USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1959 > Part 3
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1959
To the Park Commissioners Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my annual report as Superintendent of Parks for the year 1959.
Another year has passed in the history of Capron Park. It was filled with the usual pleasures and disappointments. We had the best skating in years in 1959. The rose gardens were never better They wintered remarkably well considering the severity of the winter. Shrubbery such as azaleas, viburnham, lilacs and so forth showed few ill effects, however, the rhododendrons suffered considerably but made a good comeback during the growing season. The lawns came through in excellent condition and with a good fertilizing in May and June flourished through the summer.
The rock garden plants, bulbs, and many of the perennials were winter- killed. This happened in almost every garden so that replacements were hard to obtain. A replanting program was started and will continue in 1960.
The attendance at the band concerts was the bes. ever. I feel that this is due in part to the music sheall and the excellence of the P. A. system but to an even greater extent to the quality of the music of the Attleboro Concert Band. In addition to the vocal solos there was also an instrumental solo at each concert and these soloists were very well received by the audiences.
The Zoo, as always, was the main attraction. Visitors come from miles around to enjoy our park. They visit the animals first, then the flower gardens and if they have children, the playground. During the summer a great many bring their basket lunches and picnic for the day or bring food and cook it in the fireplaces.
With the increase of leisure and longer life expectancy our facilities are inadequate. The anticipated increase of 60 million to our population by 1975- and naturally Attleboro will share in this increase - means that we should be adding:„ to instead of subtracting from our park and recreation areas. I recom- mend that some consideration be given to this phase of our living today. -
We are still in need of irrigation, hard top for our tennis courts, and more animals for our zoo. I have recommended these improvements and many more over the past years. These things are needed in this department as economy measures. With the increasing cost of labor and material any measure that would cut expensive maintenance means sound, smart and intelligent thinking.
33.
Annual Report
Report of the Park Department continued-
In defense of the charge that not much had been done in preparation of the land given by Mr. Albert Nickerson on South Avenue which was taken from the Park for a housing development for the aged I would like to offer the following information: 2, 000 man-hours of labor were put into a project to climb and trim 250 trees, remove 200 trees and stumps, cut and burn underbrush, dig out and remove 75 cubic yards of stone, and put up swings and other equipment. I also recommended warning signs so that motorists could watch out for children cros- sing to this playground area. All this was done along with our regular work with- out any additional funds.
I have recommended that all land under the care of the Park Commissioners be designated as "Park Land". This may stop this land encroachment. The next loss of land could be in Capron Park.
I would like at this time to publicly express my gratitude to the Mayor and Municipal Council for their consideration and cooperation. I would also like to thank the other department heads of the City for their help. I would like to ex- press my appreciation to my staff for their loyalty and willingness to assume extra tasks cheerfully. It is my sincere hope that we can continue to make Capron Park a source of pleasure and inspiration to the citizens of this community.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert W. Sharkey Superintendent
34.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1959
To Mayor Cyril K. Brennan and the City Council of Attleboro, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
It is most gratifying to report that the Library for the year 1959 reached the highest circulation in its history, 150, 640 books, plus 7239 in other material. It is interesting to note that the childrens' circulation surpassed the adult circula- tion, which in this era of Television is a surprise to most of us.
National Library week was a great success and we are deeply grateful to Mr. George Sweet Gibb, who chairmanned the affair and the L. G. Balfour Co. , the Attleboro Sun, Station WARA, the banks and stores who so willingly gave space for displays. Without their help we could not have succeeded.
The use of the Library is evident by the many requests by industry and refe- rence work required by students. This function does not appear in any of the sta- tistics, but is almost comparable with the circulation. Roughly 1/3 of the popu- lation are registered borrowers.
The branches have all had very successful contacts with their sections, South Attleboro alone used 30,180 books a gain of 4627 for the year.
The Librarian's report gives you a very interesting and detailed report for the year, so we will only try to bring out some of the high lights.
We are all, I am sure, aware of the limited space with which we have to work. It is hoped that very soon, funds may be made available to construct an addition to the present structure to more adequately care for the growing inventory and ser- vices. The library contains many rare books and articles which could never be replaced and with the Fire Chief we recommend that a sprinkler system be in- stalled as early as possible. We shudder to think what could happen.
We regret the loss of Mrs. Kingman to the Tax Department of the city as she had been with us for 29 years and had been a most valuable member of our staff. Otherwise our staff has remained stable. However, as vacancies appear, we find it most difficult to fill the positions due to the fact that our salary schedule does not come up to the requirements of the State Library Board. We hope that this condition may be given due consideration in our 1960 budget.
May we at this time express our deep appreciation for the gift of $15, 000 from the late John H. Harmstone. To the many who have given books and material, we say thank you for your thoughtfulness and interest.
