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PARIS PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MAY 21, 997 The Paris Public Library Advisory Board met in regular session Wednesday, May 21, 1997, at 4 PM in the Texas History Room with Chairman Beth Shelton presiding. Present were Rogene Patterson, Keitt Wood, Joe Rex, Vice Chair; and Frances Ellis, Secretary. Catharine Browning, Friends President, and Beverly Lewis, Library Director were present. Absent were Jackie Alsobrook, Toni Donnan, Virginia Gibbs, and Ralph Rodgers. The April 16, 1997, Minutes were approved as distributed. Ms. Lewis reported expenditures were on target for the first seven months of the fiscal year, as noted in the Budget Report that was distributed. She discussed the Statistical Report which was distributed and indicated 168,792 items have been circulated which is a 17.6% increase year to date over the same period last year. April, 1997, was also busier by 26% than the same month last year and 25,367 items circulated. There were 1,327 new books, videos, and audio books added to the collection in April. The Library also received 38 memorials and honorariums. The collection includes 71,515 books; 2,878 audio books; and 5,641 videos. The Library's unique book robot, Billy Book, made his public debut during National Library Week when he greeted Library visitors each day. Children and adults were captivated by his ability to talk, walk, play music, and wink his eyes; and he promoted reading and the library in an exciting manner. The Paris News published a long article with a color photograph of Billy, too. During NLW, and the remainder of April, more than 950 used children's books were donated to the Library for the summer family literacy outreach project. More than 900 elementary school kids visited the Library for programs and tours; and more than 350 new library cards were issued during that same period. The Library's participation during the Paris Art Fair was considered a great success. Billy Book talked with people at the Library's booth and promoted reading and the Library. There were four puppet shows that were attended by nearly 100 children; and the librarians gave out hundreds of balloon animals.