USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1934 > Part 16
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DEAR SIR :- The Manager of Public Burial Places respectfully submits the following financial report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1934.
Receipts
Care of lots
$2,346 00
Sale of lots
8,890 00
Interments
8,511 00
Foundation and grading
2,287 50
Perpetual care
9,840 00
Perpetual Care Fund-Interest
7,323 84
Other Trust Funds-Interest
116 48
$39,314 82
Expenditures
Manager-Salary
$2,400 00
Superintendent-Salary
2,184 00
Clerk-Salary
00
Labor and grading
27,174 50
Truck-Upkeep
432 35
Cemetery-Supplies
1,670 17
Miscellaneous
337 86
Civil Works Account
415 50
New Equipment
2,195 00
Hancock Cemetery
500 00
$38,009 38
In 1934 there were five hundred and nine (509) burials and thirty (30) removals.
A detailed statement of the Perpetual Care Investment will be found in the City Treasurer's report.
Very truly yours,
THOMAS GAMMON, Manager of Public Burial Places.
253
REPORT OF CITY PHYSICIAN
REPORT OF CITY PHYSICIAN
APRIL 13, 1935.
To His Honor, the Mayor of the City of Quincy:
I beg to submit the following report for the year ending 1934. This report is in accordance with the City Ordinance. This year has been another busy one for this department. Due to the vari- ous forms of aid by the Federal Government there was a smaller amount of work than in the previous year.
I would recommend at this time that the governing body of the city increase the facilities of the clinic and at the same time com- bine the medical work of the other departments, such as the Fire Department medical work and caring for all compensation cases not covered by the City Physician into this one department. One united department from my observation would save the city several thousands of dollars medical expenses.
There were 3,671 house calls, a total of 4,686 patients cared for at the clinic; at the Quincy City Hospital there were 119 cared for which are classified as Out Patients. In the house there were 216 Surgical cases, 91 Medical cases, 75 Obstetrical cases, 75 Pedi- atric cases, 106 Aural cases and 19 Dental cases. There were 16 deaths. Two patients were cared for at the hospital from the City Home.
Fifty-seven calls were made to the Police Station and 93 were vaccinated for the School department.
In conclusion, I feel that the time is overdue for a complete reorganization of the department of the City Physician, which should be maintained as a separate department, both from the standpoint of the city ordinance and should have its own budget.
Respectfully submitted,
I. EDELSTEIN, M.D., City Physician. 52 Elm Street. JOSEPH J. CARRELLA, M.D., Asst. City Physician. CHARLES G. BERGER, M.D., Asst. City Physician.
254
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
QUINCY, MASS., APRIL 4, 1935.
HON. LEO MULLEN, Acting Mayor, City of Quincy, Mass.
SIR :- I hereby submit the annual report of the department of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1934.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Sealing fees
$857 45
Adjusting charges
92 18
Hawkers and pedlars
415 00
Special city licenses
75 00
$1,449 63
REWEIGHING
Tested Correct Under Over
Bread
87
60
1
26
Butter
8
8
....
....
Coal in 25 lb. bags
28
6
9
13
Coal in transit in trucks
1
....
....
1
Dry commodities
6
6
....
Fruits and vegetables
36
15
21
....
Liquid commodities
1
1
....
....
Meats and provisions
14
14
....
....
Wood in bags
3
3
....
....
Total
184
107
37
40
SEALING SCALES
Adj. Seal. Non-s. Cond.
Platform over 5,000 lbs.
1
34
....
....
Platform 100 to 5000 lbs.
33
305
2
7
Counter 100 lbs. or over
2
....
....
Counter under 100 lbs.
10
194
....
....
Beam 100 lbs. or over
....
70
...
12
Spring under 100 lbs.
43
472
1
41
Computing 100 lbs. or over
4
....
....
Computing under 100 lbs.
25
420
5
16
Personal slot weighing
...
107
....
20
Prescription
42
....
....
Jewelers
....
7
....
20
SEALING WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
49
2023
....
5
Apothecary
....
....
Metric
....
146
....
....
Troy
....
93
....
....
....
24
1
....
Spring 100 lbs. or over
....
