USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1927 > Part 7
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Attleboro Savings Bank, Interest. 125.00
December 1st-D. H. Smith Fund
Bond Investment Trust of America. 130.00
December 1-E. H. Bliss Fund
Winter Bros. 35.00
1,640.00
1,834.69
April 18-E. H. Horton Reserve Fund
Attleboro Savings Bank
100.00
August 10-E. H. Horton Fund
2 Shares Attleboro Savings and Loan 1,000.00
August 10-R. M. Horton
Interest paid on $1,000 Temporary Borrowed for 2 Shares
Attleboro Savings & Loan Association.
2.92
October 10-Grants', Inc.
1.80
October 10-F. W. Foxan Co.
5.08
October 10-Library Book Home
2.00
October 10-Desmond Publishing Co.
14.00
October 10-R. L. James Book Co ..
46.16
October 10-Personal Book Shop. 32.73
October 18-Desmond Publishing Co. 35.63
October 18-P. F. Collin Son. . 22.50
November 28-Herman Goldberger, Magazines.
235.00
December 19-Personal Book Shop.
65.35
December 19-Book Shop for B. G .. 63.41
December 19-R. L. James Book Co. 28.90
December 19-Sampson & Murdock
6.00
December 19-American Carpenter.
7.50
December 19-MacMillan Co.
3.84
December 19-Desmond Publishing Co.
12.00
December 19-Porter Sargent.
5.40
December 19-D. C. Hewitt
4.43
December 19-E. H. Horton Reserve Fund.
25.00
1,719.65
$115.04
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Receipts
City of Attleboro
$15,775.00
101
ANNUAL REPORT
Expenditures
Salaries and Janitor Service
$8,463.63
Bindery
1,101.01
Books
2,550.65
Building
1,125.36
Fuel
628.38
Light
460.27
Incidentals
952.88
Printing
178.43
Telephone
36.87
Dodgeville ' School Branch.
10.00
Hebronville School Branch
17.00
South Attleboro Branch
174.57
Washington School Branch
38.50
Total
$15,737.55
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Board of Trustees:
I have the honor to present herewith the annual report, covering the year ending December 31, 1927.
On November 11, the library rounded out twenty years in the pres- ent building. It is a long way from the very beginning of the li- brary in Attleboro. Strangely enough seventy years ago, in November, 1857 at the home of Mrs. Handel N. Daggett the movement was started with a group of personal friends and a contribution of $1.35.
The first year in the building the city appropriated $5,000 and the library had no endowment and there was a circulation of 38,999 books.
This year the city appropriated $15,775.00. There are $17,871.89 in funds, the interest which is used for the purchase of books.
The total circulation for this year amounted to 142,101, an increase of 3,552 over the year 1926 and the largest in the history of the library.
The library as in other years, has emphasized first, the chief function of the library, that of distributing books and second, activities as ex- hibits, lectures and co-operation with all civic organizations. Thus it has hoped to strengthen and increase the interest of the various groups in the real service of the library.
It is to figures that we have come for a comparison of work ac- complished.
The volumes in the library December 31, 1927. 29,518
Volumes added during the year by purchase. 1,223
Number of volumes added by gift and exchange 587
Number of volumes added by binding. 93
Number of volumes lost and missing restored.
9
Total additions 1,912
Number of volumes withdrawn 1,006
Gain in number of volumes 906 The following table gives the circulation for four years at the Branches and Schools:
102
ANNUAL REPORT
1924
1925
1926
1927
Central
99,537
110,337
111,504
116,351
Dodgeville School Branch
2,780
2,654
2,617
2,819
Hebronville School Branch
5,246
5,006
4,700
4,256
South Attleboro School Branch.
5,665
7,141
5.221
5,373
Washington School Branch
2,900
6,378
7,872
9,097
Schools
7,392
7,308
6,635
4,205
123,520
138,824
138,549
142,101
Work With the Children
The juvenile circulation was 56,028. Home use of books drawn on juvenile cards comprises nearly 40 percent of the total circulation of the library system. Continued interest has been maintained in the State Certificate Reading list. 141 certificates were issued, and of that number 21 were "Honor" certificates.
Relations with the public schools have been friendly. Classes from the evening school have come for instruction on the resources of the library as well as grades from the more distant parts of the city, for a visit to their library.
