USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1935 > Part 11
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This department maintains its own municipal repair shops for the various lines of work. Most of the maintenance and repair work on the automobile equipment of this department is done in our shop at the City Stables.
TRAFFIC CONTROL
Traffic lines were painted and warning signs erected at schools, playgrounds and dangerous locations. Particular at- tention has been given to the painting of crosswalk lines in the business centers and squares. Parking and No Parking locations were plainly designated and safety zones established. Danger and traffic signs were repainted and street signs erected and repaired.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that, as far as possible, old brick sidewalks badly in need of repair, be replaced with granolithic. That the annual custom of treating the street surfaces with a tar and
209
STREET COMMISSIONER
sand preparation, which has been discontinued for the last two years, be continued in order to preserve the pavement and that the expense should be included in the general tax rate and not charged, as formerly, as a separate item under street sprinkling.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Board of Aldermen and the men of the department for their support and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
WM. J. SULLIVAN,
Street Commissioner.
210
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 30, 1936.
TO THE HONORABLE, THE MAYOR, AND THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN :
Gentlemen :
In compliance with the Revised Ordinances of the City of Somerville, I have the honor of submitting, for your informa- tion the Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1935.
ALARMS AND LOSSES
Number of First Alarms
636
Number of Second Alarms
7
Number of A. D. T. Alarms
7
Number of Still Alarms
685
Total number of alarms for 1935
1,335
Number of alarms during the year 1934
1,261
Increase in number of alarms during 1935
74
Value of Buildings at risk
$4,378,647.00
Insurance on Buildings at risk
3,004,208.00
Insurance damage on Buildings
89,656.84
Value of Contents at risk
589,730.00
Insurance on Contents at risk
499,500.00
Insurance damage on Contents
27,953.33
Total value at risk
4,968,377.00
Total insurance damage at risk
117,610.17
APPROXIMATE PER CAPITA LOSS
1.17
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE LOSSES
Size of Fire
Number of Fires
Amount of Losses
Over $10,000
0
$5,000 to 10,000
3
$20,554.26
$1,000 to 5,000
35
66,851.29
$100 to 1,000
59
24,030.15
Under $100
704
6,174.47
Totals
801
$117,610.17
AVERAGE LOSS PER FIRE
$146.81
TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALARMS
Classification
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
April May June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec. Total
Fires in Residence Buildings
27
14
24
15
16
20
21
15
13
28
20
21
234
Fires in Other Buildings
19
8
10
10
14
9
14
16
10
22
14
19
165
Chimney Fires ..
3
4
5
2
3
1
0
1
0
5
5
5
34
Rubbish Fires near Buildings
2
1
3
5
9
4
2
6
5
8
3
3
51
Fires in dumps and vacant lots
0
0
4
4
3
0
3
5
0
16
2
9
46
Grass fires
3
0
2
2
3
12
9
7
2
8
6
1
55
Miscellaneous fires out-of-doors
11
8
10
8
9
5
8
9
12
8
9
22
119
Automobile fires
13
2
10
7
6
14
10
7
13
15
20
14
131
False Alarms
2
7
6
0
2
0
1
3
8
1
6
9
45
Smoke Scares and Needless Alarms ...
0
3
2
5
0
2
3
4
1
0
3
6
29
Accidents and Inhalator Calls
10
2
9
1
3
7
15
8
2
5
3
11
76
Miscellaneous Emergency Calls
17
17
26
16
29
18
28
15
18
31
12
26
253
TOTALS
113
66
115
80
111
101
134
107
90
161
105
152
1,335
Fires in Buildings
433
Total Alarms in City
1,082
Out-of-doors Fires
249
Out-of-City Calls
253
Automobile fires on street
119
TOTAL FIRES
801
False Alarms
131
Other Alarms, no fire
150
TOTAL ALARMS IN CITY
1,082
5
14
9
20
11
6
14
2
6
97
6
0
4
211
FIRE DEPARTMENT
TOTAL ALARMS ANSWERED ....
