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PARIS PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD OCTOBER 22, 1997 IuI1�l��Y� The Paris Public Library Advisory Board met in regular session Wednesday, October 22, 1997, at 4:05 PM in the Gallery with Chairman Keitt Wood presiding and these members present: Virginia Gibbs, John Howison, Rogene Patterson, Beth Shelton, and Secretary Frances Ellis. Library Director Beverly Lewis was present. Absent were Jackie Alsobrook, Toni Donnan, Ralph Rogers and Friends President, Catharine Browning. The September 17, 1997, Minutes were approved as distributed. The Budget Reports for September, 1997, and for Fiscal Year 1996 -1997 were not yet available from the City Finance Office. The Statistical Report was distributed and it was noted there was an 11 % increase in circulation for the month of September over the same month last year. During the fiscal year just ended, there was a 14% increase in circulation over the last fiscal year and 296,468 items were checked out. Ms. Lewis advised that it was the fourth consecutive year there has been an increase in circulation. Also, during the last ten years, there has been an increase every year but one and in six of those years the increase was over ten percent. Last month, 256 new card holders were issued and 700 new titles were added to the collection. The collection now includes 74,345 books; 3,224 audio books; and 5,960 videos. 122,940 persons used the library last year and 7,551 attended library programs. Ms. Lewis advised the fall children's storytimes were under way and well attended to date, including ten babies who are registered for that special program. Plans are underway to build the platform for the display unit to hold the Culbertson Bible. The Prime Time "Memories" Partnership included fourteen aspiring writers at the first of the scheduled four sessions. The Even Start literacy classes are underway with an average attendance of fifteen enthusiastic students each week. The Poetry for Children programs will be November 8 and 15 at 2 PM in the Gallery and feature Paris Area Arts Alliance resident poet Charles Behlen. He will encourage the attendees to enjoy reading and writing poetry.