USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1919 > Part 14
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199
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
School Gardens.
Throughout the year interest is maintained through the schools in school and home gardens. The planning and super- vision of this work is vested in a garden supervisor, who, being a practical farmer and one who understands and can enthuse children, has broadened out the work each year and has brought it to a high degree of efficiency. In addition to garden- ing, a large interest has been aroused in canning and in poul- try raising, in which, in state competitions, our pupils have won first and second prizes the past two years.
Parent-Teacher Associations.
Recognizing the fact that the efficiency of the schools can be materially increased by the maintenance of sympathetic re- lations between home and the school, there are parent-teacher associations organized in most of the schools. In many cases these associations are a large influence toward a better under- standing of school problems. While the principal of the school is in each case the president of such an association, the other officers are chosen from the body of parents as well as of teachers.
School Savings Bank System.
In 1912 a school bank system of savings was adopted for use in our schools. Through the co-operation of the Somerville Institution for Savings a very carefully devised and efficient system was established. Under the operation of this system many children became regular depositors in the school savings bank, and accumulated substantial accounts in the Institu- tion for Savings. During the period of the war the operation of the savings banks was interrupted temporarily and the chil- dren put their savings into Thrift and War Savings stamps. In this undertaking the habits of saving already established led to a liberal purchase of War Savings stamps. In the fall of 1919 the principals of the schools decided to resume the op eration of the school savings bank. In their opinion this sys- tem was more advantageous for the pupils of the city than would be the continuance of the purchase of War Savings stamps. The system as now operated provides for a school bank in each school building, which receives the deposits of pupils and transfers them to the Somerville Institution for Savings. A pupil may deposit in the school savings bank any sum of money which he is able to save. When he has a credit of three dollars he is entitled to receive a bank book. His money then goes on interest and thereafter his deposits are credited in his bank book.
200
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Americanization.
The character of the population of Somerville makes the need of Americanization work less than would naturally be expected in so large a city. However, several classes in Amer- icanization are conducted afternoons and evenings under the direction of the School Committee, and the number will be in- creased as conditions warrant. Classes are provided for both men and women.
Supervised Play and Organized Playgrounds.
In the elementary schools, organized play has become a prominent feature. The recess has become a most valuable part of the daily program. For several years, field days have been held just before the close of the school year to exemplify this work in the schools. The large attendance of parents and citi- zens upon these exercises is convincing proof of their endorse- ment.
Summer playgrounds, which were for several years under the direction of the School Committee, are now controlled by the Recreation and Playground Commission. In the work of this commission, the School authorities bear an important part. In the summer of 1919 8 playgrounds were conducted over the city, involving the employment of 15 supervisors and in- structors. As the interests of the school gardens and the sum- mer playgrounds are closely related, the Recreation and Play- ground Commission bears a portion of the expense of the sal- ary of the garden supervisor.
Summer School.
No summer school is maintained under the control of the School Committee. In the Y. M. C. A. building, however, one is conducted for six weeks, affording opportunity for help to those pupils who hope to regain a lost promotion or to obtain a special promotion. The teachers in this school are chosen from the public schools and work in harmony with the school ad- ministration. Their recommendations regarding the promotion of their pupils are, in the main, carried out at the opening of schools in September. In almost all cases their recommenda- tions prove wise.
Evening Schools.
Evening schools are maintained as follows for twenty weeks, beginning early in October :
High School on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings,
201
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
in the high school building. Classes are conducted in algebra, bookkeeping, chemistry, commercial arithmetic, English litera- ture, Spanish, penmanship, stenography, typewriting, free-hand drawing, mechanical drawing, architectural drawing and civil service.
The Bell Elementary School on Vinal Avenue and the Highland Elementary School on Highland Avenue, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. These schools are intended for those students who have not yet completed work that would admit them to the high school.
Practical Arts classes for men and boys in the Vocational School for Boys on Tufts Street, with classes in machine. shop practice and automobile repairing.
Practical Arts classes for women in the High School build- ing on Central Hill, in the Western Junior High School on Holland Street, and in the Bingham School on Lowell Street, with classes in millinery and dressmaking. The teachers of all these evening classes are carefully chosen because of a particu- lar fitness for the subjects they are to teach.
Conclusion.
While the schools of the city have continued adequate in- struction along the established lines, yet the best thought has been concentrated upon them in order that they might meet the changing requirements of education. That our schools in their early introduction of measures to meet the individual needs are in harmony with the best educational thinking is amply at- tested by the fact that these provisions have now been incor- porated into most school systems by legislative enactment or by voluntary action of the school authorities.