1,335
Out-of-City Calls
ANNUAL REPORTS
212
Engine One
Engine Two
Engine Three
Engine Four
Engine Five
Engine Six
Engine Seven
Ladder One
Ladder Two
Ladder Three
Ladder Four
Bell Alarms answered.
427
249
326
230
191
125
320
262
265
121
323
Still Alarms answered ......
61
187
172
27
50
169
62
91
113
70
19
Miles traveled
617
756
761
382
408
392
630
501
530
295
639
Ft. 21/2 in. hose used
24,050
25,950
30,400
7,450
5,800
7,500
11,700
Ft. 11/2 in. hose used
200
500
550
100
300
500
Ft. 34 in. hose used
20,250
31,600
50,200
10,100
16,250
11,800
2,800
4,926
3,426
1,242
2,298
Extinguishers used
6
32
15
4
6
16
12
18
2
6
Salvage covers used
10
2
35
24
6
7
Covering other stations ..
2
2
4
1
5
Out-of-City Calls
7
38
50
23
71
21
..
12
13
...
...
..
..
..
......
..
..
..
..
..
...
...
..
...
........
Ft. Ladders used
238
48
213
FIRE DEPARTMENT
In Memoriam
LADDERMAN JOSEPH E. EMERY (Retired)
Died at his home Appointed December 11, 1902, as Callman Appointed October 12, 1914, as Permanent A Member of the Department for 28 years.
214
ANNUAL REPORTS
MANUAL FORCE
The manual force consists of one hundred and sixty (160) permanent men. During the year one lieutenant and four privates have been retired at their own requests and their names placed on the pension rolls.
The Roster of the Department is as follows :
1 Chief Engineer
1 Deputy Chief
2 District Chiefs
7 Captains
1 Master Mechanic
18 Lieutenants
111 Permanent Privates 3rd Grade
9 Permanent Privates 2nd Grade
10 Permanent Privates 1st Grade
APPARATUS
The motor apparatus in the Department is as follows :
1-1300 gallon pumper and hose wagon
3-1000 gallon pumpers and hose wagon
1- 900 gallon pumper and hose wagon
2 - gallon pumpers and hose wagon
1 . 500 gallon pumper and hose wagon
4 Combination booster pump and hose wagons 2 Combination chemical and hose wagons
1 85 Foot aerial ladder truck with booster pump
1
75 Foot aerial ladder truck
2 City Service ladder trucks (tiller)
1 Combination city service and chemical truck (In reserve) 1 Flood-lighting and salvage truck
1 Wrecking truck
1 Automobile, Buick Sedan, Chief Engineer's car
1 Automobile, Ford Sedan, Deputy Chief's car
2
Automobile, Ford Sedan, District Chief's car
1 Automobile, Ford Coach, Master Mechanic's car
HOSE
Two and one-half inch rubber lined fire hose:
On hand January 1, 1935 12,800
Purchased during 1935
750
Condemned for fire service 450
TOTAL ON HAND JANUARY 1, 1936 13,100
One and one-half inch rubber lined hose:
On hand January 1, 1935 0
Purchased during 1935
1,400
Condemned for fire service 0
750
215
FIRE DEPARTMENT
TOTAL ON HAND JANUARY 1, 1936 1,400
Three-quarter inch chemical and booster hose :
On hand January 1, 1935 3,200
Purchased during 1935 100
100
Condemned for fire service TOTAL ON HAND JANUARY 1, 1936 3,200
RECOMMENDATIONS
The installation of new Fire Alarm Signal boxes in the vicinity of the following locations :
Mystic Avenue and Moreland Street
Mystic Avenue and Maine Avenue
Garfield Avenue and Edmunton Avenue
Broadway and Cedar Street
Broadway and Adams Street
Broadway and Northern Artery
Cross Street and Northern Artery
Highland Avenue and Trull Lane
Highland Avenue and Lowell Street
Highland Avenue and Cedar Street Curtis Street and Ossipee Road
Somerville Avenue and Beacon Street
Holden Green Joy Street near Washington Street
While the National average of fire losses ($2.39 per capita) has been steadily declining in the past three years, Somerville in 1935 reached the lowest record ($1.17 per capita) since 1919. Varying causes enter into Somerville's (16) year low record which may be partially analized as follows :
1 .- Closer attention to the prevention of fire by our Somerville residents.
