USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1955 > Part 7
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119
PLANNING BOARD
high school auditorium. On December 8, 1955, the zoning text and map were finally accepted by the Somerville Planning Board and forwarded to the Board of Aldermen for adoption.
Paralleling its continuing studies aimed at completing the general amendment of the thirty-year old zoning ordinance, the Planning Board and staff continued land use analysis un- der the basic policies established in 1952 by its publication "Planning Progress." Neighborhood study continued on a cursory windshield basis in various parts of the city, with more detailed concentration on those obvious areas of neglect and decay. Ward 1 studies, made in 1954, were re-examined in the light of new MDC and State highway proposals. The staff maintained its liaison with the State departments to insure that plans for public improvements by the City and the State do not overlap or conflict.
With the Planning Director a member of the Traffic Com- mission the staff remained in close touch with traffic and cir- culation developments in the city, in an attempt to solve Som- erville's multiplex traffic problems. A major Public Works ac- complishment in 1955 was the construction of a parking area at Davis Square along the northeast side of the railroad tracks. This was one of the six parking locations included in the Planning Board's 1953 study of "Davis Square Off-Street Parking Sites."
During 1955, the Planning Board heard two zone change petitions, both affecting the same location. The unique zon- ing distinctions and the proposed land use resulted in the de- nial of both petitions by the Planning Board. Both are current- ly pending before the Board of Aldermen. A third petition, reflecting a gross incident of spot zoning, was withdrawn by the petitioner before hearing.
In July, 1955, the Planning Board held a public hearing on the modifications to the Redevelopment Plan (Linwood-Joy area) made necessary by changes in M. D. C. Highway con- struction plans. As a result, the Land Use and Redevelopment Project Area, and the plans for the highway construction, based on local survey, were declared to conform to the com- prehensive plan for the locality as a whole. Also considered and approved, subject to certain restrictions, were proposals to preserve and relocate, within the redevelopment area, the historic Tufts House.
During the year, the Planning Board and staff continued its cooperation with the Board of Appeal, to insure that the de-
120
ANNUAL REPORTS
cisions of the latter Board did not conflict in principle with the long term suggestions of the Planning Board. Of the ap- peals cases granted, the majority concerned conversions of large two-family houses to three-family. It is believed that the provisions in the zoning amendment permitting such conver- sion under certain restrictions will solve a long standing prob- lem.
With the Planning Director serving as clerk of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Improved Housing Conditions, the planning office continued to serve as clearing house for com- plaints. Forms for enforcement of minimum standards were drafted for use of the collaborating agencies acting under the basic powers available to the city. The Somerville Housing Authority cooperated in the relocation of families displaced as a result of this program.
The Planning Board and staff continued to cooperate with the Housing Authority in the study and selection of sites for state and federal housing projects with the Board emphasizing its conviction that small projects integrated into neighbor- hoods are more desirable than large segregated units.
During 1955, members of the staff continued its liaison with community groups, sitting in at meetings of overall and subcommittees of the Community Council and, with the appro- val of the Board, continued to extend the resources of the planning office for educational purposes, welcoming discus- sions and interchange of ideas from professional and other civic groups
The Planning Board wishes to commend the cooperative effort and loyalty of the planning staff, and to extend its sin- cere appreciation to Mayor Donovan, the Honorable Board of Aldermen and many others for their continued interest in and support of planning progress in Somerville.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT D. DONAHUE,
Chairman
121
POLICE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 1, 1956.
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit herewith the Annual Report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1955.
ARRESTS
Whole Number of Arrests
2888
On Summons
724
On Warrants
316
Without Warrants
1848
2888
Held for Trial
2703
Delivered to Other Departments
152
Released on Waiver
3
2888
Males
2668
Females
220
2888
Americans
2674
Foreigners
214
2888
Residents
1849
Non-residents
1039
2888
Minors
242
. .
POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
The personnel of the Police Department consists of one hundred and sixty-six (166) permanent men and two matrons. During the year one Captain and four Patrolmen were pen- sioned-two patrolmen died and one patrolman resigned.
The Roster of the Department is as follows:
1 Chief
1 Deputy Chief
4 Captains
10 Lieutenants
12 Sergeants
138
Patrolmen
166 Total
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122
ANNUAL REPORTS "IN MEMORIAM"
Patrolman ALLAN S. BURNS
Appointed May 27, 1915
Died March 10, 1955
Patrolman JOHN J. CRONIN
Appointed June 23, 1927
Died June 24, 1955
IN CONCLUSION
I wish to thank his Honor the Mayor, members of the Board of Aldermen, heads of the various departments, and all members of the police department for their loyal support, co- operation and assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
AUGUSTINE F. SHARRY,
Chief of Police.
123
BOARD OF APPEAL
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
- -
January 15, 1956.
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
The Board of Appeal of the City of Somerville respect- fully submits the following report of its activities during the years ending December 31, 1955.
APPEALS WERE ACTED UPON, AS FOLLOWS:
1128 John G. Mills, 1 Thurston St. Granted Jan. 3/55
1129 Marion C. Ford, 41 Walnut St. . Refused Feb. 21/55
1130 Angelo Antonucci, 423 Mystic Ave. Granted Mar. 28/55
1131 Somerville Housing Authority, 118-122 Highland Ave. Granted Mar. 21/55
1132 Delia A. McGlinchey, by Edward McGlinchey, Jr.,
22-24 Minnesota Ave. Granted Mar. 28/55
1133 Lena and Michele DeLellis, 60 Powder House Blvd.
Granted Apr. 11/55
1134 Kazar P. Kachadoorian, 104 Cross St. Granted June 20/55
1135
Alphonso Liberace, 389 Highland Ave. Granted May 23/55
1136 Mary Campo, 24 Pembroke St. Refused June 27/55
1137 Somerville Housing Authority, 118-122 Highland Ave.
1138
Central Hospital, Inc., 28 Central St.
Granted June 27/55 L. to W. Aug. 8/55
1139 W. F. Valliere, 465 Medford St. L. to W. Aug. 1/55 Granted Aug. 8/55 1140 Miss Ruth M. Kelley, 250 Willow Ave.
1141 Kosta George, 20 Jaques St. Granted Aug. 1/55
1142
Prospect Hill Manor, Inc., 37 Munroe St.
Granted Aug. 29/55
Mary Campo, 24 Pembroke St. (re-hearing) Refused Aug. 22/55
1136X 1143 Theodore and Ursula DeLuca, 98 Electric Ave., Refused Oct. 24/55
1144 Gregory Leritges, 36 and 38 Liberty Ave. Granted Oct. 24/55
1145
Charles E. Rosenthall, M.D., 179 Elm St. Granted Oct. 31/55 Granted No. 21/55
1147 Hinckley Rendering Co., rear 581 Mystic Ave., L. to W. Nov. 28/55
1148 Mildred E. Tottle, 31 Walnut St.
Granted Dec. 19/55
1149 Ronald M. Thomas, 53 Paulina St. Granted Dec. 12/55
1150 Central Hospital, Inc., 28 Central St. Refused Dec. 28/55
1146
Joseph M. Mack, 1044 Broadway
16 Granted 4 Refused
3 Leave to withdraw at own request
124
ANNUAL REPORTS
Under a new law, Chapter 349 of the Acts of 1955, which became effective August 4, 1955, in the case of a Board of Appeal with five or more members, the concurring vote of all except one member is now required to reverse any order or decision of an administrative official or to decide in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is required to pass under any zoning ordinance or by-law, or to effect any var- iance in the application of any such ordinance or by-law. Prev- ious to August 4, 1955 it required the concurring vote of all members of the Board of Appeal.
