NEWS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release:  May 17, 2007

Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President

Subject: May 2007 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting

The Altamont Public Library Board recently met on May 14, 2007. On the agenda was the status of building maintenance and repair, and 100^th Anniversary ideas, new and returning board members, election of officers, and the summer reading program.

The list of bills to be paid for May was presented.  These bills included charges for books, pest control, utilities, building maintenance, and library supplies.    

Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the April’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans.  In April, there were a total of 189 books and items borrowed, and 168 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program.   Through April, there were a total of 863 library cards being used, with two new resident cards and one non-resident card renewals.  Over 1,200 people used the library during April and over 1,200 items were checked out. 

New library board member, Kurt Becker, was welcomed to a three-year term.  Dona Strullmyer and Karon Oliver were reappointed for another three-year term.  The Election of Officers for fiscal year May 2007 through April 2008 are Sam Gnuse, President; Connie Kommer, Vice-President; Michelle Freezeland, Treasurer; and Sheryl Painter, Secretary.

Handmade bookmarks were donated to the library by Bonnie McNeely and Vera Miller.  These free bookmarks are available at the circulation desk. 

Mason’s Masonry Restoration has notified the library that the tiles are in transit and repair work should begin in the next few weeks.    

Bids for a new library bookshelf are still being received.  A decision will be made at the next meeting.

The 2007 Summer Reading Program (Mission Read: To the Library and Beyond) details were discussed.  Currently the library is planning a storyteller program on June 28 by storyteller Marilyn Kinsella titled “Dancing with the Stars”, and a possible 2^nd 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.  Registration for the 2007 Summer Reading Program begins May 15.

Discussion was held on possible events to celebrate the 100^th 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.

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.