2 .- More complete inspection by Fire Department.
3 .- Demolition of dilapidated structures that are serious con- flagration breeders.
4 .- The efficient work of the entire personnel of the Fire De- partment in rapid extinguishment.
The municipal program in connection with Federal payroll funds of demolition of dilapidated structures has effected some reductions in insurance rates.
I recommend that this project be continued as many use- less, non-revenue producing dilapidated structures are still standing, the removal of which would not only assist in lower- ing fire rates, but most likely aid in the reduction of the assessed valuation. Health and the improved appearance of
216
ANNUAL REPORTS
the neighborhood could be added to the above benefits of this program.
ORDINANCES:
Chapter 23 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Somerville relative to the Fire Department is incomplete and not up to date.
I recommend that a new Chapter be adopted incorporating a complete code of regulations covering all hazardous sub- stances, also that the fire district ordinance be amended to include the industrial establishments located in the north- eastern portion of the City.
A new Ordinance should be promulgated requiring that automatic sprinkler equipments, with outside siamese hose connections and controlling valve near the main in the street be required in all buildings, which, by reason of their size, construction or occupancy might act as conflagration breeders.
SCHOOL HOUSE PROTECTION:
Owing to the type and construction of the school buildings and to reduce the life hazard to a minimum, I recommend that a suitable fire detection and notification system be installed throughout these buildings.
WATER MAINS AND HYDRANTS:
In addition to the recommendations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters in their recent report, I recommend the installation of more adequate water supply and hydrants in the vicinity of the High School Buildings.
NEW APPARATUS:
Ladder Trucks Nos. 2 and 3 are city service tiller type trucks 12 and 15 years old respectively, they both have been in several serious accidents during these years of service and I recommend that as soon as the City could financially afford, that these two trucks be replaced with modern aerial trucks.
Engine Company No. 2 Pumper is 20 years old and Engine Company No. 7 Pumper and Wagon are 16 years old which
217
FIRE DEPARTMENT
should be replaced, as all this replacement would require ap- proximately seventy-five thousand dollars, I would suggest that a program covering Two to Four years be arranged to obtain this equipment in order to maintain our high degree of efficient apparatus.
DEPARTMENT REPAIR SHOP:
At the present time, the repair shop is inadequate to ac- commodate our repair work both as to available space and as to equipment, I therefore, recommend that more adequate facilities be provided.
This is also recommendation No. 11 of the National Board of Fire Underwriters in their Report No. 20 on the City of Somerville. At the present time, the repair shop is using a discarded District Chief's Ford car that is six years old and has received considerable abuse, as some type of conveyance is required for this branch of the service, I recommend that a small special delivery truck be purchased for this purpose.
DRILL TOWER EQUIPMENT:
It is expected that the new drill tower will be available for use within the next few months and certain equipment will be necessary such as a large life net and the general appliances used in the fire service. If a new ladder truck is purchased the ladders from the replaced truck can be used at the drill tower.
Respectfully submitted,
J. C. MCNALLY, Chief Engineer.
218
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 1, 1936.
TO THE HONORABLE, THE MAYOR, AND THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE :
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit the annual report of the Somerville Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1935.
