Altamont Public Library
121 West Washington
Altamont, IL 62411
618-483-5457
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: April 1, 2008
Contact: Beth Speers, Altamont Public Library Librarian
Subject: Altamont Public Library’s 100th Anniversary Open House
Click here for more photos of the open house
Over 100 people joined the Altamont Public Library Board of Directors and
Librarians on Saturday, March 29 as they celebrated their 100th
Anniversary with an Open House celebration. Welcoming remarks were made by Sam
Gnuse, Library Board president, followed by a presentation by Patty Winn,
portraying Mabel Jewell. Ms. Winn dramatized what events led to Mrs. Jewell’s
petitioning the citizens of Altamont in 1907 to start the Altamont Public
Library in January of 1908. The early history of building the library’s book
collection, to events throughout the years, were wonderfully dramatized and
entertained those attending. Following Ms. Winn’s presentation, Hillard Morris,
local author and president of the Library’s Building Corporation gave a short
history of the formation and accomplishments of the
Library Building Corporation’s successes. In 2002, due to support
of citizens in Altamont, the mortgage on the Library building was able to be
retired. Since then, the Corporation has been able to assist the Library with
some of the repair and renovation of the building.
Mabel Jewell, portrayed by Patty Winn, provided background into the beginnings of the Altamont Public Library at the recent 100th Anniversary Open House.
The Library recently held an Essay Contest open to all local school-aged children. Winners of the essay contest, Alicia Jenkins and Hannah Roberson, were presented with their prizes, and three additional Honorable Mentions were also awarded to Rene’e Tillman, Rachael Tillman, and Ethan Deadmond. All the essay nominees should be applauded for their original and humorous submissions.
Following the presentations, the public was able to browse the library’s selection of reading material, register for drawings, and enjoy the refreshments. Many of the attendees shared their positive memories of using the library in their childhoods, throughout school years, and into their adult years. A historical display by Bill Wendling, showed past library locations in the Altamont area.
Attendance baskets were donated by Mail Post in Effingham, Pampered Chef consultant Susan Becker, Freezeland Law Office, Becker’s Wash-N-Dry, Thursday Night Book Club, and the Library. The winners of the baskets were Logan Duncan, Age 0-6, Margeaux Stuckemeyer, Age 7-13, and Joyce Schumacher, Age 14 through Adult. Refreshments, similar to what would have been provided in 1908, were provided by The Cookie Jar.
The Library Board would like to sincerely thank the Altamont citizens for their past support through the years, and encourage them to continue their support of the library through the next 100 years.