REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
October 14, 2014
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period September 9 – October 14, 2014.
Financial Report
Operational expenses for the report period totaled $5,986.86. Current year-to-date expenses total $17,845.59. Unencumbered funds, not including salaries and related benefits) total $85,132.31 of which $80,204.41 are approved budget funds and $4,927.90 in Grants/Donations.
Through September 25, 2014, (which includes September payments) salaries and related benefits totaled $59,732.44. Expenses for the report period totaled $18,273.18. The budgeted amount for FY 2014-2015 is $255,556.00. To date, unencumbered funds for salaries and related benefits total $195,823.56.
The Library has been designated by the family of Captain Jack Stillman as a recommended recipient of memorial donations. To date, Checks totaling $230.00 have been received, of which $210.00 has been deposited with the County. In addition, the library is in receipt of $1,776.44 as reimbursement for technology services through participation in the Federal e-rate program and $512.38 from the Friends, reimbursing the library for costs associated with wiring in the H. Bland Hudgins Wing ($352.38) and Soothin' Summer Sounds ($160.00)
Facilities Update.
Moving the archival staff (Becky/Reed) to the second floor remains on hold until the remaining order of shelving is delivered. This is expected to occur by November 1st.
Patron Update
With 67 new patrons added, the total number of patrons is 10,810. Along with visitors, they made 6,987 visits to the library. Circulation was active with 1,793 library items checked out, a 15.45% increase over the same period a year ago. Charts showing use of the various electronic resources is included as part of this report.
September-Early October – A Look Back
The month of September and early October proved very busy for the staff. The youth center and teen territory were both engaged in a number of activities related to the opening of a new school year. For instance, dictionaries were delivered to all third graders and three story times are conducted weekly outside the library as well as those held each Wednesday in the library. In the adult patron area, computer classes were scheduled and conducted.
One of the more rewarding activities was creating programs in celebration of the first Virginia Science Festival sponsored by the Science Museum of Virginia. Two events were scheduled – "A Day of Science Fun," a trip to the Science Museum for middle and high school aged youth and "Stargazing Storytime," a PJ party for ages preschool to 7. Unfortunately, registrations for the bus trip were insufficient to warrant the trip. The PJ party, however, was a great success with 14 young pajama-clad youth in attendance.
Patron assistance and support was made more challenging during the report period by the 26.4% reduction in volunteer service hours. This loss of hours places a strain on staff members who are required to serve longer periods at library service desks, reducing the time to accomplish their technical support activities. .
Programs
The remainder of October and November are scheduled to be very busy times. Moving toward the holiday season will require planning in addition to events already scheduled, which include:
RILL Course, October 14, 21, 28 – Rudyard Kipling and the British "/Raj" in India
Friends of Library, October 22-23 - Celebration of National FOL Week
Pumpkins on Main, October 25 – Costume parade and youth party
A Walk Through History, October 26 – Celebration of Family History Month
Computer Class, October 28, 29, 30 – Microsoft Excel
VMFA presentation, November 18 – Forbidden City – A Museum exhibit
The Library will be closed November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day. Looking forward, the library holiday celebration, "Deck The Halls," is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 30 – 2 to 4 p.m.