USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1957 > Part 4
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I wish also to thank most heartily the members of the Park Commission, Mr. Harry C. Wolfenden, Mr. Thomas G. Sadler, and Mr. William O. Sweet for their untiring efforts to improve the Park and countless other deeds that go unnoticed.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert W. Sharkey, Jr. Superintendent
37.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1957
To Mayor Cyril K. Brennan and the City Council of Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Library has had a most active year as evidenced by its total circulation of 132, 206 from an inventory of 74, 164 books. This is an increase in circulation for the year of 12, 252. This, however does not constitute the total work which the Library performs. Add to this hours and hours of reference work for students and industry and the numerous calls for information regarding all sorts of things too numerous to record. The childrens' section of the library is most active not only for stories and entertainment but the interest the young people have in science. This all, of course, requires intelligent and experienced personel to cope with these problems.
One branch, namely Washington, had to be discontinued, due to the fact that the building was condemned for use, but immediately 769 books were deposited in the school class rooms so that the children were without books for only a short time. Negotiations are now underway for further book deposits at the South Attleboro Ju- nior High School. The Branch libraries are performing a great service to their communities as shown by the circulation reports and South Attleboro particularly needs more attention and facilities than they are now receiving and we are hope- ful that we may be able to furnish them with adequate service.
The main building has been improved by the addition of toilets for the use of patrons with modern plumbing and equipment. Additions and installation of fluorescent lighting for the reading rooms and other parts of the building have helped greatly both for the public and the personel. We still have more to do, but at least a start has been made. Hebronville Branch exterior was repaired.
We have been most fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Waller as Li- brarian to replace Mrs. Cavender who resigned and we wish to express our appre- ciation to him for his excellent work and his cooperation. The personel has had many changes which has made it very difficult as our salary rates hinder us in filling positions.
The old story must be repeated, that we are so cramped for space. We have tried to add on at different times and at different places but the cost has always prevented carrying out our plans.
The librarian's report details the work and hopes of the library so we will not repeat them here.
May we take this opportunity to thank the many who have so generously sup- ported our work by their gifts and interest. The local paper and radio station have been most kind.
38.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
The year 1957 marked the 50th anniversary of the Library building and suit- able material and activity gave recognition to this event.
To our staff who have supported us so loyally and graciously we wish to ex- press our deepest appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library Joseph L. Sweet Memorial
Ethel H. Barden, Secretary
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library :
The 1957 Annual Report of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial, is herewith presented:
THE LIBRARY'S ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY
The Attleboro Public Library has just finished an accelerated year of service. An increased budget allowed for the expenditure of sums of money for needed build- ing improvements, additional personnel and the purchase of new books. This ac- celeration in budget and personnel has meant an increase in facilities and services to the public. The end result has directly affected circulation which increased by 12, 252 in 1957. The budget investment has paid off. A budget investment every year means continuing expansion of service yielding a permanent univeristy of knowledge available for the children and young people as well as for the adult citizens, businesses and industries of the City.
This report will account the part which the Attleboro Public Library has played in its fundamental role of making resources of all kinds available to the Attleboro community.
RESOURCES
The Library now has a total of 74, 164 books. This number represents a decrease in book stock, as some 3781 books were withdrawn from the collection in 1957. The Librarian and Senior Assistant have been through the science and technical sections of the library and have assiduously discarded out-of-date and little-used material. Many technical books are continuously revised and new edi- tions usually make the old obsolete especially in such rapidly expanding fields as electronics and nuclear energy. With our stackss so overcrowdedd it has become impossible to keep old material in storage hoping that occasionally someone may want to recheck obsolete material. A book collection must remain alive by the removal of the weary with an inflow of fresh material, if the public is to have sus - tained library service.
39.
:
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
In addition to the purchase of 2141 books the Library subscribed to 196 peri- odicals, covering a large variety of subjects and it duplicated the most popular for the use of branch libraries. Magazines are drawn on considerably for refer- ence use. Many times the only place to find the latest development of a subject is in recent issues of periodicals.
Of special note this year is the rise in circulation. The total is 132, 206, an increase of 9 percent over 1956. This is the highest circulation since 1939 when "Depression" reading swelled the total to over 139, 000. The fact that the Library was open 29 more days in 1957 than in 1956 certainly had its effect on library usage during the fourth quarter of last year. The overall picture of library patronage how- ever seemed to indicate an increased zest for reading in Attleboro.
