Altamont Public Library
121 West Washington
Altamont, IL 62411
618-483-5457
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: April 19,
2007
Contact: Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President
Subject: April 2007 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting
The Altamont Public Library Board recently met on April 9, 2007. On the agenda was the status of building maintenance and repair, and 100th Anniversary ideas, fundraising ideas, new board members, staff evaluation and annual salary review, and the summer reading program.
The list of bills to be paid for April was presented. These bills included charges for books, utilities, building maintenance, and library supplies.
Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the March’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans. In March, there were a total of 187 books and items borrowed, and 178 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program. Through March, there were a total of 863 library cards being used, with six new resident card and five non-resident card renewals. Over 1,400 people used the library during March and over 1,500 items were checked out.
Health and Wellness material from a recent grant has been processed. Three different health programs were planned. A Rural Safety and Health Concern program was scheduled for March 24. Dr. Frost will present a program on Children’s Health and Safety at 1 p.m. on April 21, and a health screening is being planned in the future.
Mason’s Masonry Restoration has ordered the tiles for the repair of the outer library wall. Once the tiles arrive, repair work should begin, weather permitting.
The 2007 Summer Reading Program (Mission Read: To the Library and Beyond) details were discussed. Currently the library is planning a storyteller program on July 28 on “Dancing with the Stars”, and a possible 2nd event is being planned. The Altamont Junior Women’s Club has notified the library that they will again donate half the proceeds from their recent Cuddly Bunny fundraiser. The Library is very grateful to the Altamont Junior Women’s Club for their continued support of the summer reading program. Budget restraints limit activities for the annual Summer Reading Program, and any donations from the community would be appreciated.
The library board broke into closed session to discuss annual staff evaluations and salaries. The library board appreciates the dedication and knowledge of the three part-time library staff.
Discussion was held on possible events to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Altamont Public Library in 2008. More details will be worked out in the upcoming months. Any interested community member can volunteer to assist the Library staff and board members with the events. Just stop at the circulation desk and let us know of your interest.
Possible fundraising ideas were discussed, but more background is needed on regulations on fundraising.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. For more information on the Altamont Public Library call 618-483-5457 or go to www.altamontpubliclibrary.com.