USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1939 > Part 18
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WARDEN AND MATRON, CITY HOME MR. AND MRS. HERMAN M. REYNOLDS
296
ANNUAL REPORTS
Somerville, Mass. December 31, 1939
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen :
The Board of Public Welfare submits, herewith, reports of the General Agent, the Warden of the City Home and the City Physician, with tables showing the work.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD L. HAGAN, Chairman QUINLAN J. SULLIVAN FRANCIS J. FITZPATRICK, M. D.
297
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE GENERAL AGENT
City Hall Januar 2, 1940
To the Board of Public Welfare Somerville, Mass
Gentlemen :
The General agent submits the following as his report for the year ending December 31, 1939 :
Table No. 1 Indoor Relief (Full Support)
In City Home (Men, 83; Women, 37) 120
State Infirmary (Tewksbury) 20
(Partial Support)
In Hospitals in other Cities and Towns Inc. Mass. Hospital School
132
In Local Hospitals (Somerville, Central and Sunnyside)
Cases hospitalized
1,071
Out patient treatments
586
Total
1,657
Table No. 2 Partial Relief) (Outside Relief) Unemployment Relief and General Aid
Number of Families 1,645
Number of Persons Aided
11,515
Burials
36
Table No. 3 Children Boadred
In Private Families 12
40
Table No. 4 Aid to Dependent Children
Number of A. D. C. Cases, January 1, 1939
200
Number of Families Aided at Close of Year
209
Number of Families Aided During Year
230
Number of Children
611
Amount Allowed Each Family From $3.00 to $30.00 Cost to City
$158,930.39
Reimbursements and Refunds
103,741.51
Net Cost to City
$55,188.88
In Division of Child Guardianship
298
ANNUAL REPORTS
Table No. 5 REIMBURSEMENTS Aid to Dependent Children
U. S. Government Grant
$31,823.94
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
71,510.51
Refunds
407.06
Total
$103,741.51
Table No. 6 (Aid under Chapter 118A) OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Number of Cases, January 1, 1939
1,363
Number of Cases, December 31, 1939 Cost to City
1,527
$524,758.50
Reimbursements
$412,833.62
Refunds
2,834.39
$415,668.01
415,668.01
Net Cost to City
$109,090.49
REIMBURSEMENTS
Federal Grants
$241,297.13
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
167,821.17
Cities and Towns
3,715.32
Total
$412,833.62
Table No. 7 OVERSEERS OF THE POOR IN SOMERVILLE Since the Reorganization in 1885
Hon. Mark F. Burns, chairman, ex-officio ..
1885
1888 inclusive
Col. Herbert E. Hill
1885
1889
Charles S. Lincoln, Esq., chairman
1885
1887
Charles G. Brett (president 1888-1892)
1885
Apr. 1893
Hon. Edward Glines
1885
1887
Edward B. West (president May 1894,
February 1912)
1888
1912
Daniel C. Stillson
1888
Apr. 1892
Hon. Charles C. Pope, chairman, ex-officio 1889
1891
Nathan H. Reed (president 1893 to April, 1894)
1890
Apr. 1894
Hon. William H. Hodgkins, chairman, ex- officio
1892
1895
James G. Hinckley
May, 1892
1894
"
Albert W. Edmands
May, 1893
Oct. 1918
Herbert E. Merrill
May, 1894
1909
Ezra D. Souther
1895
Feb. 1898
,,
Hon. Albion A. Perry, chairman ex-officio 1896 James H. Butler March, 1898
1898
Hon. George O. Proctor, chairman ex-officio 1899 Henry F. Curtis, M. D. (president 1912-1919) 1910
1899
1921
Philip Koen 1912 Nov. 1916
RECAPITULATION FOR THE YEAR 1939
Salaries
Auto Main.
Cash In Advance
Office Supplies
State Infirmary
Board
Burials
Som. Central Sun. Hosp.