Television as a substitute for reading appears to have made no advances at all. And in some areas is a definite incentive to read books. Certainly the Children's Room has had an influx of requests resulting from youngsters seeing the Walt Dis- ney programs. Television is here to stay, but so are people's book reading habits.
Here it might be interesting to attempt some description of reading trends in 1957. More use was made of the Main Library, as over 10, 000 of the 12, 252 total increase in circulation came from Central. The loan of books in the useful arts and sciences increased. There was a large demand for books on technology, particularly radio, television, electronics and missiles. Fiction accounted for 43. 6 percent of the total circulation, an increase over last year, but still a good showing for non- fiction reading. Attleboro people borrowed $264, 412 worth of books last year if the conservative price of $2. 00 were established for each volume circulated. This is over 4 and 1/2 fold return on the City's appropriation of $58, 112.
Special distinction should be made of the Library's two newest services, that of phonograph records and 16 mm films. The Music Room was established in 1952, and has steadily grown until last year 1053 records were borrowed, almost a 50 per- cent increase over 1956. Our musical biographies and books on music and music theory also continue to increase in usage. This room was a wise investment into the future and has continued to justify itself.
The other new service, that of Canadian travel films, on loan from the Canadian Travel Film Bureau, has been very popular. During November and December , 6 films circulated 59 times and were shown to an audience of 3418. The staff time in- volved in the circulation routines was neglible and if the interest continues in 1958, we shall certainly be on the film circuit for the 1958-1959 season.
BRANCH LIBRARIES
In 1957 the branch- libraries circulated 56, 653 books. This is proof that the branches are used and that they are an increasingly important factor in bringing books to outlying communities in Attleboro. About 49, 388 of this branch circu- lation is juvenile as two of the branches presently are on school property. This of course points out the Library's service to school children but also it shows that adults seemingly will not take advantage of books available in the branches located in school rooms or outlying buildings.
40.
Annual Report ·
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
The number one project for the year in branches was the renovation of the Hebronville Branch. All shingles were nailed, and new thresholds, windowpanes, and water proof canvas on the roof were installed. Also two coats of paint were used outside for walls, doors, bricks and fence. This branch is in good condition and the library is proud of its job here. Circulation fell slightly during 1957 but with fresh facilities a gain in 1958 is expected.
The branch at Tiffany School showed an increase circulation of 2, 796 making the total 15, 138 for the year. This was an amazing rate of reading, as practically all this sum was juvenile. As the branch librarian said in her annual report, "I feel the library and school staff are playing an important part in helping mold these children's lives, especially the future citizens who could not speak a word of English when they entered school this year."
The report from Washington School Branch covers 10 months as the branch was closed on November 1, because of the condemnation of the branch building by the State Building Inspector. Classroom collections totaling 769 books were immediately de- posited in the eight classrooms so the children were without books only for a short time. It was regretted that the branch was no longer available for the general public, but at the end of the year negotiations were underway for further book deposits at the South Attleboro Junior High School.
The South Attleboro Branch showed a substantial gain in circulation for the seventh consecutive year. There was a total of 14, 144 books borrowed, a 19% increase over 1956. The rise of interest in this branch has been evident and a budget increase is asked for 1958 for library service in South Attleboro. The village is a growing community and deserves better library facilities than at present are available.
LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
Building upkeep was given considerable attention this year. The major im- provements in the Main Building were as follows:
Fluorescent lights were hung in two reading rooms, two offices, the area housing the public catalogs and the circulation desk, and a basement workroom.
The toilets for library patrons were completely remodeled and modern plum- bing was installed.
A bubbler was leased for public use.
A telephone inter-communication system from the circulation desk to the Music Room was installed.
Hardwood floors in Main Building were sanded and varnished.
New Equipment included a Children's Room card catalog and two office chairs. Hebronville branch exterior was renovated.
41
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
During 1958, from the point of view of the Librarian, primary projects for Main Building improvements should be:
Pointing the front of the building.
New front drainage system.
Painting and repairing of all exterior window sills.
Repair of side entrance to Library.
Improved lighting over front and side doors.
WORK WITH CHILDREN
The effectiveness and popularity of the Children's Room was again demonstrated by an increased circulation. The trend to reading in scientific fields was greatly re- flected in statistics and every effort is being made to purchase new materials in this field. The Summer Story hour for the 5 to 8 year old group deserves particular men- tion this year as there was an average attendance of 60 at the Thursday morning meet- ings, July 18-August 29.
The wear and tear of constant use has caused the Children's Room to show signs of wear. The condition of the furniture is quite bad. Tables are warped and unsteady and the chairs in some cases are a seating menace. Our future community leaders deserve better facilities and it is hoped that something can be done in the near future to begin replacing some of the furniture with more modern equipment.
