Mathews Memorial Library
The report that follows outlines current administrative matters and ongoing activities that occurred during the report period.
As we began a new calendar year with numerous external activities and decisions having the potential to affect public libraries, we are faced with the challenge of meeting the needs and expectations of Mathews library users. How do you plan for a future that you can’t predict, or more precisely, how do you build a library today that works tomorrow? Recognized for taking an innovative approach to library service, the Mathews library staff believes today’s patrons expect and deserve, to have more than strictly access to information. Rather, it is our goal to provide multi-layered experiences, foster anticipation and wonder, engage all the senses, offer paths to accomplishment and refuge for those who need to regroup to rest their bodies and minds. With this as our goal, we look to the Board of Trustees to offer support and suggestions to assist in achieving our goals for 2025.
Financial Report
Current Reporting Period
Information presented in the current financial report is a statement of resources and expenses for a two-month period ending December 31, 2024. Year-to-date operational expenses total
$45,854.62, an amount less than that reported in FY23/24 ($65,144.65) which reflected significant costs of the WiFi program, at that time funded by library funds. However, providing access to online information continues to reflect a significant investment ($23,232.82).
Budget – FY25-26
The library submitted a proposed budget for FY25/26 to the County Administrator. As directed, our submission did not include salary recommendations. The proposed operating budget of $530,193.00 remains much the same as that approved for FY24/25, reflecting only a slight decrease of $2,300.00 in line item 3000 (Professional Servies) based on current spending needs.
Salaries and Related Expenses
The budget amount proposed for salaries and related benefits for FY 25/26 is $375,243. The amount represents a reduction in allocation of $22,710.78 under line item 2100 (FICA).
Patrons
The current count of patrons is 11,137, a slight increase of 2.44% over the previous year’s total. New registrations for the report period totaled 22.
Library Facility
Discussion continues to take place between library and county administration personnel regarding needed repairs to the library facility. As shared with the Board earlier, these issues center on lighting and the need for deep cleaning, particularly in the teen area where mold exists due to leakage. Maintenance of grounds is also a concern evidenced by the large collection of leaves and debris at both front and back of the library.
Conversation has also taken place with a representative of the historic James Store renovation project located adjacent to the library courtyard. This area has been unavailable for use by the library since last spring when renovation of the building began. While not critical for continuing library activities, it is a lessening of resources, particularly for youth programs.
Library Activities
Programs and activities celebrating the holiday season were the focus of the report period. The theme for this year’s events, “Celebrate the Season,” was interpreted with both youth and adult programs. There were two adult programs in addition to the annual “Deck the Halls,” when the public is invited to assist in decorating the nine traditional trees representing different periods. The first program, “Sounds of the Season,” featured a brass quintet from the Williamsburg Symphony and the second was “Gift of sharing” when cookies baked by community members were distributed to recipients of Hands Across Mathews food distribution program.
A traditional youth program invited young people up to age 12 to don their pj’s and share holiday stories and a visit from Santa. A new program offered to teens focused on the future. Teens were encouraged to enjoy the library holiday setting while creating resolutions and goals for the coming year. Both events attracted large and enthusiastic attendees.
Meeting spaces in the library continue to be reserved by community groups with 30 meetings being held during the report period, in addition to library activities.