202
ANNUAL REPORTS.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
THOMAS M. DURELL, President.
J. FRANK WELLINGTON, Vice-President.
FREDERICK W. PARKER. WILLIAM L. BARBER. CHARLES L. NOYES, D. D.
HERBERT E. BUFFUM, M. D. GILES W. BRYANT, M. D. DAVID H. FULTON.
Vacancy.
COMMITTEES. On Administration. The President, Messrs. Wellington, Parker, Noyes, and Fulton.
On Books and Cataloguing.
The President, Messrs. Barber, Buffum, and Bryant.
On Buildings and Property. The President and the Vice-President.
Secretary of the Board. GEORGE H. EVANS.
203
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL.
December 31, 1919.
GEORGE HILL EVANS, Librarian. NELLIE M. WHIPPLE, Assistant Librarian. VIVIAN J. MORSE, Executive Assistant.
CENTRAL LIBRARY AND LIBRARIAN'S OFFICE. Highland Avenue and Walnut Street.
GRADED SERVICE.
Department Heads and Special Positions.
EDITH B. HAYES, Chief Cataloguer.
CORA B. EAMES, Reference Librarian.
MARY S. WOODMAN, Reviewer and Classifier.
ANNA L. STONE, Periodicals.
EDYTHE L. MILLER, High School Librarian.
GLADYS B. HASTINGS, Children's Librarian.
ABBIE G. GLOVER, Librarian of Graded and Junior High Schools.
Senior Assistants. MYRTLE NICHOLSON, Desk Chief. HELEN P. SMITH, Assistant Cataloguer. NINA L. WINN, Circulation Dep't. RUTH L. SWETT, Circulation Dep't.
Junior Assistants. JESSIE B. ALCOCK, Circulation Dep't.
UNGRADED SERVICE. MARION L. FALL, Catalogue Dep't. LILLIAN MCGOWAN, Circulation Dep't.
Attendants on Part Time.
LEILA BEARDSLEY RUTH HAYES BERNICE WATT
CAROLINE COMEY CARROLL HILL PAUL PARKER
MARION DOW LOUISE JOYCE
204
ANNUAL REPORTS.
WEST SOMERVILLE BRANCH. Established 1909. 40 College Avenue.
GRADED SERVICE. ESTHER M. MAYHEW, Branch Librarian. MABEL E. BUNKER, 1st Assistant.
Junior Assistants.
HARRIET FENWICK
DOROTHY L. KINNEY
UNGRADED SERVICE. MAE L. GORMLEY, Page.
Attendants on Part Time.
MARJORIE COLE WILBUR STANLEY
ELEANOR A. RANDALL RICHARD WALSH
LILLIAN TRASK
EAST SOMERVILLE BRANCH. Established 1912. Broadway and Illinois Avenue.
GRADED SERVICE. BEATRICE E. KELLIHER, Branch Librarian.
Senior Assistants. RUTH S. FALES, 1st Assistant.
Junior Assistants. RUTH BURCKES, Circulation.
UNGRADED SERVICE. Attendants on Part Time.
DORIS GERRITSON GLADYS MURLEY
GERTRUDE MCGLINCHY CECILE MCDONALD
205
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
UNION SQUARE BRANCH.
Established 1912. Washington Street and Bonner Avenue.
GRADED SERVICE. MILDRED R. HOLT, Branch Librarian.
Senior Assistants.
RUTH G. MARKLE, Children's Librarian. MARGUERITE C. KELLY, Circulation.
UNGRADED SERVICE.
Attendants on Part Time. BESSIE BERMAN. ELVIA A. SPAULDING
NOTE: For changes in staff personnel during the year see Librarian's Report.
206
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Report of the Trustees.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville :-
Gentlemen : - The forty-seventh annual report of the trus- tees of the public library is herewith respectfully submitted ; being the report of the librarian and tables of statistics of operation.
Very respectfully, The Board of Trustees, by THOMAS M. DURELL, President.
207
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN.
Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees :
The forty-seventh annual report of the Somerville Public Library, for the year 1919, is herewith submitted, a record of the largest year's work in the history of the library.
