CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2024
Good evening everyone and thank you all for coming.
It’s been a really successful year for Easingwold Community Library, recent statistics ranking all 43 North Yorkshire libraries show that we are punching well above our weight: In Adult’s book issues we rank 15[th] , just behind Thirsk to give you some context. and in Children’s book issues we rank 10[th] , ahead of Thirsk.
We now have 42 active volunteers and have been pleased to welcome 5 new members whilst sadly saying farewell to Sue Morris. The volunteers have clocked up an amazing 3,500 hours over the year, and that is just the time the library is open to the public, notwithstanding the numerous hours generously given behind the public opening times.
The good news is that the long-awaited kitchen and toilet refurbishment is going ahead from the 9[th] August and we would like to thank Jane Hodge for all of her hard work in getting this moving, it’s only been 7 years since the decision was made.
We would like to thank all of the volunteers for giving their time and commitment to the library and to all of those who also cover the extra jobs. Thank you to Angela and Linda for their continued success running the Home Library Service, to Gill and Jane Byrne for knit and natter, to Kay, Therese, Peter, Olivia, Nick and Hil for organizing Story Time, to Steve Trimmins for his help and creativity in driving the library communications, to Linda Kentley for all of her work in Health & Safety and to Steve and Sue Mattock for agreeing to take it over. We would also like to thank Anne & Gill for their thought provoking displays, Therese, Olivia and Val for the vibrant childrens’ displays, Phil and Tina for their tireless work in keeping the building going, despite the damp issue, which we are lobbying NYC at the highest level to try and sort out. Juliette has been as generous as always with her time onboarding volunteers as well as helping with blue badges and bus passes along with Tom. Cat, despite stepping down, has continued to step up to help with finance and Martine has dealt with all the email items and more.
Events this year have been organized brilliantly by Nick and we have had a range of different and entertaining evenings.
We are pleased to continue to work with Voirrey and to welcome Wendy who has been a great addition to the team. We were sad to say goodbye to Jo but happy to see her reappear in a volunteer’s capacity.
Finally, I would like to thank my fellow Trustees Tina, Liz, Karen, Jane and Neil for their commitment and hard work and thank you to Nigel Knapton for the time he spent as a Trustee, we are grateful for his help.
And lastly, we look forward to another hopefully happy, successful and enjoyable year in 2024/5.
EASINGWOLD GOMMUNITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Accounts fr>r Year Ended 31st March 2024 BALANCE SHEET Notes 31 March 2024 31 March 2023 Assets Fixed assets at net book value Bank Cash in Hand Total assets 6,817 34,591 60 8,181 38,326 101 46,608 Accumulated Funds Balance brought forward Excessl{deficit} of receipts over payments Total ?ccurnulated funds 46,608 -5,140 46,605 46,608 Anal sis of accumulated funds Fixed assets at net book value Temporarily restricted reserves.. NYC Stronger Communities Fund Long term contingency serve Total restricted reservos 6,817 8,181 515 6,500 7,015 6,500 Unrestricted reserves 28,151 31.412 Total reserves 41,468 grants and donations received with spending restrictions Notes 1 See separate sheet. 2 This was a.£1,000 grant for the 101 Stories project- it has now been spent in full. 3 Estimate of six months running expenses. I have examined the accounts shown on pages 1 and 2, which are in agreement with the records, vouchers and explanations provided. Signed.. (Accountant) Date..