Cash Paid Out
Groceries
Medicine
Furniture & Storage
Cash Allowance
Cities & Towns
Clothing & Shoes
Glasses
Other Institutions
Totals
January
$3,242.20
$116.64
$3,729.13
$200.00
$254.63
$1,230.51
$2,470.05
$10.00
$1,235.50
$26,984.00
$10,967.60
$871.37
$3.00
$126.27
$1,707.00
$266.25
$954.95
$58,523.66
February
3,364.94
159.14
149.36
103.15
309.85
285.00
4,555.00
25,492.50
16,554.44
899.15
116.00
2,874.98
4,828.38
396.00
1,185.23
61,273.12
March
3,380.37
136.64
131.14
548.58
256.82
207.00
3,678.50
26,088.50
22,000.78
2,562.78
3.00
113.70
1,998.47
5,130.38
1,086.14
67,322.80
April
3,957.26
136.64
4,115.50
571.95
248.58
216.00
4,556.50
23,845.00
20,971.60
1,872.98
6.00
84.29
20,030.28
1,651.00
780.53
672.00
1,185.79
84,901.90
May
3,567.41
165.79
1,976.59
121.94
233.96
100.00
4,165.00
29,525.50
20,809.60
2,906.63
102.85
1,297.84
2,552.00
558.25
1,074.50
69,157.86
June
3,506.95
116.64
1,333.58
326.73
190.72
490.00
4,693.50
25,787.30
16,752.28
862.22
85.72
1,109.48
2,464.50
81.25
291.25
1,150.08
59,242.20
July
4,501.94
116.64
1,610.27
49.10
146.12
250.00
5,190.50
24,814.00
17,093.87
2,173.38
88.56
1,920.00
311.50
1,642.78
59,908.66
August
3,580.36
116.64
765.13
38.00
146.12
3,164.00
32,852.40
17,051.57
277.50
88.56
1,423.00
434.75
1,251.17
61,189.20
September
4,157.98
99.98
1,903.23
533.09
2,513.70
141.43
285.00
5,050.50
26,417.00
18,317.70
2,699.23
85.72
3,423.78
3,118.00
436.00
1,066.73
70,249.07
October
3,508.59
99.98
597.86
355.74
146.12
245.00
3,854.00
31,260.00
24,986.07
1,723.14
77.13
3,000.00
3,354.75
1,390.96
74,599.34
November
3,622.95
99.98
1,814.71
497.78
1,166.18
6,717.69
100.00
3,784.50
29,789.50
23,057.93
1,922.42
64.29
7,846.89
2,350.00
4,793.00
1,029.00
1,096.97
89,753.79
December
4,320.47
100.22
1,203.03
352.57
1,694.02
142.00
2,765.00
27,260.10
42,280.21
1,858.10
Totals
$44,711.42
$1,464.93
$19,329.59
$200.00
$3,753.26
$4,910.39
$12,701.48
$2,330.00
$46,692.50
$330,115.80
$250,843.65
$20,628.90
$12.00
$1,033.09
$33,708.27
$26,773.45
$24,695.92
$4,660.00
$13,599.05
$842,163.70
....
1,714.50
1,573.13
265.00
513.75
86,042.10
All Other
Fuel $4,154.50
....
299
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Michael Coll
Nov. 1916
Dec. 1924 ,
Fred E. Durgin (chairman 1919-1935)
.. Oct. 1918
Jan. 1935
George G. Brayley
Jan. 1922 June 1928
James D. Sharkey
Dec. 1924
1933
Wilbur F. Lewis
June 1928
Jan. 1931
John C. McNally
Jan. 1931
1933
Frank Cole
1933
Jan. 1934
Arthur C. Coffey
1933
date
*Quinlan Sullivan
1934
date
Walter V. Robinson (chairman)
1935
Jan. 1938
*Edward L. Hagan (chairman) .Jan. 1938
date
*Francis J. Fitzpatrick, M. D.
Jan. 1939
date
* Present Member.
300
ANNUAL REPORTS
Table No. 8
POPULATION AND GROSS EXPENDITURES, 1900 THRU 1939
Year
Population
Misc. Welfare
City Home
A. D. C.
O. A. A.
Totals
1900
61,643
$23,697.62
$5,528.83
..
........
..
$29,226.45
1901
62,500
29,171.15
6,622.43
35,793.58
1902
63,500
28,667.04
7,396.64
36,063.68
1903
65,500
30,470.20
7,548.39
38,018.50
1904
65,500
20,476.64
6,563.11
27,039.65
1905
69,272
17,627.88
7,474.36
25,002.24
1906
72,000
18,237.53
6,806.79
25,044.32
1907
74,000
17,852.20
7,001.23
24,853.43
1908
75,500
17,955.34
6,875.56
24,830.99
1909
75,500
16,843.17
7,562.83
24,406.00
1910
77,236
16,110.42
7,695.89
.........
