REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
September 10, 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 August 31, 2024. Year-to-date operational expenses total $18,236.28, approximately the same amount as that reported in FY23-24. Books and related materials (6012), including hard copy and electronic versions, constitute a significant investment ($3,076.06); however, providing access to online information constitutes a much greater investment ($12,932.02)..
Salaries and Related Expenses
The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY 24/25 is $397,953.80, an increase of $11,384.05 over the previous fiscal year ($386,569.75) . The amount represents an allocation of $33,163 per month.
Hotspot Rental Program
For nearly four years, the library has made it possible for patrons to have offsite access to the Internet. The initial investment in WiFi units was made possible through the States’ CARES Act utilizing federal funds. During the previous fiscal year, the cost has been met through county funding. Beginning in July 2024, the cost is allocated to the library budget which has been amended to include $28,000 for this service. Other items in the budget were reduced from the previous year to allow for this allocation.
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 ($551,403.78). The allocation is in excess of 100% of operating costs for the period
Patrons
The current count of patrons is 11,053 a slight increase of 2.38% over the previous year’s total. New registrations for the report period totaled 62.
Library Activities
Soothin’ Summer Sounds
Two additional performances followed the June 6th presentation by the Ambrosia Quartet, a group from the Virginia Symphony. The next event featured a brass quartet from the Symphony performing on July 18th and a quartet from the Williamsburg Symphony appeared on August 8th.
All performances were well attended and the performers received accolades as did the library punch which was served after each event. The cost was slightly over $7,000. Thanks go to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring these events.
Summer Youth Program
The summer youth program, “Adventure Begins @ the Library,” was a four-week program held in July/August, with the third week being a joint initiative with the C4K members participating. An average of 25 to 35 young people attended each event. The programs each week featured outside presenters, crafts and trips, including a train ride from Williamsburg to Newport News. Expenses, which were partially met by the Friends of the Library, totaled approximately $1,500.