USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1960 > Part 2
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Other Object
3
2
1
Overturned in Roadway
6
5
1.
Ran Off Roadway
32
2
21
10
Other Non-Collision
2
1
1
385
3
257
126
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS
NUMBER OF INJURIES
MONTH
Total Acc.
Fatal Acc.
Inj. Prop. Acc. Dam.
Total Inj.
Fatal Inje
Severe Inj.
Inj.
Inj.
Ped. Inj.
Jan.
37
0
19
18
26
0
9
17
0
2
Feb.
23
0
16
7
27
0
10
17
0
3
March
29
0
19
10
25
0
6
19
0
4
April
25
0
19
6
25
0
10
15
0
3
May
33
0
21
12
31
0
10
21
3
1
June
36
0
31
5
55
0
19
36
2
3
July
23
1
14
9
20
1
4
16
0
1
August
28
0
20
8
33
0
6
27
3
2
Sept.
32
0
22
10
30
0
7
23
0
5
Oct.
27
0
16
11
21
0
2
19
3
2
Nov.
39
1
28
10
43
1
10
33
0
3
Dec.
53
1
32
20
61
2
7
54
0
2
385
3 257
126
397
4
100
297
11
31
12.
Minor Bike
Annual Report
Report of the Police Department
PERSONNEL CHANGES-1960
APPOINTMENTS
Thomas L. Birch as Temporary Appointee Norman E. Lyle as Temporary Appointee
Robert W. Chace as Temporary Appointee
April li, 1960 May 5, 1960 August 17, 1960
RETIRED
Lieutenant Frank Mckay
January 31, 1960
RESIGNED
Alfred DeLutis Armand W. Pelletier David Hutchinson
March 1, 1960 May 28, 1960 August 13, 1960
PROMOTIONS
Raymond K. Parmenter Jr. , from Reserve Patrolman John F. Mello from Reserve Patrolman to Patrolman John W. Hardt from Sergeant to Lieutenant
May 8, 1960
September 11, 1960 October 31, 1960
INSPECTOR'S DIVISION
The Inspector's Division of the Attleboro Police Department under the super- vision of Inspector Ervin W. Crook reports that during the year 1960 the follow- ing crimes were cleared through arrest-these are crimes which must be reported to the FBI for their statistical analysis on a nationwide basis. Many other crimes, of course, were cleared by arrest by the Inspector's Division:
RAPE- 1 BURGLARY 37
LARCENY (over $50)-15
AUTO THEFT -- 12
LARCENY (under $50)- 33
13.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT 1960
To: His Honor, The Mayor and Municipal Council:
Your Fire Department submits their Annual Report for the year 1960 and recommendations for the year 1961.
The Department has responded to the following alarms:
Assembly Calls
8
Alarms By Boxes.
,109
Still Alarms.
745
862
CLASSIFICATION
Accidental Alarms
38
Oil Burner (power) 7
Automatic Sprinklers
27
Oil Burner (range)
7
Automobiles
39
Old Lumber
6
Bomb Scare
1
Out of City
1
Broken Water Pipes
3
Overhaul
2
Brush
342
Parades
2
Buildings
55
Refrigerators
4
Chimneys
9
Rescue Animals
8
Drowning
1
Rescue Persons
6
Dumps
15
R. R Freight Cars
3
Electric Appliances
15
R. R Ties
4
Electric Motors
10
Rope in Flag Poles
7
Electric Wires
2
Rubbish
20
Extricate Person
1
Salvage
3
False Alarms
18
Syphon of Port. Pumps 10
Flood Pond
3
Grease in/on ovens
3
Flushing, Gas, Acid
24
Wood stove
1
Gain Entrance
31
Gasoline Engines
2
Total Calls:
854
Incinerators
6
& 8 Assembly
Inhalator
16
Calls
8
Investigations
42
862
No Fire
35
First Aid
22
Testing Water Pressure 3
14.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
Hose laid: 22,050 ft. 2 1/2"; 11, 850 ft. 1 1/2"; 10, 850 ft. brush fire hose.
Raised: 2,963 ft. ladders.
Used: 483 Boosters
327 Water Cans 13 Pyrenes
14 Portable pumps
3 Foamite
1 Dry Chemical 4 CO 2
Parades (Santa Claus- South Attleboro -2)
Out of City: 1 to Seekonk with boat.
16 Oxygen tanks used (other than ambulance).
FIRE LOSS
Value of Buildings at Risk
Value of Contents at Risk
$20,265, 452. 00 592,500. 00
$20, 857, 952. 00
Insurance on Buildings
$20, 444, 452. 00
Insurance on Contents
628,600. 00
$21, 073, 052. 00
Estimated Loss on Buildings
$ 101,677. 02
Estimated Loss on Contents
46,602. 31
$ 148,279. 33
Insurance Paid on Buildings $ 98,149. 02
Insurance Paid on Contents
42,301. 61
$ 140,450. 63
Loss Not Covered by Insurance $ 7, 828. 70
The loss not covered by insurance is due largely to the uninsured losses of $1, 200. 00 of the contents of occupants of a house on School Street and $3, 000. 00 loss to a Trailer Office and contents on Newport Avenue. The balance is in small uninsured amounts.