School deposits have been sent to the Briggs Corner, Tiffany and Lincoln Schools.
Continuation school girls have been to the library in groups of fif- teen to twenty for instruction in the use of the library and for book talks.
During the summer books were sent to the Capron Park playground and the Bristol County Health Camp.
The "Adventure Club" with a membership of ninety-seven children, from the fourth grade up, during the summer months made a study of Jap- an, Alaska, Holland, France, Hawaii and the Philippine Islands. By ex- bits, stories and dramatization, the lives as lived of these several peoples were brought to the club. An exhibit of unusual interest on Japan was loaned by Mrs. Joseph L. Sweet and the late Miss Elizabeth Wil- marth.
Good Book Week was observed in the room by a pageant: "Good Will the Magician." Children of nine nations, dressed in the costumes of the different countries, sang folk songs, played games and danced the dances of the several countries. The Italian, Portugese, French and Jap- anese children as well as their parents came together that one evening in a common interest and all were happy.
The exhibition of books was held in the reading room and was well attended. To many this exhibit has become a means of making the se- lection of all their Christmas books.
Mrs. Gertrude Sweet, by her gift of three hundred dollars made possible the addition of many children's books that the library budget would not have allowed.
In truth all sorts of devices to interest children have been tried.
This collection of finely illustrated editions has been used by de- signers, teachers and parents.
103
ANNUAL REPORT
No matter how skilfull the librarian may be in library technique she must always be a guide, counselor and friend if she is to be truly successful. It is this spirit of helpfulness, with the vision of the library as the maker of men and women that takes library work out of the merely clerical pursuit.
Attleboro Chapter of the American Federation of Art has made use of the galleries for two exhibits and lectures on art. Royal Farnum, Director of the Massachusetts School of Art, lectured on "Adventures in Art". William E. Brigham, formerly with the R. I. School of Design spoke on "Design" and illustrated his talk by his water colors and jew- elry. Miss Martha A. Shannon gave an illustrated lecture on "Fenway court and its treasures."
In this same connection the North Purchase Club as its part of art study held an exhibit for one week of the work done by the students of Attleboro who are studying in the various art schools. The students themselves in telling of their work in the various schools furnished a very enjoyable afternoon.
There were students from the Museum of Fine Arts, Vesper George School, Rhode Island School of Design, Massachusetts Normal Art School, and Fogg Art Museum of Harvard.
The hall has also been used for the District Conference of the State Federation, Round Table and Pierian Club meetings. Numerous exec- utives meetings have been held in the Trustees' Room by the D. A. R., Women's Club and the Art Chapter.
Branches
The work at the Branches has been as much as could be expected under existing conditions. Great appreciation is shown by the children of the Washington School for their books. One has only to stand in the door and watch them file in to the very tiny room on library days to realize how much of real interest there is on their part and under what a handicap the librarian works.
At the South Attleboro Branch there is a small increase in the num- ber of books circulated over last year. There has been an average of six new borrowers use the library every month. An additional table with chairs would add to the comfort of the users of the Branch.
At Dodgeville and Hebronville Branches the circulation of books remains about the same as in other years. The problem of bringing the worth while to those who have not the interest calls for a librarian who has the true missionary spirit.
Mrs. Dorothy Robinson has continued to do the work at Dodgeville and Miss Katherine Miller, a teacher in the Hebronville School took over the work at the Hebronville Branch in the fall
Gifts of books have been received from Mr. Joseph L. Sweet, Mrs. Raymond Horton and the W. C. T. U.
How the Library Is Used
The interest in the "Reading With a Purpose" series published by the American Library Association has increased the demand for the books on the subject treated by this series.
104
ANNUAL REPORT
The collection of college and university catalogues, which the li- brary receives has many times been consulted by parents and prospective students.
Our manufacturers have continued to use the library for material on many subjects.
Books have been obtained for patrons on special subjects from Worcester Public Library, Boston Public Library, and the Providence Public Library. The subjects requested have been in all cases very specialized as shown by the titles of the following books: "Slide Valve and Link Motion", "Silicio-calcareous sandstones" and "Merchant vessels of the U. S., 1800-1900."
Use has been made of the picture collection by patrons of varying tastes and occupations.