ARRESTS
Whole number of arrests made
2,708
Summoned by the Court
182
On Warrants
467
Without Warrants
2,059
2,708
Held for trial
2,476
Delivered to other Departments
222
Released on waiver
10
2,708
Males
2,550
Females
158
2,708
Americans
2,039
Foreign born
669
2,708
Residents
1,917
Non-residents
791
2,708
REPORTS
6,899
6,899
Value of property stolen
$41,952.80
Value of property recovered
$84,637.25
Cases investigated
CHANGES IN THE DEPARTMENT Retired
Captain John A. Ray retired September 30, 1935 Patrolman Charles S. Johnston retired January 29, 1935
219
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Resignation Asst. Matron Mary E. Horgan resigned July 1, 1935
Reinstatements
Patrolman John F. Cruise reinstated August 4, 1935 Reserveman Eugene M. Canty reinstated October 28, 1935
Appointments
Reserveman Eugene M. Canty promoted to Regular Patrolinan, Nov. 21, 1935
Patrolman James J. Higgins appointed Nov. 21, 1935
Patrolman James M. Kilmartin appointed Nov. 21, 1935
Patrolman Frederick A. Landry appointed Nov. 21, 1935 Patrolman Augustine W. Fitzpatrick appointed Nov. 21, 1935 Patrolman Walter J. MacRae appointed Nov. 21, 1935
Patrolman William J. Quinlan appointed Nov. 21, 1935
Patrolman James E. Hughes, Jr. appointed Nov. 21, 1935
Asst. Matron Anna Robinson appointed July 29, 1935
Death of Retired Members
Captain John A. Ray died Oct. 1, 1935 Patrolman Charles S. Johnston died Feb. 7, 1935
Pensioners Retired on Half Pay
Appointed
Retired
Carlton, Ira S.
May 11, 1892
May 9, 1907
Pollard, James J.
Feb. 25, 1893
Feb. 27, 1908
Hilton, Herbert
May 22, 1895
Dec. 21, 1911
Carleton, George H.
Jan. 9, 1883
Mar. 27, 1914
Skinner, Jacob W.
Oct. 23, 1889
Dec. 31, 1917
Drew, Elmer E.
May 22, 1895
July 25, 1918
Goff, Ernest S.
Mar. 22, 1900
July 11, 1919
Allen, Charles W.
Mar. 22, 1900
Woodman, Charles E.
Feb. 8, 1888
Mar. 26, 1920 June 22, 1921 Feb. 9, 1923
Howe, Hudson M.
Mar. 22, 1900
Sept. 14, 1925
Davies, Edward M.
May 22, 1905
Sept. 23, 1927
Heron, Theodore E.
Mar. 26, 1890
Sept. 28, 1927
Kendall, Charles A.
Feb. 25, 1909
Dec. 12, 1929
Groves, Walter L.
June 14, 1906
Oct. 6, 1930
Arnold, Louis F.
Sept. 16, 1902
Oct. 18, 1930
Rice, George L.
May 22, 1895
Apr. 11, 1931
Graves, Frank H.
Apr. 3, 1901 Aug. 6, 1903
Oct. 28, 1932
Harmon, James M.
May 11, 1892
Nov. 22, 1932
Hawes, Albert C.
Jan. 13, 1910
Nov. 22, 1932
Burns, Samuel
Apr. 25, 1894
Dec. 31, 1932
Sudbey, Henry A.
Apr. 3, 1901
Apr. 14, 1934
Morrison, Alexander
Nov. 30, 1911
Apr. 14, 1934
Lacey, Charles F.
May 22, 1919
Apr. 14, 1934
Jones, Frederick G.
Oct. 11, 1906
Sept. 25, 1932
Peters, George A. C.
220
ANNUAL REPORTS
OFFICIAL ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police Thomas Damery
Deputy Chief Charles J. Sharry
Captains
Howard, Ernest
Kennedy, Michael T.
Kenney, William G. Walsh, Thomas P.
Lieutenants
Fitzpatrick, Augustine J.
Fulton, Charles J.
Killourhy, John J.
