USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1938 > Part 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
A further factor which has helped considerably in estab- lishing a feeling of good will by the public toward the library is the new system of reserving books. We now permit any circulating book in the library collection to be reserved by the borrowers. At first glance this system might seem unwieldy- that one branch or building might be flooded with reserves for some particularly popular book - but our control of such a situation is that our system is universal. In other words, if a reserve is placed on a book at the Central Library, and the re- quest can not be filled immediately, a reserve is placed the fol- lowing day in each building which has a copy of the particular title, and so with the branches, - which means that a reserve placed at any one building for a borrower is also placed throughout the entire system and all are filled in rotation as to the date placed. To further control this method, each Mon- day a complete list of reserves in each building with the date of the oldest reserve is sent to the librarian's office to be checked to see that there has been no oversight in placing or filling any requests.
These two systems - Borrower's Requests and Reserves - have been very helpful guides to keep abreast of the reading trend of the public.
318
ANNUAL REPORTS
More important than the increase in circulation during the past year is the continued growth in the demand for reference and study facilities throughout the library system. Approx- imately 20,500 questions were handled by the reference de- partment; and most encouraging is the number of men, profes- sional and business, who have taken advantage of the library assistance in this respect. For instance these few illustrations taken at random typify the use made of our reference depart- ment.
Articles of copartnership.
Chart showing organization of a department store.
How to waterproof concrete.
Sound equipment in motion picture projection.
Material on the Doberman pinscher (dog) for a kennel worker.
Business application letters.
Pictures of penguins, front view, to be used in commercial advertising.
Pictures of deep sea life (fish and flowers) for a molder of plastics.
How to obtain short term loan from a bank.
Address of New York Times and Bobbs-Merrill Co. Interior furnishings, especially bric-a-brac of the middle of the 19th century.
Civil service books, especially for customs inspec- tor, law enforcing positions, and railway mail clerk.
Working drawings and specifications for making reproductions of antique furniture.
Books on electroplating, electric wiring, plumbing, heating, printing, welding, electric motors, slide rule, taxidermy, building estimates, sales- manship, corporation accounting, business or- ganization, business arithmetic, the handling of people, etc.
The new wage and hour bill.
United States Neutrality Act, 1937.
319
PUBLIC LIBRARY
We are justified, therefore, in saying that so far as serious use and study is concerned, the library during the past year has reached more people than it ever has before. Its success as a library should not be measured primarily by the extent to which it meets the demand for the latest popular books of fic- tion but by the extent to which it is used in solving problems or in keeping readers abreast of the arguments on all sides of the present day controversial questions.
The personnel of the Board of Trustees has incurred the following change: By resignation, Mrs. Anna C. McBrearty, to be succeeded for the unexpired term by Mr. Louis B. Con- nelly.
Staff changes during the past year were the largest of any previous year, due primarily to the new city ordinance which required the discharge of all married women members of the staff whose husbands were gainfully employed. Effected by this ruling were: Mrs. Alice H. Boyd, Mrs. Kathleen Carnes, Mrs. Winifred J. Dyke, and Mrs. Dorothy E. Kennedy. Res- ignations were accepted from G. Elinor Smith, Eleanor Lloy, Alice G. Worthen, Ruth E. Daly, and Margaret M. O'Neill.
Promotions under the Scheme of Service were those of: R. Vivian Smith to Assistant Cataloger, Kathryn Kenny to Branch Librarian at Union Square, Marion Smith to 1st As- sistant at Union Square, Gertrude Reynolds to Assistant-in- Charge at Winter Hill Station, Catherine Cotter to Super- visor of Periodicals and Binding, Emma Merlini to Children's Librarian at Union, Mary M. Noonan to Children's Librarian at Central, Rita Finn to Acting Children's Librarian at East, Sophie Margolis to Children's Librarian at West.
Transfers during the year were those of : Mildred A. Bow- ley from Reference Assistant to First Assistant at the West Branch, and Ruth Holmes from Assistant Cataloger to First Assistant at the East Branch.
