USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1921 > Part 5
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I recommend doing away with the present dummy traffic signs which we have at intersecting streets and other places. and if we must have them, to replace them with permanent ones lighted by electricity. Of the fifteen originally purchased there now remains three in a very dilapidated condition and not a credit to our city. I recommend the appointment of two additional permanent patrolmen, one for Hebron- ville and Dodgeville, the other for South Attleboro. For the main- tenance of the Police Department during 1922 I ask that the sum of
69
ANNUAL REPORT
$35.291.25 be appropriated. This does not include new equipment or additional permanent patrolmen asked for.
To His Honor, the Mayor. Philip E. Brady, and members of the City Council for their co-operation and advice in matters pertaining to the Police Deportment. Court officials, the City Solicitor, Ralph C. Estes, newspaper correspondents, and to all the members of this de- partment for the faithful performance of their duties. I extend my most sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted.
EDMOND H. GINGRAS. Chief of Police.
Following is the estimate of requirements for 1922.
Pay roll. permanent officers $25.903 75
Vacations and days off.
3.757 50
Insurance and maintenance of autos. 1.800 00
Rent of police station. 1.380 00
Court fees 550 00
Office and station.
400 00
Phone, light and water.
325 00
Extra services
300 00
Maintenance of motorcycles.
275 00
Lockup. .
200 00
Police and traffic ..
200 00
Sickness and disability
100 00
Incidentals.
100 00
$35.291 25
Respectfully submitted.
EDMOND H. GINGRAS. Chief of Police.
SUPPLEMENT TO ANNUAL REPORT. Arrests During 1921.
Male. Female. Total.
Assault.
1
0
1
Assault and battery
10
2
12
Assault to rob being armed.
2
0
2
Assault to rape
3
0
3
Assault with dangerous weapon.
1
0
1
Abduction.
1
0
1
Abandonment of family
2
0
2
Alien. Possessing of firearms by
1
0
1
Bastardy.
3
0
3
Beggar.
1
0
1
Bigamy.
1
0
1
Breaking. entering and larceny ..
0
:
Breaking and entering in night time.
1
0
1
Burglary ..
3
0
3
Concealing death of bastard.
0
1
1
Concealing mortgaged property
1
0)
1
Common night walker ..
0
4
4
Cruelty to animals
9
1
10
70
ANNUAL REPORT
Male
Female
Total
Cigarette Law. Violation of
1
0
1
Drunkenness.
103
1
104
Disturbance. .
26
2
28
Delinquent child
13
2
15
Disorderly house
0
2
Dog.
Keeping unlicensed.
0
Dog. Failing to have collared.
2
0)
2
False measure. Giving.
1
0
1
Fire in the woods. Setting
2
0
2
Fornication. .
1
1
2
Gaming. Present at.
15
15
Indecent language on publie streets
1
€
1
Indecent exposure.
2
()
2
Insufficient weight
1
0
1
Larceny.
20
C
20
Larceny of personal property
1
0
1
Larceny in a building
1
1
2
Larceny. Grand
1
0
1
Liquor laws. Violation of.
15
2
17
Lunatic. Escaped
1
0
1
Lewd and lascivious
0
2
2
Motor Vehicle Law.
Violation of.
217
2
219
Malicious mischief
10
0
10
Manslaughter.
2
0
2
Measure. Giving insufficient .
1
0
1
Neglect of illegitimate child.
1
0
1
Neglect to provide
17
0
17
Neglected child
9
9
18
Obscenity. .
1
0
1
Probation. Violation of.
7
0
7
Property. Receiving. stolen
4
0
4
Peddling without license
2
0
2
Perjury.
1
0
1
Rape.
1
0
1
Runaway girls
2
0
2
Revolver. Without permit, carrying
2
0
2
Railroad Signals. Molesting ...
4
0
4
Stubborn children
22
0
2
School. Failing to send child to.
0
2
Scales.
I'msealed
1
0
1
Tramp.
18
()
18
Trespass.
1
0
6
Trespass of fowl ..
2
0
2
Unlawful taking of auto.
3
0
3
Vagrancy.