REACHING READERS
If the Library has confidence in its resources and potentialities then it has the responsibility to publicize its wares as widely as possible. The Children's Room as noted above had a tremendously successful summer story hour. There was also a summer reading club which awarded 26 certificates. The Children's Librarian spoke twice before local groups, and there were special exhibits and class visits to the library.
To reach adult readers the Library engaged in the following activities:
Contributed material on a weekly basis to the Attleboro Sun which generously gave the library space on all occasions; observed the 50th anniversary of the library building; arranged ever changing exhibitions in the foyer; participated in the Kiwanis Flower Show; issued book lists; and published information pamphlets on the Library.
PERSONNEL
There has been considerable change in personnel during 1957. At the first of the year Mr. Rowell Waller became Librarian upon the retirement of Mrs. Lucile P. Cavender.
42.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
There were four other resignations for reasons of maternity or retirement. Miss Bertha Bigney retired as a junior assistant, having been associated with the library for over 20 years. She was replaced by Mrs. Thelma Lantz. Mrs. Phyllis Thomsen left the position of Loan and Stack Supervisor and was succeded by Mrs. Phyllis Berdos. At the end of the year Mrs. Berdos left the Loan position and was replaced by Mrs. Mary Louise Newton.
Mrs. Alice Hoyle, a junior assistant, also retired at the end of the year having been with the Library for 11 years. Mrs. Frances Horton has been appointed to fill this vacancy. A new junior assistantship was created this year and Mrs. Mildred Leeburn came to the Library in this new position. Also Mrs. Helen Scholtes and Mrs. Winifred Williams were appointed as special part-time assistants.
Two staff members enrolled in correspondence courses in library service at the University of Utah and another attended the 1957 summer session at Simmons School of Library Service. The good results were immediately apparent and other staff members considered taking similar courses.
A new salary schedule has been requested in the 1958 budget to help boost the entire salary scale. Good library service presupposes qualified, trained personnel. Particularly in the lower paying positions has the salary been a deterrent in finding replacements.
GIFTS AND ENDOWMENTS
The Library is grateful for the 299 books received from its many friends. Of particular note this year was a collection of books from Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sweet and also from the G. Cornelius Baker estate. The Rotary Club of Attleboro made a substantial contribution to the Children's Room in donating funds for the purchase of a Denoyer-Geppert globe of the world. This example of public spiritedness is note- worthy. It may well cause other groups and organizations to take up the Library's cause.
The Attleboro Public Library also should not forget to mention its lasting appre- ciation of the endowment funds of which it has been the recipient in past years, and its hope that as time goes on the Library may be remembered by other citizens who wish to make a permanent contribution to the educational welfare of this city.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wish to express my thanks to you, the Board of Trustees, for your unfailing support in this my first year as your Librarian. The work has been stimulating and the results encouraging to. me. I also would like to commend the staff and the building custodian for the contribution each has made to the work and effectiveness of the Li- brary as a whole.
Respectfully submitted,
Rowell Waller, Librarian
43.
Annual Report
Report of the Library continued-
STATISTICS IN FORM RECOMMENDED BY THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATI Annual Report for year ending December 31, 1957
Name of Library -- Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial
City -- Attleboro
State -- Massachusetts
Name of Librarian -- Rowell L. Waller
Date of Founding -- 1885
Population served -- 24, 870 (U. S. Census 1955)
What government unit served -- city
Terms of use -- Free lending
Free reference
Total number of agencies -- 12
Central Library, 4 Branches, 1 Hospital Service, 6 School Deposits 291
Number of days open during the year
Hours open each week for lending
Hours of service per week required of staff
37 1/2
BOOK STOCK
Number of volumes at beginning of year
75,503
Number of volumes added during year 2,440
2
Number of volumes withdrawn during year Total number of volumes at end of year
74,164
Number of newspapers currently received
8
Number of periodicals currently received
345
Number of music records added
344
Total number of music records
808
CIRCULATION AND USE
Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use 24,6.56
Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use
20,341
Number of books for children lent for home use
87,209
Total number of volumes lent for home use
132,206
Total number of music records lent for home use
1,053
REGISTRATION
Total number of registered card-holders
7,856
Length of registration period is 3 years
44.