O'Connell, Daniel M. Sharry, Augustine F. Sharry, Thomas M.
Sergeants
Cavanagh, Francis X.
Lynch, James M.
Cunningham, Hugh R.
Pierce, LeRoy V.
Dwyer, Joseph A.
Reed, Walter
Elliott, Earle W.
Roche, Frank J.
Fitzpatrick, James A.
Roche, Henry W.
Small, Joseph F.
Patrolmen
Allan, George R. Aucoin, Cornelius
Baird, William J.
Baker, John H.
Barrett, John K.
Begley, Cornelius T.
Begley, Francis R.
Berg, Edward L., Jr.
Crossman, Claude L.
Blake, Joseph P.
Crowley, Joseph G.
Blake, William F.
Cruise, John F.
Brennan, Jeremiah G.
Culliton, Edward F.
Cummings, John J.
Burlingame, John F.
Burnett, William R.
Burns, Allan S.
Butman, Edward G.
Cameron, John L. Canavan, Cornelius P. Canty, Eugene M. Carey, Alfred J. Caswell, Lester A.
Chichester, Lawrence J. Cidado, August S. Clark, John J.
Coffey, Harold L.
Collins, Cornelius J.
Corkery, Timothy J.
Courtney, John J.
Cronin, John J.
Crosby, George W.
Brosnahan, John J. Buckley, Timothy
Curran, Joseph F. Curtin, John J.
Dadmun, John A. Dewar, Robert D. Dillaway, John E.
Donovan, Jeremiah F.
Donovan, Thomas A.
Donovan, William H.
Doolin, Patrick J. Dowd, Michael J., Jr.
221
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Downey, Denis Dunleavy, John M. Dwyer, William E.
Ellis, Charles W. Estee, George R., Jr.
Fedele, Joseph F. Fitzgerald, William J. Fitzpatrick, Augustine W. Flanagan, Thomas J. Fleming, Thomas J. Forristall, Edward G.
Gallagher, John J. Gott, Myron S. Griffin, William H. Gullage, George, Jr.
Hagerty, John J. Higgins, Francis E.
Higgins, Francis P.
Higgins, James J.
Holmes, James F. Hopkins, Edward J.
Hourihan, James G. Hughes, James E., Jr. Hughes, John E.
Johnson, William E.
Keane, Edmund J. Kearney, Dennis F.
Kelley, Arthur W. Keniry, Jeremiah Kiley, Edward J. Kilmartin, James M.
Landry, Frederick A. Lyons, Patrick J.
MacDonald, George D. MacRae, Walter J. Mahoney, Thomas F.
Mahood, John T. May, Edward A. McAuliffe, Daniel F. McAvoy, Charles H.
McCabe, Bernard McCauley, George W. McDonald, Stephen D.
McFadden, Alfred J. McGovern, Frederick W.
McGrath, Patrick Mckenzie, John H. McNamara, Thomas F. Mehigan, Garrett F. J.
Moore, Peter Mulqueeney, Dennis G.
Murphy, Daniel F., No. 1 Murphy, Daniel F., No. 2
Nelson, Ludwig
O'Brien, John H. O'Brien, Patrick F. O'Connell, Daniel J. O'Connor, Jeremiah
O'Keefe, John P. L. O'Loughlin, Michael J. Oesting, Walter C.
Phillips, George B., Jr. Powers, James M. Powers, John F.
Quinlan, William J.
Raymond, Elmer E. G.
Reardon, Leo C.
Reid, Garnet L.
Riley, Daniel J.
Robitaille, Alfred E.
Rogers, Francis L.
Ronayne, Pierce P.
Rossi, Ricco J.
Scotti, James V. Shay, John J.
Sheehan, Jeremiah G.
Shepherd, Charles W.
Silva, Frank A., Jr.
Skeffington, Richard H.
Smith, John J. Souza, James Spiers, George
Strangman, George H.