Our Board has endeavored to render favorable decisions only when in its judgment there is practical difficulty and un- necessary hardship on the appellant.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation for reports and advice received from the Planning Board and to thank his Honor the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen and the other city officials for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
(signed) GEORGE FULGINITI, Chairman ANTHONY P. PICCOSI, Secretary THOMAS C. WALSH JOSEPH E. ROGERS MICHAEL A. MANNING
125
VETERANS' GRAVES REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' GRAVES REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT
February 13, 1956.
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
The annual report of the Veterans Graves Registration Department for the year 1955 is as follows:
There were no repatriated servicemen's remains returned to their native city of Somerville in 1955.
There is a total of fifty-six repatriated bodies of veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict interred at the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in this city. Both the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery and the Cemetery on Somerville Avenue, as well as the individaul veteran's graves were decorated with wreaths and flags on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Very truly yours,
FRED F. RUSSO,
Graves Registration Officer
EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR 1955
Personal Services $750.00
Ordinary Maintenance 96.40
126
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE CITY CLERK
Office of the City Clerk January 1, 1956
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
The following is respectfully submitted as the eighty- fourth Annual Report of the City Clerk of Somerville, and is for the year ending December 31, 1955.
The receipts and payments were as follows:
For dog licenses issued in 1955:
1287 males at $2.00
$2,574.00
133 females at $5.00
665.00
656 spayed at $2.00
1,312.00
4 kennel at $10.00
40.00
4 transfers at $.25
1.00
$4,592.00
For hunting and fishing licenses issued in 1955:
1127 fishing at $3.25
3,662.75
444 hunting at $3.25
1,443.00
206 sporting at $5.25
1,081.50
125 minor fishing at $1.25 ...
156.25
108 female fishing at $2.25 .....
243.00
1 resident alien and
3 non-resident citizens fishing at $7.75
31.00
18 duplicate licenses at $.50
9.00
6,626.50
Recording mortgages, assignments, etc.
8,538.48
Certificates of marriage intentions, includ- ing postage
2,527.73
Furnishing copies of records
1,206.00
Licenses:
Auctioneers, 10 at $2.00 20.00
Billiard, pool tables and bowling alleys, 84 licenses for 5 billiard tables, 35 pool tables and 44 bowling alleys at $3.00 and for 38 licenses for Sunday bowling alleys at $2.00 328.00
127
CITY CLERK
Cut meat and sausage, 4 at $50.00
200.00
Drainlayers, 5 at $1.00
5.00
Drivers, 226 at $1.00
226.00
Boilers, 1 at $1.00
1.00
Electric motors, 3 at $1.00
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3.00
Garages:
7 at $5.00 1 at $10.00
45.00
Garage Renewals
737.50
Hackney carriages, 112 at $1.00
112.00
Intelligence offices, 4 at $2.00
8.00
Junk and second-hand licenses:
Collect junk, 16 at $10.00 ....
160.00
Junk shops, 15 at $25.00
375.00
Outdoor parking, 8 at $10.00
80.00
Sale of firearms, 2 at $10.00
20.00
Barrel dealer, 1 at $10.00 .......
10.00
Second-hand auto dealers: 44 at $25.00 3 at $50 ..
