Report of the city of Somerville 1953, Part 4

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1953
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 416


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1953 > Part 4


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With jackstones, puppet shows, ring games, there's always something new. Play Leaders hear the perfect phrase, "I want to be like you".


We'll say it's fun to be a youth and live the life of play, No clock to punch, no boss to fear, no grocer's bills to pay, No wars to fight, no shaving chores, no need to search for truth, The playground is their Paradise - God Bless Them, Happy Youth!


In closing, the Commission gratefully acknowledges the continued co-operation during 1953 of His Honor The Mayor, the Board of Aldermen, the Engineering Department, the Pub- lic Buildings Department, the Electrical Department, and the Police Department; and acknowledges especially the co-opera- tion of the Superintendent of Schools, the Masters of the


54


ANNUAL REPORTS


Senior High and Junior High Schools, and the Supervising Principals and Teachers of the Elementary Schools.


Acknowledgment is made also to the various churches and members of the clergy, and to Veteran, Service, and Social organizations of the City for their co-operation during the past year.


Appended to this Report is the Financial Summary for the year 1953 and a list of Activities Under The Recreation Com- mission.


Respectfully submitted by THE RECREATION COMMISSION, BY REV. N. PROPERZI, Chairman


55


RECREATION COMMISSION


City of Somerville, Recreation Commission


FINANCIAL SUMMARY, 1953


ANNUAL APPROPRIATION (March 18)


$74,890.97


SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION (July 7)


900.00


TRANSFER APPROPRIATION (December 16)


1,000.00


TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS


$76,790.97


EXPENDITURES:


Salaries and Wages


$67,475.69


Athletic Supplies


1,264.03


Playground Supplies, Paraphernalia, Etc.


1,229.12


Other Recreation Supplies


1,008.02


Printing, Planographing, Etc.


136.25


Rental of Equipment, Trucks, Buses, Etc.


330.00


Music Scores, Records, Etc.


21.28


Office Supplies


301.66


Telephone


397.41


Postage, Parcel Post, and Express


197.53


Repairs


226.56


Photographic Services and Supplies


169.35


Special Services


51.60


Maintenance of Vehicles


784.35


Automobile Allowance


220.00


Books and Pamphlets for Workers' Profes- sional Improvement


14.15


Carfares for


Itinerant and Volunteer


Workers


75.74


Other Personal Disbursements


31.90


Convention Expenses


109.00


Special Items:


Station Wagon


1,700.00


Business Machine


210.70


Swing Set and Accessories


223.56


Basketball Set and Rings


165.68


Mats and Accessories for Tumbling and Gymnasium Activities


200.00


All Other


46.85


TOTAL EXPENDITURES


$76,590.43


76,590.43


UNEXPENDED BALANCE


$200.54


56


ACTIVITIES UNDER THE CITY OF SOMER VILLE RECREATION COMMISSION - 1953


Recreation Activity Summer Playgrounds Saturday Playgrounds


No. of Units


Age Group


Location


26


Under 16 Under 12


Plgds. & School Grounds School Grounds & Plgds.


July-Aug. Sept .- Dec. Mar .- June Jan .- Mar.


Saturday Indoor Centers


7


Under 12


School Bldgs.


Boys' Clubs


8


11-19


School Bldgs.


Sept .- June


Girls' Clubs


6


11-18


School Bldgs.


Sept .- June


Chess Club


1


11-19


Public Bldg.


Oct .- May


Afternoon Supervised Athletics


3


9-16


Parks & Plgds.


Sept .- Dec. Apr .- June


Baseball "Clinic" for Boys


1


9-16


Parks & Plgds.


June


Arts & Crafts Clubs (Boy-Girl)


4


8-15


School Bldgs.


Oct .- May


Junior Community Theatre


1


14-18


School Bldg.


Sept .- June


Youth Theatre


2


12-15


School Bldgs.


Sept .- June


Children's Theatre


3


8-12


School Bldgs.


Sept .- June


Story-Telling Program


1


Under 11


Public Library


Jan .- Apr.