The Scheme of Service was completely revised and brought up-to-date. The following provisions were added : No relative or member of the family of a trustee, or a member of the im- mediate family of a staff member, shall be employed in the library in any capacity. Also the addition of a "Non-Profes- sional Service" which includes those in positions involving routine non-professional duties. This provision gave a group
320
ANNUAL REPORTS
of part time workers who had been with the library a consider- able length of time a definite weekly salary with the benefit of vacations and sick leave. The duties of Supervisor of Schools and Deposits were extended to include Supervision of Child- ren's Work throughout the system with the title, Supervisor of Schools and Deposits and Children's Work.
The experiment of closing the Central Library and all branches at one o'clock on Saturday afternoons during the months of July and August was greatly appreciated by the staff members and to my knowledge was heartily endorsed by the public. As proof that this did not work to the disadvantage of the public is evidenced by the circulation for these two months which showed an increase of over 6,000 over the same period in 1937.
Much interest has been shown in the bas-relief of Prospect Hill Tower and the elaborate bulletin board in Wellington Hall of the Central Library carved by the Somerville W.P.A. Work of Art Project. The W.P.A. authorities have been most cooperative and very generous to the library.
In view of the difficult and trying conditions under which much of the library's work was accomplished during the past year it was encouraging to note the loyalty and willingness of the members of the staff. Cheerful and courteous service was rendered at all times and no effort was too great for them to meet the demands of the library's patrons. The entire staff worked efficiently, harmoniously, and with a devotion which merits the highest praise.
I desire to take this opportunity to express to the Board of Trustees my appreciation for the interest, help, and coop- eration manifested by the members of the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. KELLEY, Librarian.
321
PUBLIC LIBRARY
APPENDIX A
American Library Association Form for Uniform Statistics
City: Somerville County: Middlesex State: Massachusetts
Name of library: The Public Library of the City of Somerville Date of founding: 1872
Name of Librarian: John D. Kelley
Report for fiscal year ending December 31, 1938
Governmental unit of support and service: City
Population served (1930 U. S. census)
103,908
Terms of use: Free for lending: free for reference
Total number of agencies 261
Consisting of: Central library 1
Branches in library buildings
2
Branches in municipal build- ings
1
Branches in rented quarters
1
Stations in schools
245
Other
11
CIRCULATION AND USE
Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use ..
85,470
Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use ...
222,795
Number of books for children lent for home use 264,487
Total number of volumes lent for home use 572,752
Period of loan for the majority of adult book stock: 14 days Number of inter-library loans: volumes lent, 58; volumes borrowed, 176.
Number of reference questions answered, 20,500.
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile 8,550
Total 20,358
Total number of registered borrowers
11,808
Borrowers registered during year
6,141
4,325
10,466
Registration period, 2 years.
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Number of volumes December 31, 1937
97,639
Juvenile 24,920
Total 122,559
Number of volumes added during year
7,560
4,351
19,911
Total
105,199
29,271
142,470
Number of volumes withdrawn during year
7,009
3,342
10,351
Number of volumes December 31, 1938 ...
98,190
25,929
124,119
Number of newspapers currently received excluding duplicates, 11.
Number of periodicals currently received excluding duplicates, 237.
322
ANNUAL REPORTS
PERSONNEL
Number of employees in terms of full-time equivalent : library service, 47; janitor service, 5; total, 52. Number of individuals on payroll: library service, 48; janitor service, 5; total, 53.
FINANCE
Assessed valuation of city, $114,552,100.00 Rate of library tax levy for fiscal year re- ported, 8/10 of a mill.
Receipts:
Local taxation:
$91,799.00
Library Department
$76,817.00
Fines included in above ...
$2,134.16
Dog licenses included in above
3,551.16
Public Buildings Department
14,982.00
2.280.59
Invested Funds:
Income, current year
602.26
Balance, previous year
1,678.33
Total
$94,079.59
Payments:
Salaries, Library staff
$52,609.69
Salaries, Building staff
8,900.55
Books
12,605.10
Periodicals
819.56
Binding
1,974.18
Rent
600.00
Heat, light
3,798.55
Other operating expenses
4,982.29
Total operating expenses
$86,289.92
Transfers to other departments:
$1,328.00
From Library Department ....
478.00
From Public Buildings De-
partment
850.00
6,461.67
Balance on hand December 31, 1938:
Library Department
6,191.13
Appropriation
$4,132.40
Invested funds
2,058.73
Public Buildings Department
270.54
Grand Total
$94,079.59
323
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
City Hall, Somerville, Mass. December 31, 1938.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen.
