REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
July 9, 2024
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 June 30, 2024. Year-to-date operational expenses total $97,755.95, a 5.6% decrease from the same period in FY22-23. Books and related materials (6012), including hard copy and electronic versions, are significantly under budgeted amount. While not reflected in the current report, several significant investments in technology made over the past several weeks will fall within the FY23-24 budget.
Salaries and Related Expenses
The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY 23/24 is $347,816. The amount represents an allocation of $28,985 per month. To date, expenses total $368,083.53 or approximately $30,673.58 per month for the period July 2023-June 2024.
Hotspot Rental Program
Requests for this service continue at a high level. Support for the program is received from the county’s broadband committee, which is working with the county administrator to ensure funding is available. The library currently has 40 units in active service, reflecting a loss of 10 units due to them not being returned. Action is taken when a unit is overdue, including a certified letter and, ultimately, a report to the civil court.
FY 24/25 Budget
As shared with you earlier, the library is to receive $151,391 in State Aid for FY25. This sum covers 27.455% of the total library budge ($551,03.78). The allocation is in excess of 100% of operating costs for the period
Patrons
The current count of patrons is 11,001 a slight increase of 2.44% over the previous year’s total. New registrations for the report period totaled 45.
Mathews County Historical Society, Inc.
The Board of Directors of the Society recently reviewed the joint agreement between Mathews Memorial Library and the Society dated April 8, 2014, and determined that no changes were needed at this time. A copy of this agreement is available for your review.
Library Activities
Soothin’ Summer Sounds
June 6th marked the first of three events to be held during the summer season. The program featured the Ambrosia Quartet, a group from the Virginia Symphony. The next event featuring a brass quartet from the Symphony will perform on July 18th and a quartet from the Williamsburg Symphony is scheduled to appear on August 8th. All performances begin at 7 pm in the John Warren Cooke Conference Room. Thanks go to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring these events.
Highland Games
Friday, June 14th marked the date for the Highland Games, an annual event in its 20th year took place at the Piankatank Ruritan Center. Participating in the games were 35 young people ages 6 to 12 who enjoyed the music, dancing and games as well as lunch. The games are also sponsored by the Friends.
Teen Summer Program
For the first time, a special summer program for teens was held during the week, June 24-28, 2024. Embellishing the theme, “Adventure Begins @ The Library,” 6 teens participated in four programs ranging from animal rescue to newspaper reporting. While attendance was light, enthusiasm for the program was high. The series ended with a pizza party at the Pavilion.
Community Participation
For the first time in several years, the library participated in the TRIAD event held at the Piankatank Ruritan Club on June 25th. Two library staff members, Colanne Diggs and Greg Lewis shared information about library services considered to be of particular interest to the attendees at the event.
Summer Youth Program
During July when the summer youth program is to be held, there will be activities each day, Tuesday through Friday, in the library. Currently, there are 32 youths registered to participate. The program includes a variety of activities built on the theme, “The Adventure Begins.”