1,250.00
Slaughtering, 3 at $1.00
3.00
Street musicians, 13 at $.50
6.50
Merry-go-rounds on premises and street,
3 at $2.00 6.00
Storage of explosives:
2 at $10.00
8 at $20.00
8 at $50.00
2 at $100.00
780.00
Storage of explosives renewals
4,766.50
Storage of waste paper, 2 at $25.00
50.00
Wagon licenses, 5 at $1.00
5.00
Wagon stand licenses, 75 at $1.00
75.00
Permits for projections over the sidewalks,
3 awnings at $1.00
10 electric signs
19 neon signs
38 illuminated signs
5 metal signs
2 wooden signs
8 plastic signs
1 porcelain enamel sign
1 plexi-glass sign
3 signs
1 marquee
88 at $5.00
443.00
Badges
1.00
Registration of physician, chiropodist
2.00
Copies of ordinances
5.50
Fees for registered mail notices
8.50
Advertising fees
104.25
Duplicate of dog license tags
4.60
Pole locations
153.00
Gas main
3.60
Reporting congenital births
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5.50
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128
ANNUAL REPORTS
Blank forms
... 4.20
Books for sale of firearms
1.20
$22,281.06
PAYMENTS
To the City Treasurer for dog licenses in 1955:
1287 males at $2.00
$2,574.00
133 females at $5.00
665.00
656 spayed at $2.00
1,312.00
4 kennel at $10.00
40.00
4 transfers at $.25
1.00
4,592.00
Less City Clerks' fees,
2080 at $.20 and
416.00
4 transfers at $.25
1.00
$4,175.00
To the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game for hunting licenses, etc. in 1955:
1127 fishing at $3.25
3,662.75
444 hunting at $3.25
1,443.00
206 sporting at $5.25 ....
1,081.50
125 minor fishing at $1.25
156.25
108 female fishing at $2.25
243.00
1 resident alien fishing and
3 non-resident citizens fishing at $7.75
31.00
18 duplicates at $.50
9.00
6,626.50
Less City Clerks' fees
2014 at $.25
503.50
6,123.00
To City Treasurer monthly:
All the receipts above specified except for
hunting licenses and dog licenses
22,281.06
$32,579.06
Besides the licenses mentioned in the foregoing list of re- ceipts, licenses and permits have been granted by the Board of Aldermen, without charge, as follows:
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Parade with music in streets 4
Newspaper licenses
2
MARRIAGES 1955
Number of intentions issued in 1955
1243
More than previous year
38
Number of marriages registered in 1955
1294
More than previous year
49
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129
CITY CLERK
Both parties American
1140
Both parties Foreign
47
American groom and Foreign bride
61
Foreign groom and American bride
46
Total
1294
First marriage
2261
Second marriage
301
Third marriage
24
Fourth marriage
2
2588
Total marriages for the year 1955
1294
DEATHS 1955
Number of deaths in Somerville in 1955
1235
Died in City
774
Died out of City
461
1235
Stillbirths
45
Males
639
Females
596
1235
Under 10 years
62
10 and under 20 years of age
7
20 and under 30 years of age
11
30 and under 40 years of age
23
40 and under 50 years of age
69
50 and under 60 years of age
158
60 and under 70 years of age
254
70 and under 80 years of age
372
80 and under 90 years of age
234
Over 90 years of age
45
1235
Born in Somerville
140
Born elsewhere in U. S.
525
Foreign born
567
Unknown birthplace
3
1235
Age of oldest person who died in Somerville
104 years
BIRTHS 1955
Number of births reported by physicians and midwives for 1955.
Males
... .. 697
Females
.. 619
1316
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130
ANNUAL REPORTS
1954
The following is a statement in full of the births for 1954. Number of births (exclusive of stillbirths) in Somerville in 1954.
