This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period ending September 11, 2012.
The library staff deserves a vote of thanks for service above and beyond during Mathews Market Days. In addition to creating special exhibits about the library and its services, staff members, including Becky Barnhardt, Mike Fisher, Greg Lewis, Diane McKnight, Raquel Ott and Melissa Rich worked extended hours on Saturday. As a result, the Bay Quilters exhibited their work, Catherine Books sold copies of her new book, “Photographic Memories of Mathews County,” and ten new patrons were registered, In addition, $75 was made through the sale of past book club books.
Financial Report
Operating expenses for the report period totaled $6,268.94. This monthly report has been adjusted to reflect charges for FY 2013 consistent with County Administration records.
Information maintained by the Office of the County Administrator regarding salaries and related benefits was received for the period ending August 30th. Expenses total $37,838.78. The library is now fully staffed with four (4) full-time (including the director), four (4) part-time hourly and one (1) part-time salaried. Monthly salaries and related benefits averaged $18,919, slightly below the estimated monthly rate of $19,150 per month, based on approved budget totals.
Library Construction Fund. The restricted account established by the Board of Supervisors for receiving donations to the renovation project now stands at $12,720.00. This includes a donation of $100.00 from Terry and Marga Pletcher received on September 5th and a donation of $500.00 from the endowment fund of Robert and Doris Wohlfort.
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Endowment Update
As of 6/30/2012, the Library fund balance stood at $58,974.14. Grants paid year-to-date total $553.50 and for the previous year $912.00. These funds were applied to tuition for Diane McKnight who is pursuing certification as a paraprofessional and a staff training event.
Patron Update
The total number of patrons now stands at 9,754, with 44 new patrons added overall during the report period.
eBook Stats
To date,the library has provided 221 of its patrons with access to ebooks. During the report period, 48 of them checked out156 titles. For the new audio service, One Click Digital, 18 patrons are registered and during the same period, checked out 43 titles.
Pop-Up Library
Following a recent national trend, the Mathews Memorial Library was fortunate in acquiring the aid of Bill Higdon who applied his extensive skills to the construction of small cabinet and stand for holding books. The While the “free library” is currently in front of the library, the intent is for placement to be elsewhere with location at strategic points throughout the community. The colorful addition has received very favorable feedback and many compliments as well as offers to serve as ambassadors in a number of locations.
Technology Program
The library is launching a free, fun and educational activity on Saturday, September 29th. Billed as a “Tech Fair,” the event will feature the Technology Zoo with ebook readers, tablet computers and more. Vendors, including Verizon and MetroCast, have been invited to participate. Prizes, including a Kindle or Nook eReader, will be offered. Patrons and visitors can participate in fun events such as gaming on the wii and “dance off fines..
Adult Programs
Brown Bags and Books. The recently published the book, “Edgar Allan Poe’s Richmond,” will be presented at noon on October 10th by the author, Chris Semtner, curator at the Poe Museum in Richmond.
Genealogy Workshop. The workshop is intended to assist participants in learning how to better utilize library resources for family research. It will be conducted by staff member, Becky Barnhardt.
Basic Computer Workshop. Forty individuals have registered an interest in taking the Basic Computer Course offered by the library. The workshop capacity is 16 so only a portion of those registered will be able to participate when the next class is offered on September 24, 25, 26 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Youth Programs
Young Patron Drive. Efforts will focus on the incoming kindergarten classes at Lee Jackson Elementary School to encourage the students to obtain a library card. Prizes will be offered to the classes upon obtaining 100% participation in the new card drive. Students in each class reaching this goal will receive a certificate to obtain an ice cream treat.
SpeakUp! Book Club. Continuing the successful program begun during the last school session, fifth and sixth graders will be invited to participate in a youth book club scheduled to meet month after school at Thomas Hunter. Efforts are underway to arrange for bus transportation for this after-school activity.