60
Number of volumes lost and returned during year
3,781
Annual Report
Report of the Library continued-
CITY APPROPRIATION
Salaries and Wages ·- Appropriated
$41,050.00
General Expenses
17,062.00 $58,112. 00
Expended
Salaries
$33,121. 03
Wages (Part-time)
6,602. 32
$39,723. 35
General Expenses
Books
$ 6,475. 35
Fuel
1,128.80
Light
1,047.75
Phone
304. 70
Building
2,649. 29
Bindery
960. 88
Hebronville
858. 88
South Attleboro
232. 25
Tiffany
91. 70
Washington
223.08
Printing
120. 14
Postage
137. 72
Trucking
29.60
Carfares
5.90
Incidentals
178. 77
Office Supplies
871.31
Workmen's Compensation
46.69
Micro film
1,199.19
New Equipment
500.00
$17,062. 00
Returned to City Treasurer
Salaries and Wages
$1,326. 65
Expended from invested Library Funds$9,098. 02
TRUSTEES
Edwin F. Leach, President
Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Secretary
Raymond F. Horton, Treasurer
Mrs. Lewis Chilson
Mrs. Arthur Conro
Mrs. William Gregory Frederick V. Murphy, Jr. George Nerney Leland H. Smith
45.
Annual Report
Report of Library continued-
STAFF
Rowell L. Waller, Librarian
Dorothy I. Hannaford, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger Marion B. Moore, Senior Assistant A Alice I. Kingman, Senior Assistant B Edna Guillette, Children's Librarian
Phyllis Berdos, Loan & Stack Super - visor
Alice M. Hoyle, Junior Assistant A Mary Lou Newton, Junior Assistant B Thelma Lantz, Junior Assistant C Mildred Leeburn, Junior Assistant D
PART TIME ASSISTANTS
Frances Anderson Virginia Bonner
Judith Matthews
Dorothy Robinson
Frances Horton
Caroline Rowell
Patricia Hutchinson
Helen Scholtes
Suzanne Isele
Eleanor Scott
Eleanor Stewart
Mary Laird Joan Lemire
Janet Whitfield Winifred Williams
SENIOR BUILDING CUSTODIAN
Herman P. Isele
46.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CITY TREASURER 1957
To the Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor Members of the Municipal Council:
The Treasury Department herewith presents for your approval its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1957.
It was necessary to borrow in Anticipation of Tax Revenue. However, the city was saved many dollars in interest as our revenue account had been bolstered by receipts from the sale of Veterans' Houses in late December of 1956.
As the year ended this office received a Burroughs Typing Sensematic payroll machine to be used on the 1958 payrolls. It is hoped that this device will be of service to both the individual and this department since one of its by-productstis a stub for each check listing in detail the various deductions of each pay period. Enclosed is a report in detail of City Finances for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Very truly yours,
Edward J. Healey, City Treasurer
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT as of DECEMBER 31, 1957
CASH ON HAND -December 31, 1957
$394, 946. 35
RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR OF 1957
TAXES: Levy of 1957
Poll
12,608.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
233,030. 70
Personal
147,247. 19
Real Estate
2,117,281.15
Farm Animal Excise
457. 78
47.
Annual Report
Report of the City Treasurer continued-
Levy of 1954-1955-1956
Poll
98.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
76,428. 44
Personal
1,480.70
Real Estate
77,810.90
2,666,442.86
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS:
Curbing Sidewalks Sewers
6,248.11
6,417. 57
10,227.69
22,893.37
PUBLIC SERVICES - WATER DEPARTMENT:
Water
262,679.41
Pipe and Labor
34,266. 43
296,945. 84
GENERAL GOVERNMENT: COLLECTOR:
Cost on Taxes
1,772.10
Cost on Water
235.38
2,007. 48
INTEREST:
On Water
310. 48
On Taxes
2,440. 55
Committed
1,125. 82
Betterments
33,58
3,910. 43
PARKING METER RECEIPTS:
Street Parking
18,936.03
Off-Street Parking
2,820. 34
21,756.37
CURRENT TAX PAYMENTS:
(Withholding)
216,439. 49
216,439. 49
SCHOOL LUNCH: U. S. D. A. :
48,508. 32
48,508.32
SCHOOL LUNCH RECEIPTS:
110,715. 16
110,715. 16
SCHOOL ATHLETIC RECEIPTS:
4,433.82
4,433. 82
CHARITIES:
General Relief
Individual Board & Care
168.35
From Cities & Towns
6,588.39
From the State
14,438. 77
48.