..
23,806.31
1911
78,000
16,327.56
7,842.03
.......
..
24,169.59
1912
81,000
19,201.33
8,998.97
28,200.30
1913
82,000
21,827.73
10,945.95
............
...
32,773.68
1914
85,000
36,619.68
11,200.25
46,819.93
1915
86,854
45,490.98
11,218.65
56,709.63
1916
90,000
51,759.62
11,593.41
63,353.03
1917
90,000
53,653.33
13,417.77
67,071.10
1918
90,500
63,420.48
15,411.20
78,831.68
1919
91,000
67,682.53
15,789.34
109,087.99
1923
98,000
88,909.21
14,770.97
103,680.17
1924
100,000
100,013.27
14,891.79
114,905.06
1925
101,000
121,513.30
16,896.89
138,410.19
1927
103,000
135,671.34
16,070.45
151,741.79
1928
104,000
160,269.41
13,393.85
173,663.25
1929
104,000
177,499.26
14,382.34
191,881.60
1930
103,604
230,862.48
14,420.61
245,283.09
1931
193,604
402,742.58
13,374.66
416,117.24
1932
104,000
650,893.45
14,983.46
665,876.91
1933
104,000
594,108.10
13,643.51
607,751.61
1934
104,000
747,993.71
13,499.64
761,493.35
1935
100,773
551,351.15
13,722.16
..
1936
100,773
897,986.79
15,238.88
913,225.67
1937
100,773
924,302.76
16,957.13
$97,511.63
$397,203.74
1,435,975.26
1938
100,773
875,654.35
16,740.71
154,851.97
464,592.63
1,511,839.66
1939
100,773
842,163.70
16,590.48
158,930.39
524,758.50
..
...
.....
....
83,471.34
1920
93,033
77,456.57
17,308.29
...
..
94,764.86
1921
95,000
87,922.69
15,069.81
. .
......
..
102,992.50
1922
87,000
95,510.92
13,577.07
..
...
...
..
..
..
..
..
..
............
...
.. ..........
..
..
....
..
...
..
..
.....
..
.......
..
.....
..
.....
..
........
..
..
..
...
..
...
..
..
..
565,073.31
301
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Table No. 9 RECAPITULATION
Expenditures and Transfers
Reimbursements
$842,163.70 299,061.45
Net Cost to city
$543,102.25
REIMBURSEMENTS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
$228,424.87
Cities and Towns
67,364.80
Individuals
2.85
$295,792.52
Refunds and Transfers
3,268.93
$299,061.45
During the year, 1939, the W. P. A. policy of terminating the employment of all those who had given eighteen months continuous service, has, in no small way, increased the case load and expenditures of this department.
Throughout the year the value of food distributed in our city by the Surplus Commodities Division was $313,228.59. In addition to this allotment of food, there was also distributed clothing amounting to $82,015.60, having a combined value of $395,244.19. Had it not been for these Federal Commodities Supplies, our expenditures would have been considerably higher.
During 1939, approximately 700 men worked an average of 31/2 days each week for aid granted. No appropriation credit was made to this department by the other city departments for whom this work was performed.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES J. WILLWERTH,
General Agent
302
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE CITY PHYSICIAN
January 2, 1940
Patients Treated at Clinic (Inc. Vaccinations)
.... .. 22,338
Total House Visits (Inc. City Home) Examinations:
10,100
Hospital Investigations-City Employees (Inc. Police and Fire Department)
427
Miscellaneous: Special Cases 60
First Aid Cases
56
Respectfully submitted,
CIRO GIOBBE, M. D.,
City Physician
303
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE WARDEN OF THE CITY HOME
March 1, 1940
To the Board of Public Welfare Somerville, Mass
Gentlemen :
I submit the following as the report of the Warden of the City Home for the year ending December 31, 1939 :
Table No. 1
Number of week's board of inmates 3,525
Number of males admitted during 1939
39
Number of females admitted during 1939 14
Number of males discharged during 1939
37
Number of females discharged during 1939
11
Number of males supported during 1939
83
Number of females supported during 1939
37
Number of males died during 1939
3
Number of females died during 1939
7
Number of inmates in Home December 31, 1939
65
Table No. 2 CITY HOME HOSPITAL
Number of weeks' board of inmates
344
Number of patients admitted
21
Number of patients in hospital December 31, 1939
18
Table No. 3
Expenditures
$16,590.48
Reimbursements and Refunds
3,508.55
Net Cost to City
$13,081.93
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN M. REYNOLDS,
Warden
304
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
To the Honorable Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville :
Gentlemen :
In behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Somerville, I submit the Annual Report of the Board, and appended thereto, and forming a part of it, the An- nual Report of the Librarian to the Board of Trustees, which shows the details of the growth and operation of the Library for the past year.
