REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mathews Memorial Library
Bette Dillehay, Director
September 12, 2023
The report that follows outlines current administrative matters and ongoing activities that occurred during the report period.
Financial Report
Current Reporting Period
Expenses for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, are provided with this report. Expenditures for FY 2022-2023 reflect a decrease over the previous fiscal period. Unencumbered funds were applied to salary increases established but not budgeted during the fiscal year period.
Information presented in the current financial report is a statement of resources and expenses for a two-month period ending August 31, 2023. Operational expenses for the report period totaled $18,327.41, a 33.6% decrease over FY22-23. Line item 5240 reflects lower charges than the previous period but there are similar charges pending payment.
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.
Patrons
The current count of patrons is 10,796, a slight increase of 2.66% over the previous year’s total.. Circulation of materials during the report period reflects a continued increase in the number of electronic materials circulated. During the report period, 57.5% of all materials circulated were electronically accessed.
Projects/Programs
The youth program, “All Together Now,” exploring the importance of friendship and working together was a great success. Averaging 24 young people between the ages of 6 and 12 at each day’s events, the staff was rewarded with very positive feedback from each participant.
The return of two favorites, Plunky & Oneness jazz and the Ambrosia Quartet to the Soothin’ Summer Sounds concert series drew maximum crowds to these events. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the library also received a $1,000 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. A breakdown in costs for all summer activities is available for your review.
In a continuing effort to provide opportunities to youth, the library is sponsoring a “Teen Territory” open house event on September 15th. Teens will be given an opportunity to share their ideas about possible activities or events that would encourage their participation.