This year the geneological books of the library has been consulted oftener than ever. To further stimulate the use of these books and add more friends for the library greater comfort and ease should be given the searcher by adding shelving in the inner reference room and by removing, from the lower stacks the vital records of Massachusetts towns and cities, which of necessity, are storied in the lowed racks.
The significance of the holidays have been emphasized by displays of books and posters.
Without the friendly interest of the "Attleboro Sun" in the library and its program, much of the very best kind of publicity would be lost to the institution. Every week the list of additions to the library, with de- scriptive notes has appeared in the paper as well as many special ar- ticles.
Many lists. on different colored paper in suitable size for book marks have been distributed.
Much help was given in selecting books for vacation reading. A list of two hundred books was distributed before the real selection of sum- mer reading began. More people than ever availed themselves of the privilege of taking ten books away for the vacation. The type of read- ing selected had a very large percentage of non-fiction and of the fiction an encouraging number of authors like Dickens. Thackerav.
Without doubt. one of the most popular collection of books enjoyed by a limited group-the books about music and music scores. The Chaminade Club again this year gave $50.00 to the Music Fund.
Library Needs
The most emphatic need for the near future is the better extension of library facilities to the parts of the city served by the Washington School Branch, Lincoln School Branch. South Attleboro Branch, Dodge- ville and Hebronville Branches. This need can be met bv an established messenger service and by an adequate book fund to allow a purchase of duplicate copies of popular new books.
Ten women and the janitor are employed by the Public Library Department. With an organization of this size a staff room should be provided. In a work room, all too small for a staff of that size much efficiency is lost to say nothing of the comforts of its members, when at the luncheon and supper hours some are having their rest periods eating meals, and others trying to keep on with their work.
105
ANNUAL REPORT
A room of much attractiveness and comfort can be furnished in the basement at a comparatively small cost.
This in the course of a year would add much to the efficiency and happiness of the staff.
Library Personnel
For the greatest efficiency of the library too much of the work of the library has had to be done by part-time workers.
Part of this condition was necessitated by the resignation of Miss Dorothea Savithes, junior assistant, in July, due to ill health, a place as yet unfilled.
In June three of the part-time workers were lost through graduation from High School. Hope Reeves, Muriel Tyndall, and Jane Hodges, juniors in the High School, began to do the mechanical processes in the late summer.
Mr. Frank A. Chace who has served the library for over twenty years as janitor, due to a painful accident was forced to sever his connection with the library in October. Much of the present good condition of the building is due to his painstaking and ever faithful care.
After service to the Attleboro Public Library since September, 1918, Mrs. Spofford presented her resignation in November to become librarian of the Robbins Library, Arlington, Mass. This is to become effective January 1, 1928.
The Board of Trustees suffered the loss, through death in October of one of its most faithful members. Miss Elizabeth Wilmarth, a wo- man of sterling character and a woman who possessed the best traits of her New England forebears.
The faithful work of the staff merits commendation, and the results of their unselfish labors is manifest in the increasing confidence of the public that its many demands may be satisfied by the Public Library.
Beginning in January, 1927, Miss Mary Money was sent to the Boston Public Library to attend a series of lectures by Miss Alice Jordan on "Children's Literature."
Members of the staff have profited by meeting of the Massachusetts library club as well as meetings of the Old Dartmouth Club.
The librarian has spoken at several clubs and Mothers' meetings.
In submitting my last annual report I wish to take occasion. to ex- press my gratitude to the Trustees for their ever loyal support in the working out of library policies and to the staff my appreciation for their friendly and faithful service.
I have had much of pleasure and satisfaction in working for the li- brary interests of the people of Attleboro.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. LUCINDA FIELD SPOFFORD. Librarian
CIRCULATION BY MONTHS AND CLASSES
051
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
910
920
N.F.
Fict.
Tot.