Stokes, Herbert H. Sullivan, Timothy L.
Warner, Chester F.
Young, Harry C.
Matron Helen F. Kammerer
Assistant Matron Anna Robinson
ANNUAL REPORTS
IN GENERAL
The auto accident situation throughout our city for the past year reflects great credit on the personnel of the depart- ment in their efforts toward greater safety to our citizens, resulting in a decrease of more than 100% in fatal accidents and 100% decrease in injury to children from automobiles over the preceding year, also a substantial decrease in the number of reported automobile accidents with the consequent reduction of property loss.
IN CONCLUSION
I wish to thank His Honor the Mayor, the members of the Board of Aldermen and the various Heads of Departments for their cooperation and assistance rendered me and my Depart- ment during the year. I also wish to thank the Superior officers and the Patrolmen of the Department for their cooperation and to assure them that I am very appreciative of the good police work rendered our citizens and our Department during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS DAMERY, Chief of Police.
223
PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
TO THE HONORABLE, THE MAYOR, AND THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, OF THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE :
Gentlemen :
The sixty-third annual report of the Trustees 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,
ANNA J. COLL, President.
224
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Miss Anna J. Coll, President
Term Expires January 1, 1936
Rev. David V. FitzGerald, Vice-President
1936
William L. Barber
„,
1937
William H. Dolben
,,
1936
John D. Kelley
1938
William H. McKenna
1937
Douglass B. Foster (deceased January 4, 1935)
1937
Alfred C. Walton (appointed February 14, 1935
1937
John J. Griffin
1938
Charles L. Doherty
1938
COMMITTEES On Administration
The President, Messrs. Kelley, Dolben, Walton and Rev. David V. FitzGerald
On Books and Cataloging
The President, Messrs. Griffin, Barber, McKenna, and Doherty
On Buildings and Property The President and the Vice-President
Secretary of the Board GEORGE H. EVANS
225
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL
December 31, 1935
CENTRAL LIBRARY
Established 1872 Highland Ave. and Walnut Street
GRADED SERVICE
GEORGE H. EVANS, Librarian NELLIE M. WHIPPLE, Assistant Librarian VIVIAN J. MORSE, Executive Assistant
Division Heads and Special Positions
CORA B. EAMES, Reference Librarian and Second Assistant
MABEL E. BUNKER, Chief Cataloger
DOROTHY E. KENNEDY, Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding
MARY B. BARTLETT, Supervisor of School Division
MYRTLE NICHOLSON, Desk Chief RUTH M. WOODMAN, Assistant Cataloger
MILDRED A. BOWLEY, Reference Assistant
ALICE H. BOYD, Children's Librarian
Senior Asistants
RUTH M. NOURBOURN RUTH HOLMES G. ELINOR SMITH MARY M. NOONAN
SOPHIE MARGOLIS MARGARET M. BOWSER R. VIVIAN SMITH KATHLEEN MARTIN
Junior Assistants
CATHERINE COTTER
EMMA MERLINI
MARGARET HESHION MARGARET O'NEILL
Ungraded Service
Attendants on Part Time
MICHAEL F. COLLINS
MARY CULLINANE
RICHARD M. LOMBARD ALICE LE BLANC
226
ANNUAL REPORTS
WEST SOMERVILLE BRANCH
Established 1909 40 College Avenue
Graded Service
ESTHER M. MAYHEW, Branch Librarian
DOROTHY H. TERRY, First Assistant
BEATRICE M. KENNY, Children's Librarian
ELIZABETH CORBIN, Senior Assistant MARION E. SMITH, Senior Assistant BARBARA C. NILES, Junior Assistant
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time BARBARA K. COLEMAN HELEN MERRY JOSEPH RUTTLE
EAST SOMERVILLE BRANCH
Established 1912 Broadway and Illinois Avenue
Graded Service
ELSIE K. WELLS, Branch Librarian KATHRYN KENNY, First Assistant GERTRUDE REYNOLDS, Children's Librarian ELEANOR LLOY, Senior Assistant
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
NELLIE M. EGAN GERTRUDE L. WALLACE MARY CULLINANE
ELIZABETH FLYNN
UNION SQUARE BRANCH
Established 1912 Bow Street
Graded Service ALICE G. WORTHEN, Branch Librarian KATHLEEN O. CARNES, First Assistant WINIFRED P. DYKE, Children's Librarian
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
PAULINE E. MAGWOOD KATHARINE J. WHITE KATHLEEN SHEA
227
PUBLIC LIBRARY
WINTER HILL STATION Established 1929
424 Broadway
Graded Service RUTH EATON DALY, Assistant-in-Charge
Ungraded Service Attendants on Part Time
ALICE LE BLANC MARY CULLINANE
228
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES :
The annual report of the Librarian to the Trustees of the Somerville Public Library, being a part of the sixty-third annual report of the library, for the year 1935, is herewith submitted. It is concerned with the details of administration and the present condition of the library.
