NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  May 31, 2006
Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President
Subject: May 2006 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board met on May 8, 2006. On the agenda was the status of the building maintenance and repair, report on the library’s website, Election of Officers, Summer Reading Program and the budget.

The list of bills to be paid for May was presented.  These bills included charges for books, utilities, equipment replacement, and renewal of the internet computer filter.  Several donations was received in April, including the annual donation from the Altamont Junior Women’s Club from their Cuddly Bunny fundraiser for the summer reading program.  The Library received over $100 in fines during April. 

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the April’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans.  In April, there was a total of 156 books and items borrowed, and 267 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 April, there was a total of 764 library cards being used. Over 1,500 people used the library during April.  The Library provided tours to over 90 children from Frog Pond on April 26 & 27.  Stories were read aloud and bookmarks given out.  Mrs. Speers will be attending a Librarian conference required by the State of Illinois in June.

Three board members were presented for the City Council to approve for reappointment for a three-year term ending April 2009.  Election of Officers for fiscal year May 2006 through April 2007 are Sam Gnuse, President; Connie Kommer, Vice-President; Michelle Freezeland, Treasurer; and Sheryl Painter, Secretary.

The library building’s front brickwork is in disrepair and bids continued 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.   Only one bid has been received, and details of payment options are being investigated. 

Website statistics for April were presented with 731 sessions for the month, an increase of 249.  An average of 19 pages were viewed for a total of 5,327 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 planning is moving forward with the librarians finalizing the details.  The Altamont Junior Women’s Club again donated to the program. The Club holds fundraisers throughout the year to help provide this event.