January
340
94
99
1530
5
166
254
289
462
245
322
245
4051
9581
13632
February
276
51
103
1379
13
165
235
278
440
234
324
378
3876
9840
13716
March
326
61
127
1735
13
193
330
326
548
251
416
383
4709
11340
16049
April
277
43
71
1297
8
147
229
269
385
151
241
191
3309
9205
12511
May
258
33
71
1353
8
130
166
270
394
179
211
183
3256
7780
11036
June
234
44
59
1293
9
183
192
196
352
156
244
226
3188
8550
11738
July
174
33
42
776
8
65
125
174
222
68
154
91
1932
6703
8635
August
224
38
43
790
10
87
123
182
192
80
153
66
1988
6807
8795
September
282
33
62
892
22
101
156
198
292
113
200
107
2458
6909
9367
October
306
60
92
1452
21
156
243
293
412
185
289
255
3764
8020
11784
November
279
39
91
1518
10
136
226
298
470
255
296
263
3881
8713
12594
December
291
28
110
1421
7
160
229
286
498
162
261
304
3757
8484
12241
Total
3267
557
970
15436
134
1689
2508
3059
4667
2079
3111
2692
40169
101932
142101
106
ANNUAL REPORT
107
ANNUAL REPORT
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM OF LIBRARY STATISTICS
Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1927
Name of Library-Attleboro Public Library
City-Attleboro, Mass.
Librarian-Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford.
Terms of use-Free for lending. Free for reference.
Agencies-Central Library, 4 Branches in 3 School Buildings and 1 rented building, 2 School buildings. (11 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) 69
Number of staff (Library service, adding part-time employees to
make whole units, December 31, 1927). 10
Adult Juvenile Total 28612
Number of volumes at beginning of year.
Number of volumes added during year by pur- chase
945
278
1223
Number of volumes added during year by gifts or exchange
143
444
587
Number of volumes added during year by binding material not otherwise counted.
93
93
Lost and missing volumes restored.
434
572
1006
Number of volumes withdrawn during the year. . Total number of volumes at end of year. . Number of volumes of fiction lent for home use Number of volumes lent for home use.
69780
32152
101932
86081
56028
142101
Number of new borrowers registered during year
880
Number of newspapers and periodicals currently received. 132 titles
152 copies
Miscellaneous Statistics
Largest issue in one month-March 1927
16049
Smallest issne in one month-July 1927. 8635
Number of Sundays Library was open. 34
Number of Sunday visitors.
1433
9
29518
108
ANNUAL REPORT
Department of Public Works
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
Respectfully submitted herewith is the thirteenth Annual Report of the Public Works Department of the City of Attleboro for the year ending December 31, 1927. This has been the first year the Department has operated with the Honorable Fred E. Briggs, fourth Mayor of At- tleboro. It is also the first year of the third term of the writer as Superintendent of Public Works. Conditions which have had to be met have in several instances caused grave inconvenience in the execution of work as planned. The unusual and record-breaking positions reached in our rainfall chart inidicates the breaking up of the schedule of the Public Works Department. Of especially grave import was the inability to reduce water in our filter beds at South Attleboro for the usual late fall cleaning. These beds being natural in the first place and having seen in service over a long period of years in the second place, require definite and positive cleaning at regular intervals in order that they may function. The continued increase in draft on the water system, placing it at a peak in its existence is convincing as to the requirements. It is to be expected therefore that in the early months of 1928 unusual steps will be necessary in order to overcome the conditions forced upon us in 1927.
The highways within the city limits have been maintained in such a manner as to meet with the approval of the public.
The maintenance of the sewer has been of a usual nature with the filter plant handling more than its usual quantities due to concentrated heavy rain. There have been definite extension to our sewer system which can be considered legitimate expansion and improvement.
Several drainage problems have been taken care of permanently. Maintaining of this constant improvement in drainage is highly rec- ommended by the Department. Some of the work has been carried over into the new year.
Whenever possible, and in response to requests from Mr. J. J. Van Valkenburgh, the Department has been glad to cooperate in the new water supply project.
The A. B. C. Street Railway has been operated, considering the facilities available and the conditions which have had to be met, in a manner which is apparently satisfactory to those who are interested in it. Practically no complaint has been received covering the service during the year.
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE
The vacancy in this office was filled in April of 1927 by Miss Mildred M. Masse, a young lady chosen for her qualifications from a large field. Several adjustments have been made in the accounting system which was in force and it is to be hoped that in its finality the system as it stands will continue to be workable with no further changes to interfere. with normal progress in office routine.
109
ANNUAL REPORT
The constantly expanding activities of the Department are placing a continually increasing load on the office personnel. The additional effort required, and freely given, from the young ladies in question is deeply appreciated.
