REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
July 14, 2020
This report marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for the library. Unfortunately, our beginning is unlike any we’ve experienced – probably since 1933 when the newly opened library was washed away by what became known as the “August storm.” Today, however, as was the case in 1933, we are addressing the challenge of COVID-19 and finding new and innovative ways of serving the public.
The coronavirus has challenged us all, but Mathews Memorial Library is meeting those challenges with the support of dedicated staff who exhibit enthusiasm in creative ways.
Financial Report
Current Reporting Period
Information presented in the current financial report is a statement of resources and expenses for a two-month period ending June 30, 2020. Current year-to-date and unencumbered totals are for the full fiscal year 2020. Operational expenses for the bi-monthly period totaled $15,260.74. Year-to date expenditures total $87,427.24, representing an 18.13% increase over the total operating expenditures for FY 2019. Operating expenses, excluding budgeted funds for C4K totaling $17,481.00, were 73.64% of total budget with unencumbered funds totaling $32,115.76 (not including C4K funds - $16,717.00). As stated previously, the reduction in operating expenditures is the result of the library’s limited ability to procure books and other items due to delivery issues.
Salaries and Related Expenses
The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY 2019-2020 is $275,184, or $22,932 per month. A report providing final data for FY 2020 is not yet available from the office of the county administrator since closure is extended through July 12th.
Budget
As reported to you on May 12, the budget adopted by the Mathews County Board of Supervisors includes $421,823 approved funding covering personnel and operating costs for the library. This amount reflects an overall increase of $10,429 over the budget request proposed by the library Board of Trustees. The increase includes a $5,604 increase for full-time staff and a $2,474 increase for director’s salary, but a $2,132 decrease for part-time staff. To date, no information has been provided regarding this reduction.
Patrons
The number of patrons now stands at 9,943. Sixteen (16) new patrons have been added since the library re-opened on June 15th.
Current Activities Status
Mathews Memorial Library is among the few public libraries in the Commonwealth currently offering full service opportunities to users. These services returned when the library was re-opened on June 15th. In addition to the return to traditional services, we continue to provide a number of options that were introduced beginning in late March. These include curbside checkout, and online story telling. In addition, we continue to consider ways in which to extend services through the use of technology. To date, we have not allowed any group meetings, including the library-sponsored book clubs. It is planned to review this decision in early August.
The opening was accompanied by several steps to ensure the maximum safety of staff and patrons. Users entering the library are limited to 20 at any one time. Individuals are “checked in” and asked to wear a mask. Names, telephone numbers and time of day are recorded. This latter is requested in the event we would need to contact individuals should there be a positive virus reported.
Carol McCormack, head, youth services and Maude Donovan, head, teen services, worked together to launch a book mobile program for young readers running July 9 through August 27. On Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00, the “book mobile” (Carol’s colorful yellow car) will make stops throughout Mathews, bringing books out of the library and into the community.
Many of the projects mentioned in the May report are still underway. This includes weeding various parts of the collection, re-arranging the youth center and revising the rules of behavior for the teen territory to avoid some of the problems encountered during the previous school year.
Each day brings new challenges and new opportunities. In exceptionally high spirits, the staff continues to rise to meet them all.