Gentlemen :
In accordance with the provisions of the city charter the annual report of the Department of Public Buildings for the year ending December 31st, 1938 is herewith submitted.
The department is responsible for providing and maintain- ing the housing and furnishings for all municipal departments and functions.
The Commissioner has under his charge and direction, the work of buildings, replacement and maintenance, including custodial services, of some eighty odd buildings and their re- spective grounds. The buildings include :
27 Elementary schools (2 occupied by W. P. A.)
3 Junior High Schools
1 High School including Gymnasium building
1 Central Heating plant
1 City Hall
1 Municipal Building
1 Police Station including garage
7 Fire Stations
1 Electrical Department building
3 Libraries
8 Park Buildings, Field Houses, etc.
1 City Home Group (three buildings)
1 Contagious Hospital Group (2 buildings)
1 Public Works Group (8 buildings)
2 Sewer Department buildings
3 Portable buildings (for polling purposes)
1 Bath House and beach
The approximate valuation of buildings, grounds and fur- nishings is placed at $7,356,700.00 as shown by the Auditor's report elsewhere in this annual report.
The department is also required to build, furnish and main- tain quarters within the various buildings for such functions
for public use as branch libraries, dental clinics for children,
324
Buildings
Salaries
Fuel
Light
Care and Repair
Mtnce. Bathhouse
$282.14
"
Bandstand
39.64
$2.64
"
Bow St. Municipal Bldg.
3,739.35
$414.18
$800.22
154.03
5,107.78
"
Electrical Building
1,750.20
647.66
18.86
150.07
2,566.79
" Fire Buildings
1,484.37
3,070.81
3,000.65
1,879.04
9,434.87
Municipal Garage
95.56
216.45
6.37
318.38
"
Contagious Hospital
823.75
1,330.86
532.51
508.67
3,195.79
"
Highway Buildings
493.88
1,032.73
358.89
443.57
2,329.07
City Home Buildings
318.44
1,784.25
818.24
647.20
3,568.13
"
Central Library
5,300.23
922.38
1,438.82
749.30
8,410.73
West Branch Library
1,860.00
586.10
506.19
129.71
3,082.00
East Branch Library
1,740.32
89.65
255.41
283.35
2,368.73
,
Municipal Building
5,818.35
1,336.04
10,429.00
17,583.39
"
Park Buildings
1,905.58
1,291.95
226.52
444.78
3,868.83
"
Police Buildings
4,643.48
920.73
1,744.07
435.37
7,743.65
"
School Buildings
107,968.28
34,076.90
24,136.68
61,255.10
227,436.96
"
Sanitary Buildings
55.44
354.89
387.95
798.28
Sewer Buildings
24.00
314.13
338.13
"
Water Buildings
394.89
273.98
372.43
838.72
1,880.02
Totals
$138,713.90
$46,821.07
$35,761.98
$79,059.00
$300,355.95
as follows :
special classrooms for Americanization classes, etc., baby clinics, shower baths for men and women, welfare commis- saries, and housing facilities for the good of the public wel-
ANNUAL REPORTS
fare.
For the above services the department spent during the year 1938 $300,355.95 and the distribution of this amount is
Totals $282.14 42.28
325
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
The department is also required to inspect for building construction, plumbing and gasfitting, all construction or al- terations brought to their attention and to issue permits there- for.
The number of building permits issued by the Commission- er during the year 1938, having been duly inspected by the- Building Inspector, is as follows :
New Buildings
Wood 16
Fire Resisting 25 59
Totals 41 262
Alterations
203
Totals
219
84
303
The fees collected for these permits totals $602.00 and has: been turned over to the City Treasurer as revenue.
During the year 1938 there have been 2440 inspections of plumbing and gasfitting, and the number of permits are clas- sified as follows :
The number of plumbing permits issued during 1938 was 400
The number of permits for installation of new plumbing
2
The number of permits for alterations to plumbing 398
The number of buildings in which soil pipes were tested
245
The fees collected for plumbing for the year 1938 amounts to $404.00 and has been turned over to the City Treasurer as revenue.
