Altamont Public Library
121 West Washington
Altamont, IL 62411
618-483-5457
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 28, 2008
Contact: Beth Speers, Altamont Public Library Librarian
Subject: May 2008 Altamont Public Library Board of Directors meeting
The Altamont Public Library Board recently met on May 12, 2008. On the agenda was election of new officers, budget preparation, non-resident fees, and fundraising ideas.
The list of bills to be paid for May was presented. These bills included charges for books, final anniversary open house expenses, utilities, basic library supplies, 2 newspaper subscriptions, and internet filter. All financial reports are currently being audited.
Beth Speers, Librarian, gave a brief overview of the May’s circulation figures, which included our service of interlibrary loans. In April, there were a total of 247 books and items borrowed, and 272 loaned through the Shawnee Library System interlibrary loan program. Over 1,300 people used the library during April and over 1,600 items were checked out. Over 950 resident and non-resident library cards are currently active. Tours for Frog Pond and ALIS First Grade have been provided.
New library board member, Jim Stuckemeyer, was welcomed to a three-year term. Connie Kommer and Bill Wendling were reappointed for another three-year term. The Election of Officers for fiscal year May 2007 through April 2009 are Sam Gnuse, President; Karon Oliver, Vice-President; Michelle Freezeland, Treasurer; and Sheryl Painter, Secretary.
The summer reading program ”Get in the game, Read!” will begin June 1. A donation from the Altamont Junior Women’s Club will purchase new sports and activity books.
The library’s budget committee will meet in June to begin budget preparation for the 2008-2009 budget. The budget will be submitted to the Altamont City Council for approval.
The library’s non resident fee of $50 was reviewed. The non-resident fee allows the Altamont Public Library to manage growth as well as improve the equity between taxpayers and non-taxpayers. Non-residents are charged approximately the same amount as an average property owner. Charging a non-resident fee is standard practice among libraries in Illinois who do not belong in a library district. Non-residents who pay for a library card have access to the same materials and services available to Altamont Public Library’s residents. Library cards are required to borrow materials or register for a computer. Everyone is welcome to visit the libraries, use materials in the libraries, and attend programs or other events. Fifty dollars may seem like a lot of money, but some comparisons may help put it in perspective. An average priced hardcover novel will run about $25.00. If you buy five during the year it may cost you $125.00 or more. An evening out for a family of four may easily cost $50.00. When put into perspective, $50.00 for a year of public library service looks like the incredible bargain it is. We want to have the best library service we know how to deliver. The Altamont Public Library Board of Directors wish it were tax-supported by the county so that we could offer you a "free" library card, but it isn't and we can't. Until the library can become a district library, we must collect the cost directly from you. When you purchase a library card from the Altamont Public Library, you purchase our pledge to provide you with the best library service we know how to deliver, at a reasonable cost. We want to be your library.
Altamont Public Library policies and by-laws will be reviewed and revised starting in June.
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.