The outstanding feature of the year has been the effect of business competition that has lured librarians away from the profession into other more lucrative employments. Business has discovered that library training not only makes accurate and efficient workers, but that it is also a selective process that weeds out undesirable personality. Librarians and Trustees have observed with alarm the perfectly logical operation of this competitive demand. Powerless in most cases to combat it, they now find themselves face to face with an alarming de- ficit in the supply of library workers. This shortage has also induced an unfortunate condition of competition between in- stitutions, which, though an inevitable process of economic law, is none the less disturbing. The plain conclusion is that those municipalities that fail to recognize these signs of the times, and safeguard their library personnel by adequate sal- ary increases, will suffer a decline from their previous stand- ards of service. The process is already under way. The occa- sional institution that has sufficient freedom to act with promptness will emerge from the crisis with a notable increase of strength. Here and there one, having the vision, gives evi- dence also of freedom and initiative in self-protection.
Our library has had its share of these perplexities. Yet they have not been without their compensations. Through all these trying times there has been within the ranks of the staff a gratifying spirit of loyalty. Those who have left us have gone with evident regret. The sore need of relief from economic strain, or the invitation to step forward, has dictated the ac- ceptance of opportunities in other fields. Happily we have not had to endure the depressing atmosphere of complaint. For this patient loyalty, this spirit of courageous cheerfulness, that has made and kept the associations of the daily routine full of pleasure, the librarian expresses his gratitude and profound admiration.
To the growing conception of librarianship as a profes- sion this fine spirit is in large measure due. It may be profita- ble to point out to our citizens what this means to librarians and to the library service. First of all it is necessary to dis- abuse the mind of any confusion between professionalism and commercialism. The unfortunate use of the words professional and professionalism, as applied to the commercialization of atlı-
208
ANNUAL REPORTS.
letic sports, has established a popular conception entirely foreign to the terms as understood by librarians. Professional librarianship means first of all fitness of the individual through a liberal education to which has been added specialized train- ing and mental discipline. Its practise is marked by the men- tal attitude of the worker toward his calling as first of all a career, and only secondarily a means of livelihood. The pro- fessional librarian seeks certain rewards entirely outside the domain of commercial values. He deems essential to his hap- piness a large measure of freedom for self expression, an at- mosphere of congenial associations, personal and cultural. He values highly the opportunity to make his contribution to the progress of society, and perhaps to win a share of public esteem. The day's work, therefore, he does not do primarily for the day's wage to end with the day, but with a pride of workmanship in a continuous creative process, the building of the larger structure of a life. Organized librarianship seeks to promote and maintain uniformity and excellence of stand- ards through discussions, the press, legislation, and specialized training courses. It urges the universality of the library's cul- tural mission as opposed to the provincialism and stagnation of the library position as a local "job." Recognition of the profes- sional idea by the institution leads to the adoption of cultural standards, and to appointment and promotion for fitness, rather than for political, geographical, or similar non-intel- lectual reasons of temporary expediency. Such ideals and re- wards, and the long look ahead, undoubtedly do contribute toward a tranquil spirit in trying times.
Your librarian believes, and this library consistently prac. tices, the doctrine that it is the birthright and duty of librari- ans everywhere, when opportunity offers, to make such changes of employment as promise professional growth. Only by devel- opment of the individual can the vitality of our profession be maintained. New blood and new contacts are the anti-toxin to stagnation and provincialism. Even though one library for the moment suffers a loss, all libraries and the cause of educa- tion and good citizenship in the end benefit. We therefore believe that our losses that have meant progress for the in- dividual are in the larger view a gain.
For the first time in the history of the library the total re- corded home circulation has passed the 500,000 mark. We have no reliable means of estimating the amount of use within the walls of the 10,000 books in the 161 rooms of our schools. The testimony of the teachers shows it to be extensive. The recorded loans from school rooms for home use are 63,865. These are truly "books at work." There is an insistent cry from the teachers for more books. Double the number could be
200
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
put into immediate circulation. No department of the library brings in better returns, nor shows so great economy of opera- tion. The school is the only agency through which the entire child population can be reached. Through this means we achieve 100 per cent. publicity for the library as a public educa- tional institution to be supported as a matter of course by the coming generation.
Our Reference department has been busier than ever. In round numbers 64,000 questions, asked by all sorts of people who had problems to solve, were answered by the library, - an average of over two hundred and ten a day. These ques- tions reflect the life of the people from every angle. They vary all the way from such a simple question as "When was President Wilson born?" to a demand for detailed informa- tion about the Parana river of South America. The follow- ing questions answered in our Reference department, taken at random from the daily records, will serve to illustrate this phase of reference work. Questions about : Beet sugar industry, Corporation finance, Mercury arcs, Wood turning, Afghan stitch, Jiu jitsu, Symbolism in art, Collective bargain- ing, Japanese prints, Machine shop practice, Hebrew music, Philippine independence, Concrete construction, Spraying trees, Power transmission, Federal reserve act, Marble polish- ing, Die making, Lumber in Europe, Cabinet work, How to write effective business letters.
