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PARIS PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD AUGUST 19, 1998 MINUTES UTES The Paris Public Library Advisory Board met in regular session Wednesday, August 19, 1998, at 4 PM in the Gallery with Chairman Keitt Wood presiding and these members present: Jackie Alsobrook, Curtis Fendley, John Howison, Rogene Patterson, Beth Shelton, and Frances Ellis, Secretary. Absent were Virginia Gibbs and Ralph Rodgers. Beverly Lewis, Library Director, and Catharine Browning, Friends President, were also present. The July 15, 1998, Minutes were corrected to note Beth Shelton attended the June NETLS meeting and also that the Library Director Award received by Ms. Lewis included a one year audio book subscription for the Library valued at $2,400. Ms. Lewis distributed the Budget Report and advised expenditures were on target for the first ten months of the fiscal year. The Statistical Report was distributed and Ms. Lewis noted the circulation in July increased 8.7% with 29,971 items checked out. The year -to -date circulation is still behind that of last year by 2.4% with 242,655 items checked out. 753 new items were added to the collection in July. The collection now includes 80,678 books; 3,848 audio books; and 7,233 videos. The Summer Reading Club was a success last month with 15 programs held in the Gallery for 188 readers and 15 programs held in the Children's Room for 187 preschoolers. In addition, 198 kids received food coupons for telling about books they had read. The Mobile Library Summer Reading Program staff held 31 programs at seven sites in July with an attendance of 663 kids and 258 adults. Ms. Lewis noted this second year of the Family Literacy Grant project was an overwhelming success. In 1997 there were 55 programs with 800 kids attending. In 1998 there were also 55 programs and 1,320 kids attended which is a 65% increase. The Outreach Services Report was presented and Ms. Lewis noted staff delivered materials to twelve locations and several homebound patrons. In July, 521 books; 69 audio books; 88 videos; and 75 magazines were circulated via this service. She said outreach library services should expand in order to meet the changing demographics and needs of area citizens. Ms. Lewis advised the E -Rate application process is stalled and funding uncertain because of complications in Congress regarding this legislation. She thanked the Board for its commitment to electronic reference by paying for the Internet connections.