USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1923 > Part 8
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BRANCHES.
Dodgeville.
The Dodgeville Branch had a circulation of 2,487; 305 less than last year. The home circulation of books, both in the Dodgeville and Hebron- ville branches, is governed to a great extent by industrial conditions.
The helpful spirit of the Dodgeville Neighborhood House Association and the Women's Club has been manifested in many ways. They have provided the magazines and new tables and have been watchful for any and all library needs and comforts.
Miss Agnes Norton continued in charge of the Branch until August, and since then Miss Dorothy Richardson has been in charge.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Hebronville.
When the Hebronville Branch opened in the fall it was with Miss Jennie Pierce, who had before given very interested and sympathtic service, in charge; Miss Zilpah Bennett having done the work until her resignation from the school. Here all the influence of the best in books is needed. Money to carry on a story hour and to provide more books is the great need. The people of Hebronville, the school children and the girl's club, under the direction of Miss Martha Roberts again raised the money for the magazines used at the Branch.
The circulation of books was 4,363, which is 911 less than the year 1922.
, High School.
That the High School Library Branch has had a successful year is shown by the report of Miss Helen Claflin, the High School Librarian. It is given in part :
"More than ever before the library's books have been used both for required study and for informational pleasure-reading. For home work alone 8,374 books were circulated as compared with 5,151 lent in 1922. Because of the information through books, magazines, pamphlets, clip- pings, and pictures, which the school library can supply more quickly than any other agency and make so easily accessible during the school day, the students of the High School are today acquiring broader ideas of the field of science, commerce, technology, literature and history than ever before.
At the opening of the school year each teacher received from the school librarian a letter, stating the purpose of the school library, enu- merating its resources and inviting suggestions and co-operation. The response has been generous. The teachers, realizing the value of wide reading in each subject in the curriculum, are increasingly emphasizing the educational importance of the school library.
To meet the growing demand for books, a much larger number have been borrowed from the Public Library this year than formerly. Of the 179 volumes added to the school library records during 1923, only 28 were purchases of books requested by the school librarian; 63 were gifts ; 61 were old editions, the former property of the Public Library, which were transferred to the High School when superseded at the Public Library by later editions; and 27 were books which had been in various classrooms, and which, being now placed permanently in the library, were for the first time added to the library's record. The school library can never serve the school as it should until it maintains its own live, well-developed collection of books. Lack of the right kind of books too often results in student's doing without the needed information. Repeated borrowing from the Public Library of the same books at inter- vals throughout the year means that the school librarian must spend much of her time in keeping the records of these loans, and attending to their transportation back and forth between the two libraries. The Massachu- setts Department of Education urges every school board in the State to allow each year 25 cents for each pupil enrolled in the school for the purchase of books for the school library. The Attleboro High School Library urges that this amount at least be definitely and annually set aside for the library books.
As a result of the increasing use of the library during school hours. the present library equipment has been outgrown. More bookshelves, tables and chairs must be added as soon as possible in order to give to students or teachers any degree of orderly service.
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ANNUAL REPORT
A course of five lessons on the use of books and library tools, together with practice work and exercises, has been given to all members of the Freshman class.
Three bulletin boards, the work of the school manual training department, have been installed and used to keep constantly before the students current events, educational posters, statistical charts, exhibits of the Art Department, notices of educational entertainments, and bits of inspirational prose and poetry.
An exhibit table has brought to the attention of the school, books of special interest and value and has stimulated the reading of worth while books for pleasure.
To cultivate an appreciation of good books, a series of readings from good literature of special interest to the high school age has been given by the librarian and by visiting friends of the school.
College Week", inaugurated in June by the school library with the cordial support of the principal and teachers, was successful in awaken- ing interest in college education and, through the exhibits in the library and talks by representatives of the various colleges, did much to stimulate thought as to which college would meet the particular demands of each boy or girl.