473
6
255
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
CAPACITY MEASURES
Vehicle tanks
33
....
....
Liquid
....
621
1 25
Oil jars
....
244
5
....
AUTOMATIC MEASURING DEVICES
Gasoline pumps
8
168
2
5
Gasoline meters
173
385
17
Kerosene pumps
2
22
...
....
....
58
361
....
Molasses pumps
....
....
....
Quantity measures on pumps
29
640
....
....
LINEAR MEASURES
Yard sticks
107
....
2
Taxi meters
8
....
....
....
...
Totals
373
6710
378
178
INSPECTIONS
Truck scales
16
Clinical thermometers
215
Coal certificates
6
Ice scales
5
Junk scales
4
Marking of bread
34
Marking of food packages
140
Glass graduates
58
Peddlers' scales
33
Peddlers' licenses
107
Transient venders
9
Oil jars
128
Gasoline devises tested after sealing
65
Re-weighing for municipalities
2
Measures tested
2
Oil jars
2
Totals
826
....
2
Cloth measuring devices
....
4
..
Oil pumps
4
....
Respectfully submitted, JAMES M. CANTFILL, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
256
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
FEBRUARY 28, 1935.
To His Honor, the Mayor of the City of Quincy and Members of the City Council:
The Department of Public Welfare respectfully submits the fol- lowing report for the year ending December 31st, 1934.
The year 1934 showed a marked reduction in the Welfare ex- penditures as compared to 1933. A comparison of expenditures for the years 1933-1934 follows:
1933-$580,895 57 1934-$339,997 14 a reduction of $240,898 43
The P. W. A., the E. R. A., together with a huge city program of public works were the principal reasons for this reduction.
Private industry, as in 1933, failed to absorb as many welfare cases as expected.
Work has been done daily throughout the year by all recipients able to work. A person was excused from such work only by a certificate of illness from the City Physician.
The department has prosecuted and will continue to prosecute persons refusing to work for aid rendered.
Medical Attention
Requests for medical services showed a marked increase during 1934. The department rendered the following types of medical service :
Care of acute illnesses, care of chronic illnesses, obstetrical care, surgical care, corrective care (such as provision of glasses and appliances), dental care, and nursing care.
The need for a chronic hospital, with provision for a new dispen- sary is urgent. The department urgently recommends that a build- ing of this type be constructed as soon as possible.
City Home
The past year has shown a steady increase in the number of persons admitted to the City Home. On many occasions the de- partment has been unable to accept additional inmates due to crowded conditions.
The department wishes at this time to express appreciation to His Honor Mayor Ross, members of the City Council, the Massa- chusets Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and the charitable organizations of the city for the splendid copera- tion given during the past year.
For details of expenditures reference is made to report of Auditor of Accounts.
Respectfully submitted,
ROLAND BROBERG, Commissioner of Public Welfare.
257
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Appropriations and Transfers
Salaries
$21,595 98
Expense
8,052 50
Equipment
103 50
Auto Maintenance
3,865 00
City Home
8,500 00
Mothers' Aid
30,300 00
Outside Aid
340,070 61
Old Age Assistance
93,443 10
New Autos
2,400 00
$508 330 69
Expended
Salaries
$21,595 98
Expense
8,049 31
Equipment
103 50
Auto Maintenance
3,864 63
City Home
8,194 64
Mothers' Aid
30,298 81
Outside Aid
339,997 14
Old Age Assistance
93,034 36
New Autos
2,348 74
$507,487 11
Receipts for 1934
Dept. of Public Welfare-(Mothers' Aid)
$8,065 79
Dept. of Public Welfare-(Outside Aid)
75,267 95
Dept. of Public Welfare-(Old Age
Assistance)
33,953 32
Other Cities and Towns ..
35,434 53
Other Cities and Towns-(Old Age
Assistance)
3,594 80
Individuals
480 82
$156,797 21
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE REPORT Appropriations
Appropriations
$95,000 00
Transfer to various Departments (Dec.)
1,556 90
Total
$93,443 10
Expenditures
Cash (Pay-rolls)
80,519 37
Extra Pay-rolls (Christmas and Thanksgiving)
1,228 00
Wellington Hospital Home
5,769 36
Fuel
723 26
Office Expense
18 50
Paid to Other Cities and Town on Settled Cases.