The number of permits issued for gasfitting in 1938 was 538
The number of permits for new installation of gas 4
The number of permits for additions and alter- ations 534
The number of buildings in which gas piping was tested with mercury test tubes 390
The number of buildings in which gas piping was
tested after change from gas to electric lighting 26
The fees collected for gasfitting for the year 1938 amounts- to $137.50 and has been turned over to the City Treasurer as revenue.
The total estimated cost of new buildings and alterations as filed by the grantees on the permits issued amounts to
326
ANNUAL REPORTS
$270,132.00 in 1938. For comparison the estimated cost for the same amounted to $427,487.00 in 1937. The total number of permits for all purposes, not including plumbing and gasfitting. viz, 348, is 33 less than in 1937 when 381 permits were issued.
Much alteration and building has been underway in the Davis Square section and the city is proud to have within its borders such new and ultra modern structures as now appear in this locality.
Many of the alterations to dwellings have been in the nature of remodeling third floor rooms in normally two family houses to provide a new apartment. Although the department cannot authorize such changes and refuses to do so in order to comply with the Building Ordinances it does not object in most cases to its opinion being set aside by the Board of Appeals. We acknowledge the hardship the average property owner has to- day to gain sufficient income from his property to pay taxes and running expenses and realize that additional unused areas within a house may be put to tenable use without, in most cases, causing any exterior changes ; thereby making the prop- erty self supporting and tax secure. We do, however, insist that compliance to the full extent of our ordinances pertain- ing to construction be followed, and are constantly attempt- ing to discourage the past practices on the part of some of the public to do building operations without filing for permits in the prescribed manner. The department is insisting that the public, for its own protection, observe the requirements before entering upon any construction or commercial occupancy. It also appreciates that many changes should be made in our building code to accommodate the use of recently accepted practices in construction methods and the use of new materials.
The Commissioner urgently recommends a modification of the Building Code and complete revamping of the Zoning Laws in order to compensate for commercial expansion and to gen- erally encourage building alterations toward securing economic freedom for our citizens and their city.
The Commissioner also recommends the enactment of local ordinances confining the use, type and size of outdoor adver- tising to specific districts and with the consideration of the abutters to such installations.
327
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Reviewing the first year in office, the Commissioner has found that his attentions have been directed almost wholly to the responsibilities of the care and repair of the thirty school buildings and their facilities. A continual stream of emer- gency orders have been and are continuing to be received by the department and it is with deep satisfaction that with the splendid cooperation of the employees these emergencies have been met with dispatch so that no municipal function was seriously inconvenienced.
It is evident that emergencies will always occur, but it is regrettable that sufficient funds, labor, personel, etc. are not available to modernize the system sufficient to limit the nature of these occurances to those beyond the control of man.
The Commissioner realizes, as no doubt his predecessors have, that the services demanded by the public have increased beyond the scope of the department's funds and personnel. To illustrate this most effectively, the size of the appropriation for school care and repairs has remained practically constant since 1920 yet the valuation of school buildings and equipment has practically doubled during this period. It is startling to note from the records that during this period salaries for all school purposes increased approximately 100 per cent for a pupil attendance increase of some 25 per cent, yet no additional funds for repairs have been progressively forthcoming. Un- less a yearly appropriation is set aside to care for the ravages of normal depreciation, the depreciation rate is considerably increased to the point that when emergency repairs must be made the expense will necessarily be high, and the results. many times will not be of a permanent nature.
It is suggested that a sinking fund be set up upon the com- pletion of a building so that replacement and depreciation costs can be met in the succeeding years.
Also coupled with the lack of funds available for normal repairs and improvements has been the ever increasing use of our public school buildings for uses not directly educational. These need no enumeration as most of the public from time to- time have used these facilities unmindful of its extra cost to the department. Under our State Statues incomes from this use of school buildings when charged for profit making ven- tures does not come into the departments funds but goes into-
328
ANNUAL REPORTS
general revenue through the City Treasurer. Yet the added cost of light, heat, power, janitoral services, and excessive depreciation has to be paid from the departments regular ap- propriation.
