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 March 1, 2022. Operational expenses for the report period totaled $14,034.34, representing a 21.82% increase over the same period for operating expenditures for FY 21/22. A major element impacting the current statement is the continuing monthly charges payable to Verizon supporting the WiFi program making offsite Internet access possible for patrons. Such payments are reimbursed through a Federal Emergency Connectivity Fund providing a total of $18,495.75. An additional funding initiative resulted in recently received ARPA funding of $10,810, made available through an application submitted to the Library of Virginia.
Salaries and Related Expenses
The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY21/22 is $337,602 or $28,134 per month. The current financial activity report reflecting the amount spent as of March 2, 2022 shows a total of $211,751 or 62.7% of the total budgeted amount for FY21/22. Available funds for the remainder of FY21/22 total $125,851. The estimated cost of salaries and related benefits through the end of the fiscal year is $105,874.
FY2022/2023 Budget
For FY21/22, the library requested funding of $397,634. In July 2021, the county authorized a 5% increase in wages for FY21/22, bringing the total wages of the 9 library staff members to $267,064 (excluding benefits). The County ultimately approved a library operating budget of $438,639 for 21/22. For FY 22/23, we are requesting that there be an increase of $55,000 over the current year (FY21/22) and $13,995 more than the current approved budget. As indicated in our submission, with the exception of personnel support, all line items remain unchanged for the coming budget period.
Staff Activities
With deepest regret, the library received the resignation of Youth Assistant, Carol Owens. Effective January 31, 2022, Ms. Owens began service as a teacher’s aide at Thomas Hunter Middle School. Her duties are being handled by Jackie Craven who is also a weekend staffer.
Patrons
The number of active patrons now stands at 10,325. In addition to circulation of materials (1,692), use of computers and printing devices continues to reflect community needs bringing citizens to the library.
Among the steps taken to enhance services during the pandemic period was the discontinuation of charging fees for overdue books. A study is currently underway to determine the impact on books being returned in a timely manner. The results of this survey will assist in making a decision regarding this practice.
Projects/Programs
Our Community: 1922 – 2022. The library continues to minimize activities designed to create congregation of more than small groups in the library (Some relaxation has been initiated by which groups of up to 15 are allowed too use the conference room space). An alternative to on-site programs was the creation of an exhibit.featuring a comparison of our community, its people and their lifestyles n 1922 and 2022. The exhibit is located in the rear lobby and has proved of great interest, especially to those who come each Friday to receive tax assistance offered by the AARP. A follow-up activity will be small group discussions led by long-time residents and more recent community citizens.
Youth programs continue to depend largely on electronic transmission. Story time is offered each week on You Tube and the books featured on Trail Tales located at Port Fun are a popular activity for families.
AARP Tax Preparation Service
Again this year, the AARP, under the supervision of Christy Brown, is providing tax preparation assistance to members of the community. Under slightly altered arrangements, the service is available each Friday in the John Warren Cooke Conference Room from 9 am to 1 pm. Reservations are required prior to receiving assistance.