3,433 87
Burials
1,060 00
Eye Treatment: Glasses, etc., for O. A. A. Cases
255 75
Special Treatments: Medicine, etc.
14 00
Dental Treatment to O. A. A. Case
3 00
Special Appliances to O. A. A. Cases
9 25
Total
$93,034 36
Amount Disallowed by State (7/10 of 1%)
241 69
258
CITY OF QUINCY
City Home
Number of inmates January 1, 1934.
26
Number of inmates admitted during the year 1934 93
Total number during the year 1934. 119
Number discharged during the year 1934 81
Number of inmates in City Home January 1, 1935.
38
Mothers' Aid
Number of families aided under Chap. 118, Jan. 1, 1934 35 Number of individuals aided under Chap. 118, Jan. 1, 1934 157
Number of families having no settlement
7
Number of families having settlement-other cities or towns
7
Cases closed during the year 1934
5
Cases added during the year 1934
10
Number of families aided under Chap. 118, Jan. 1, 1935
40
Number of individuals aided under Chap. 118, Jan. 1, 1935
186
Outside Aid
Number of families aided under Chap. 117, Jan. 1, 1934 Number of individuals aided under Chap. 117, Jan. 1, 1934
5,735
Number of families having no settlement ..
482
Number of families having settlement in other cities and towns
242
Number of families added during the year 1934 ..
595
Number of individuals added during the year 1934.
2,975
Number of families discharged during the year 1934 ..
643
Number of families aided under Chap. 117, Jan. 1, 1935
1,109
In Massachusetts Hospital School at Canton.
5
Division of Child Guardianship.
27
Being cared for in private families-minors
5
Being cared for in private families-adults
1
Being cared for in Tewksbury Infirmary
4
Being cared for in Pondville Hospital
9
Being cared for in private hospitals
25
Being cared for in Mass. General Hospital (out- patient)
28
SUMMARY REPORT
Old Age Assistance
Individuals aided under Chap. 118 G. L. (O. A. A.), as of Jan. 1, 1934
283
Individuals aided under Chap. 118 G. L. (O. A. A.), as of Jan. 1, 1935.
308
Individuals added during the year 1934.
82
Individuals whose cases were closed by death.
30
Individuals whose burials were partly defrayed by Old Oge Assistance
10
Individuals whose cases were transferred to other
cities and towns
20
1,147
259
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Individuals whose cases were discontinued for various reasons
7
Analysis of individuals now being aided under O. A. A., Male
137
Analysis of individuals now being aided under O. · A. A. Female
171
Total 308
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at Quincy City Hospital
17
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at Wellington Home
9
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at Falconer Home
1
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at McAuley Home
1
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at Douthett Home
1
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at Huntington Hospital
1
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at Mass. Eye & Ear Infirmary
2
Individuals receiving hospitalization during 1934 at Carney Hospital
1
Individuals receiving glasses during 1934.
17
Individuals-who are Quincy settled
221
Individuals-settle in other cities and towns.
40
Individuals-having no settlement
47
Applications taken but assistance denied for the following reasons:
(1) Not in need 12
(2) Children able to provide 5
(3) Too much insurance 5
(4) Too much equity in property. 4
(5) No 20 years residence 4
Total 30
260
CITY OF QUINCY
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT
JANUARY 4, 1935.
HON. CHARLES A. Ross, Mayor, Quincy, Mass .:
DEAR SIR :- The following is the annual report of the Park De- partment for the year 1934.
The activities of the department were similar to those of last year. Winter recreation consisted of skating, tobogganing and skiing. In the spring and summer, soccer, basebal, swimming, picnics and outings were the main activities. A stupendous bon- fire and carnival was conducted the night before the Fourth of July and several days thereafter at Merrymount Pageant Field by Post No. 95 of the American Legion. Bowling-on-the-green, archery and horseshoe pitching engaged the attention of a great many of our citizens in the summer, and an archery rink and horseshoe pitching court are maintained indoors at the Fore River Club House. Permits were issued as follows: baseball, 1,298; football, 61; soccer, 105; outings and picnics, 66; In addition to this the fields were used for school sports nearly every day during the spring and fall seasons.
