REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
March 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 January 8 - February 12 – March 12, 2013. We are sorry to report that the term of J. Douglas Wilton ends on March 31, 2013. Mr. Wilton, having served two terms on the Board, is not eligible for re-appointment.

Financial Report
Operating expenses for the report period totaled $7,905.58. Year-to-date, expenditures total $54,659.60, a 27.17% increase over the previous year. Grants/donations to date total $5,458.19, which is 46.03% less than received as of March 2012. This amount does not, however, contain a $500.00 donation presented by the Mathews Ruritan Club at their meeting on March 5, 2013.

Word has also been received that the will of one of the library's most loyal patrons, Norman L. Doherty, includes a designation of $5,000 to the library. This amount will be delivered following settlement of the estate.

Information maintained by the Office of the County Administrator regarding salaries and related benefits was received for the period ending March 2, 2013. Total expenses to date are $140,645.21 or 61.2% of total budget ($229,726). The average monthly total is $17,808; however expenses for the current period totaled only $15,986.

State Aid
As reported to you in February, both the Senate and House of Delegates included language in their amendments to the budget proposing increases in funding for State Aid to Public Libraries. The adopted budget includes $450,000 for State Aid to public libraries. The Library of Virginia estimates that this will net an increase of $2,144 ($61,003) in FY14 to the Mathews library. The approved amount for FY 2013 is $58,859. Final figures will be released after the LVA Board meeting in June.

Personnel
The following ad seeking an individual to serve as Head, Adult/Teen Services is listed on the Mathews library website and is also included in the job listing of the Virginia Library Association:

Mathews Memorial Library is seeking an innovative, patron-oriented individual to function in a leadership role, providing traditional and evolving support in a technology-rich environment. This position is intended to link the learning needs and interests of adults and young adults. As part of a team, the individual will identify community needs and interests and assist in the planning, development and implementation of programs that benefit the community. The ideal candidate will understand and be able to articulate what an adult/young adult user experience should be and have the ability to translate that knowledge into practice.

To date, three applications have been received. As envisioned, it will be a challenge to identify a candidate that can fill the role of providing services to both adults and teens. Ideally, there would be two individuals; however, that is not currently an option.

Patron Update
The total number of patrons as of Friday, March 8th was 10,052, an overall gain of 37 patrons during the report period. A recent analysis reveals that, of that number, 2,598 list out-of-town addresses. Of the remaining 7,454, the largest number, 2166, list the Mathews zip code, 23109, as their address with the next highest, 997, citing zip code 23035 or Cobbs Creek followed closely by 913 at Port Haywood, zip code 23138.

Programs
Adult Programs. The library has chosen to celebrate National Women's History Month by recognizing and celebrating the Women of Mathews, past and present, for their accomplishments in all walks of life. Local organizations and individuals have been invited to submit the name or names of individuals they believe are worthy of recognition. A reception will be held at the end of the month concluding the celebration. Exhibits are placed throughout the library in recognition of the important role of women in the past and present.

Up Coming Programs
Annual Fantasy Trip. As the library has done for the past seven years, we will once again embark on a fantasy trip to a far-away land during the local school spring break. This year our destination is Italy. Preparation is underway for visits to Rome, Venice, Naples and a climb up Mt. Vesuvius. The trip will include lunch and a shopping trip. Docents from the Muscarelle Museum at The College of Williams & Mary will be on hand to share information about Michelangelo. Other surprises lay in store for the youthful travelers between the ages of 7 and 13.