REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
June 10, 2014
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period May 13 – June 10, 2014.
Financial Report
Operational expenses for the report period totaled $5,539.86. Current year-to-date expenses total $93,315.51, which is a 27% increase over the previous year-to-date. Unencumbered funds total $29,722.42 which includes $11,019.77 in the one-time line item 8102-Furniture and Fixtures
Through May 30th, salaries and related benefits totaled $203,330.95. The budgeted amount for FY 2013-2014 is $255,487.00. Unencumbered funds total $52,156.05. The total for the latest period ending May 30th ($19,512.69) is approximately the same as the previous report period. These costs may increase for the last period in the current fiscal year due to the need for additional help for the summer programs.
e-Rate Funding
We have been notified by the Universal Service Administrative Company that our application for funding has been approved. The approved amount is $2,5l9.64 which is a reimbursement for telecommunications costs associated with provided access to the Internet through library resources.
Award Submission
The library staff was pleased to participate in the preparation of a 2014 Achievement Award to be presented by Virginia Association of Counties (VACO). The submission, prepared by County Administrator, Mindy Moran, highlights the role played by the library and the recent expansion, the H. Bland Hudgins Wing, in meeting the needs and expectations of 21st Century Patrons. We look forward to receiving word of the decision from VACO.
Patron Update
With 26 new patrons added in May, the total number of patrons is 10,609. Along with visitors, they made 4,640 visits to the library.
Adult Programs
The library continues a leadership in offering technology training to members of the community. A series of classes, Tech Tuesdays, is being offered each Tuesday, June 3rd, 10th and 17th covering such subjects as iPads, Kindles, Nooks and smartphones. Two sessions are taught each of the Tuesdays, one in the afternoon and the other in the evening. Registrations to date total approximately 60 individuals.
The library was privileged to extend an invitation to members of the Mathews business community on May 23rd to attend a luncheon. The theme, "Building a Small Business – a Big Task" was centered on doing business in Mathews. Invitations were to more than 600 individuals whose names were obtained from the County planning office. Forty-seven individuals responded, indicating their intention to attend. The program included a presentation by Ian Morse, a contractor, currently relocating in the Village. Many positive comments were received with requests to repeat the meeting and also a number who called asking for their names to be added to the list.
The collage exhibit of Mathews native, Emma Lou Martin (nee Marchant), opened on May 8th ,
will remain open until after Market Days..
Youth and Teens.
Two events are scheduled for June, 2014. The first, the 10th Annual Highland Games and Picnic, will take place on June 20th at the Piankatank Ruritan Center. Once again members of the community help make this a very successful event
The second, a teen initiative, is part of a long-range plan to involve teens of the community in projects which will aid in preserving and enhancing the environment. The theme, Going Green, will begin on Saturday, June 7th, with a refurbishing of the "Don't Pollute" signs which were created in 2006 at culverts located in the village. This event will take place on "Save the Bay Day."
Summer 2014
The library is able to once again offer a robust calendar of events for patrons, young and old. This is only possible through the continued support of the Friends of the Library who approved funding summer program in the amount of $9,850.
Scheduling for Soothin' Summer Sounds is now complete with three events scheduled. The first will occur on June 26th with the appearance of Richmond-based jazz artist, Plunkey and the Oneness of JuJu. As we look toward summer, event planning is taking on a sense of urgency.
We are receiving a very positive response to our July program for young people pre-school to 14. The program, "What If?" has attracted the attention of other organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA, who hope to send participants to the events throuoghout July.