REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
July 15, 2012
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with an interim report of activities during the period ending June 30, 2012.
The library is enjoying a wonderful summer. We are more than pleased with the response to the youth summer program. To date, 61 young people are registered to attend some or all of the 17 events that make up the program, "Taking A Closer Look, An Archaeological Adventure."
For adults, the Soothin' Summer Sounds series, "Music Across America," is also proving to be very popular. On Wednesday, July 18, Darryl Ellyson, a guitarist from Richmond, will provide a program of blues music. The program for August 14th will feature a Newport News combo for an evening of swing music.
Financial Report
Operating expenses for the report period totaled $16,303.89, of which $5,462.94 was for 6 laptops for the youth wing and 1 staff desktop. Year-end totals reflect expenses for FY 2012 of $76,178.72. The operating budget for FY2012 of $75,736,000, along with grants/donations of $11,520.64, totaled $87,256.64. Deducting $4,000.00 appropriated for FY2013, a balance of approximately $7,000.00 remains – depending on what additional expenses are charged against FY2012 before the end of July
During the previous month, several generous donations toward the renovation project were received by the library. This included a donation of $30,000 from Anne Orrell and Eugene Callis, which has been given to the Friends for deposit. Two additional checks totaling $300.00, received from the Bavon Beach Homeowners Association and residents Mr. & Mrs. William Shewmake, were deposited with the County Treasurer to be appropriated to the Library Construction Fund. This account was approved by the Board of Supervisors as a restricted account to be used for funds intended to support the cost of renovation of the adjacent building.
Information maintained by the Office of the County Administrator regarding salaries and related benefits showed FY2012 expenses of $209,518.05, or 96.6% of total budget ($216,704).
FY2013 Budget
The approved amended budget for FY2013 is $317,897. Of this amount $229,726 is allocated for salaries and related benefits. The remainder, $88,171 or 27.7% is for operating expenses. All salaried, full-time personnel received an increase of 3% for FY2013.
The library has also received word of approval of its application for funding through the Universal Service Support program. This year's application will provide for a 60% discount of the cost of the library's provision of Internet service amounting to $3,959.57.
This program, also known as E-Rate, provides subsidies for Internet access, telecommunications services, internal infrastructure and basic maintenance of internal connections to schools and libraries. The subsidies pay a percentage of costs based on need, with rural and low-income schools receiving the greatest subsidy. This support goes to service providers that provide discounts from 20% to 90% based on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served. Eligible schools, school districts, and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium, and must provide the hardware and software elements that are necessary to utilize the connectivity
Patron Update
The total number of patrons now stands at 9,657, with an average of 2.8 patrons added per day.
Staff Update
Effective July 1, Melissa Rich, assumed the position of Head, Adult Services as part-time personnel. A recent library school graduate, Melissa has worked at the library as a summer part-time member of the staff.
Tech Fair
Greg Lewis, head of technology services, is crafting plans for a tech fair to be held at the library in September. The fair will not only feature the library tech zoo, but Greg plans to invite outside firms who provide technology services such as MetroCast, Verizon, Middle Peninsula WiFi, Franktronics and others.