To foster a love of the beautiful in literature, a Poetry Club, mem- bership in which is open to all students, has been organized under the direction of the library and with the help of the English Department.
The librarian has tried at all times to make the library one of the brightest rooms in the school, so that the students may grow to love the atmosphere of books."
Because of the increasing demands on the High School Librarian it has become necessary for her to spend more and more time and thought on the High School Library work and less time to her duties at the Public Library.
Since the starting of the school library idea by the Public Library in October, 1916, when an assistant was sent from the Public Library, and until the fall of 1919 when the School Department took over one-half the salary of the High School Librarian and began to buy a few books, it has grown and has demonstrated its worth both to pupils and teachers.
Since this demand for the High School Librarian's time, and in order to meet the ever increasing demands, we recommend that the School Department take over the High School Librarian on the same basis as a teacher, thus relieving her of all duty at the Public Library and giving her the much needed time at the High School.
LIBRARY NEEDS.
Despite the progress made along certain lines, much remains to be done before the people of every part of the city get the full use of the library.
Something should be done for the South Attleboro people. Whether a branch or deposit station be established, more money for books and asistants is needed. Here the library work must be administered in such a way that it will touch the dynamic interests of the community.
The library has long needed more trained assistants to do its work. As has been stated in previous reports, too much of the library's work has to be done by part-time workers (High School students).
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ANNUAL REPORT
For a library to be able to supply just enough books is not sufficient for a growing library.
This library so far has been almost entirely dependent on money received from taxes, therefore it has been very much restricted in its buying. What better service to a city, what an opportunity for wise beneficence on the part of any Attleboro citizen ; a certain sum set aside in memory of some friend or relative, or because of an interest in books or of a hearty sympathy in an institution which is characteristic of the democratic spirit of America.
ATTLEBORO COLLECTION.
For several years we have tried in a small way to acquire photo- graphs of the city as it was before the changes of recent years, programs of clubs, dedicatory exercises and anniversaries. Clippings and pictures that in laters will tell the story of Attleboro, its people and its industries are being preserved.
It is hoped that the residents of Attleboro will add to this collection and make it a perfect whole.
GIFTS.
Many gifts have testified the interest of the public in their library, notable among them being a fund of $1000 from Milford Bliss in memory of his father, to be known as the Everett B. Bliss fund, the income to be applied to the purchase of books other than fiction. The bookplate which marks the books purchased from this fund was designed by Earl Holbrook, a local young man. A gift of $1000 from Mr. Edwin F. Leach to be known as the Edwin Leach book fund, and $1000 from Mr. Joseph L. Sweet to be known as the Joseph L. Sweet book fund.
The public concert of the Chaminade Club, which has come to be an annual affair, was given in April, and from this event $60 was received to be applied to the Attleboro Public Library Music Fund.
Mrs. Gertrude Sweet gave $100 for the purchase of books which would aid the Girl Scouts in preparing for their tests.
An unique gift was received from Frank Holman, a former resident of Attleboro. A framed diagram drawn by the poet Henry W. Long- fellow explains the seating arrangement of a dinner party given in honor of the writer Charles Dickens, on November 22, 1867. It shows the circular table and by the use of an original key shows the position of each dish upon the table, flowers and wines. The place of each guest is marked and includes William Dean Howells, Prof. Agassiz, Ernest W. Longfellow, the poet's son, James T. Field, James Russell Lowell and Felix Darley a prominent illustrator of his day and George Washington Greene, the historian.
Mr. Joseph L. Sweet has again shown his continued interest by a gift of bookcases and by several much appreciated gifts. Books have been received from the William Cobb estate, Mrs. Benjamin King and Miss Fanny Nye.
STAFF.
The past year has seen several changes in the staff. In August. Miss Agnes Norton, who successfully carried on the work at the Dodgeville Branch as well as doing general work at the Central Library, resigned to take the position of Hospital Librarian at the Boston City Hospital.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Miss Alice Wetherell, who joined the staff in October, 1919, first as general assistant and for the last two years doing very efficient work with children, resigned in October to become the Children's Librarian at the Bangor Public Library, Bangor, Maine.