In June the library published a list of 384 books dealing with over sixty trades and professions for men, entitled "The Day's Work, What to do, and How to do It." This little book. let, although setting forth only the resources of this library and purely local in its purpose, has attracted considerable at- tention, and the library has received requests for copies from many sources from England to the Pacific coast.
A new card catalogue of our music collection has been completed. It contains not only the usual titles of works and names of composers, but many analytical entries intended to facilitate the use of large collections of songs and instrumen- tal selections.
During 1919 the following changes have occurred in the graded staff. Carrie L. Williams resigned to continue in the army hospital service for which she had previously been granted a leave of absence. Margaret M. Kneil, High School Librarian, resigned to accept a similar position in the girl's high school, Brooklyn, N. Y. She was succeeded by Edythe L. Miller, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke, promoted from the staff of the West Somerville Branch. Edna Woodbury, Children's Librarian at Central, resigned to accept a commercial posi- tion. Gladys B. Hastings, a graduate of Wellesley and Chil-
210
ANNUAL REPORTS.
dren's Librarian at the West Somerville Branch, was promoted to fill the vacancy. Susan W. Curtis, in charge of graded and Junior High School deposits, accepted a similar but better paid position in Framingham. She was succeeded by Abbie G. Glover, a graduate of Simmons, promoted from the position of First Assistant at Union Square Branch. From the Sec- ond and Third Grades the following assistants resigned : Ethel M. Nute, Agnes F. Judkins, Helen E. Pulsifer, Eugenie Carter, Ruth H. Stretton, Florence M. Kennedy, and Bernhardena H. Morrison.
The following appointments have been made to the graded staff: In the Second Grade, Ruth L. Swett. In the Third Grade, Jessie B. Alcock, Ruth Burckes, Harriet Fenwick, Flor- ence M. Kennedy, Dorothy L. Kinney, and Bernhardena H. Morrison.
Three pupils were graduated from the Training Class in the spring, and were immediately appointed. Two of these have already gone to better positions in other libraries. No candidates were found for a class this year owing to the meager compensation offered by the library service.
The attention of citizens who are interested in their library is directed to a brief summary of the war work of the Ameri- can Library Association, to which they made contributions of money, magazines, books and workers. The following figures to the end of 1919 are supplied by the A. L. A. War Service Headquarters.
Amount of money raised for library war service . ·
$5,317,000
Number of books placed in service 7,000,000
Number of books overseas and on transports 2,563,500
Number of different individuals in Library War Service 900
Number of individuals overseas and on transports
Number of magazines used, uncounted millions. 90
Out of this service now being brought to a close has come the decision of the United States Government to carry on li- brary departments in the army and navy, under the direction of a trained personnel. The A. L. A. has also adopted a compre- hensive plan of service for the merchant marine, light houses, coast guards, federal industrial plants, and other hitherto neglected social groups.
The usual statistical tables herewith appended are submit- ted as a part of this report.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. EVANS,
Librarian.
The Public Library of the City of Somerville. APPENDIX A. Statistics of Use and Growth. Circulation.
Central
Volumes circulated, adult
119,603
West 94,057
East 51,184
Union 36,776
Schools 8,281 55,584
Other 560
Total 310,461
Volumes circulated, juvenile .
37,793
36,532
25,802
40,997
129
196,837
Total circulation (A. L. A. rules)
.
157,396
130,589
76,986
77,773
63,865
689
507,298
Accessions.
Volumes in library (January 1, 1919)
.
Central 92,787
West 11,855
East
Union
Total 115,340
Volumes added
4,010
1,739
833
1,330
7,912
Volumes transferred to .
8
105
128
244
484
Volumes restored .
9
5
1
3
18
Total additions
4,027
1,849
962
1,577
8,414
Volumes withdrawn
2,401
631
339
585
3,956
Volumes transferred from
467
10
2
6
484
Volumes lost
203
20
63
59
345
Total losses
3,071
661
404
650
4,785
Net gain
956
1,188
558
927
3,629
Volumes in library (December 31, 1919) .
93,743
13,043
6,150
6,033
118,969
Registration.
Borrowers registered since April 14, 1919
3,474
3,444
1,543
1,617
10,078
NOTE: New system of registration adopted April 14, and all records prior to that date disregarded. Expenditures in Library Department.