During July and August, the playgrounds were conducted under the guidance of paid instructors, and assistants obtained through the ERA. The program was similar to that conducted last year. The average daily attendance at the playgrounds was about 2,500. The playgrounds and ball fields were maintained in a fair physical condition. Much improvement should be made. The Park Depart- ment appropriation for the year was much too small, but with the generous assistance of the Public Works Department, Welfare and ERA labor, we were able to carry through in a fair manner. The department hereby records in the order of their necessity, the following recommendations, viz:
1. Fill the hole at the right field in Merrymount Park, and di- vert the course of the road from Hancock Street into Merry- mount Park.
2. Finish Henry L. Kincaide playground.
3. Complete filling and grading of O'Neil Field in Atlantic.
4. Complete filling and grading of James S. Perkins playground in the Merrymount section.
5. Take land at Houghs Neck for addition to A. N. LaBrecque playground.
6. Complete and grade Montclair playground.
7. Complete filling and grading of John J. O'Rourke playground. While the Park Department realizes that it will cost considerable to carry through these recommendations, it is hoped that they may be fulfilled with the aid of the ERA, if not through regular munici- pal appropriations. The fiscal expenditures may be obtained from the Auditor's Report.
Respectfully submitted,
YRJO M. MATSON, Chairman, WILLIAM J. SPARGO, Secretary, J. ERNEST COLLINS.
261
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY ."
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1934 Published by the Trustees 1935
TRUSTEES, 1934 COL. GEORGE E. ADAMS, Chairman GEORGIANA C. LANE, Secretary PAUL A. COLETTI, Treasurer MRS. HENRIETTA C. THOMAS
VINCENT J. READDY
SYLVESTER J. LYONS
LIBRARIAN GALEN W. HILL
STAFF
GERTRUDE F. CALLAHAN, First Assistant
* MARGARET L. STEARNS, Cataloger
MARTHA E. ROSVALL, Cataloger
MARGARET M. HEBERT, Chief of Circulation
SARAH B. KINGMAN, Children's Librarian
VIRGINIA GILES, Assistant
ELEANOR GOW, Assistant
DOROTHY HENRIKSON, Assistant
HELENE HODGKINSON, Assistant in Children's Department
RAGNHILD LINDBERG, Assistant
IRENE M. PONTI, Assistant
* MARTHA H. SISSON, Assistant
*M. GENEVIEVE SURETTE, Assistant +DOROTHY K. WHITE, Assistant
JESSIE D. WILFORD, Reference Assistant
BRANCH LIBRARIANS
A. ZAYMA CONNOLLY, Hospital Librarian
MARIE CORAYER, Parkway Branch
MABEL CORIATI, General Palmer Branch
MURIEL L. Cox, Montclair Branch
MARION L. DAVIS, Norfolk Downs Branch
M. LOUISE DINEGAN, Lakin Square Branch
LAURA A. DUNCANSON, Atlantic Branch CAROLYN KITTREDGE, Manet Branch MARY MILLS, Baxter Branch
MABEL F. PORTER, Merrymount Branch
FRANCES B. RAYMOND, Squantum Branch
DORIS E. RIZZI, Temple Branch
CATHERINE SAVILLE, Wollaston Branch
Janitor JOHN V. MEAD
* Resigned.
¡ Part time.
262
CITY OF QUINCY
DIRECTORY AND LIBRARY HOURS
MAIN LIBRARY, 40 Washington St. Tel. Pres. 0081. Open 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. daily except Sunday.
Open Sundays (for reading only) October to May, 2-6 P. M.
BOYS' AND GIRLS' HOUSE, 25 Spear St.
Open daily except Saturday and during vacation, 1.30-6 P. M. Open Saturdays and daily during vacation, 10-12 A. M., 1.30- 6 P. M.
BRANCHES:
ATLANTIC, 137 Sagamore Street, Atlantic Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M.
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, 7-9 P. M.
BAXTER, 139 Water Street, South Quincy
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-6, 7-9 P. M.