In October Miss Dorothy Richardson, a part-time worker since 1921, was made a member of the staff.
Miss Carolyn Towle of the 1923 class of Simmons College library school came to the library as Children's Librarian in October.
Three High School girls, Miss Elizabeth Peckhan, Miss Catherine Meegan and Miss Florence Richardson, gave time for instruction and practice and are now employed as part-time workers.
All members of the staff have, during the year, attended at least one or more library meetings. Miss Alice Wetherell was granted the time to attend the American Library Association at Hot Springs, Arkansas. All meetings of the Round Table of Childrens' Librarians were attended by the children's workers, while several members of the staff attended the Library Institute at Boston Public Library, Library section of the Rhode Island Institute, Providence, meetings of the Massachusetts Library Club, and local group meeting at New Bedford. Visits were made to the Lynn, Salem and Malden libraries to study special problems.
It is a privilege to acknowledge my gratitude for the loyal service of the members of the staff who are always ready to give more than required time and are willing to help in any emergency.
To the trustees I wish to express my appreciation for their co-opera- tion in any and all undertakings that are for the advancement of the public library ideals.
Respectfully submitted, (Mrs.) LUCINDA FIELD SPOFFORD,
January 2, 1924.
Librarian.
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ANNUAL REPORT
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM OF LIBRARY STATISTICS.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1923.
Name of Library-Attleboro Public Library.
City-Attleboro, Mass.
Population served-19,731.
Terms of use-Free for lending. Free for reference.
Agencies -- Central Library, 3 Branches in 2 School Buildings and 1 Com- munity house, 4 School buildings, (17 classrooms).
Number of days open during year-304 for lending, 340 for reading.
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library) 66
Hours open each week for reading (Central Library) 72
Number of staff (Library service, adding part-time employees to make whole units, December 31, 1923) 11
Adult Juvenile Total
Number of volumes at beginning of year
Number of volumes added during year
by
purchase
1,110
594
1,704
Number of volumes added during year by gifts or exchange
138
48
186
Number of volumes added during year by binding material not otherwise counted.
70
2
72
Lost and missing volumes restored.
10
10
Number of volumes withdrawn during year
893
Total number of volumes at end of year
26,003
Number of volumes of fiction lent for home use
56,237
25,933
82,170
Number of volumes lent for home use.
75,123
42,977
118,100
Number of new borrowers registered during year.
781
Number of newspapers and periodicals currently received
132 titles
152 copies
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.
Largest issue in one month-March 1923
12,409
Smallest issue in one month-August 1923.
6,677
Largest issue in one day-February 28, 1923
779
Smallest issue in one day-October 23, 1923.
95
Number of Sundays Library was open.
37
Number of Sunday visitors
1,926
Per capita circulation
6
24,924
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ANNUAL REPORT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council :
I have the honor to submit herewith the ninth annual report of the Public Works Department of the City of Attleboro for the year ending December 31st, 1923.
This was the first year of work carried on under the administration of Attleboro's duly elected new Mayor, the Honorable George A. Sweeney. The work in hand as carried over has been properly cared for and some unusual difficulties have been satisfactorily overcome. The earnest co-operation of His Honor, the Mayor, and the Honorable Muni- cipal Council in aiding this department to cover an extensive field with more than a fair degree of success is hereby recorded.
As has been stated in former reports, the jurisdiction of this depart- ment includes the care of all public highways, construction of new streets, sidewalks, street lighting, oiling, street signs, house numbering, street cleaning, surface drainage (construction and maintenance), sewers and sewage disposal; the.Water system, its care, upkeep, and extension, the Pumping Station, filter beds, storage reservoir and standpipe, and the maintenance of the A. B. C. St. Ry., as well as supervising the contract operation of same.
