The report that follows outlines current administrative matters and ongoing activities that occurred during the report period.   

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 September 1, 2021.  Operational expenses for the first bi-monthly period of FY 2021-22 totaled $18,715.11, representing a 13.8% decrease over the same period for operating expenditures for FY 2020.21.  The charges listed in the report include several digital service renewal items appearing in line item 5240 (VA Database User Fees) as well as a contract fee of $7.820.43 in line item 3320 (Maintenance Service Contracts) for catalog support and related services.

Salaries and Related Expenses

The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY 2020-2021 was $284,025, or $23,668.75 per month.    Reflecting a 5% increase in wages beginning July 1, 2021, the amount budgeted for FY 2021-22 is $350,138 or $29,178 per month. A report reflecting current costs through September 1, 2021, shows a total of $56,084.67 or 16% of the total budgeted amount for FY2020-2021. 

Staff Activities

The staff currently consists of director, four full-time and three part-time employees.  Continuing the “managing change” initiative begun in early 2021, the library staff has adopted a matrix-based organizational structure (attached) which it believes will enhance our ability to reach identified goals.  During this process, we have recognized what needs to be done, examined job depth, scope and characteristics with the goal of dividing work into semi-independent units.  To ensure that routines and projects flow smoothly, a process was adopted utilizing a project status report template which is intended to streamline workflow and provide up-to-date status information on activities.  This reporting method is an essential communicative tool for maintaining a smooth work environment and for sharing information when and where appropriate.

Patrons

The number of active patrons now stands at 10,152. The total numbers of visits recorded during the report period was 2,358, an average of 48.1 a day. This number reflects use of library resources since no programs were sponsored during the report period.  In addition to circulation of materials (1,815), use of computers and printing devices brought many to the library.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

As you are probably aware, The US Congress and the President approved the ARPA Act of 2021.  Libraries are eligible to receive an allocated portion of this funding.

Emergency Connectivity Fund – This fund of $7.17b allows schools and libraries to provide WiFi hot spots, modems routers and internet-enabled devices, including internet service to students, staff and patrons.  Its goal is to close the learning homework gap created by the pandemic. The fund is managed for the federal government by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).  The Mathews Memorial Library has requested $18,495.75 from this fund as follows:

• 25 additional hot spots to enhance existing Wi-Fi To Go program ($2,499.75)
• Mobile broadband data service for 25 new hot spots for the 10-month period from September 2021-June 2022, the allowable period for ARPA ($9,997.50).
• Mobile broadband data service for the 24 existing hot spots for the 6-month period of January 2022-June 2022 ($5,998.50)

Library of Virginia ARPA Sub-grant – The grant is part of a large grant received by the Library of Virginia, a portion of which is shared with each Virginia public library using the State Aid formula.  The Mathews Memorial Library has requested to use our allocation of $10,810.00 to purchase 10 laptop computers, 10 laptop cases and Microsoft Office software.  These devices will, in turn, be offered to patrons for access to community-based digital literacy training and skills development.

Projects/Programs

Youth Activities

Three events occurred during the summer intended to support our goal of reaching young people in the community through imaginative, enriching activities:  first, the summer program – Tails and Tales that occurred during the month of July and attracted 30 participants;  second, a teen program –Put-in Creek Nature Club occurring in August with 6 teens registered.  The third activity was the installation of a story walk – “Trail Tales” – the placement of stand-alone panels at Port Fun which provides an opportunity for families to read a story while walking a pathway in the park.  Stories are changed monthly.

The library continues to limit activities in accordance with guidance related to the current pandemic situation. Thus, there are no plans for creating programs that would require indoor attendance.  It is hoped that the traditional Howl-a-Palooza can take place in October.  To inform our youth/teen committee of what to expect at the library, we have published a brochure which contains information on those events that can be held outside or through the use of Zoom technology.

Other projects and activities underway are detailed in a number of project management reports available upon request at the library.   They include;  formation of a teen advisory group, teen reads book club, Bible records digital archives collection, community-based technology training program and a “human library” sponsorship..