MINUTES

MATHEWS MEMORIAL LIBRARY

 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

May 14, 2019

 

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Wilson at 5:00 p.m.

ATTENDING: Nancy Fisher, Sue Jennette, Reed Lawson, Jim Pavik, Dick Pogue and Board of Supervisors representative Edwina Casey. Also present were Bette Dillehay, library director, and  Molly Broderson, president of the Friends of the Library.       

MINUTES: The minutes of the March 12, 2019 board meeting were approved as presented on a motion by Dick and seconded by Sue. Reed thanked Nancy Fisher for taking the minutes of that meeting.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR: The attached activities and financial reports cover the two-month period ending May 14, 2019.

Financial Report

  • Operational expenses totaled $14,569.78. To date for FY2018-2019, operating expenses total $74,010.96. Current unencumbered operating funds total $55,639.44, which includes the $14, 038.50 C4K Leadership Grant funding. Of note were the honorarium for speaker Earl Swift and his lodging at The Callis House Inn. Jim asked whether rollover of unused budgeted monies was standard policy. The Director informed the board that a rollover could be requested from county government but only for a specific, and justified project. A rollover cannot be used for salaries. .
  • Salaries and Related Expenses for the ten-month period totaled $203,664.47. For the fiscal year, $272,955 is budgeted. Combining salaries/related expenses and operational expenses, 70.8% of total funding is encumbered.
  • The FY2020 county budget was approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 23, 2019. It reflects a $13,916 overall increase in the requested amount. A $15,907 increase in salaries was approved. The Director explained that reductions in  Hospital/Medical Plan, Professional Training, Maintenance Service Contracts, Repairs and Maintenance and Computer/Installation Maintenance were reduced which was the leveling factor. A rollover could be used to offset the reductions in the computer line item.
  • The library may need to add a Facebook retention feature that preserves comments. Special software retains Facebook material.
  • Patrons

The number of patrons is 9663 with 49 new patrons added during the reporting period.

  • Personnel

Carol McCormack and Carol Owens, the two part time staff members in the youth wing are working well together. Staff is creating a 'tween' area in the youth wing to accommodate a rambunctious group of young people.

  • Collection Update

Colanne Bunting is currently weeding adult fiction. The guidelines for removal are: a book hasn't been checked out in five years and is not a classic or part of a series.

  • Technology Update

The library is working toward completing website access requirements of the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

  • Programs

A recent program utilized the library courtyard for the May 3 'Music on Maple Avenue' event sponsored by Mathews County Historical Society and MCVIC. It was well-received. AARP concluded its tax assistance service in April. The spring break Fantasy Trip to Canada was attended by 20 children. Two book talks were quite successful - local mystery writer Brad Parks and Earl Swift, author of Chesapeake Requiem. Upcoming programs include: June 14 Highland Games, the July children's program 'Footprints by the River' which will explore the evolution of cultures in America from Native American times to the present, 'Soothin' Summer Sounds' has the theme 'we are America' and a potential late summer trip to Tangier Island.

REPORT FROM THE FRIENDS:

            The most recent general meeting of FOL featured Elsa Verbyla, publisher of Tidewater Publishing, Inc., and staff reporter Pete Teagle presenting a program on the history of MML. Joyce McElvey organized the presentation; approximately 35 members attended. Two new lifetime members were recruited during May Faire . The membership list is being reviewed and culled. The next membership meeting is May 15. Steve asked that Molly pass trustee board compliments to the Friends.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

            The staff is considering a program targeted toward memory loss in older adults as well as support and services to their caregivers.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2019.                    .

Submitted by Reed Lawson, Secretary

Attachments to the official record as stated.