Oct .- Dec.


Community Chorus


1


Adult


School Bldg.


1


12-18


School Bldg.


Junior Community Chorus "Fisical Fitness" Clubs (Boys)


4


12-16


School Bldgs.


Model Aircraft Clubs


2


10-16


School Bldgs.


Oct .- April


Bicycle Club


1


11-16


Out-of-doors


Sept .- June


Gymnasium Activities for Men


1


Adult


School Bldg.


Oct .- April


Gymnasium Activities for Women


1


Adult


School Bldg.


Oct .- April


LEAGUES FOR BOYS: Basketball


15 teams


13-19


School Bidgs.


Dec .- April May-July


Twilight Basketball (Outdoor)


6 teams


16-21


School Grounds


LEAGUES FOR MEN:


School Bidgs.


Nov .- March


Basketball


8 teams


Adult


Bowling


16 teams


Adult


Public Alleys


Sept .- Apr.


Softball


20 teams


Adult


Parks & Plgds.


Apr .- Sept.


Program for "Shut-Ins"


1


Under 14


Somerville Hospital


Year-round


15


Season


ANNUAL REPORTS


Oct .- May


Oct .- May


Oct .- April


57


PUBLIC LIBRARY


REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY


ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL December 31, 1953


BOARD OF TRUSTEES


Term Expires


Mr. John F. McGann, Sr., President


January 1, 1954.


Mr. John J. Griffin, Vice-President


January 1, 1956


Mr. George K. Coyne


January 1, 1956


Mrs. Lena Crispo


January 1, 1955


Mr. Arthur G. Helmund


January 1, 1955


Rev. Gordon J. Kirk


January 1, 1954


Mr. William H. McKenna


January 1, 1955.


Mrs. George J. Wyse


January 1, 1956.


COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION


Mr. William H. McKenna, Chairman


Mrs. Lena Crispo


Mrs. George J. Wyse


Mr. John J. Griffin


The President, Mr. John F. McGann, ex-officio


COMMITTEE ON BOOKS AND CATALOGING


Mr. John J. Griffin, Chairman


Mr. George K. Coyne


Mr. Arthur G. Helmund


Rev. Gordon J. Kirk


The President, Mr. John F. McGann, ex-officio


COMMITTEE ON BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY The President and the Vice-President


SECRETARY OF THE BOARD Mr. John D. Kelley, Librarian


ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY STAFF PERSONNEL. December 31, 1953 John D. Kelley, Librarian


58


ANNUAL REPORTS


PROFESSIONAL GRADED SERVICE


John T. Mackey


Assistant Librarian


Gloria F. Graham


Executive Assistant


Ruth Holmes


Reference Librarian


Anna E. Cullen


Chief Cataloger


Rita D. Adams


Supervisor of Schools and Deposits


Barbara C. Niles Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding


Mary M. Noonan


Branch Librarian


Kathryn Kenny


Branch Librarian


Ruth D. Warner


Branch Librarian


Myrtle Nicholson


Desk Chief


Emma Merlini


Hospital Librarian


Marion E. Mackinnon


Music Librarian


Lillian G. Casey


Station Executive


Barbara T. O'Neill


Station Executive


Elizabeth W. Hennigan


First Assistant


E. Lillian Clifford


First Assistant


Beatrice H. O'Hara


First Assistant


Marilyn F. Legere


First Assistant


Constance R. Jordan


First Assistant First Assistant


Rita F. Brunet


Children's Librarian


Children's Librarian


A. Frances Dennis


Senior Assistant


Mary J. O'Brien


Senior Assistant


Lois E. MacDonald


Senior Assistant


1. Marguerite Sawin Senior Assistant


Catherine M. O'Malley


Senior Assistant


Barbara A. Sullivan


Junior Assistant


Katharine V. Nolan


Junior Assistant


Alice P. Burkhart


Junior Assistant


A. Marion Johnian


Junior Assistant


Ethel Mullaney


Junior Assistant


M. Louise Ross


Junior Assistant


John W. Patten


Junior Assistant


Marion M. Reppucci


Junior Assistant


Eleanor A. Burke


Junior Assistant


UNGRADED SERVICE-Non-Professional


Margaret E. Ronayne Grace A. Coiley Virginia A. O'Hare Lillian F. Hixenbaugh John A. McInerny


