REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
November 12, 2013
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period ending October 8 – November 12, 2013.
Financial Report
Operational expenses for the period totaled $11,954.07 of which $7,587.65 was for the purchase of 7 computers to be placed in the new wing of the library. These are part of a total of 14 computers that are planned with 8 to be placed in the adult reading/computer area and 6 in the teen area. Re-appropriated funds, approved by the
Board of Supervisors to be used for changes in the existing youth wing and staff area, were used to cover the computer purchases. It is anticipated that the remaining 7 computers will be purchased by the Friends of the Library and the library will be reimbursed for the costs already incurred. Year-to-date unencumbered funds total $80,225.10, including budget appropriation and grants/donations.
Through October, salaries and related benefits total $68,082.42. The total for the latest period ending October 31st ($17,870.80) showed an increase of $1,282.77 over the previous report period. This increase is primarily due to the addition of Mary Bull as Head, Teen Services on October 7th.
FY 2014-1015 Budget
A memorandum from the County Administrator dated September 16 outlined the timeline for the budgeting process for the next fiscal year. All budget request materials are to be returned to her office no later than Friday, January 17th. I have prepared and enclosed a proposed budget in order to provide you with sufficient time to review and discuss it fully. Following today's meeting, you will have two additional meetings prior to the required submission date.
Staff Update
Corey Haverland has been engaged to fill the position held by Doris Wohlfort. Corey will be working 5 hours on Tuesday and 2 hours on Sunday. In addition, Corey will serve as coordinator of our three current book clubs, which will require that she work on the first, second and fourth Thursdays for 3 hours. Corey holds an undergraduate degree in English from NC State and is interested in obtaining a graduate degree in library and information science.
Patron Update
With 62 additions in October (almost twice that of September), the total number of patrons is 10,394. Of those, 396 are eLibrary users. During the report period, patrons checked out a total of 1,906 items, of which 244 were checkouts of "downloadables," a figure that includes ebooks, magazines and music. Library computers were accessed a total of 724 times which does not include use of the wireless network.
Plans for Occupying Renovated Area
Although there remains a degree of uncertainty relative to the readiness of the new space, the staff continues to develop plans for its occupation. Initially, the move to Teen Territory will occur. After that is functional, arrangements for moving staff will occur. Following those moves, a review will be made of work that is required for the changes to be made in the existing areas.
Gifts to the Library
The library recently received word of a significant memorial donation made by Gil and Charlotte Minor of Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. Minor plan to donate a bench in memory of Leigh Chapman. Made by local artisans and obtained by the Minors at the recent Bay School auction, it is valued at $3,500. It is planned to place it in the main area of the library.
An additional gift was made of a handmade quilted wall hanging by Gerri Lohr. The art piece features the ship, Godspeed, and will be placed in the conference room in the new wing.
October Program
The library sponsored, along with Mathews Main Street, an event celebrating Halloween. "Pumpkins on Main" attracted 70 to 85 children and half as many adults. A trick or treat parade on Main was followed by a party at the library. Pumpkin carvers were recognized and awarded prizes as well as the winning business window, Doodlebugs. It is planned to add to the number of sponsors in 2014 and expand the activity.
Plans for the Holidays
The library will welcome in the holidays with the annual "Deck the Halls" celebration on December first. The 2013 theme is The Twelve Days of Christmas and several additional events, including a concert, bedtime story time and a tea and sing-along are planned for December.