REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
July 12, 2022
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
July 12, 2022
The report that follows outlines current administrative matters and ongoing activities that occurred during the report period.
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 June 30, 2022. While this report represents the conclusion of FY2021/2022, there may be additional charges recorded for some accounts. Operational expenses for the report period totaled $11,415.69, A major element impacting the current statement remains the monthly charges payable to Verizon supporting the WiFi program making offsite Internet access possible for patrons. Such payments are reimbursed through a Federal Emergency Connectivity Fund providing a total of $18,495.75. Monthly charges average $1,500. To date, reimbursements totaling $12,101.09 have been received.
Salaries and Related Expenses
The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY21/22 is $337,602 or $28,134 per month. The current financial activity report reflecting the amount spent as of June 8, 2022, shows a total of $290,288 or 85.99% of the total budgeted amount for FY21/22. Additional charges for the fiscal year are expected to total $25,758. Bringing total expenses for salaries and related costs to $316,046.
Patrons
The number of active patrons now stands at 10,376. In addition to circulation of materials (1,725), use of computers and printing devices continues to reflect community needs bringing citizens to the library.
As a result of off-site education programs and remote work patterns, the use of conference room space has increased significantly. This activity has prompted the staff to consider how this need can most effectively be met. Public libraries are ideally positioned to offer the amenities such activities require outside of traditional school and office spaces such as:
A place to meet and connect with others
Access to expensive equipment
Privacy for sensitive calls or conversations
The staff is actively investigating how we might respond to this and other changing needs of the community.
Library Staff
Until several weeks ago, the library staff consisted of five full-time and three part-time members. Last fall, Carol Owens resigned to take a position with the Mathews school system. She has since returned. More recently, Jackie Craven, a weekend staff person resigned to pursue other interests. Given these changes the staff is currently 5 full-time and two part-time. Adjustment in duties have been made, but consideration is being given to replacing Ms. Craven in a weekend position.
Maude Donovan, head of teen services, has recently completed an ALA-sponsored staff certification program and as of June, 2022, is designated by ALA as certified library support staff in the practice of librarianship.
A Fine-Free Library
Since the onset of the Pandemic, the Mathews library has been a fine-free library. Among Virginia’s public libraries more than 25 institutions have adopted a similar policy. The majority have indicated they intend continuing this operational position. To determine if such a change is appropriate for Mathews, analysis of several indicators has been conducted. This includes:
Increase/decrease in circulation
Increase in number of overdue/non-returned books
Impact on fees collected
With the exception of fees collected, which would be expected to decrease, no significant impact was detected in other review perspectives. We believe in providing equal access to knowledge and information to all. This means actively working to eliminate barriers to access of the library’s vital materials, resources and services. It is therefore recommended that we establish a permanent checkout policy that does not include overdue fees. Replacement cost would still be charged for lost items. It is also recommended that we move forward with clearing of all existing overdue fines and removing the line item in the budget for overdue fees.
Projects/Programs
Summer 2022 brings traditional programs to the library. This includes the very popular adult series, “Soothin’ Summer Sounds” and the ambitious, always well-received, summer youth program.
The music program series that opened on June 16th featured the Ambrosia Quartet which includes members of the Virginia Symphony. With the threat of COVID still present, steps were taken to reduce overcrowding. Slightly under 50 attendees enjoyed the evening concert and the reception that followed. The second performance is scheduled for Thursday, July 7th and marks the return of the very popular Richmond native, Plunky & Oneness. This performer has likewise previously appearaed at the library. Plunky’s appearance is funded in part by a grant from the VA Commission for the Arts. All additional support is provided by the Friends of the Library.
Beginning July 5th, young people between the ages of 6 and 12 will set sail on an amazing voyage of fun, adventure and learning. During the month of July, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week, under the theme “Oceans of Possibilities,” will feature Lemonade Lectures, Discovery Days and Creative Activities. Wednesdays are reserved for “Tales to be Told for preschoolers through kindergarten. We anticipate total registration of 35-45. Again, the library youth program is totally funded by the Friends of the Library..