REGISTERED - 1299
Males
663
Females
636
1299
Born of American parents
1122
Born of Foreign parents
33
Born of Foreign father and Foreign mother
62
Born of Foreign father and American mother
60
Born of American mother and father unknown
21
Born of Foreign mother and father unknown
1
1299
Number of Stillbirths in Somerville in 1954 registered
......... 35
Number of births in other places in 1954 registered
1447
Number of cases twins
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15
131
PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
OGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL
December 31, 1955
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. Arthur G. Helmund, President January 1, 1958
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Garrity, Vice-President January 1, 1957
Mr. George K. Coyne January 1, 1956
Mr. John J. Griffin January 1, 1956
Mr. William H. McKenna January 1, 1958
Mr. William P. Mclaughlin, Jr. January 1, 1957
Dr. Guy H. Wayne
January 1, 1957
Mrs. George J. Wyse
January 1, 1956
Dr. Charles E. Rosenthall January 1, 1958
COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION
Mr. William P. Mclaughlin, Jr., Chairman
Mr. William H. McKenna
Dr. Charles E. Rosenthall
The Vice-President, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Garrity, ex-officio
The President, Mr. Arthur G. Helmund, ex-officio
COMMITTEE ON BOOKS AND CATALOGING
Mr. George K. Coyne, Chairman
Mr. John J. Griffin
Dr. Guy H. Wayne Mrs. George J. Wyse
The President, Mr. Arthur G. Helmund, 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, 1955 John D. Kelley, Librarian
ANNUAL REPORTS
PROFESSIONAL GRADED SERVICE
John T. Mackey
Gloria F. Graham
Ruth Holmes
Anna E. Cullen
Rita D. Adams
Emma Merlini
Kathryn Kenny
Ruth D. Warner
Barbara T. O'Neill
Lillian G. Casey
Barbara A. Sullivan
Rita F. O'Rourke Elizabeth W. Hennigan
Joan E. Brunet Catherine M. O'Malley
Katharine V. Nolan
Lois E. MacDonald
Alice P. Burkhart
M. Louise McGrath
Marion M. Torino
Eleanor A. Long
Margaret E. Ronayne
Virginia A. OHare
John A. Mclnerny
Thelma G. Donovan
Diane B. Wilder
Saralee Preziosi
Anne M. Russell
Lillian F. Hixenbaugh
Margaret E. Durkin
UNGRADED SERVICE - Non-Professional
Mary F. Baker
Ann M. Coleman
Roberta Grant
Elizabeth A. Malcolm
Shirley A. McCauley
Carol Ann Dangora Dympna Flavin
Margaret Kelly
Mary J. Lynch
Ruth E. McCarthy
132
Reference Librarian Executive Secretary Assistant Librarian
Supervisor of Schools
Hospital Librarian
Music Librarian
East Branch Librarian
Teele Square Branch Librarian
West Branch Librarian
Station Executive
Station Executive
Children's Librarian
11
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11
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Junior Assistant
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First Assistant
Senior Assistant
"1
Chief Cataloger
Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding
Barbara C. Niles
Marilyn F. Legere
Mary M. Noonan
Myrtle Nicholson
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PART TIME ATTENDANTS
Robert Bates
William Collins
Eugene F. Allen
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1. Marguerite Sawin
A. Marion Johnian
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Desk Chief
133
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Marion E. Mackinnon
Gail A. Manning
Althea L. Murphy
Maureen Murphy
Joseph T. O'Hare
Laura M. Reid
Brenda A. Smith
Maureen Splaine
RESIGNED DURING YEAR
Marjorie A. Barrett
Mary A. Cahalan
E. Lillian Clifford
William J. Clougherty
Grace A. Coiley
Carol A. Colcord
A. Frances Dennis
Lorraine Fitzgerald
Constance R. Jordan
Frances Lavoie
John A. Mackinnon, Jr.
Diane M. McNamara
Dorothea Matsas
Mary M. Muldoon
Robert J. Murphy
Mary Ann Stockpole
Part Time Attendant
Part Time Attendant
Part Time Attendant
Senior Assistant
Non-Professional
Part Time Attendant
First Assistant
Part Time Attendant
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First Assistant
Junior Assistant
Mary T. Dineen
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134
ANNUAL REPORTS
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Dear Sirs:
The Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Som- erville Public Library is herewith respectfully submitted and appended thereto, and forming a part of it, the Annual Report of the Librarian, which details the growth and operation of the Library for the past year.
Very respectfully,
ARTHUR G. HELMUND, President, Board of Trustees
135
PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Board of Trustees:
The year 1955 has been somewhat of a paradox. The at- tendance at all our locations has been the largest we can re- call, the number of registered borrowers the greatest since 1942 and yet we suffered a slight decrease in book circulation. The loss in library circulation was 1525 and in the School De- partment 10,031. The latter is easily understandable because of the delayed opening of schools during the polio epidemic as well as the confusion caused by the closing of the Bennett School, the January closing of the Glines School and the re- sultant disruption of extra curricular activities in those classes in other schools which are to be moved to the new Healey and Conwell Schools.