15.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
REPORT OF AMBULANCES FROM JANUARY 1, 1960 UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1961.
January
108 Calls
163 Gals. Gas Used
1358 Miles Traveled
February
102
141
11
11
11
1248
11
April
72
113
11
=
11
958
May
96
150
11
=
11
1128
11
June
76
11
125
11
=
11
1033
11
-
August
70
=
142
11
=
991
11
November
87
-
106
11
856
December
106
11
142
18
954
18
1071 Calls
1562 Gals. Gas Used
12467 Miles Traveled
HOURS OF SERVICE AND OXYGEN TANKS USED
January
121 Hours
31 Minutes
7 Oxygen Tanks
February
101
40
11
7
March
99
17
10
April
75
=
5
-
8
June
76
79
18
46
4
11
September
94
11
13
13
11
October
79
11
38
10
November
83
24
8
11
December
104
11
21
10
1070 Hours
50 Minutes
93 Oxygen Tanks
RECOMMENDATIONS
Listed below are the amounts the Board of Fire Engineer feel are proper for the different positions and ranks in the Fire Department for the year 1961.
Salary and Wages
1960
Recommended - 1961
1 Chief
$5800. 00
$ 7,000.00
3 Deputy Chiefs
4900. 00
17,066.00
9 Captains
4650.00
48,272. 00
1 Mechanic
4650. 00
5,326.00
66 Men
313,169. 25
11
11
1081
March
90
153
107
100
11
=
810
=
October
84
11
120
32
1
11
May
90
4
0
=
July
August
65
19
11
15
September
91
1139
=
=
=
911
July
89
=
16.
,
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
Salary and Wages
1960
Recommended - 1961
(Per day)
($11 50) ($11.13) ($10.75)
Sick Leave 669. 72
$3,000. 00
Maintenance of Equipment
Expended 1960
Recommended - 1961
Autos
$5996. 22
$6000. 00
Stations
3108,35
4.000. 00
Hose
1999. 50
3000. 00
Apparel
3919. 69
4000. 00
($50. 00 ea. )
All Other
456. 97
500. 00
Other Expenses
Light
$1203.69
$1500. 00
Telephone
1576. 24
1700. 00
Water
164. 61
225. 00
Fuel
3498. 08
4900. 00
Office
149. 95
150. 00
Medical
Out of State Conference
$ 200. 00
Repairs to Stations
$ 499. 41
$ 500.00
Out of State Conference
We recommend that $200. 00 be appropriated for the purpose.
REVENUE
Revenue from issuing permits amounted to: $ 191.00
(1 Fireworks Permit issued to City):
.00
$ 191.00
17.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
Brush and grass fires set by railroad (Settlement made by N. Y. New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company)
$1,014. 00
FIRE PREVENTION
The Officers and Men of the Attleboro Fire Department made 3, 000 inspec- tions during the past year. Schools, rest homes, kindergartens and hospitals are inspected monthly. Stores, business establishments and factories have re- ceived some inspections.
Many complaints have been received and investigated. Where hazards were found, the proper authorities were notified to rectify same.
This year a great deal more fire prevention work was done during Fire Pre- vention Week than ever before, with the help of the Mayor and the Committee he appointed for this work. Fine assistance was also given us by the Chamber of Commerce, the local insurance agencies, the newspapers, Radio Station WARA., the churches, various clubs and the hospital in making this fire prevention pro- gram the success it was.
The Deputy Chiefs made many inspections during Fire Prevention Week, aided by the Captains and Men of the Department. Harold Wellman, assisted by some of the Firefighters showed pictures to various groups. Films were shown in all the schools in the City.
If it were possible, we would recommend that all factories and mercantile buildings be inspected regularly. However, at the present time, we do not have the man power to do this.
The establishment of a Fire Prevention Bureau to have charge of all inspec - tions, with men assigned for daily checking, would do much to reduce the fire hazards.
AMBULANCES
The two Sturdy Memorial Hospital ambulances are operated by the Depart- ment, with men assigned from the Fire Department. They have answered many calls during the past year. We have received many fine compliments about the efficiency of the men on these ambulances.
The Department, however, is reduced two men at all times due to this assign- ment. To operate one ambulance on a seven day basis, it requires seven men out of this Department.
Often during the past year both ambulances have been in use at the same time. When this occurs, we are very short of men for fire fighting duty. Several times the two ambulances have been out on calls and a Chief's car has been used as an emergency ambulance.
18.