GENERAL PALMER, Adams Shore School, Pelican Road Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1.30-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday, 7-9 P. M.
LAKIN SQUARE, 507 Beale Street Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1-6 P. M. Open Tuesday and Saturday, 7-9 P. M.
MANET, Atherton Hough School, Houghs Neck Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday, 7-9 P. M.
MERRYMOUNT, Merrymount School, Agawam Road Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1.30 P. M. Open Monday and Friday, 7-9 P. M.
MONTCLAIR, 91 Holbrook Road, Montclair Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday, 7-9 P. M.
NORFOLK DOWNS, 6-8 Tyler Street, Norfolk Downs Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7-9 P. M.
PARKWAY, 1248 Furnace Brook Parkway, W. Quincy Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 7-9 P. M.
SQUANTUM, Squantum School, Huckins Avenue Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1-6 P. M.
TEMPLE, 516 Washington Street, Quincy Point Open every afternoon, 1-6 P. M. Open Monday and Friday, 7-9 P. M.
WOLLASTON, 41 Beale Street, Wollaston Open daily except Saturday, 1-6, 7-9 P. M. Open Saturday, 9-12 A. M., 1-6, 7-9 P. M.
HOSPITAL SERVICE, Quincy City Hospital Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2-5 P. M.
263
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
To His Honor, the Mayor of the City of Quincy :
The sixty-fourth annual report of the Trustees of the Thomas Crane Public Library is submitted herewith.
During the year 1934, because of the continuance of the eco- nomic depression, the library department was again obliged to operate on a much reduced budget. This curtailment was re- flected in the smaller number of books which it was possible to purchase, and as a result there was a diminution in the use of the library facilities. In other words, the library was unable to meet the demands of its readers. However, the per capita circula- tion was still above the average in the state and the unit cost per book circulated continued to be very low, this indicating again economy in the management of the department.
As to the maintenance and upkeep of the various buildings and property under the jurisdiction of the library system, it has been a year of renovation through the agency of the civil works admin- istration and the emergency relief administration of the federal government. This has included painting all interior walls and refinishing all woodwork, including all furniture at the main library and painting the exterior and interior and refinishing floors in all the other buildings owned by the library.
New brick steps were constructed at the Wollaston branch. A group of book menders in charge of an expert bookbinder examined over 40,000 books in the branches, the Boys and Girls House and the school collection, mending those needing minor repairs and setting aside those needing rebinding and those unfit for further use. The library has thus benefited greatly through the opportu- nity furnished by these government agencies to put the library buildings and property in excellent condition at a comparatively slight cost.
The oil burner at the Boys and Girls House went out of com- mission during the fall and was replaced by one of a more modern type and at the same time the furnace in that building was re- paired.
During the year numerous gifts of books have been received. Included in these were over 150 volumes from the estate of Miss Wilhelmina Wright of Sharon, these being presented through the interest and kindness of George W. Abele, Esq., a former member and chairman of the trustees of this library. The continued in- terest of the Wollaston Garden Club in beautifying the grounds at the Wollaston Branch is noted and greatly appreciated.
The trustees take this opportunity to set forth again the offi- ciency, loyalty and zeal of the librarian and members of the staff and also take this occasion to thank the Mayor and City Council for their support and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. ADAMS, Chairman.
GEORGIANA CUSHING LANE, Secretary.
264
CITY OF QUINCY
TREASURER'S CONDENSED STATEMENT-1934
Thomas Crane Endowment Fund
*Securities Dec. 31, 1933. $8,940 75
Balance in Banks, Dec. 31, 1933. 124 51
Receipts, interest on invested funds.
370 00
Receipts, interest current deposits 38
Note, Quincy Cooperative Bank 80 00
$9,515 64
Payments, mortgage interest, etc.
$452 26
Payments a/c Land Court expense on title Laban Pratt property.
78 35
Balance in banks Dec. 31, 1934
44 28
*Securities, Dec. 31, 1934.
8,940 75
$9,515 64
Crane Memorial Fund
* Securities and real estate Dec. 31, 1933 ..
$23,900 00
Balances in bank Dec. 31, 1933. 85 31
Receipts, interest on invested funds .. 230 00
Receipts, interest current deposits.