In a review of the statistics of circulation, the non-fiction books continue to increase in both the adult and juvenile de- partments. The circulations in both departments are as fol- lows:
Fiction
Adult 95,876
Juvenile 119,692
Total 215,568
Non-Fiction
52,670
100,638
153,308
Total
148,546
220,330
368,876
With the marked increase of patronage, especially in the afternoon and evening hours, the Reference Department has had its busiest year with 16,622 requests for information, much of which required search to find the answers such as the fol- lowing samples:
What is the body temperature of a monkey? How much does a $1.00 bill weigh? How does one write an eighth note? Who named the Gates of Paradise?
9031 borrowers personally requested information at Cen- tral and 917 requested information by phone.
The Music Department continues to grow in size and pop- ularity at an unhoped for rate. The 1955 circulation of records was 18,416, a gain of 9017 over 1954. Because of the in- creased patronage this department is now operating five even- ings a week in addition to every afternoon. The borrowers are from all age levels with men definitely predominating. The appreciation of this service is manifest in the few losses
136
ANNUAL REPORTS
through breakage or damage and only one record is missing from the entire collection. The 78 RPM records are fast fad- ing in the background with the long playing 331/3 and 45 RPM in greatest demand. We have increased the collection with educational materials and language series and still are hard pressed to keep up with the demand. We now have a collec- tion of 2119 records and albums.
We are in high hopes that the appropriation for a stamp- ing machine for the Bindery Department will not be slashed from our budget. The present system of marking the books with a hand stylus has proven unsatisfactory because of the impossibility of uniformity in lettering. The excellent work of the Bindery Department is missed because of the amateur- ish markings.
The revision of the main catalogue at Central and the ad- dition of extra guide cards has materially reduced the time spent in filing cards and has greatly added to the borrow- ers convenience. 11,634 books were accessioned during the year.
The population trend in the eastern end of the city poses a problem. For the past four years we have suffered a steady decline in patronage and circulation at the East Branch. Fi- nancially the operation of this location is out of proportion to the services rendered requiring a full time staff of four and two part time employees, while approximately one-half mile distant the Winter Hill Station, with a circulation 50% great- er, is operated with two staff members and one part time em- ployee. The East Branch building was erected in 1917, a gift of the Carnegie Foundation with the stipulation that it be used exclusively for library purposes, can very likely be a sore spot if prevailing population trends continue.
Union Square still troubles us because of the inadequacy of the location. We had high hopes during the summer when the building at the corner of Stone Avenue was being altered, but upon investigation by Mayor Donovan the rental proved prohibitive. Again we are faced with a situation which requires serious study, because a large portion of the area is being con- verted to industry and the prospect of the erection of the new East West Express Highway crossing in the vicinity of Lincoln Park. After a study of the registered borrowers it is still our humble opinion that we can best service this area with a loca- tion in the business section of Union Square, but the need for larger quarters is imperative.
137
PUBLIC LIBRARY
The experiment by the BB Chemical Company of Cam- bridge with plastic covers still continues. They have been cov- ering the books in the Junior Library at Central subjecting them to the hard usage children are inclined to give books. The latest results are most favorable and we have been most fortunate because the protection offered the books keeps them in excellent condition.
The "Know Your Library" program conducted by Mr. Mac- key, Misses Holmes, Legere and Merlini has been in great de- mand by the various organizations in our community. Credit must be given these generous staff members for the time and effort they put into this program.
Mr. Charles Kelley of the Recreation Commission has again cooperated during the fall and winter seasons by con- ducting a joint Story Hour under the excellent supervision of Miss Virginia Humber. The popularity of these sessions grows each year and the enthusiasm of the young listeners is heart warming.
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