PART TIME ATTENDANTS


Mary F. Baker


William J. Clougherty


Patricia A. Coffey Ann M. Coleman Lorraine Fitzgerald Dympna Flavin Mary E. Goggin Shirley A. McCauley


Elizabeth Maney Dorothea Matsas Joseph O'Hare


1


Joan E. Brunet


Children's Librarian


59


PUBLIC LIBRARY


RESIGNED DURING YEAR


Carol A. Colcord


Part Time Attendant


Anne J. Durkin


First Assistant


Patricia A. Flynn


Part Time Attendant


John J. Galvin


Part Time Attendant


Martha E. Godfrey Non-Professional Assistant


George F. Hickey, Jr. Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding


Frederic Johnson


Part Time Attendant


Helen A. Maginn Non-Professional Assistant


Anna I. Marchesani Junior Assistant


Kevin O'Brien


Part Time Attendant


Part Time Attendant Mary J. O'Neill


Clara L. Osgood


Junior Assistant


Robert E. Stynes Part Time Attendant


Patricia A. Turner


Part Time Attendant


60


ANNUAL REPORTS


To the Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Dear Sirs:


I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Somerville for the year 1953 and incorporated in it is the Annual Report of the Librarian to the Board of Trustees.


It will be noted in the Librarian's report that particular attention must be given to replacing the antiquated equipment with which the Library staff must function and the complete refurbishing of the Central Library. It must be called to your attention that in 1914 when Mr. Andrew Carnegie presented the Central Library as a gift to the citizens of Somerville the only stipulation in the grant was that the City of Somerville adequately maintain the building. Unfortunately this has not been fulfilled, so with the average wear and tear and the ravages of the elements - today, because of the complete neglect of the ordinary maintenance, we suffer from leaking roof and walls, window sashes rotted and sagging, floor cover- ing a veritable patchwork quilt from patches and worn spots, walls totally bare of paint and lighting facilities comparable to the gas light era. We face a thorough renovation project which though costly is absolutely essential to preserve the one build- ing in the city which was formerly the show place of Somerville.


The Board of Trustees further recommend that the ordi- nary safety precautions be adhered to: such as emergency lighting facilities and fire prevention equipment. With state laws demanding certain equipment in all buildings of public assembly, it is a sad commentary that the public buildings used the most hours a day by the general public are entirely lacking in these facilities.


We would be remiss if we did not recognize the loyalty of our excellent staff and to express our appreciation for their services particularly during the heatless days last Fall.


Very respectfully,


JOHN F. McGANN,


President, Board of Trustees


61


PUBLIC LIBRARY


REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN


To the Board of Trustees:


As we review the past year we readily entitle it "Our Turbulent Year". Laboring under the provisions of the City Charter, which places the responsibility on the Buildings De- partment for the maintenance and housing of library facilities, we were subject to conditions entirely beyond our control, which on occasions made our normal functioning practically impossible. The uncertainty of timing and the unexpected starting or completion of work kept us in a state of constant confusion.


The enlargement of Teele Square and the renovation of the new location for Winter Hill were for months touch and go situations with no one in authority being able to advise us on tentative completion dates so we might be prepared for the tremendous task of moving our book stock and arranging our furnishings. Fortunately, because of our advance planning, we were able to complete our work with a minimum interruption of services. After these two trying ordeals we then were faced with the problem of replacing the boilers at the Central Library. Unfortunately this work was not started until after the first of October. To cope with this situation and to maintain a semblance of service we operated with skeleton forces dressed in winter attire to ward off threats of pneumonia. After six trying weeks this work was completed and for the first time during the year we returned to normalcy.