It is always with deep concern we look forward to the ad- vent of the new year, particularly in respect to the budget re- quirements of the Library. It is the sense of the Board of Trustees to cooperate in every respect with the City Adminis- tration, especially in financial matters, yet it is the duty and obligation of the Board of Trustees to promote the efficiency and maintain the high standards of the library service in our community. The evils of the past and the total disregard of benefits of the library as an educational institution have had its effects upon our book collection as evidenced in the report of the Librarian. Although we realize this defect cannot be alleviated in a short space of time, it is our sincere hope that the bugetary requirements which have been determined after many hours of study will be given your serious consideration.
The unselfish cooperation of the staff members during the past year deserves the highest commendation of the Public and the Board of Trustees. Handicapped by epidemics of sickness and the large number of resignations, due to marriage, the Library service has continued without criticism. This speaks especially well of the administrative organization, particularly considering the continual increase in circulation and registered borrowers.
The Trustees wish to call your particular attention to the situation of the library service in the Winter Hill section as set forth in the Librarian's report. Your assistance to remedy this condition is solicited.
Very respectfully, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, JOHN F. MCGANN, President.
305
PUBLIC LIBRARY
PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Term Expires
John F. McGann, President
January 1, 1941
Rev. Anthony J. Flaherty, Vice-President
"
1942
Mrs. J. Helen Clough
1940
Mr. William H. McKenna
1940
Mr. David Y. Ross (resigned October, 1939)
1940
Rev. David Fraser (appointed October, 1939)
...
....
1941
Mr. Frederick J. White (appointed July, 1939)
"
1941
Mr. John J. Griffin
1941
Mr. Louis B. Connelly
"
1942
Mrs. Kathryn E. Hueber
1942
COMMITTEES
On Administration
Mrs. Hueber, Chairman, Mr. McKenna, Rev. David Fraser, and the President and Vice-President, ex-officiis
On Books and Cataloging
Mr. Connelly, Chairman, Mrs. Clough, Mr. Griffin, Mr. White, and the President, ex-officio
On Buildings and Property The President and the Vice-President
Secretary of the Board John D. Kelley
1940
Mr. Charles L. Doherty (resigned June, 1939)
306
ANNUAL REPORTS
ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL December 31, 1939
CENTRAL LIBRARY-Highland Avenue and Walnut Street WEST SOMERVILLE BRANCH-40 College Avenue EAST SOMERVILLE BRANCH-Broadway and Illinois Avenue UNION SQUARE BRANCH-50 Bow Street
WINTER HILL STATION-Bingham School, Lowell Street
JOHN D. KELLEY, Librarian
GRADED SERVICE
NELLIE M. WHIPPLE, Assistant Librarian
VIVIAN J. MORSE, Executive Assistant
CORA B. EAMES, Reference Librarian and Second Assistant
MABEL E. BUNKER, Chief Cataloger
DOROTHY H. TERRY, Branch Librarian, West Branch
ELSIE K. WELLS, Branch Librarian, East Branch
KATHRYN KENNY, Branch Librarian, Union Square Branch
MARY B. BARTLETT, Supervisor of Schools, Deposits, and Children's Work
GERTRUDE F. CONNELLY, Reference Assistant MILDRED A. BOWLEY, Assistant Cataloger
MYRTLE NICHOLSON, Central Desk Chief
CATHERINE COTTER, Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding GERTRUDE REYNOLDS, Executive-in-Charge, Winter Hill Station MARJORIE L. HOLT, First Assistant, West Branch MARION E. SMITH, First Assistant, East Branch
RUTH HOLMES, First Assistant, Union Square Branch
MARY M. NOONAN, Children's Librarian, Central Library
EMMA MERLINI, Children's Librarian, Union Square Branch BARBARA NILES, Senior Assistant
FRANCES M. HAYES, Senior Assistant
IRENE F. WARD, Senior Assistant
RITA FINN, Junior Assistant, and Acting Children's Librarian, West Branch MARY B. CONNORS, Junior Assistant
ELEANOR F. DEWIRE, Junior Assistant
ANNE HOPKINS, Junior Assistant, and Acting Children's Librarian, East Branch
CATHERINE P. KILLILEA, Junior Assistant
ANNA E. CULLEN, Junior Assistant
ELIZABETH L. CLIFFORD, Junior Assistant
KATHARINE J. WHITE, Junior Assistant
ELIZABETH FLYNN, Junior Assistant
MARY E. CULLINANE, Junior Assistant
307
PUBLIC LIBRARY
NON-PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
HARVEY CURTIS ANNA F. DENNIS RUTH D. WARNER