Per capita
$ .397 . Per book lent
.095
211
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Central
West
East
Union
Total
·
.
·
.
.
·
·
.
5,592
5,106
212
ANNUAL REPORTS.
APPENDIX B.
American Library Association Form for Uniform Statistics.
The Public Library of the City of Somerville, Mass.
Population served
95,000
Free for lending, and free for reference. ·
Total number of agencies 182
Consisting of Central Library
3 Branches High School Department 165 School Rooms 12 Institutions
Number days open during year; for lending, and for reading
302
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library) . 72
72
Hours open each week for reading (Central Library) . Number on staff (library service, adding part time em- ployees to make whole units) .
32
Number of volumes at beginning of year
.
115,340
Number of volumes added during the year by purchase
7,753
Number of volumes added by gift or exchange .
63
Number of volumes added by binding material not other- wise counted
114
Number of volumes withdrawn during the year ·
4,301
Total number at end of year . .
118,969
Adult. Juvenile
Total
Number of volumes of fiction
lent for home use 252,245
110,783
363,028
Total number of volumes lent
for home use
310,461 196,837
507,298
Number of borrowers registered during year .
10,078
(All records disregarded prior to April 14, when new registration system was adopted).
Number of valid borrower's cards December 31 .
10,078
Number of newspapers and periodicals currently received,
Titles
224
Copies
508
Receipts from :
Local taxation
Library Department
$32,541 32
Public Buildings Department. 9,744 00
Endowment Funds:
Total credit .
1,802 83
Fines .
1,969 76
Other sources, Dog licenses
2,197 92
$48,255 83
213
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Payments for:
Books
$7,288 34
Pictures
22 75
Periodicals
1,117 17
Music
1 21
Binding
2,045 36
Salaries, library service
24,601 57
Other maintenance
2,679 52
Public Buildings Department
Janitor service, heat, light, etc.,
9,530 57
Balance
213 43
Balance from Appropriation .
10 28
Balance from Endowment Funds
745 63
$48,255 83
-
214
ANNUAL REPORTS.
BOARD OF HEALTH ORGANIZATION - 1919.
ROBERT M. LAVENDER, Chairman WARREN C. BLAIR. JOHN E. GILLIS, M. D.
Clerk and Agent to Issue Burial Permits. LAURENCE S. HOWARD.
Assistant Clerk. OLIVE M. STANLEY.
Agent. GEORGE I. CANFIELD.
Medical Inspector and Bacteriologist. FRANK L. MORSE. M. D. (Returned from service in U. S. Army August 15.)
Acting Medical Inspector. RALPH F. HODGDON, M. D. (to August 4).
Acting Medical Inspector. LORING H. RAYMOND, M. D. (August 5 to August 15).
Acting Bacteriologist. HERBERT E. BOWMAN, Ph. G. (to August 15).
Inspector of Animals and Provisions. CHARLES M. BERRY, V. S.
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar. HERBERT E. BOWMAN, Ph. G.
Milk Collector. WILLIAM H. WALLIS.
Plumbing Inspector. DUNCAN C. GREENE.
School Nurse. ELLA B. HORNBROOKE, R. N.
Assistant School Nurse. GRACE M. ANDREWS, R. N.
Health Nurses. HELEN B. BERRY, R. N. MARY L. SCOTT, R. N.
Matron at Contagious Hospital. LILLIAN E. GOULD, R. N.
Assistant Matron at Contagious Hospital. GLADYS HORNE, R. N. (from Dec. 1).
215
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Office of the Board of Health, City Hall Annex, January 1, 1920.
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen :-
Gentlemen : - We respectfully submit the following as the forty-second annual report of the Board of Health in which is presented a statement, tabulated, and otherwise, of the sanitary condition of the city and the business of the board for the year ending December 31, 1919.
Nuisances.
A record of the nuisances abated during the year, in com- pliance with notices issued by the board, or under the board's direction, is presented in the following table :
Complaints referred from 1918 48
Complaints received during 1919 .
602
650
Complaints referred to 1920
27
Nuisances abated 1919
623
Second and third notices sent on nuisances . 38
Received during 1919 .
602
Total notices sent
640
In addition to the above, 252 dead animals have been re- moved from the public streets. Many nuisances have been abated on verbal notice from the agent, without action by the board, of which no record has been made. Each spring the whole city is examined, and cellars, yards and alleyways where rubbish and filth have collected are required to be cleaned.
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