Added to these conditions we were plagued by a series of accidents. Miss M. Louise Ross fell on the rear stairs, tearing a cartilage in her knee necessitating an operation requiring her absence the last three months of the year. Miss Emma Merlini suffered a broken toe when one of the electric radiators tem- porarily installed at the Central circulation desk fell on her foot, and the Librarian tore a cartilage in his knee which has handicapped his activities.


The Teele Square Branch Library was placed in full opera- tion on September 14th. The additional space affords excellent opportunity to serve our patrons and though there is no marked increase in circulation, the reference facilities are taxed. At the present time, due to lack of staff, this location is open only three evenings a week. The new location of the


.62


ANNUAL REPORTS


Winter Hill Station, opened on September 28th, fulfills our previous predictions. Situated on the corner of heavily trav- ersed Broadway, though only a stone's throw from the former site, the patronage has more than doubled. Our only sore spot now is the location and the facilities of the Union Square :Station. Unfortunately, there have not been any favorable loca- tions available in the area but we are constantly surveying the vicinity and hope to be able to recommend a site in the near future.


A new publicity program initiated through the efforts and cooperation of the staff has brought many favorable comments. .A panel consisting of Mr. John T. Mackey as moderator, Miss Ruth Holmes, Miss Emma Merlini and Mrs. Marion E. Mac- Kinnon have inaugurated a speaking program to various religious, fraternal and social organizations under the title, "'Know Your Library". This fall they have appeared before five organizations and have several engagements arranged for the winter and spring months. I am particularly indebted to this group for their enthusiasm and generosity since they have not only donated their talents to explain the services we offer but have freely given their time gratuitously.


The services to the hospitals continue to expand under the capable supervis.on of Miss Merlini. We have extended cover- age to the City Home, The Home for the Aged and in a few instances to Convalescent Homes. The need for this service is increasingly important and requests growing continually. To properly meet this demand and to assist the unfortunates con- fined to their homes through sickness or infirmities who regularly ask us for assistance, we need some medium of trans- portation rather than to impose upon the kindness of our staff. With a beach wagon or small panel truck we could do an infinite amount of good, bring happiness and speedier recovery through mental therapy with the aid of books to countless numbers of our citizens. As hard as it has been in the past to obtain additional money in our budget for an innovation I feel that, with the support of the Trustees, this case would not be impossible. At the present time we spend annually approxi- mately $1000.00 for express with service as during the past year intolerable, while with a beach wagon we could handle our own interchange and furnish these additional services at no great expense. As an example of the present express service- ordinarily all deposits of books to the public and parochial schools are made in late September and early October - this year the first deliveries were made in late November after the municipal elections. The result will be a large loss in circula-


63


PUBLIC LIBRARY


tion in our school department and also has created a situation very difficult to explain to the members of the school de- partment.


Through the cooperation of Attorney Joseph R. Corish two interesting art exhibits were arranged at the Central Library. The original oil seascapes painted by Mr. Corish were a source of much comment and the scenes by Mr. Robert Curtis, a well- known Rockport artist, received publicity in the local and Boston papers.


An outstanding event commemorating members of our staff namely, Miss Nicholson, Miss Kenny, Miss Holmes, Miss Noonan, Miss Merlini and Miss Niles who had each served on the library staff for over twenty years was held in November. Gifts were presented by the members of the Staff Association and appropriate remarks made by President McGann, Vice- President Griffin and the Librarian.


We continue to face the difficulty of recruiting new mem- bers for our staff. With each year this situation becomes more serious because we are definitely lacking in trained and expe- rienced personnel. We continually lose through resignations the ambitious, progressive individual because of higher finan- cial inducements offered by other libraries and because we do not have the promotional opportunities to hold them. We are fortunate to have in all our key positions well qualified and experienced people, but beyond this point we suffer from im- maturity and educational qualifications. We again reiterate our regret that the recommendations of the Board of Trustees. made in 1950 for increments to encourage study by our staff have never received the administration's approval. It is impera- tive that some drastic steps be taken to insure our standing in the library and educational profession. We need recruits with. college educations or the equivalent in all our supervisory capacities. It is regrettable that we have so many staff mem- bers who, though faithful in their service and holding seniority ratings, have neglected to continue their formal education.