The engineering required by the different divisions was handled as usual by the department engineering forces and several studies for future improvements were taken up therein.
The outstanding features affecting our highway work and expenditure during the past year are as follows :
(1st) The application of road plowing as far as possible to our snow and ice program.
(2nd) The exceedingly heavy snow fall the department was called on to combat in the first quarter of the year.
(3rd) The necessity of doing considerable emergency work on some of our highways in the spring of the year which were overtaxed to failure due to the breaking down of other main arteries outside of our jurisdiction. The State Department has recorded for the past spring more road failures than ever before in Massachusetts southeast. The resulting detours through Attleboro were directly responsible for the expenditures above mentioned in this paragraph.
(4th) The remarkable recovery during a season which made history for the number of days on which outside work could be favorably handled.
(5th) The construction and placing into service with the City forces of the newly authorized drainage projects.
(6th) The earnest study and effort put into the problem of the A. B. C. Street Railway versus bus line service.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The Water Division increased its income very perceptibly. The development and water waste surveys both of which can be utilized properly as investments may be recorded. The extension of main lines including the coupling up of dead ends and replacement in localities where expensive maintenance was prohibitive can be recorded as the largest since before 1914. It is well to mention at this time that there were no new bonds authorized for this work.
In addition the usual routine covering service operation, installation; and other ordinary maintenance accounts was properly handled, and it will be of interest to know that many minor troubles are being eliminated permanently as they arise. All in all it was a mighty busy year for all of the Water forces.
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE.
The regular personnel of the office has not been enlarged at any time during the past year. The ability and familiarity with detail of the experienced clerks employed herein has allowed the Superintendent of Public Works to put considerably more of his time into the details of the outside work. Whereas, the finishing of the bridges at Bank and Water Streets and the laying of drains, under admittedly difficult conditions by the City forces, has demanded this time-it is a pleasure to acknowledge the contribution to the success of this work along with the routine work as given by the clerks in the Public Works office.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
The City Engineer has been working on the general policy as estab- lished by the Public Works office in having surveys for streets and other work properly recorded, in the field by stone bounds, and in the office by record plans and tracings ; and blueprints, when necessary, to be filed with the Registrar at Taunton. A total length of 27,875 feet of streets have been surveyed and descriptions written for same. The lines and grades required in completing the Emory Street drain, the South Main Street drain from Clarence Street to the river, and the Cambridge Street drain were also handled by the Department engineers. Investigations and preliminary surveys for drains on Maple Street, Newport Avenue, and Washington Street were taken up, while improvements on May Street, Garden Street, Hodges Street, Park Street near Wilmarth, and Oak Street were studied. Two thousand one hundred and sixty-three linear feet of new drains, ranging in size from 15 inches to 30 inches in diameter, have been laid this year as well as 500 feet of catch basin connections to couple up twenty-nine new catch basins and eleven new manholes.
Sewer extensions in the initial stage have been before the engineers and Y locations and some field locations have been given, also material aid in starting an investigation in conjunction with the Health Depart- ment for improvement in the Ten Mile River conditions has been worked out.
A survey and design for the new bridge on Maple Street at Thacher Brook was roughed out and a slab designed in this office was put in where South Main Street crosses Thacher Brook.
The U. S. Geodetic survey ran precise levels to five definite benches, the government furnishing the bronze plates and the city supplying the concrete base and the labor. When hooked up properly with the Government record these benches will be of continuous value to this community in all of its future survey work.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The office forces consisted of the Engineer, the instrumentman, and a rodman for ten and one-third months. In addition the services of an outside engineer, Mr. Westcott, of North Attleboro, were enlisted in con- tinuing the City Survey and platting for assessors as had been started in the south section of the city. Considerable work was done by Mr. Westcott in the last quarter of the year and this coupled with the calcu- lations and final plats for all of the area included between Washington Street, the North Attleboro line and the Rhode Island State line will have been taken care of by the early spring of the coming year.