6
6
Wayward child
0
3
Weekly payment law.
Violation of.
1
1
587
23
620
Respectfully submitted,
EDMOND H. GINGRAS. Chief of Police.
Trespass on railroad.
6
0
1
Obscene pictures. Having possession of.
1
0
Larceny of bicycles
71
ANNUAL REPORT
DOG OFFICER
ATTLEBORO, MASS., January 1, 1922.
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council :
I herewith submit to you my annual report as Dog Officer for the year ending December 31, 1921.
The past year has established a record in the number of licenses taken out for dogs, there being 1.020 issued.
I have killed 49 dogs, owners unknown, according to the General Laws relating to unlicensed dogs. Among these two after examination of the brain were provedl to have been suffering from rabies. I have also investigated 104 complaints concerning dog damage. Eight citizens have been recompensed by the County Commissioners for damage done their fowl caused by dogs.
The City Clerk gave me the names of 161 delinquent owners of dogs. of whom four were convicted of keeping unlicensed dogs, accord- ing to the General Laws relating thereto.
In view of the many overdrafts caused by the amount of work to be done in this office. I would suggest a larger appropriation, commen- surate with the amount of work that has to be accomplished.
Respectfully submitted,
WINFIELD E. DUNHAM.
Dog Officer.
72
ANNUAL REPORT
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Report of the invested fund of the Attleboro Public Library for the year ending December 31, 1921.
Daniel H. Smith Fund, $5,000:
Five 4144% U. S. Liberty Bonds of 1928. cost $4.869 90 Deposit in Attleboro Savings Bank. 130 10
$5,000 00
Emily H. Horton Fund, $1,000.
One 6% bond of American Tel. & Tel., due
1925: cost
$953 50
Deposit in Attleboro Savings Bank. 46 50
1.000 00
Letitia S. Allen Fund:
Deposit in Attleboro Savings Bank
$623 59
Interest on same for 1921. 25 18
648 77
Attleboro Public Library Music Fund:
Deposit Dec. 1. 1920. Attleboro Trust Co. .. $66 17
Deposit April 22. 1921
158 56
Interest for 1921
6 36
231 09
INCOME FROM INVESTED FUNDS OF 1921.
Receipts.
1921.
Jan. 1. Balance on hand.
$103 40
May 9. Interest on D. H. Smith Fund 125 00
Ang. S. Coupon. Am. Tel. & Tel. Co .. 30 00
Nov. S. Interest on D. H. Smith Fund
125 00
$383 40
1921.
Expenditures.
June 10. Desmond Publishing Co. $79 50
Dec. 31. Yale University Press 135 00
214 50
Balance December 31. 1921.
LIBRARY. Receipts.
City of Attleboro
$12,600 00
Expenditures,
Salaries and Janitor service. $7.157 83
Bindery.
793 89
Books
2,299 73
Building.
273 24
Fuel and light.
1.132 11
Incidentals.
925 00
Total payments
12,581 80
Balance, January, 1922
$18 20
RAYMOND M. HORTON. Treasurer.
$6.879 86
$168 90
73
ANNUAL REPORT
To the Mayor and Council of the City of Attleboro :
GENTLEMEN :
The library year of 1921 has been one of more settled conditions than for several years past. The staff has seen fewer changes, and the various branches at Dodgeville. Hebronville, and the High School are showing the results of faithful and intelligent work.
The Board of Trustees has been unfortunate during 1921. The President, Mr. J. L. Sweet, has been obliged to be absent the whole year on account of ill health. Mr. Leonard Lamb, who has, for several years. filled the office of Clerk most acceptably, was obliged to resign when elected to the Municipal Council: and by the death of Mr. Mark E. Rowe, the Board lost a most devoted and helpful member. It is for- tunate, however, in the appointment of Mr. William King to fill the vacaney caused by the resignation of Dr. Holten.
In August. it was found that, in order to meet the necessary ex- penses of the Library, an extra appropriation of $1.000 must be asked. Of this. $800 was required for books. upon the number and quality of which the value of any library depends to a large extent. while the cost per volume has increased alarmingly during the past few years; the remaining $200 was for binding. The Council saw the need and made the extra appropriation. It also allowed $250 to be transferred from the Fuel and Light Account to the Incidental Account. Our total ap- propriation for 1921 was, therefore. $12,600.
