed for a total of 4,019 pages viewed.  The highest usage was for news releases and new books listing at the library section.

Other topics discussed included the Summer Reading Program.  The Summer Reading Program has begun with 86 children enrolled.  There will be a special event on June 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library.  Patty Winn will do a portrayal of a surprise character.  The public is invited to this free event.  The Altamont Junior Women’s Club again donated to the program. The Club holds fundraisers throughout the year to help provide this event.