35.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
We are proud of the Library's accomplishments and it is to our fine staff that we wish to give the credit. For their ability, generosity, patience and loyal- ty, we are most grateful.
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 1959 Annual Report of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial, is herewith presented:
In a small departure from the usual report form, I shall first discuss some of the highlights of the year at the Attleboro Public Library. These events have been singularly successful this past year in bringing the attention of the public to the fine resources of the Library.
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
The slogan for the second observance of Library Week, was again, "Wake Up And Read" for a "Better-Read, Better-Informed America". This phrase was driven home to millions of Americans by their local libraries. In Attleboro, the week of April 12-18 was an unqualified success. A committee of ten library patrons under the chairmanship of George Sweet Gibb planned a series of events unparalled in the history of the city. There was an essay contest for the best book report written in the high school English classes and awards were given by the L. G. Balfour Company. Daily during the week the Attleboro Sun ran a best-book-I-have-read series of articles written by well known Attleboreans. The Sun also featured important lead articles about the services of the Library to the public, with several pictures of students using the Library. There were book displays in the Library and in some sixteen stores and banks around the city. Radio Station W A R A donated time on several of its regular programs, for taped commentaries by the Librarian. The end result of National Library Week cannot be shown in neatly columned numbers. We do know that it served to introduce the library to many people who paused to look at an exhibit, and we are certain it brought many new faces into our Library.
CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
Children's Book Week, November 1-7 was the second big event of the year. It brought many children's groups - school classes, Brownies, etc. to the Li- brary. November 6 will long be remembered by the Library staff as the day 600 children heard and saw Don Coyote, his tales and puppet show, sponsored by the Library Trustees. Lines of children formed from the auditorium on the second floor down to the front lawn and finally almost to the end of the block.
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Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
An uncounted number of children were turned away as the public schools came en masse to the Library. The event made front page headlines, as never before had so many people invaded the staid old building. Mr. Coyote graciously gave two performances so that the maximum number of children could be accommodated. We hope to have Mr. Coyote return next year during Children's Book Week.
DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS
The Library displays this year have been unusually imaginative, due in large part to our staff artist, Mrs. Winifred Williams. Special displays were planned for every season of the year. Particularly beautiful was the year's Christmas display, enhanced by the loan of objects of art from the Collection of Dr. James Hasson, local art collector. The great Books Display, derived from a selected list of 100 best books selected by Clifton Fadiman, is on display in- definitely because we have loaned from it so many classics which would have otherwise lain idle in the stacks.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
The Attleboro Public Library became a member of the Chamber of Com- merce during the year, and the Librarian is a member of the Publications Com- mittee and has submitted two articles for publication.
The thousands of reference questions that the Library answers each year go unrecorded, but this does not minimize them as a very important adjunct of the Library's activities. Hundreds of students in the colleges and Attleboro schools receive guidance in preparing their special projects. Reference books, encyclo- pedias, maps, pamphlets and periodicals give answers in depth to all questions.
Other facilities of the Library continue to get increased use. The phono- graph record circulation was higher in 1959 and the use of the microfilm machine appears to be on the increase - possibly because more people are visiting the new Music and Fine Arts Department.
Attleboro industries, particularly the jewelry concerns, make considerable use of the picture collection of over 180, 000 items. A man from a local com- pany recently paid a fine of over $2. 00 on several overdue books. His remark on paying the fine, was that he had gotten an order of several thousand dollars from using the books and did not mind in the least paying. Numerous other ex- pressions of thanks come annually from the representatives of local industry. These social and cultural activities of the Library are some of the many ways a library communicates its community potential. Proof of its effectiveness as an educational and cultural agency can be shown through its circulation statistics.
CIRCULATION
Last year's circulation was the highest in the Library's history. The previous high was in 1932 when the circulation, swelled by depression reading (mostly fiction), was over 149, 000. 1959's total was 150, 640, a gain of 7, 751 over 1958. This also means that the Library's circulation has increased over 31, 000 in the last three year period. The people of Attleboro are certainly reading more and making a good use of their public library.
37.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
A second look at the annual statistical sheet reveals that juvenile circulation continued to increase at a faster rate than adult. This is typical but in circulation of adult books there is still a broad area for improvement. There were, however, more new adult registrations than juvenile, 834 to 488, or a total of 1322 new card holders in 1959. The Library now has 8596 registrations or roughly one third of Attleboreans use the Library.
The number of volumes in the Library is beginning to rise again after staying fairly stationary for several years. The total as of December 31, 1959 is 75, 470 and is a net gain of 885 for the year.