The physical condition of the Central Library is still in a horrible state. Wellington Hall with its neglected walls and floor covering in addition to the totally inadequate lighting facilities demand immediate attention. The Children's Library should be completely renovated with rearrangement of the: circulation desk to permit better supervision, improved lighting facilities and all windows re-curtained. The stack lighting at the West Branch is inadequate and the need for a new


64


ANNUAL REPORTS


catalogue file a must. In fact the need for new equipment throughout the system becomes more urgent each year for no replacements have been made in over twenty-five years.


The popularity of the Music Department grows each year with our circulation at approximately 8000 records. The gradual change to long playing records continues and since one LP record is equivalent to approximately five standard records a comparison of the LP circulations for the past two years is interesting. In 1952 there were 1888 LP records circulated as compared to 3056 in 1953, an increase in this category alone of 1168 records. The inclusion of many non-musical records has met with instant approval and there is a notable interest in children's records.


Since the standard records are fast becoming obsolete it is becoming increasingly apparent that we must add 45 RPM records. The 45 RPM records have the advantage of less bulk than the standard records and have improved recording tech- niques and better surfaces.


The Music Department requires immediate attention. The make-shift desk and table arrangement is inadequate for cir- culation purposes and a new card catalogue is essential.


The Reference Department has had one of the busiest years in its history. Ten thousand, two hundred, ninety-six re- quests for information have been received this year. Much credit is due Miss Holmes and her capable assistants for the proficient manner her department is conducted. We have re- ceived many words of praise for their cooperation and willing- ness to serve.


The Catalog Department has processed 11,106 books, a marked increase over previous years. It is interesting to note a marked increase in the orders of Library of Congress catalog cards due to the greater number of non-fiction books being purchased.


A special effort has been made to strengthen our Children's Department. It has been our experience that now the novelty of television is passed the youngsters are returning to us for information and recreation. A large portion of purchases of juvenile books was in the reader category as they are by far the most popular. Again we are indebted to Mr. Charles Kelley of the Recreation Department and to his assistant Miss Marion Spreadby for the weekly story hour program at the Central Junior Library. These programs grow more popular each year.


65


PUBLIC LIBRARY


Conforming to the instructions received from the Board of Trustees, all members of the library staff signed the loyalty oath as provided under Chapter 619, Act of 1949 Common- wealth of Massachusetts and the signed cards filed with the City Clerk.


Again this year we suffered a large number of resignations. Each year we lose approximately 15% of our staff. The Misses Anne J. Durkin, Helen A. Maginn and Anna I. Marchesani resigned to be married. Misses Martha E. Godfrey and Clara L. Osgood resigned to accept business positions, and Mr. George F. Hickey, Jr. joined the School Department as the High School Librarian.


Changes in the staff during the year were as follows:


APPOINTMENTS


Barbara C. Niles Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding Ruth D. Warner Branch Librarian


Joan E. Brunet First Assistant


Eleanor A. Burke Jr. Assistant, 1st Year


Grace A. Coiley Non-Professional Assistant


Martha E. Godfrey


Non-Professional Assistant


Lillian F. Hixenbaugh


Non-Professional Assistant


Helen A. Maginn


Non-Professional Assistant


John A. Mclnerny Non-Professional Assistant


Virginia A. O'Hare Non-Professional Assistant


Margaret E. Ronayne


Non-Professional Assistant


PROMOTIONS


Catherine M. O'Malley


Senior Assistant, 1st Year


Alice P. Burkhart


Junior Assistant, 3rd Year


A. Marion Johnian


Junior Assistant, 3rd Year


Ethel Mullaney


Junior Assistant, 3rd Year


Katharine V. Nolan


Junior Assistant, 3rd Year


John W. Patten Junior Assistant, 3rd Year


M. Louise Ross Junior Assistant, 3rd Year


Anna I. Marchesani Junior Assistant, 2nd Year


Marion M. Reppucci


Junior Assistant, 2nd Year


The membership of the Board of Trustees was changed in August by the appointment of Mr. Arthur G. Helmund to re- place Mrs. J. Helen Clough whose term had expired.