For the coming year, the Board finds that, in order even to main- tain the same standard of efficiency and to satisfy the reasonable ex. Pectations of its patrons, it will be necessary to recommend an increase of $1.900 over the 1921 appropriation.
With a total of 23.634 volumes in the Library, and with a circu- lation of 119.661 volumes, it can readily be seen that the wear and tear on the books is very heavy.
A larger expenditure on the building is necessitated by the urgent need for repairs on the roof, which will call for $400, and for the floor in the Children's Room. $100.
The Board urges that the annual report of the Librarian be most carefully read, and that the table showing the contrast between Attle- loro, past and present, in amount of work accomplished and the propor- tional cost of that work receives the most thoughtful consideration. If the tremendous growth indicated by these statistics continues. the re- quested appropriation of $14,500 will be an irreducible minimum; if, contrary to hope and expectation. there is no advance in the circula- tion, the money would still be greatly needed for improvement along many lines, which under the present rigid economy. is impossible.
That the citizens of Attleboro realize and appreciate the work that the Library is doing under the efficient guidance of Mrs. Spofford is evidenced by the number of bequests and other gifts made to it during the year. ( For details, see Librarian's and Treasurer's reports. ) For these. the Trustees are deeply grateful. as they are enabled thereby to make the Library of more value to its patrons than would otherwise be possible.
Respectfully submitted. JOSEPH L. SWEET. Chairman ; THOMAS E. MCCAFFREY, ELIZABETH J. WILMARTH, ELEANOR S. CARPENTER, LEONARD I. LAMB, RAYMOND M. HORTON. EDITHI L. CLAFLIN, WILLIAM L. KING, Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library.
74
ANNUAL REPORT
Joseph L. Sweet
BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Term Expires 1922. Leonard I. Lamb Thomas E. McCaffrey
Term Expires 1923. *** Dr. Charles S. Holden Mrs. Eleanor S. Carpenter *Mark E. Rowe William L. King
Term Expires 1924.
Raymond M. Horton Miss Elizabeth Wilmarth Miss Edith Claflin
Officers. Joseph L. Sweet, President Leonard I. Lamb, Secretary Raymond M. Horton, Treasurer
Administration Committee. President. Leonard I. Lamb, Miss Edith Claflin
Building and Property Committee. President. Thomas McCaffrey, Raymond Horton
Book Committee.
President, Mark E. Rowe, Leonard I. Lamb, Eleanor Carpenter Edith Claflin
*Deceased.
** Resigned.
75
ANNUAL REPORT
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Central Building. North Main Street.
Hours-Week days. 10 A. M. to 9 P. M.
The Reading Room is open Sundays, 3 to 9 P. M., except during the months of June. July, August, and September. Children's Room-School days. 12:30 to 6 P. M. Wednesdays and Saturdays-6 to 8 P. M.
Branches-
High School-School year, S A. M. to 2 P. M. Hebronville School-School year, Tuesdays, 4 to 9 P. M. Dodgeville Neighborhood House-Tuesdays, 3 to 9 P. M.
Staff. ( Mrs.) Lucinda Field Spofford, Librarian. Laura Monnier, Senior Assistant. · Agnes C. Norton, Junior Assistant. Margaret Brewer, High School. Librarian. ** Ruth Fales. Children's work. Alice Wetherell, Children's work.
Ellen Bowen Catherine Parker
Part-Time Assistants.
Signe Brask Dorothy Richardson Georgia Fuller
Sunday Assistant. Erva Kennedy
Janitor. Frank Chace
** Resigned.
76
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library :
I have the honor to submit the annual report for the year ending December 31. 1921. This report. like its predecessors, is one of steady growth. The Library has gone on trying to intensify its work and endeavoring to meet the ever increasing demands upon it. As a demo- cratic institution it has aimed to serve impartially all elements in the community.