MARGARET B. SCANLAN LILLIAN G. CASEY KATHERINE AUSTIN
UNGRADED SERVICE
JOHN T. MACKEY CLAIRE M. GORMAN JULIA M. LEDDY GEORGE DOOLING
MARY F. WARREN NELLIE EGAN BEATRICE M. BUSS MARY M. WITHAM
APPRENTICE SERVICE M. PHYLLIS BRINE
308
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Board of Trustees :
The past year holds a very significant position in the his- tory of the library service in Somerville. Twenty-five years ago the present Central Library building, the erection of which was made possible by a very generous gift from Mr. Andrew Carnegie, was opened to the public, and thirty years ago the West Branch, also a gift from Mr. Carnegie, was opened. The wisdom and foresight incorporated in the details and locations of these structures serves as a memorial to those men who labored so diligently, without thought of personal gain or honor, that the library system might be designed to meet the needs of everyone in the community.
It is interesting to note the healthy growth of library ser- vice and the appreciation of the public for the benefits derived from its use. The many mediums at our avail, today, such as the newspaper, radio, book bulletins and displays, assist great- ly in bringing before the public the facilities which are at their disposal. A comparison of statistics, though not always con- vincing because of changing circumstances, yet, are always in- teresting. With this in mind, the statistics concerning the cir- culation in the Central Library twenty-five years ago show 191,499 volumes lent for home use whereas during the past year the circulation was 320,204. At the West Branch thirty years ago the circulation was 62,381 and during the past year 117,196. Regardless of how one analyzes these figures we must come to the conclusion that more people are using the library today, nothwithstanding the so-called competition of the radio, movies, automobiles, and the drug store lending libraries. A review of the records of the entire system for the past five years further proves this point :
Circulation
Registered Borrowers
Book Collection
1935
487,465
19,830
130,433
1936
443,131
19,115
126,305
1937
504,934
19,463
122,559
1938
572,752
20,358
124,119
1939
626,956
21,104
124,902
Although our book stock is less than five years ago, our circulation and particularly the increase in registered borrow- ers is continuing its upward trend. The question has been put, "to what do we attribute this increase, especially when the
309
PUBLIC LIBRARY
public has so many diversions to attract them from books". Our first response is : the loyalty of the staff members to the admin- istration, the efficiency of the department heads and branch li- brarians, the willingness of all staff members to work for the best interest of the library and the citizens of our city. Our second thought is: that the radio and the movies instead of competing with the reading of books are continually opening new channels, leading the public to the library to seek further information and to continue their education (the Radio Quiz programs are definite examples of this phase) and the movies with programs based on historical novels and romances of famous and contemporary authors entice the public "to read before seeing". Finally : the era of unemployment has caused Mr. Average Public to view his future with uncertainty and with a determination to fit himself for the opportunity which might arrive through the most economical medium of educa- tion-"The Public Library".
It is with considerable satisfaction that we realize the pub- lic is becoming more and more firmly convinced that the Li- brary is a definite part of the educational system of our city. It is our aim to maintain a great reservoir of information, with efficient staff members to maintain it, which shall provide ma- terial for the public in all walks of life. For reading-the great means of contact with the world about us and our fathers be- fore us-is an educational activity in the fullest sense. Educa- tion can not proceed without it; a defective education can be rectified by it. It is our desire to promote the library as a com- munity center for the betterment of social conditions and the making of intelligent American citizens.
The increase in circulation during the past year was 54,204, with an increase of 746 registered borrowers over a year ago, making the third consecutive year we have had the pleasure of reporting a growth in our service.