ENGINEERING DIVISION
There has been no change in the personnel of the Engineering Division. The usual and heretofore recorded multitude of details has been passed to and through the Engineer's office. A fair portion of this detail has resulted in improving the permanent engineering record of the Department.
The services of this division have been co-ordinated with the State Department of Public Works in the work on Washington Street between Highland Ave. and the Pawtucket line, more particularly in the practical working out of some drainage details outlined by the Superintendent for the benefit of the city.
There is yet to be worked out by our Engineering Division a vast amount of unknown subject matter which has been accumulating for centuries. I say this advisedly bearing in mind the age of the community.
RESURFACING
An unusual burden was placed upon Highland Avenue, Wash- ington Street to Robinson Avenue; Robinson Avenue from Highland Avenue to Mendon Road; Mendon Road to Turner; and Turner Street between Mendon Road and Washington Street during the past year owing to the necessity for a detour during Highway construction on the Boston-Providence Pike between Highland Avenue and the Paw- tucket line. The charges for maintaining this detour were shared by the Commonwealth. The burden of supporting traffic on the B-P Pike was not an easy one to handle and demanded serious unstinted effort and attention during the period in which the pike was closed.
When the plan for reconstruction was outlined, the engineer for the Commonwealth promised us considerable of the excavated material which would be placed advantageously on highways close to the Pike. This quantity was promptly reduced one-third after operations had started because it was utilized in the center 'strip of the dual type highway for a base to take the new surface. Some of the remaining material which was available was not desirable.
A definite help was given to the city, however, on Orr Street, Bar- rows Street, Mendon Road and on Turner Street easterly from the Pike. In addition, some bad places in Newport Avenue were taken care of with solid material in such a way that the effort will not be lost in the work to come on this sandy road. Material was also deposited on the detour to aid in its maintenance and some places on Brown Street were taken care of so that the heavy traffic due to construction could be taken care of. The accompanying statistical sheet will show not only the cost of the work in connection with these highways but also gives us ample opportunity to study the range and effect of the Department in improving what have heretofore been called our "country roads." This effort which has been continuous over a period of years is beginning
110
ANNUAL REPORT
to show advantageously for the commmunity. I have noticed some of the neighbors emulating our efforts so that the lighter roads are being hooked up to give relief routes from trunk lines passing through the city to people who are familiar with the locality.
The definite improvement for the year on these outside lines was on County and Read Streets under this account. Newport Avenue was maintained so well that the travel upon it during the construction on the Pike was very heavy and as a result proved conclusively the ad- vantages to be gained by a proper improvement of this route.
On West Street, Wilmarth Street, Tiffany Street, Pike Avenue, Phil- lips Street, Locust Street and several other outside highways definite improvement can be recorded so that it may be seen our problem of maintaining the standards set, figured in conjunction with a desire to con- tinue to expand our lighter roads, will call for unremitting effort.
Besides the work on the detour, graveling, oiling and taking care of the highways, our other streets were maintained to the best advantage all things considered, and on Forest and Park Streets some stone road was put in to eliminate conditions which annually faced us to the detri- ment of public convenience. This is a continuation of our policy and will be recognized by users of the highways mentioned.
Our emergency work under this account, due to circumstances which we meet annually and which cannot be forseen, was not excessive and this is indicative of the fruit borne from the constant efforts the De- partment has put into the policy of protecting hillsides and slopes. All around us heavy rains and floods caused serious damage. The city should be grateful for the good fortunes which have enabled us to es- cape so lightly.
BRIDGES, FENCES AND CULVERTS
The detail accompanying this report shows conclusively the extent of our operations and indicates a field which must have continuous effort behind a definite policy for removing some of our maintenance charges on these bridges, fences and culverts which are so important in our highway program.
Our culvert problem must be taken hold of definitely so that the old stone culverts which have been in place for a century more or less will be not only replaced as needed but extended to meet the change in width of the travelled way of our roads.
The problem of fences must be looked at bearing in mind not only the bridges and culverts, which are numerous due to the streams and water crossings in the community, but also the slopes of railroad over- passes. The major portion of the bridges require guard fences. At the time of the original construction the plan for replacement does not seem to have been considered. With present day conditions it resolves itself into an important phase of our highway safety and must be studied and acted upon accordingly.
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