Many of the expenditures of the year have been affected by the high prices which are still everywhere apparent. These prices have been noticed particularly in the cost of books, binding. and supplies. A much needed increase was made in salaries. Even on the present basis it is imposible to attract to Attleboro persons of training and ability, and to keep those already engaged in the work happy and con- tented. The new budget will need to include a request for an amount for further advances in salary, increased book. bindery and building expenditures. It is inevitable that if books are used as ours have been that binding bills will mount np. All books which receive steady use arrive at the point where they must be put in new covers if they are to circulate longer. With a larger use of the Library an increased number of books have to be rebound or replaced. It is only a library with a small circulation that can keep its bindery bills at the minimum. The library must have books, which are its most essential tools.
The cost of administering the Library during the year to come will be no less. The very fact that it has been used so much and shows the largest circulation in its history only emphasizes the need of a gen- erons appropriation to meet its legitimate expenses, and to make it pos- sible for it to do more and better work in the city.
With an adequate staff, plenty of books, money for advertising. pub- licity. and extension work. we would be better equipped to serve those who think things and the men and women who make things and do things. Then may come the realization of the Librarian's vision of a community in which every member uses the Public Library.
How Much is the Library Used? What Does it Cost to Run the Library?
The growth in the use of the Library since it was first supported ly the town and then by the city is very interesting. The division of the town took place in the summer of the year 1887. and the new town of Attleboro at its first annual meeting in April, 1888, voted to make an appropriation of $600 to support the library on condition that the Library Association surrender its property to the town. The property transferred amounted in value to more than $2.800 and included 2,500 books. That the money spent for the library has been more than justi- fied is shown by the following table :
77
ANNUAL REPORT
Year.
Appropriation.
Circulation.
1888
$600.00
1889
600.00
19.000
1890
600.00 ·
15.878
1891
600.00
16.491
1892
600.00
17.416
1893
1.000.00
17.987
1×94
1.000.00
24.112
1895
1.250.00
24.213
1-96
1.250.00
24.901
1897
1.800.00
30.031
1898
1.800.00
27.277
1899
1.800.00
27.263
1900
2.500.00
31.420
1901
2.500.00
34,944
1902
2.500.00
43,882
1903
2.750.00
43.208
1904
2.750.00
44.726
1905
2.750.00
43.010
1906
3.500.00
12.152
1907
5.000.00
3.8,999
1908
6.500.00
49.332
1909
7.000.00
48.262
1910
7.000.00
50.233
1911
7.000.00
5-1.461
1912
7.000.00
58.188
1913
7.200.00
58.573
1914
7.500.00
65.392
1915
7.500.00
71.425
1916
7.800.00
67.197
1917
7.800.00
66.428
1918
8,000.00
68.167
1919
9.000.00
82.197
1920
10.595.00
88.272
1921
12,600.00
119.566
The following tables will give a detailed statement of the monthly circulation and a classification of the books issued.
1921.
C'entral. Room.
High Dodge- School. ville.
ville.
Schools.
Total.
Jan.
6,726
3.446
541
400
812
....
11.925
Feb.
6.893
3.404
443
375
603
12.071
Mar.
7.361
3.716
548
405
044
465
13.439
Apr.
6.264
3.206
452
368
545
. ...
10.835
May.
5.441
2,474
410
303
....
0.173
Jun.
5.126
2.472
203
194
100
1,022
9,117
JIy.
5.180
2.196
7.376
Aug.
5.479.
1.835
..
..
. . . .
. . ..
7.103
Oct.
5.724
2.309
499
555
....
8.865
Nov.
5.766
3.433
456
169
793
10.617
Dec.
5.698
3.334
853
287
613
1,046
11,826
Total
70,831
53.443
4.717
2.501
5,288
2.886
119,666
..
....
7.314
Sep.
5.173
1,618
312
..
.. . .
....
Children's
Hebron- Grade
78
ANNUAL REPORT
CLASSIFICATION OF BOOKS ISSUED.
C'entral Library.
High
Dodge- Hebron- Grade
Adult.
Jnv.
School.
ville. 121
52
3.546
Philosophy
19
5
1
. .
