REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
March 14, 2023
The report that follows outlines current administrative matters and ongoing activities that occurred during the
report period.
The staff is pleased to learn that Ms. Deona Pavik has been appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as a
member of the library’s Board of Trustees. We look forward to working with her to achieve the goals of the
library.
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 28, 2023. Operational expenses for the report period totaled $18,398.36. Along with
the renewal of a number of online services, including major genealogy databases, the need to cover Verizon
fees for WiFi service contributed to the charges incurred during the report period.
While the cost of providing WiFi services is costly, it has been partially covered by a federal grant. During the
second half of 2022, the cost of providing WiFi services to citizens fell to the county; however, federal support
was again available beginning January 2023..
Salaries and Related Expenses
The amount budgeted for salaries and related benefits for FY 22/23 is $331,238 or $27,603 per month. A
current financial activity report reflecting the amount spent as of January 31, 2023, shows a total of $202,241.03
or 61.06% of the total budgeted amount for FY22/23.
Patrons
The number of active patrons now stands at 10,659. Tn addition to circulation of materials (739) during the
report period, many patrons (1,117) access books, music and movies through digital services subscribed to by
the library.
Library Staff
A part-time position vacant in the youth wing was recently filled with the hiring of Fran Canty. Ms. Canty
brings extensive experience with a back of library-related activities. She currently works two days a week —
Monday and Friday.
Projects/Programs
Tech Tuesdays. The library applied for, and received, a Public Library Association grant of $4,000 to provide
technology training to citizens. To date, 9 classes have been offered covering topics such as Windows PC
basics, cybersecurity, Android phones & tablets. A total of 86 individuals have participated.
Storytirne for Youth. Youth Services leader, Carol McCormack, maintains a weekly schedule of storytime
programs that includes several sessions a week drawing an enthusiastic group each time. In addition, she offers
similar programs to three additional sites, including several nursery school and the head start at the high school.
Special Recognition. The libraiy invited the community during the month of February to share
in “Exploring the Promise” of a community joined together as part of the national celebration of
Black History Month. The event culminated in an open house on Saturday, February 25~ which
was well attended.
The month of March is also a month of celebration — “Women’s History Month.” A special
exhibit has been created featuring outstanding women of Mathews. In addition, members of the
community are invited to submit the names of those women they feel make our community a
better place.