BUILDING
The third year of refurbishing and renovation of the Central Building began last spring when carpenters built 34 new shelves around the walls of the old music room on the second floor. Painters followed and gave the whole upper east wing and foyer coats of Wedgood blue and oyster white. The combination of the Greek architectural motif and the new colors is very effective. In the summer and fall the entire fine arts collection and the theater section were moved up to these new shelves and the room was renamed the Music and Fine Arts Department. The related subjects of music, dance, theater and the fine arts, architecture, painting, drawing and sculpture were brought together and patrons may now examine many books: on related subjects in one large area.
The entire science section was moved into the empty shelves vacated by the fine arts, in the east wing on the main floor. This room is now called the Science and Technical Room, as all books, magazines and related materials are shelved together in this room.
Other building improvements included the erection of new gutters and drains on the side wall next to the east corner of the building, and the repair of the bro- ken and crumbling sidewalks leading to the front entrance. An automatic electric eye was installed in the oil burner to improve the Library's heating system. New equipment included the purchase of three fire extinguishers and emergency light- ing equipment at every Library exit. Thirty-three new chairs were added to the Reading Rooms, replacing many old and patched "antiques".
Next year further improvements have been asked for the building including new furniture and an appropriation for a sprinkler system. The latter suggestion has been officially recommended to the Trustees by the city fire chief.
WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
It is gratifying to report the juvenile circulaton jump of 5, 581 for the year. Increased efforts were made during the year to bring in more children both at Central and at the branches. The Don Coyote visit during Children's Book Week as already noted was the peak of the year. But the day to day class visit by nearby schools are perhaps more rewarding to the staff because many children visit the
38.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
Library for the first time, take out new cards and become acquainted with the privilege of becoming a book borrower.
Collections sent to schools totalled 8603 books, a gain of 906 over 1958. A collection was sent to Briggs Corner School for the first time in several years and more books are on the way there in 1960 as this is the only contact with li- brary service available to most of these children in that neighborhood.
Summer story hours were held for six weeks during July and August. Atten- dance was less than the last two years, averaging about 20 a week. This is a more manageable group however. A greater degree of popularity was shown by the Summer Reading Club, which employed a professionally prepared reading project. Of the 63 children registered 11 received pins and 23 more received diplomas.
Other children's events included several record concerts for Brownie groups and a special film showing for participants in the Summer Reading Club.
BRANCHES
In the past few years many efforts have been made to make the branches more physically attractive and this year fluorescent lights were added to the Hebronville Branch and electric clocks were sent to Tiffany, Hebronville and South Attleboro. The major renovation came to South Attleboro Branch, which was somewhat enlarged last spring when six sections of bookshelves were added. This branch has become a very busy library with increased use by high school students and adults. The circulation showed an increase of 4627 for the year, or a total of 30, 180 books went out from the branch. To help meet this demand hundreds of fiction classics were sent from Central as well as a new set of the Dictionary of American Biography, Van Nostrand's Scientific Dictionary, and the 1959 Stateman's Yearbook and many other reference books. A 1960 edition of the World Book has been ordered for next February. The requests for up- to-date science material have probably tripled in the last year or so and consid- erable overhauling of this group is planned. The greatest need for the branch at present is a circulation desk adequate to handle the large volume of library service.
Circulation at Hebronville was up by 757 and Tiffany showed a loss of 332. These two branches average very nearly the same every year as they are both primarily school branches.
The Library's service at Sturdy Memorial Hospital continues to be popular, with a slight increase in use for the year. Mrs. Thelma Lantz, the librarian, makes two visits a week to the rooms of the patients, children and adults. Many gift subscriptions are given to the hospital library annually and the Library as always is grateful for this thoughtfulness of local businesses.
39.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
PERSONNEL
There were no changes in the regular personnel during 1959. At the year's end, however, Mrs. Alice Kingman, associated with the Library for 29 years sub- mitted her resignation as Senior Assistant A. She was elected City Tax Collector in the November elections. Her contribution to the Library has been considerable- both as supervisor of records and accounts and as South Attleboro Branch Librarian. We view her departure regretfully.
A general increase in salaries for all library personnnel was a highlight of the . 1959 budget. Further increases are being requested for 1960 as salaries in com- parable Massachusetts cities are considerably higher as indicated by statistics from the Massachusetts Division of Library Extension.
The new sick leave and vacation ordinances passed hy the City Council in Jan- uary affected library employees. All full time staff members were allowed 12 days of sick leave annually, cumulative to 60 days. Annual vacations for professional librarians remained four weeks as a result of a special amendment to the ordinance in April.
A new staff manual was completed in the summer setting down the rules and regulations of the library.
Six members of the staff are currently taking library extension or correspon- dence courses and the increased staff professional education continues to enrich the service to the public.
The Library served as host again this year to the Old Dartmouth Library Club. The Librarian is president. It was rewarding to have some 45 librarians, trustees and friends attend the meeting. Two professors from Wheaton College were the speakers.
Miss Beverly Arata from Endicott College was with the Library on a part- time basis from Thanksgiving to Christmas as part of her career internship and she was most capable and welcome.
