Altamont Public Library
121 West Washington
Altamont, IL 62411
618-483-5457
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: September 24, 2007
Contact: Beth Speers, Altamont Public Library Librarian
Subject: September 2007 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting
The Altamont Public Library Board recently met on September 10, 2007. On the agenda was the status of building maintenance and repair, 100th Anniversary ideas, bookshelf, and the status of the budget.
The list of bills to be paid for September was presented. These bills included charges for books, utilities, air conditioner repair, bookshelf, and building maintenance. Funds were transferred from the money market account to cover expenses until the 2006 property tax monies are distributed.
Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the August’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans. In August, there were a total of 83 books and items borrowed, and 258 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program. Through August, there were a total of 913 library cards being used, with five new resident cards and one new non-resident cards. Over 1,300 people used the library during July and over 1,400 items were checked out. Staffing was discussed with acknowledgement of Laura McGuire, the library’s teen volunteer intern, help in reshelving material and organizing the children’s sections weekly. The library staff and board both appreciate Ms. McGuire’s continued assistance. Ms. McGuire has continued to volunteer at the library throughout the summer.
The new bookshelf has been received and set up. Books will be reshelved as time permits. Resource material has been moved to the resource room in the back of the library and audio material was moved to the shelves previously holding the resource material. This should make it more visible for library patrons looking for our ever-growing choice in audiobooks. The resource material was moved to a quieter location to provide a better atmosphere for those utilizing the resources available.
The library’s copier continues to need repair. An investigation of lease versus purchase options was discussed and more options need to be investigated. The topic will be discussed in October.
Mason’s Masonry Restoration continues to make repairs to the exterior library building tiles. The library staff asks the library’s patrons for patience during this renovation. The library board continues to be grateful to The Cookie Jar for their patience and support during this renovation.
The board is aware of repairs needed for the library roof. The submitted bid for repair work was discussed, and MJ Remodeling’s bid was accepted.
The 2007-2008 library budget, approved by the Library Board, has been submitted to the Altamont City Council, pending any assessment changes in September. Final figures will be submitted soon.
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.
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.