If it were economically feasible at the moment the Com- missioner would not hesitate recommending the erection of a municipal recreation building which should be made self sup- porting at least as far as operating expenses are concerned. This should have sufficient gymnasium and assembly hall quar- ters to care for the normal requests of the various organiza- tions throughout the city. To you of the public who naturally accept the use of these recreational facilities it is important that you realize that educational requirements for modern school housing are being sacrificed to pay for the costs of neglect and misuse of these facilities, that the scope of the term "to be free of charge for charitable use" has many times not been willingly defined by the petitioner, that the depart- ments clerical work to care for requests has been taxed beyond its capacity, and that the responsibility of the Commissioner to abide by the Department of Public Safety Laws is consider- ably increased with its consequent jeopardy to harmonious public relations.
Summarizing the foregoing it would appear that need for additional funds is imperative and were it not for the critical economic conditions of the day the requisition would immedi- ately be made.
It is pleasing to report that all our pupils are comfortably housed throughout all schools, and for the greater part are enjoying modern and adequate conveniences. All buildings are being adequately heated, many rooms for the first time in many years ; this being due to particular attention having been paid this year toward revamping and increasing capacity of heat- ing systems and the use for the first time of regularly colorific tested coal, tested by a renowned testing laboratory. This in- ovation of testing is the key element in the city's coal con- tract and has insured (by this administration's development of a binding contract) a definite "pay for what we receive" policy. A consequent saving in fuel costs has made it possible to expend this in much needed heating system repairs, and our anticipated saving for the ensuing year should enable us to continue this repair work in full measure.
To cite a few specific heating renovations :-
329
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
More than two gross of modern vent valves have been in- stalled replacing as many obselete, worthless, and fuel wast- ing air valves. As many more will be replaced in the ensuing vear.
A condensate pump and equipment was installed in the Glines School, and the direct and indirect heating system of heating revamped to operate efficiently and economically. The fan motor was rewound and all wiring enclosed at the electric service entrance to provide for safety.
The Prescott school boilers were retubed, relined and re- grated, and modern safety valves installed. The condensate return system completely changed and properly vented, heat- ing riser pipes enlarged and additional radiation installed as well as renewed in many places. All rooms in the building are now easily heated, the janitors work is lessened in the boiler room and the system is now efficient for its type.
This treatment and result in essence has been repeated in the following schools :- Perry, Knapp, Durell, Forster, For- ster Annex, Hanscom, Brown, and the Western Junior High School and the many reports on the results have been most encouraging.
The Commissioner is mindful of the fact that many of our boilers in the grade schools are old and need replacements and most urgently recommends, as my predecessors have, that the appropriating body provide funds for gradual replacement.
The Somerville Avenue firehouse, Hose No. 5, and Engine No. 6, Teele Square, boast this year of a new boiler and auto- matic coal stoker which is working out very satisfactorily. It is recommended that all fire stations be equipped for auto- matic stoker operation as it is proved that even temperature is conducive to good health thereby increasing the efficiency of the personnel and the consequent economy to the depart- ment. It is also anticipated that the coal consumption at the stations will be practically halved thereby liquidating the in- vestment very quickly.
The Water department shop has been completely modern- ized with the able cooperation of its Commissioner and per- sonnel and a complete new heating system installed as well
330
ANNUAL REPORTS
as a complete new system in the section of the building being used by the W. P. A. for storehouse.
Some 10,000 feet of new flooring and hundreds of stair treads have been laid in the school buildings throughout the city. A new linoleum for the kindergarten at the Hodgkins school was laid down. A new teachers room and office has been provided at the Highland School which section of the building was completely demolished by the recent hurricane. New blackboards in each room were also provided there, Sec- tion of new blackboard were provided in the Prescott School replacing the intolerable paper boards.
Some 2500 desk tops have been refinished by the depart- ment thus completely finishing the recent W. P. A. desk re- finishing job.
The shower bath quarters at the Bennett School were com- pletely remodeled so that the Center now is proud of a modern and sanitary room. Additional services for women have been provided at the Glen Street Playground and Vocational School centers and the children now enjoy shower privileges during the summer in the latter school yard.
A new classroom has been provided in the Vocational School, the heating system extensively repaired including many vacuum trap replacements, and some equipment connected which the equipment contractor failed to do. The department has been favored with the able assistance of the schools' car- penter shop personnel in constructing several pieces of school furniture from stock furnished by this department thereby materially saving in costs.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.