REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
March 12, 2024
The report that follows outlines current administrative matters and ongoing activities that occurred during the report period.
The Library staff and patrons were saddened by the loss of Sally Howland who passed away on February 10, 2024. Sally was a library volunteer for more than twenty-five years. She gave support to youth activities and was a strong advocate of our outreach programs, particularly events such as Dr. Seuss Day.
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 February 29, 2024. Year-to-date operational expenses total $73,644.22, a 7.64% decrease from the same period in FY22-23..
Salaries and Related Expenses
The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY 23/24 is $347,816, a 5% increase over FY22/23. The amount represents an allocation of $28,985 per month. To date, expenses total $244,034.83 or approximately $30,504.35 per month for the period July 2023.- February 2024.
Hotspot Rental Program
A project designed to provide wireless broadband connectivity to Mathews County residents was launched by the library in October 2021. Federal funding was applied for, and obtained, to cover the cost of acquiring and financing the use of 25, and ultimately 50, hotspot units. Through December 31, 2023, program costs total $67,148.78, of which the library received $58,142.30 in federal funding and $9,006.48 from the county. As of December 31, 2023, federal funding ceased, placing the financial obligation on the county if the program is to continue. Support for the program is received from the county’s broadband committee, which is working with the county administrator to ensure funding is available.
Patrons
The current count of patrons is 10,908 a slight increase of 2.34% over the previous year’s total. The daily patron count was down slightly with the month’s total of 2,956 visits.
Library Pergola Structure
Slightly over two years ago, the wooden walkway structure at the rear of the library building was removed due to its being beyond repair. Discussion with the county and Friends of the Library regarding its replacement began immediately and led to a request made by the Friends to the architecture design group, Hudgins Design Collaborative to produce a plan for a more stable
structure. The firm submitted their proposal in June 2023. Following receipt of a bid to construct the feature, the county has indicated that funding for construction must be identified by the library. The cost is estimated to be $44,000.
Projects/Programs
Programs and workshops sponsored by the library continue to emphasize the increasingly important role of technology in services offered to the community. The most recent event took place on February 20th when a workshop conducted by Dr. Marshall Ruffin on the basics of telehealth offered twelve attendees both practical and technical insights for using telehealth services effectively and prudently.
Two more diverse programs also took place during February, both of which focused on the celebration of Black History Month.. The first, sponsored by the Mathews County Historical Society, featured historian Fred Lyon, who discussed John Warren Cooke and massive resistance. The following Tuesday, February 29th, was a program in which the author, Margaret Edds discussed her book, What the Eyes Can’t See, which was selected by the Library of Virginia for its non-fiction literary award in 2023. Her work traces the saga of Governor Northern during his term of office. Both programs received positive responses by the attending audiences.
Story time, both in the library and at community day care sites, continue to flourish in the youth wing. In addition, on March 1st the library participated in a book and movie event with the Bay School for the Arts. Seventeen children enjoyed reading, crafts and refreshments at the library before going next door to view a movie which corresponded with the theme of Peter Rabbit. It is planned to conduct similar programs on a quarterly basis.