REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
May 8, 2018
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period March 13 – May 8, 2018.
The library was excited last week to announce the completion of a project begun some months ago under the supervision of part-time staff member Colanne Bunting. Working with school personnel and the Library of Virginia, Ms. Bunting secured available high school annuals published by Mathews High and Thomas Hunter Schools which were then shipped to the Library of Virginia to be digitized. Now that the process is complete, the annuals can be viewed online on the library website, https://www.mathewslibrary.org, and also at https://archive.org/details/mathewsmemoriallibrary.
About the Board
Appointment of New Members I have been informed by the County Administrator that two applications have been received from individuals wishing to be appointed to the library’s board of trustees. The matter will be taken up by the Board of Supervisors at their May meeting.
Financial Report
Budget FY19
The BOS approved budget for the next fiscal year is slightly lower than for the previous fiscal year ($3,148). This reduction is primarily the result of reduced anticipated spending for benefits (hospitalization and insurance). An overall 2% increase for salaries was approved and is reflected in the approved budget.
Current Reporting Period
The current financial report is a statement of resources and expenses for a two-month period ending May 8, 2018. Operational expenses for the bi-monthly period totaled $14.568.56. Current year-to-date expenses total $77,206.33 or 68.36% of operating budget (not including grants/donations). Current unencumbered operating funds total $42,238.88, including donations of $6,516.21. Also included in unencumbered funds is $5,000, the amount in the C4K Leadership Grant. Subtracting this grant from the unencumbered amount leaves a total of $37,238.88.
Salaries and related expenses
Salaries and related benefits information through the report period of April, 2018, has been received. For the ten-month period in FY 2017-18 expenses totaled $191,760.62 or $19,176.06 per month. The total amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY2017-2018 is $267,103 or roughly $22,259 per month.
About the Library
American Library Association annually invites libraries to submit a nomination to be selected “Library of the Year.” Mathews Memorial Library has been nominated for the current year. The winner receives $10,000 and is featured in the June issue of ALA’s Library Journal. The winning library is chosen based on these elements: Service to the community, creativity and innovation in developing specific community programs and leadership in creating programs that can be emulated by other libraries.
A second grant submission was made to Penguin Random House who also offers a $10,000 grant award to the library demonstrating innovative community-based programs which encourage citizens to participate and support reading initiatives. In addition, four runner-up $1,000 grants are also awarded. The winners will be announced May 31, 2018.
Patron Update
The current number of patrons is 11,989 an increase of 41 patrons over the previous report period and a 2.66% increase over the previous year. The average number of patrons and others visiting the library daily during the report period was 127.
Personnel
Maude Donovan, head of youth services gave birth to her second child, a son, on March 31st., 2018. Carol McCormack is serving as interim head of youth services, a position she formerly held, during Maude’s absence.
Colanne Bunting, technical services staff member, recently completed a program sponsored by the Division of Legislative Services qualifying her as FOIA certified, meaning she is qualified to respond to FOIA requests made to the library.
Programs
Adult activities in March and April featured primarily technology classes which were attended by 34 adults. Book clubs accounted for the largest attendance at library events. A spring tea dance was held on April 23rd that attracted only 25 attendees. While tea dances have enjoyed great popularity in the past, it is the conclusion of staff that they presently have limited attraction, and should be discontinued..
A very popular event was held for youths 6 to 14 on April 4th when the library hosted a fantasy trip to Alaska. The program was attended by 43 young people, most of whom appeared to have had a very good time and learned a great deal about the state of Alaska.
As we move into late spring, the staff is focused on the events sponsored annually by the library. This includes the Highland Games to take place on June 15th at the Ruritan Center featuring traditional Scottish games, Celtic music by the St. Andrews Pipe and Drum Band, along with food and prizes. This is followed in July by the summer youth program, which this year is entitled “Through the Looking Glass.” It will take participants on a voyage of adventure to places around the world, opening up windows of learning and experiences intended to expand their understanding of other cultures and customs.
On June 21st at noon, William Geroux, author of The Mathews Men, has agreed to speak to teens at the library on the significance of being a part of Mathews history and heritage. Lunch will be served as part of the event.
Like the youth summer program, Soothin’ Summer Sounds will also have an international flavor. Under the theme, “Living Out Loud,” the Ambrosia Quartet will perform on June 7th, a Klezmer band, Bagels and Fralox, will appear on July 19th and closing out the season will be a flamenco and classicist guitarist, Charles Moeser on August 23rd. Both the Ambrosia and Bagels and Fralox have made appearances at the library during previous Soothin’ Summer Sounds series.