50
$24,215 81
Payments, mortgage interest, etc. $271 04
44 77
*Securities, Dec. 31, 1934
23,900 00
$24,215 81
Ellery Channing Butler Fund
Principal in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1933
$1,000 00
Balance in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1933 ....
12 77
Receipts, interest on deposits. 35 26
$1,043 03
Payments, mortgage interest
$27 00
Balance in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1934 ....
21 03
Principal in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1934
1,000 00
$1,048 03
Alice G. White Fund
*Securities, Dec. 31, 1933 $980 25
Balance in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1934.
51 30
Receipts, interest on invested funds
50 00
Receipts, interest on current deposit ..
14
$1,081 69
Payments, music books, etc.
$98 16
Balance in savings bank, Dec. 31, 1934.
3 28
*Securities, Dec. 31, 1934
980 25
$1,081 69
*For list of securities see Treasurer's report for 1931. No changes have been made in investments in 1932, 1933 or 1934.
Balances in banks, Dec. 31, 1934.
265
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
George W. Morton Fund
*Securities, Dec. 31, 1933. $1,880 50
Principal in savings bank Dec. 31, 1933 ..
3,207 12
Balance in savings bank Dec. 31, 1933 ... 9 08
Receipts, interest
192 42
$5,289 12
Payments, mortgage interest, etc.
$200 54
Balance in savings bank Dec. 31, 1934 ....
96
Principal in savings bank Dec. 31, 1934 ..
3,207 -12
*Securities Dec. 31, 1934.
1,880 50
$5,289 12
Cotton Center Johnson Fund
*Securities on hand, Dec. 31, 1933.
$1,890 00
Balance in savings bank Dec. 31, 1933 .. 3 74
Receipts, interest
10
$1,893 84
Balance in savings bank Dec. 31, 1934 .... 3 84
*Securities Dec. 31, 1934. $1,890 00
$1,893 84
PAUL A. COLETTI, Treasurer. HENRIETTA C. THOMAS, VINCENT J. READDY, Auditing Committee.
* For list of securities see Treasurer's report for 1931. No changes have been made in investments in 1932. 1933 or 1934.
266
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Thomas Crane Public Library :
I herewith submit the annual report of the librarian for the year ending December 31, 1934.
The record of the past year in our library shows both gains and losses. On the physical side it has been all gain. Through the agency of the C.W.A. and the F.E.R.A. our main library, the Crane Memorial Building, the Boys and Girls House, and the Wol- laston and Parkway Branches have been almost entirely reno- vated with exterior and interior painting and refinishing of wood- work, including furniture. A group of men, supervised by an expert bookbinder, has been engaged throughout the greater part of the year in going over all the books in the branches, the school collection and in the Boys and Girls House, repairing and mending books needing such attention. As the results, the buildings and equipment and the books also are now in excellent condition.
The major loss has been a falling off in the home use of books to a figure below the circulation of 1932. This drop was not en- tirely a surprise. Indications that it was coming were apparent in the fall of 1933 and many libraries reported decreases in cir- culation even for that year. Just as the abnormal call on public library resources were general throughout the entire country, so a decrease in the calls has been an equally common phenomenon. It is probable that the slight improvement in the industrial situ- ation is one cause. Some of the heavy library users of the last few years have undoubtedly found work and have less time to read. Library circulation has always been regarded as one straw to show the direction of the unemployment wind. But beyond question, the chief reason for the loss in circulation has been the failure of almost all libraries to keep pace wtih the demands upon them because of reduction in library appropriations, especially funds for books. Our own book fund was cut nearly fifty per cent in 1932 and not materially increased in 1934, and the results are very evident to people who come to us for library service. We are wearing out our books almost as fast as we replace them. The situation has been so well put by the librarian of the Somer- ville Public Library in his report for 1933 that his words are worth quoting: "Books are the life blood of the library. Like a man losing blood, the library can bleed for a short time with- out fatal results, but the process is weakening and the loss must be stopped if the vitality of the library as a useful institution in the community is to be maintained. We cannot contemplate without great concern for the future a situation in which demand and wear mount upward and supply declines."
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