We submit the following recommendations which though listed numerically are equal in importance:


1. Proper fire fighting equipment and emergency lights for all locations.


2. Proper lighting facilities at the Central and West Libraries.


56


ANNUAL REPORTS


3. An additional street lighting standard opposite the main entrance to the Central Library.


4. Reburbishing Wellington Hall at the Central Library.


5. Relocation of the Union Square Station.


6. Additional equipment-card catalogues, music recorder and micro film.


To our staff I am ever grateful and appreciate their excel- lent esprit de corps as evidenced during the trying heatless days at the Central Library.


To the Board of Trustees I am indebted for the whole- hearted cooperation and willingness to solve our administrative problem. I feel I owe a special debt of gratitude to the By-Laws Committee consisting of Mr. Griffin, Chairman, Mrs. Crispo and Mr. Coyne for the excellent revision of the By-Laws of the Board of Trustees which provides in detail the functions of the Trustees and the administrative responsibilities of the Librarian.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN D. KELLEY, Librarian


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 the fiscal year ending: December 31, 1953


Governmental unit of support and service: City


Population served (1945 U. S. census) 105,883


Terms of use: Free for lending - Free for reference


Agencies: Central Library 1


Branches in library buildings 2


Branches in rented rooms 1


Stations, in rented rooms 2


Others, in schools 258


in institutions 13


Total 277


CIRCULATION AND USE


Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use 47,226


Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use 89,735


Number of volumes of juveniles lent for home use 185,872


Total number of volumes lent for home use 322,833


Period of loan for the majority of adult book stock 14 days


Number of inter-library loans: Volumes lent 111


Volumes borrowed 51


Number of reference questions answered


10,296


Total number of records lent for home use ..


7,486


67


PUBLIC LIBRARY


REGISTRATION


Adult


Juvenile


Total


Total number of registered borrowers ...


8,858


6,758


15,616


Borrowers registered during year


4,495


3,430


7,925


Registration period: 2 years


BOOK STOCK


Adult


Juvenile


Total


Number of volumes December 1952


90,796


40,347


131,143


Number of volumes added during year


4,452


6,891


11,343


Number of volumes withdrawn during year


3,669


2,935


6,604


Number of volumes December 1953


91,579


44,303


135,882


Number of newspapers currently received excluding duplicates


13


Number of periodicals currently received excluding duplicates


171


FINANCE


Assessed valuation of the city-$123,510,700.00


RECEIPTS


Local taxation


$153,363.37


Library Department


Fine included in above


$3,952.87


Invested Funds:


Balance from 1952


$1,879.38


Income during 1953


625.83


2,505.21


TOTAL


$155,868.58


EXPENDITURES


Salaries:


Library Department


$122,435.90


Books:


Appropriation


$17,669.35


Funds


277.87


17,947.22


Music


866.10


Periodicals


1,120.60


Binding


547.53


Insurance


Other operating expenses


7,033.69


TOTAL


$149,951.04


TRANSFERS TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS


To Sanitary Department-Personal Services $2,500.00


BALANCE December 31, 1953


Library Department:


Appropriation-Services


$1,188.47


Appropriation-Ordinary Maintenance


1,73


Trust Funds


2,227.34


3,417.54


GRAND TOTAL


$155,868.58


68


ANNUAL REPORTS


REPORT OF THE CITY CLERK


Office of the City Clerk January 1, 1954


To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen


Gentlemen:


The following is respectfully submitted as the eighty- second Annual Report of the City Clerk of Somerville, and is for the year ending December 31, 1953.


The receipts and payments were as follows:


For dog licenses issued in 1953:


1382 males at $2.00


$2,764.00


164 females at $5.00 820.00


672 spayed at $2.00


1,344.00


7 kennel at $10.00


70.00




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