REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
May 14, 2024
The report that follows outlines current administrative matters and ongoing activities that occurred during the report period.
The library staff was pleased to learn of the appointment of the Honorable Tom Bowen, member of the Mathews County Board of Supervisors, to the Mathews Memorial Library Board of Trustees.
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 May 1, 2024. Year-to-date operational expenses total $82,370.20, a 3.30% increase from the same period in FY22-23. With a few exceptions, line items remained relatively stable. Books and related materials (6012), including hard copy and electronic versions, show a 19% increase over the previous year. Computer Installation and Maintenance (3160), on the other hand, while it shows a significant increase of 225%, remains under budget. Telephone (5230) reflects the continued library support of WiFi checkout service with costs increasing over 42% for the fiscal year to date. Data Base User fees (5240) to date shows a 23% decrease.
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 $305,638.76 or approximately $30,563.88 per month for the period July 2023-April, 2024.
Hotspot Rental Program
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.
FY 24/25 Budget
The County’s proposed FY24/25 budget for the library, including salaries, is $575,903.78, an increase of $91,637.78 over the current FY 23/24.The largest portion of the increase is in salaries and related expenses with a 4.998% increase overall.
Patrons
The current count of patrons is 10,935 a slight increase of 2.24% over the previous year’s total. New registrations for the report period totaled 30. The daily patron count reflected a 19.18% increase with the month’s total of 2,305 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
The library youth and teen areas planned a program for spring break which was both ambitious and successful! On Wednesday, April 3rd, thirty-three young people, 19 of whom were teens, along with 4 staff members, boarded a school bus to travel to the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. The day was spent participating in hands-on exhibits, culminating in seeing a space show in the Dome theater.
Spring/Summer Activities
Plans are nearly complete for seasonal activities for all ages. On May 22nd, the library will serve as host to approximately 45 adults who will travel to Richmond to visit the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, focusing on a special exhibit about the life of Julia Childs. Lunch will be catered at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. A fee of $50 will be charged for the trip sponsored by the Friends.
Friday, June 14th marks the date for the Highland Games to take place at the Piankatank Ruritan Center, an annual event in its 20th year. There will be music, dancing and games in which young people participate and all ages can enjoy.
The library staff has nearly completed plans for the summer youth program. The theme for 2024 is “The Adventure Begins.” The program will be built on reading and experiencing new ideas and new places. The schedule will be that used in previous years, which includes lemonade lecture, craft and discovery days when we visit a relevant site linked to the program. Each week also will have story time for infants through 5 years of age.