1
414
Religion
431
266
18
14
13
38
780
Sociology
1.231
6.724
373
372
795
670
10.165
Philology
196
1
40
1
238
Science
731
977
S4
69
118
147
2.126
Useful arts
1.720
742
130
81
24
2.770
Fine arts
1.884
774
29
70
30
27
2 814
Literature
2.688
1.587
4.89
147
211
199
5,321
History
1,012
792
49
104
2.053
Travel
1.124
900
311
81
105
34
2.555
Biography
1.167
997
1,288
30
96
3.656
Fiction
55.646
19.172
1.740
1.466
3,690
1.575
83,223
Total
70.831
33.443
4.777
2.501
5.28%
2.886
119.666
The books in foreign languages have circulated to a larger extent than ever before. There has been a call for books in French, Italian, Swedish. Portuguese and German.
Libraries in the Portuguese. Italian and Swedish languages were borrowed from the Massachusetts Free Library Commission, to supple- ment onr all too small collection. or as, in the case of the Portuguese books, in order to see if they would be used enough to warrant the ex- penditure of library money for such a collection.
The teachers of the day and evening schools have helped to adver- tise their presence in the library, and thus brought joy to the hearts of those who read but little English and are glad to see again books in their own tongue.
The library can interest this group of readers somewhat in books written in English. It is to the foreign-born of school age that we look to become the real users of the library and to such. the library en- deavors to emphasize the desirability of a common language.
This year the library has circulated the largest number of books in its history. The total circulation. 119,666, which is 31.394 more than last year. Every month showed a larger circulation than the corre- spending month of last year. The largest monthly issue was for the month of March, when the circulation was 13.439. a gain of 2,372 over the largest month of 1920. The smallest issue was for the month of September, during which the circulation was 7.103. a gain of 2,518 over the smallest month of 1920. The largest issne for a single day was Jannary 15-823, while our largest day for 1920 was 630. a gain of 193. The average daily circulation amounted to 396.
There are no statistics that give an adequate idea of the reference work. Its success depends primarily upon the resources of the library. All available sources of information are called to meet the ever in- creasing demands.
Size and Growth.
The additions for the year number 1.787. One thonsand one hin- dred and nine volumes were discarded, leaving a net gain of 678 vol- umes. Of the 1.787 volumes added, 884 were new titles, 111 gifts, 119 by binding material not otherwise counted, and the remainder, dupli- cates and replacements.
ville. Schools.
Total.
General works 2.613
493
267
79
ANNUAL REPORT
There are in the library 23.645 volumes; of this number. 2,169 volumes are reference books, leaving 21.476 books for circulation. There are on deposit at the various agencies. High School, Dodgeville, Hebron- ville, and the Grade Schools. 1.647 books. This leaves only 19.829 books at the Central Library for home use. With the lowest circulation in one month. 7.103. it shows that our demand is very heavy for our supply.
Children's Work and School Use.
Circulation, Central Children's Room. 1921 33.443
Circulation, Central Children's Room, 1920. 24,319
Gain. 9.124
The Children's Room has shown the same general increase in cir- culation that is noticeable elsewhere. Direct circulation from the room was 23.443 with an issue through the branches and schools of 6,973. In 1920. the direct circulation was 24.319. and through the other agen- cies, 6,827.
Teachers have borrowed from this room for class room use. on their "Teacher's cards." 1 262 volumes, and 918 have been sent on deposit to the various schoolrooms. These 918 books have had a circulation of 2,886. At the request of teachers, lists, for book reports, oral English, and home reading have been compiled.
The reference work has covered a wide range of subjects, and are often so detailed that they call for careful search in reference books and magazine material. Books have been reserved for special classes on such subjects, as "Causes of the European War." "National Parks," "Present Day Authors." "Lives of Musicians" and "Christmas Customs in Other Lands." After all. the greatest service a librarian renders are not the monial ones of checking books in and out at the loan desk, and hunting up references on a subject, but her greatest functions are to inspire the reading habit.
A few choice bocks have been added to the "Gift Collection." or what has been characterized as the "Clean Hand Collection." A steadily increasing number of appreciative children read and enjoy them.
