REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
September 5, 2017
This report is intended to provide the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees with a report of activities during the period July 11 – September 5, 2017.
Financial Report
Current Reporting Period
The current financial report is a statement of resources and expenses for a two-month period ending August 31, 2017. Operational expenses for the bi-monthly period totaled $22,900.09. Or 21.12 % of budget ($107,929) (not including grants/donations), and reflect a 47.04% over the previous fiscal year total. Current unencumbered operating funds total $90,763.79 not, including funding of $5,000.00 in line item 3001 (C4K grant).
Salaries and related expenses
As of August 31, 2017, expenses totaled $18,740.89. The total amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY2017-2018 is $267,103 or roughly $22,259 per month.
Patron Update
The current number of patrons is 11,794, an increase of 39 patrons over the previous report period and a 2.65% increase over the previous year. The average number of patrons and others visiting the library daily during the report period was 153.
Personnel
No changes in staff has occurred during the report period. The enthusiastic support and participation of those members who made the youth summer program deserve thanks and recognition – Maude Donovan, Nicole Hirtenstein, Diane Riley, Colanne Bunting and Christy Poteet.
.
Digitization Project
Training for two library staff members, Diane Riley and Colanne Buting, led by Becky Barnhardt is underway to facilitate activating the digital project in which the library coordinates digitizing and providing access to a wide variety of primary research materials held by museums and related organizations throughout the county.
Begun in late May, the plan is to complete the first phase of the project by end-of-year 2017. This involves processing 18th and 19th century maritime photographs, paintings, objects in the archives of the library and each of the participating organizations. As reported to you at your last meeting, the library has created a policy and MOU to govern the project’s operations.
Donation
The library was recently enhanced by the addition of three beautiful oriental rugs donated by Drs. Anne Leddy and Alexander Wilson. These are located throughout the library.
Programs
This is Us. The 2017 youth summer program is considered by staff to be one of our most successful series. Registration totaled 67 with an average daily attendance averaging 38. The theme appeared to resonate among all age groups which ranged from 6 to 14. The goal was to instill a greater sense of place and a commitment to making their world a better place.
Soothin’ Summer Sounds returned on a “High Note” with the appearance of Plunky and the Oneness on June 8th with 73 attendees enjoying the evening. The second program – Art Muroff & Friends on Thursday, July 13th drew over 90 people. The final program held on Thursday, August 31st was also a “sellout” with 82 in attendance. We believe changing the schedule to 4 p.m. has enhanced attendance.
Dr. Muroff, a perennial favorite, has agreed to a second performance which will take place on Thursday, September 28th at 7 pm.
Funding for all summer programs (Highland Games, Soothin’ summer Sounds, 4-week youth program) is provided by the Friends of the Library. The cost for 2017 was $9,719.64. The Friends had approved $10,000 to cover costs.