Annual Report
Report of the City Treasurer continued-
CHARITIES continued-
Old Age Assistance
From Cities & Towns 1957 1956 From the State
4,124. 25 25. 47 177,557.08
Aid to Dependent Children
From the State
20,618.01
Disability:
From the State
17,979.87
Disability Administration
From the State
272. 38
Transportation Aid
From the State
161. 17
241,933. 74
HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
Trailer Rentals
5,964.00
Dental Clinic Fees
279.85
Licenses
390. 00
From the State
1,602. 85
From the State-Contagious Diseases
814. 05
9,050.75
SCHOOLS:
Tuition
8,716.91
Sale of Books & Supplies
160. 63
Bus Tickets
7.45
Use of Buildings
555.00
Transportation Aid from State
17. 60
All Other
847. 12
10,304. 71
GRANTS & GIFTS: FEDERAL
Old Age Assistance
170,401. 47
Old Age Assistance Administration
7,837. 55
Aid to Dependent Children
24,479. 95
Aid to Dependent Children Adm.
5,733.67
Disability
11,218.13
Disability Administration
544. 77
220,215. 54
FROM THE STATE:
Director of Standards
450.00
Snow Removal for P. W. D.
251. 75
Commissioner of Vets. ' Services
30,179. 40
Civil Defense Agency
7,168. 70
49.
Annual Report
Report of the City Treasurer continued-
FROM THE STATE continued-
Gasoline Refund Account
743.05
Meal Tax- Old Age Assistance
10,099. 62 206.14
Reimbursement for Loss of Taxes
Vocational Education
14,247. 51
Income Tax-School Aid-Spec. Classes
6,007. 41
Income Tax
54,228.22
Corp. Ta - Business
244,595. 83
School Aid-Chapt. 70
135,089. 60
School Aid-Chapt. 645
26,312. 97
Smith Hughes-Geo. Barden Acct.
278.00
Transportation of Pupils
8,419. 21
Miscellaneous 1
6.00
538,283.41
PROTECTION OF PERSONS & PROPERTY:
Sealer of Weights & Measures
Sealing Fees -
151.50
Licenses
10.00
Police Department
Bicycle Registrations
75.00
Gun Permits
176.50
Fire Department
Building Permits
2,850.00
Permits for storage of gas,
L. P. gas, oil; installing of oil burners; blasting
195.00
3,458.00
COURT FINES:
987. 03
987. 03
BRISTOL COUNTY DOG FUND:
2,679. 41
2,679. 41
FOR CAPRON PARK:
Concession
300. 00
Restitution for damage
199. 50
499. 50
LIBRARY:
Fines
1,079.47
All Other
126.83
1,206.30
FROM ATTLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Interest on Passbook #10735
136.28
Payment in lieu of Taxes
3,348. 00
3,484. 28
1
50.
Annual Report
Report of the City Treasurer continued-
TRANSFER, OF FUNDS TO CITY GENERAL ACCOUNT:
From Trust Funds
4,775.00 4,775.00
LICENSES:
Liquor
15,240.00
Dog
3,598. 60
All Other
1,779.50
20,618. 10
PERMITS:
Gas & Ammunition, Signs,
Marriages & All Other
832. 40
832. 40
FEES:
Recording of Mortgages,
Copying of Records, and All Other
3,554.48
3,554.48
RECOVERIES:
Old Age Assistance
7,076.82
Aid to Depend. Children
1,073.75
Disability Assistance
1,159. 86
9,310. 43
REFUNDS:
Vets' Benefits
1,478.95
Old Age Assistance
1,557. 55
Aid to Depend. Children
77. 70
Disability Assistance
204. 85
General Relief
1,174. 93
4,493.98
OTHER REFUNDS:
From Insurance Companies for Damage Claims
32,602. 03
From N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co. for Park Dept.
226.32
Overpayment of Teachers' Wages
4,456.59
Miscellaneous
170. 26
37,455. 20
TAX TITLE REDEMPTIONS:
Title
5,345.05
Interest
316.22
Deed
67.00
Recording of Deed
94.00
5,822.27
SALE OF TAX POSSESSIONS:
Possession
3,845.00
Tax
75. 15
Deed
24.00
Recording of Deed
32. 50
3,976.65
0
51.
Annual Report
Report of City Treasurer continued-
SALE OF CITY OWNED LAND:
Sold for:
600. 00
Tax Stamps
1,55
Deed
3.00
Recording of Deed
3.50
608. 05
ALL OTHER GENERAL REVENUE:
Public Property
926.00
Highways:
Use of Streets
25.00
Repairing of Fences
43.05
Rental Algonquin Gas Co.
200.00
Permits for Fishing in Orr's Pond
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