Magazines are circulated until they are worn out. The "Boy Scout Magazine" and the "Open Road" are favorites with the boys, while the girl scout magazine. the "American Girl," is just as popular with the girls.
A number of changes have been made in the room during the year. The added shelving was completed in July, thus relieving the crowded condition of the shelves. The delivery desk has been placed in such a position that it gives the assistant at the desk a full command of the room, and adds much to its attractiveness.
Telephone connections with the upstairs desk relieves much going up and down stairs, and also enables quicker service.
BRANCHES. Dodgeville.
Circulation, 1921 2,501
Circulation, 1920. 1,771
Gain. 730
Since September, Miss Agnes Norton has acceptably carried on the work at Dodgeville. No new activities have been undertaken but an
80
ANNUAL REPORT
effort has been made to strengthen the appreciation for the Branch. More adult readers have used the library this year than ever before. The Dodgeville Neighborhood House Association and the Men's Club have again furnished the magazines for the library.
Hebronville.
Circulation. 1921 .5.288
Circulation, 1920 .5.841
In June, Miss Jennie Pierce, who had done the work at the Branch, completed her work. At the opening in the fall, Miss Helen Bullock took over the work and later Miss Zilpah Bennett. On library day, the first hours are so busy. that through the suggestion of Miss Roberts the teachers volunteered to assist.
The children have again shown their interest by selling chocolates to pay for the magazines for the Branch.
Nowhere could money for books be applied with more telling effect than at the Hebronville Branch.
High School Branch.
Circulation, 1921 4.717 Attendance, 1921 12.105
Circulation, 1920 2,816 Attendance, 1920 8.325
Gain. . 1.901 Gain. 3,780
The High School Branch, under the care of Miss Margaret Brewer, is becoming the heart of the High School. and the attendance and cir- culation shows increased appreciation of the Library as a part of the high school life.
Miss Brewer states :
Although our High School library has not increased in size this year, it has grown in usefulness as indicated by the following circula- tion. The figures given date back to the beginning of the High School Library :
1917
1.998
1918
3.056
1919 3.306
1920 2.813
1921 4.717
If these figures were analyzed there would be many interesting facts brought to light, for instance, in the 1921 circulation of the total, 4.717-3.037 of these books were non-fiction, and only 1.680 fiction. This is due to the increasing use of the library by teachers for class and reference work. Another interesting thing is the growing use of maga- zines and periodicals. Last year there were 16 magazines circulated during the entire year, in 1921 there have been 267 magazines circulated.
Among other things accomplished was the completion of the course in library instruction given to the Freshmen, which was begun in 1920. This coming year it is hoped to increase the number of these lessons.
Last May, through the New England Association of School Libraries we borrowed an exhibit of school and college material. which we had in the school library for two weeks and was much enjoyed by the pupils.
There has been splendid co-operation from the various departments of the school during the year.
The Library Notes in the "Blue Owl." with the department editor on the staff seems to have found a permanent place.
The Commercial Department has always been ready to type book lists and other work of the kind.
The Manual Training Department has more than proved itself a friend by putting a very useful set of shelves in the library closet, and
81
ANNUAL REPORT
is now working on a book-shelf. a copy of the Thomas Bailey Aldrich "Story of a Bad Boy" bookcase.
The Drawing Department has made several good looking posters and signs during the year, and the Spanish Club contributed money towards a Spanish newspaper for the library.
The principal and the teachers have all shown a splendid spirit of co-operation and our increasing usefulness in the school is in large part due to this.
The need for an appropriation ever increases, as this year we have been able to add ten books to our library, eight of these being bought from the remains of the 1920 class gift fund, and the two others were gifts.
The Committee on Library Organization and Equipment of the National Education Association have set down five items as essential to a well developed high school library. (1.) Appropriate housing and equipment. (2.) Professionally trained librarians. (3.) Scientific service in the selection and care of books and printed material. and the proper classification and cataloging of this material. (4.) Instruc- tion in the use of books and libaries. (5.) Adequate annual appropria- tion for the salaries and for the maintenance of the library, for the purchase of books, for supplies, and for general upkeep.
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