REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
September 9, 2014
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period August 12 – September 9, 2014.
Financial Report
Operational expenses for the report period totaled $10,514.15. Current year-to-date expenses total $11,858.73, an 11.2% decrease over the previous year-to-date. Included is the annual subscription fee for the library's ILS (integrated library service) of $6,598.00 shown in line item 3320 (Maintenance Service Contracts). Line item 6012 (Books and Subscriptions) is 57.3% less than FY 2013-14 due to the transfer of the foregoing charge for the ILS system, which last year cost $3,250.00. The increase in the cost of this service for FY 2014-15 reflects the addition of new digitization services to the contract.
Unencumbered funds, not including salaries and related benefits) total $88,620.35, of which $86,191.27 are approved budget funds and $2,429.08 in Grants/Donations.
Through August 26, 2014, (which includes September payments) salaries and related benefits totaled $41,500.26. The budgeted amount for FY 2014-2015 is $255,556.00, a slight change over the previous fiscal year, including salary increases of 2% for full and part-time staff which was offset by a $3,190 reduction in the hospital/medical plan line item. Unencumbered funds total $214,055.74.
Facilities Update.
Approximately 80% of the project of re-assigning and/or reusing space in the library following the move to the new facility has been completed. Technical staff members are now located in the assigned area and materials, including fiction and mystery, audio and periodicals are relocated. It is planned to move archival staff to the former technical staff space located on the second floor in the next several weeks. Non-fiction materials will be re-arranged once additional shelving is delivered. All furnishings and equipment involved in the move, including the youth area, was funded through the 2013 re-appropriated funds of $20,000. The funds also covered the acquisition of adult computers located in the new wing.
Patron Update
With 35 new patrons added, the total number of patrons is 10,743. Along with visitors, they made 6,987 visits to the library. Circulation was active with 74 reserves placed on titles; however the number of overdue items dropped by 27.27%.
Circulation continues to show positive growth in Teen Territory, possibly reflecting the existence of the new center and the more appealing arrangement of the collection.
Soothin' Summer Sounds. The final program of the season was rated a huge success by the more than 90 people who attended. The 4 p.m. program featured the Ambrosia Quartet, made up of members of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The announcement was made at the event that Soothin Summer Sounds for FY 2015 will be "A Trip Down Memory Lane." An opportunity to vote for favorite previous programs has been placed in the library.
2014 Mathews Market Days
This event is always an exciting and challenging time for the library. We were pleased to again provide space for the quilt exhibit sponsored by Bay Quilters. We were particularly thrilled (and challenged) to record that more than 100 teens visited the library during the two-day event. The opportunity was used to survey such a large sampling of teens with the returns showing that, overall, the space is quite popular. The prohibition of snacking in Teen Territory is the most frequently voiced concern. We are continuing to survey and analyze the results.
Programs
Dictionary Day. Third grade students at Lee Jackson School will again this year be presented with new dictionaries by the library. Carol McCormack, head of youth services, is coordinating the distribution, which will take place on September 11th at 8:30 a.m.
Pumpkins on Parade. The library proposes to work with Mathews Main Street to sponsor the second annual Halloween event. It is planned to hold Pumpkins on Parade on Friday, October 31st from 3 to 5 p.m. The afternoon event will include a pumpkin carving contest, a trick/treat parade on Main Street, followed by a party at the library.
Computer Workshops. A workshop on digital photography is to be held in October. Efforts are also underway to identify resource personnel who can conduct a session in "Social Networking – A 21st Century Business Tool." If successful, members of the Mathews business community will be invited to attend a luncheon similar to one held several months ago.