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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