Altamont Public Library
121 West Washington
Altamont, IL 62411
618-483-5457
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
November 21, 2007
Contact: Beth Speers, Altamont Public Library Librarian
Subject: November 2007 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting
The Altamont Public Library Board recently met on November 12, 2007. On the agenda was the status of building maintenance and repair, copier replacement, 100th Anniversary ideas, and the status of the budget.
The list of bills to be paid for November was presented. These bills included charges for books, utilities, basic library supplies, and building maintenance. Partial funds have been received from the Real Estate Tax for 2006.
Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the October’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans. In October, there were a total of 75 books and items borrowed, and 236 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program. Over 1,400 people used the library during October and over 1,400 items were checked out. At the end of October, there was a total of 928 library cards issued to area patrons.
The new bookshelf is still being set up. Books are being re-shelved as time permits. The librarians would like to remind patrons that resource material and audio books have been moved to make them more accessible for the patrons.
The library’s copier continues to have problems. A new copier purchase is being investigated and should be replaced soon.
Two donations, one a memorial for Nita Groothuis, were received in October. The library board wishes to thank the donors for their generosity. Memorials are appreciated by all patrons of the library, and are a means to honor those who we remember.
Mason’s Masonry Restoration finished the repairs to the exterior library building tiles. The library staff thanks the library’s patrons for their patience during this lengthy renovation. The Altamont Fire Department volunteered their services to spray the front of the building to clean residue from the tile repair. The library board thanks the volunteer firemen for their support and assistance in maintaining the appearance of the library. The library board is working with MJ Remodeling’s for roofing repairs.
The final 2007-2008 library budget, approved by the Library Board, was submitted to the Altamont City Council. Final adjusted budget figures should soon be available.
Additional discussion was held on possible events to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Altamont Public Library in 2008. The board has agreed to host an Essay Contest for area students. Details should be available soon. 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.
The annual holiday fundraisers will be starting on Friday, November 23. The “readstrong” bracelets and the Christmas Tree books will both be available again this year. Also, consider sponsoring a library card for someone you know who lives outside the city limits. What an excellent gift for the entire family for the year!
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.