REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
March 11, 2014
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period February 11 – March 11, 2014.
Our appreciation goes to all who assisted in creating the Teen Territory and other areas of the H. Bland Hudgins Wing. We completed the move on Friday, March 7.th. The adult computer area was occupied earlier in the week. In addition to moving the teens, furniture and materials have been re-arranged in the existing youth area to more appropriately serve the younger age groups.
Financial Report
Operational expenses for the report period totaled $3,964.63. Current year-to-date expenses total $65,156.98, which is a 19% increase over the previous year-to-date.
Unencumbered funds total $55,351.87, of which $41,778.02 are approved budget funds and $13,573.85 in Grants/Donations.
Through March 11th, salaries and related benefits totalled $144.923.90. The budgeted amount for FY 2013-2014 is $255,487.00. Unencumbered funds total $110,563.10. The total for the latest period ending January 31st ($19,251.35) is 6.5% over the previous report period. The lower figure in January was due to reduced hours of staff member, Carol McCormack, who was on vacation. Based on this latest information, salaries and related benefits are expected to average $18,500-$19,000 for the remainder of the fiscal period, which is within budgeted amount.
Patron Update
The complete statistics report was not available at the time of this report. However, with 37 new patrons added in February, the total number of patrons is 10,520.
Grant Submission to Mathews County Community Foundation
The library has prepared a second grant request in response to an invitation to do so from the Mathews County Community Foundation. This latter request for $5,233 is a continuation of support for the Coalition4Kids initiative providing homework assistance at both the Thomas Hunter School and the library during the remainder of the current school year.
February Programs
Programs held in February proved to be very popular. On February 13th, Carol McCormack, head of youth services, hosted a bedtime story time in celebration of Valentine's Day for children between the ages 3 to 7. Hot chocolate, cookies, valentine stories and songs were enjoyed by 10 pajama-clad youngsters.
On the following Sunday, February 16th, the library welcomed 55 guests to a Tea Dance.
On Thursday, February 20th, local author, William E. Johnson, provided a lively discussion of his first novel, A Silent Tide. Approximately 75 were in attendance. The remaining event, held on February 25th, was co-hosted by the library with the Mathews County Historical Society and the L. W. Wales Center. Historian, Martha McCartney's moving and fact-filled presentation was heard by a receptive audience of 82. Her presentation was based, in part, on her recently completed work in which she compiled the registry of slaves in Mathews who were baptized at Kingston Parish Church.
Spring Programs
Two programs are planned for April. On April 23rd, young people between the ages of 6 and 14 will embark on the library's annual fantasy trip. This year the journey will take them to Ireland where they will learn of that country's history and culture. The day-long activity includes sightseeing in Dublin and other sites, crafts and lunch before their return.
An adult event is scheduled for April 24th at 7 p.m. when Richmond Times-Dispatch senior photographer Bob Brown and columnist Bill Lohmann will relate their adventures while creating their recently published book, Back Roads – People, Places and Pie Around Virginia.
To honor women in leadership during March, The Honorable Anne Holton, State Secretary of Education, was invited to speak at a luncheon at the library. A response is forthcoming. In addition, the staff is pursuing the arrangement of a bus tour to The College of William & Mary to attend a program featuring Myra Angelou, poet and author of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."