The Librarian spoke before local groups and has also been active during the year on the Recruitment, Nominating and Program Committees of the Massachusetts Library Association.
GIFTS AND BEQUESTS
199 books were donated to the Library during the year. Of special note is the collection given by Mrs. Herbert Graetz.
The bequest of $15, 000. 00 by the late John H. Harmstone to the custody of the Library Trustees was a fine example of public spirited generosity. It is hoped that as the years pass other Attleboro citizens will wish to make a perma - nent contribution to the cultural and educational heritage of the city.
40.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1959 was a year of substantial progress in the history of the Library. Old records were broken while new goals were set. I give thanks to the many friends and patrons of the Library and to the newspapers for their excellent coverage and to the staff and to the Board of Trustees for their loyal support and backing. They have all contributed to this banner year of service. The 1960's offer increased opportunities to carry the word of the Library into Attleboro homes, schools and industries. The Attleboro Public Library looks forward with pleasure toward the further widening of its friendship with the people of Attleboro.
Respectfully submitted,
Rowell L. Waller Librarian
STATISTICS IN FORM RECOMMENDED BY THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Annual Report for year ending December 31, 1959
Name of Library - Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial
City - Attleboro
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 for reference
Total number of agencies - 12
Central Library, 3 Branches, 1 Hospital Service, 7 school deposits
288
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 74,587
Number of volumes added during year by purchase
2,377
Number of volumes added during year by gift and cataloged 199
Number of lost volumes returned during the year
7
Number of volumes withdrawn during year
1,700
Total number of volumes at end of year
75,470
Number of newspapers currently received
11
Number of periodicals currently received
268
Number of music records added
63
Total number of music records (cataloged)
709
Number of days open during the year
60
41.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
CIRCULATION AND USE
Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use
32,045
Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use 22,788
Number of booksfor children lent for home use 95,807
Total number of volumes lent for home use 150,640
Total number of music records lent for home use 1,600
Total number of films lent for home use
152
Total number of pictures for home use
5,487
REGISTRATION
Total number of registered card-holders
8,596
Length of registration period is 3 years
CITY APPROPRIATION
Salaries and Wages - Appropriated
$ 43,075.00
New Equipment
700.00
General Expenses
18,585.00
$ 62,360. 00
Expended
Salaries
$ 36,275.00
Wages (Part-time)
6,799. 91
$ 43,074. 91
General Expenses
Books
7,353.63
Fuel
1,200.00
Light
1,101.38
Phone
340.98
Building
2,987. 97
Bindery
1,155.66
Hebronville
441. 62
South Attleboro
1,456.83
Tiffany
89. 80
Printing
149. 80
Postage
225.50
Trucking
17. 97
Carfares
34. 63
Library of Congress Catalog Cards
174. 85
Office Supplies
1,078. 45
Workmen's Compensation
43. 60
Microfilm
732. 11
$18,584. 78
New Equipment
699. 81
42.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
Returned to City Treasurer Salaries and Wages . 09
Expended from invested Library Funds
5,365.15
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1959
Edwin F. Leach, President
Mrs. Lewis Chilson
Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Secretary
Mrs. Arthur Conro
Raymond M. Horton, Treasurer
Mrs. William Gregory George E. Nerney
Leland B. Smith
LIBRARY STAFF (as of December 31, 1959)
Rowell L. Waller Librarian
Marion B. Moore, Cataloger and Administrative aide
Mary Lou Newton, Loan and Stack Supervisor
Alice I. Kingman, Senior Assistant A
Frances Horton, Junior Assistant A
Dorothy I. Hannaford, Senior Assistant B
Edna Guillette, Children's Librarian
Eleanor B. Stewart, Junior Assistant B Thelma Lantz, Junior Assistant C
Mildred Leeburn, Junior Assistant D
PART-TIME ASSISTANTS
Sheryl Bender Virginia Bonner ChristineCGagner Suzanne Isele Joan Lemire Sandra Lyons
Betty Reiss Doroth y Robinson Caroline Rowell Janet Whitfield Winifred Williams
Jean Withers
Carolee Murray
SENIOR BUILDING CUSTODIAN
Herman P. Isele
43.
Frederick V. Murphy, Jr.
Annual report
REPORT OF THE STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1959
To the Board of Trustees and Members of the Corporation:
As we look back over the year 1959 we realize that much has been accomplished in expanding and improving our plant facilities. Also, definite steps have been taken to improve the "direct"service to the patients coming to us.
In spite of all that has been done there still remains much to do. The third floor of the old building, forward of the new pediatrics wing, must be renovated. We are anxious to provide a Meditation Room, where people seeking spiritual sol- ace may have quiet surroundings. Over in the maternity building we need to im- prove toilet facilities for the patients.
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