Our enthusiasm was somewhat checked during the fall months by the death of my predecessor, Mr. George H. Evans, Librarian Emeritus. Mr. Evans, whose words of counsel and encouragement will always be remembered, was called to his reward on October 12, 1939. In respect to his memory and the high regard in which he was held by the Board of Trustees, the following resolutions were adopted :
310
ANNUAL REPORTS
RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His wisdom has called George H. Evans, Librarian Emeritus of the Somerville Public Library, to His Eternal Repose after a long and faithful service to the citizens of Somerville.
WHEREAS, By his death the City of Somerville has suffered the loss of a faithful and efficient public servant, fellow citizen and our associate, his wife the loss of a kindly husband, and his friends a splendid and sympathetic companion.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the mem- bers of the Board of Library Trustees of the Somerville Public Library in meeting assembled give this expres- sion of their deep sympathy to his widow in her hour of extreme bereavement, their appreciation of the un- selfish and devoted service rendered by him to our city, his exemplary character and true friendship.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of these Resolutions be spread upon the records of the Board of Library Trustees, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of these Resolutions expressive of their sincere sympathy be sent to his widow.
With the improved economic conditions matrimony con- tinues to play havoc with our staff organization, claiming dur- ing the past year Miss Sophie Margolis, Miss Kathleen Martin, Miss Florence Clark, Miss Lois J. McCarthy, and Miss Patricia Sullivan. Resignations were also received from Miss R. Vivian Smith and Richard Lombard.
Promotions under the Scheme of Service were awarded to Miss Gertrude F. Connolly from senior assistant to Reference Assistant, Miss Marjorie L. Holt from senior assistant to First Assistant at the West Branch, and Miss Anne Hopkins, junior assistant at Central to Acting Children's Librarian at the East Branch.
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
Transfers were those of Miss Mildred A. Bowley from First Assistant at the West Branch to Assistant Cataloger, Miss Ruth Holmes from First Assistant at the East Branch to First Assistant at Union Square, Miss Marion E. Smith from First Assistant at Union Square to First Assistant at the East Branch, and Miss Rita Finn, Acting Children's Librarian at the East Branch to the same capacity at the West Branch.
The personnel of the Board of Trustees has incurred the following changes: By resignation, Mr. Charles L. Doherty to be succeeded for the unexpired term by Mr. Frederick J. White, and Mr. David Y. Ross to be succeeded by the Rev. David Fraser.
The W. P. A. continues to bestow its generosity upon the library. The wood carving project presented a beautiful three- paneled plaque extending the entire width of the Central charg- ing desk, directly over the main entrance, depicting the Powder House, Prospect Hill Tower, and the Raising of the First Flag on Prospect Hill. The art project, of which the Librarian is sponsor, continues its valuable work making posters and scenes for the Junior Libraries. The life size nativity scene erected by this group at the Central Library during the Christmas season was a source of continual praise and admiration.
Considerable work has been accomplished during the past year in checking the books in the lower stacks. Antiquated text books, technical books, and material which has laid upon the shelves for years has been discarded. This work of its very nature is a slow process and requires considerable thought lest anything of value be hastily set aside.
The experiment started during 1938 and continued through the past year of conducting the children of the 9th grades of the Public and Parochial Schools on a lecture tour of the var- ious departments of the Central Library has proven most pro- fitable. The groups are broken up into small units and accom- panied by an assistant who describes the functions of each de- partment. The value of this work is evidenced by the many themes the children have written on their visit to the Library and their astonishment and enthusiasm at the amount of de- tail required to prepare the books for the public. It has been our sentiment that these youngsters are to be our future city fathers and at least they will have the realization when that time arrives that the library is not merely a reading room and
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ANNUAL REPORTS
a warehouse for books but an organization in which a good portion of the work is done behind the scenes which requires a trained efficient staff and a fair appropriation to keep its life blood-Books-flowing.
Our second year of closing at one o'clock on Saturday dur- ing July and August continued to be appreciated by the staff members and, as reported last year, there is no evidence of in- convenience to the public.
The library service situation at Winter Hill brought about by the closing of the original Winter Hill Station continues to be a problem and a sore spot in the opinion of the people of that section. The Bingham School where the Winter Hill Sta- tion is now located, an ideal location in the Magoun Square section, as proven by the circulation records, is extermely incon- venient for the residents of Winter Hill and does nothing to alleviate the condition in the Ten Hills section. A recent con- ference with His Honor, the Mayor, and the Building Commis- sioner bids fair for a correction of this condition during the coming year.
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