REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
April 8, 2014
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period March 11 – April 8, 2014.
The library has experienced a great deal of traffic each Friday during the past eleven weeks while AARP has been located in the Cooke conference room providing tax service to individuals. The service is provided to about 30 people each Friday. While the library is pleased to assist in this important and much appreciated service, it does demand a significant amount of staff support.
Financial Report
Operational expenses for the report period totaled $13,563.76. Current year-to-date expenses total $78,720.74, which is a 32% increase over the previous year-to-date. The total cost of books and related items was $8,043.33, including $6,389.89 for annual renewal of subscriptions to periodicals and databases.
Unencumbered funds total $43,127.65, of which $28,214.26 are approved budget funds and $14,913.39 in Grants/Donations, which includes donations/reimbursements of $1,336.54 during the report period. The library was pleased to receive a donation of $500.00 presented by the Mathews Ruritan Club to the director at their meeting held March 18th. Their donation has been allocated to support of youth programs.
Through April 2nd, salaries and related benefits totaled $164.178.71. The budgeted amount for FY 2013-2014 is $255,487.00. Unencumbered funds total $91,308.29. The total for the latest period ending March 31st ($19,254.81) is approximately the same as the previous report period. Based on this latest information, salaries and related benefits are expected to average $19,000 to 19,300 for the remainder of the fiscal period, which is within budgeted amount.
Patron Update
Special Education Parent Resource Center (SEAC)
In April 2009, the library entered into a unique arrangement with SEAC to provide access and services to parents of children with special needs. The library established a special collection of materials and created working space for the SEAC representative. This arrangement continued into early 2013 when the program was downsized. Recently, a new Parent Resource Center Coordinator, Barbara Ettner, has been appointed. The MOA existing between the library and SEAC has been reviewed with no changes made. Ms. Ettner plans to be in the library 8 hours a week, beginning Friday, April 12th.
Display System Installed
The library has obtained a system for displaying artwork in the adult computer area of the H. Bland Hudgins Wing. Installed by Greg Lewis, the system will facilitate ease of exhibiting and changing artwork. A Mathews native Emma Lou Martin (nee Marchant) has been invited to display her work when her current Richmond show closes. Emma Lou is a well-recognized and popular artist who frequently returns to Mathews.
Spring Programs
Adult.
The opportunity provided by the library to attend a program featuring Myra Angelou, poet and author, has been overwhelmingly popular, resulting in a sell-out of 45 people. The trip to William and Mary is scheduled for departure at 5:30 p.m. on April 15th. The cost of the trip is $35, which covers transportation and ticket. A box supper is also being offered at a cost of $5.00.
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.
Youth and Teens.
To generate traffic and interest in a larger community of teens, the library has developed a program to recognize and honor teens who have exhibited outstanding leadership qualities in one or more fields of endeavor, including: education, sports and community involvement. The source of information regarding teens is the Gazette Journal. An event entitled "Who Are They?" will take place on Tuesday, April 22nd at 3 p.m., when an exhibit featuring the teens will be unveiled in teen territory. At the same time, representatives from each leadership field will participate in a panel discussion of the secrets of their success and what they believe are keys to becoming a leader. The event is open to all teens between the ages of 13 and 18. Parents and other interested adults are welcome to attend.
On April 23rd, young people between the ages of 6 and 14 will once again embark from the library an 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.