Specific statements of the record of the year setting forth in statistical form the use and condition of the library will be found in the appendices. The figures are significant.
As compared with last year home book-loans shrank 153,170, low-water mark for a period of ten years, and a shrinkage in two years of nearly one-third from our high mark, 728,605, recorded in 1933. With available book funds reduced from a high of $19,954 in 1931 to $4,700 in 1935, we were able to add only 3,049 books, the smallest number during any year of the present century. The total reduction of book- stock resulting from the casualties of public usage was 9,338 volumes. In other words our readers wore out more than three times as many books as we were able to add. At the average pre-volume cost of books in 1935, namely, $1.63, it would have required an expenditure of $15,220, distributed among the five library buildings, merely to replace these 9,338 volumes and to maintain unimpaired the present level of the book collection. Operating upon the basis of wearing out three times as much stock as we replace provides food for sober reflection.
Just as it is the business of the Water Department to pro- vide a continuous flow of potable water, so it is the business of the Library Department to maintain a regular flow of books and current information. When the flow of working material in the form of printed matter does not at least equal its normal reductions the library moves backward toward extinction. When additions and reductions are equal it stagnates. When additions exceed reductions it progresses. The annual reduc- tion of the book collection from wear and tear is one of the basic factors for determining the budget item for book pur- chase. The main source of book-wear and loss is from home loans. The records of many years show that this reduction of book-stock remains steadily close to 134 per cent of home loans. Knowing this ratio we are able to forecast reductions rather
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closely. Under existing conditions we are justified in fore- casting for 1936 a book-stock reduction of about 8,500 volumes. To maintain our present level, and bring to a halt a further depletion of our book-stock, we require an appropriation for books adequate for the purchase of at least 8,500 volumes. At going rates this will amount to $13,855 distributed among five buildings.
Second only to the failure of book supply has been the problem of binding, the budget provision for which is of basic and equal importance with salaries and book-purchase. The annual report for 1934 dealt in detail with this problem. When it became apparent that another year was in prospect without an appropriation for binding it was decided to take emergency measures. A room in the basement was turned into a repair shop. Employees who were released from desk work by the declining circulation were organized into a salvage squad. Books requiring major construction operations were segre- gated from those needing only superficial mending, and were sent to this salvage shop. They were there separated into their constituent parts. The hopelessly worn parts were discarded, and the usable parts collated and cleaned. The pages were reassembled, pierced for sewing, sewed through, backed, hinged, and restored to their covers or given new ones. They were then relettered in gold foil, and given a coat of protective lacquer. Already by their daily duties convinced of its urgent necessity, employees assigned to this work attacked the prob- lem with an intelligent interest, and, despite handicaps of in- sufficient apprenticeship in the binding craft and limitations of equipment, became proficient in turning out a rugged if not an artistic product. As the year closed the same processes were being installed in the branches.
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