EMORY STREET DRAIN.
in the spring of the year, the 20 inch drain, as was authorized on Emory Street, was carried from Sturdy Street to the 15 inch pipe at its intersection with Forest Street. Considerable of this work was in a very heavy cut, and the grade line carried the work through a continu- ous mass of boulders. Taken all in all it proved to be a mean and diffi- cult task. However, the earnest efforts of some really high grade labor were rewarded and the work finished, the manholes dug or opened up, the catch basins built, the sidewalk corners rounded wherever possible, and the street rolled, shaped, and surfaced and one treatment of oil applied. The benefits of this drain will be felt all the way back from Emory Street to Park Street.
A great deal of credit goes to the men who did the blasting and bracing on this job for their tenacity and general all-round aggressive- ness. I feel sure it will be a considerable improvement for the district concerned.
SOUTH MAIN STREET DRAIN.
This drain is carried on under a misnomer. It was laid out, when authorized, to extend from the river up through a proposed Clarence Street to South Main Street. There was a desire in the Committee for an open ditch along this proposed line. A great expense was to be avoided, if possible, so the Committee and Council members seemed to feel; therefore, a large 30 inch diameter corrugated pure iron pipe was laid from the river to the sidewalk of South Main Street and branches right and left to take care of another manhole and four basins were laid, and the basins and manholes constructed. A dry rubble head wall was put around the pipe outlet.
This controls a considerable drainage flow adequately, and improves greatly what has been known as one of the worst places in the city, i. e., South Main Street between Orange and Lamb Streets. It is desirable that this drain be extended up South Main Street and through Orange Street at least to Parker Street, as soon as conveniently possible. The Interstate Railroad constructed a track basin which is connected to our pipe line, and aids in controlling conditions in the track sag. The resi- dents of this locality seem to be unanimous in their approval of the results obtained.
CAMBRIDGE STREET DRAIN.
The proper releases desired from Mr. Perry and others for a drain easement across their land at the foot of Cambridge Street seems to have been difficult to obtain. Finally, however, His Honor, the Mayor, after much persistent effort, received from Mr. Perry permission to go ahead, which was passed along to this department. The new drain leads across Perry's hayfield up along a division line to Horton Street and
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ANNUAL REPORT
across Horton Street through Cambridge Street and across Pleasant and Angell Streets. The drain which it replaced was found to be in deplorable condition both for line and grade, and besides being plugged solid, there was a sag in the grade line of this drain, and therefore no appreciable efficiency was being obtained.
From the construction just completed, I am convinced a very mate- rial improvement in the conditions aimed at will result. All of the trench had to be sheeted, and the change from the old to the new drain at different manhole locations required considerable hard work, but all in all, the execution of this work is something to be proud of. A very considerable amount of money was saved in this trench work by utilizing old bridge and Thacher Brook decking to its absolute limit, and I feel sure this will be recognized by the people in touch with the facts.
The pipe line has been extended to the angle in the brook and through a manhole about sixty (60) feet towards the railroad, and it is the intention to take out two or three other loose pea gravel banks and pipe them as an investment. Also the loam will have to be restored to Mr. Perry's hayfield in the spring. With the drainage below the pipe outlet adequately taken care of, the ground water level in this area can be maintained so that reasonable complaint will cease in this locality.
Cambridge Street was rolled and Horton and Pleasant Street cross- ings were repaired. However, the season was late, and they were unable to oil these places. The 18 inch and 24 inch combination, it seems to me, will be adequate to meet any conditions which may arise.
BRIDGES.
Water Street Bridge.
At the Water Street bridge, as expected, it was found there had been settlements in the new fill back of the abutments and inside of the wing walls. This was brought to grade within the street limits, and the slopes were properly protected, first by extending the fill, and second, where necessary, filling in the dry retaining wall and rip-rap. An iron fence was extended on the return wings by Pope & Read. Such side- walks, curbing, and gutters as were considered necessary at this time were put in.
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