.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
Number of Calls 1071 (Increase of 200 calls over 1959)
Hours of Service 1070 Hours - 50 Minutes
Oxygen Tanks Used 93
AUTO ACCOUNT
This account has been very small for the number of motor equipment pieces in this Department that must be maintained. This account includes all repairs and replacements, also the gasoline account. If a new pumping engine is not pur- chased to replace Engine #3, a considerable amount of money will have to be spent to keep it in running condition. Parts cannot be purchased and have to be made. At least one truck will have to be overhauled during the coming year which will be an added expense. The Auto Account should be increased as recommended.
STATIONS ACCOUNT
The Stations Account is too small to make any major repairs. This account includes all supplies and equipment purchased, both at the stations and equipment on trucks. It has been used for the maintenance of radio equipment, as we do not have a radio account.
HOSE ACCOUNT
It will be necessary to appropriate more money in this account to purchase the same amount of hose as usual, due to increased prices.
APPAREL ACCOUNT
We recommend the Apparel Account be ($50. 00 ea. man)
(80 men ) $4000. 00
ALL OTHER ACCOUNT
The All Other Account we recommend to be $ 500. 00 In case of injuries or doctors bills. it will be necessary to request payments, as in the past, by special appropriation.
OTHER EXPENSE APPROPRIATION -
Light Account
We recommend the Light Account to be $1,500. 00
Telephone Account
We recommend the Telephone Account to be
$1,700. 00
19.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
Water Account
We recommend the Water Account to be $ 225.00
Fuel Account
We recommend the Fuel Account to be $4, 900. 00
Office Account
We recommend the Office Account to be $ 150. 00
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Board of Fire Engineers recommend that a new Fire Station be built at a new location on the West Side of the City and after such a station is built, the South Main Street Station could be abandoned. (A Bungalow Type Station).
2. We again recommend that consideration be given for an additional Fire Station in the South Attleboro section, nearer the state line where the City is growing very fast in homes and industry. The value of property in this location has increased greatly. We recommend securing a piece of land for this station.
3. We recommend that some means be found to supply water for fire pro- tection at the Cumberland Engineering warehouse and factory property The water supply here is very inadequate.
4. We recommend that a separate account be set up (either in the Fire De- partment or the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department) for a radio account. With all the radio equipment now in use, we feel there should be an account for radio expenses.
5. We recommend that new fire alarm boxes be installed in many locations, especially in new plats and where needed in growing locations, where boxes are few and far between.
6. We recommend that an appropriation be set up for sick leave. the same as was set up the last of this year. When men are out sick, we need this ac- count to hire off duty men to fill in on sickness. We feel this account should be $3,000. 00
REPAIRS
7. We recommend that an appropriation be made for repairs to the stations. It is much cheaper to keep stations in good repair at all times. $ 500. 00
20.
,
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued- '
NEW EQUIPMENT
8. We recommend that a new pumping Engine be purchased to replace Engine #3 which was purchased in 1926. This pump has broken down several times this year. It is very expensive for parts as they cannot be purchased and have to be made. This should be a 750 Gallon Per Minute Pump. Engine #3 is 34 years old, going on to 35 years. $21,000. 00
9. We recommend that a new Deputy Chief's Car be purchased. This car is
5 years old and needs replacing. $ 2,500. 00
10. We recommend that an appropriation should be made for the purchase of rubber coats. We want to replace the officers coats. $ 300. 00
11. We recommend that an appropriation be made for the purchase of 2 1/2" and 1 1/2" hose, also some forestry hose the same as other years. $ 3,000.00
12. We recommend the purchase of 2 Portable Radios (P-31-4) $600. 00 each $ 1,200. 00
13. We recommend that seven (7) new men be added to the Fire Department, to replace those now used on ambulance duty. We are supposed to have sixty- six (66) Fire Fighters in this Department. We only have the use of fifty-nine (59); the other seven (7) are used entirely for ambulance duty.
NEW EQUIPMENT APPROPRIATION
Rubber Coats 3 Smoke Ejectors Chief's Car
$ 299. 84 499. 50 2500. 00
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
Snow Storm Expense
Medical Expenses (John Keane)
$1294. 21 180. 00
APPRECIATION
We wish at this time to express our appreciation to all who aided and assisted us in the past year.
4
As always, the Police Department has co-operated and assisted us in perfor- mance of duties.
21.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
We thank His Honor, the Mayor, Cyril K. Brennan. members of the Municipal Council and the Police and Fire Committee for granting our requests to improve the Department for the protection of our Public.
ATTLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF ENGINEERS
Hiram R. Packard, Chief and Clerk Charles G. Thomae, Chairman Hayward H. Sweet Warren S. Hoyle
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 1960
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
The work of this department has been carried out in full, as required by state and local laws.
All stores, gas stations, fuel oil dealers, peddlers, scales, and equip- were inspected and the required seals were attached to correct findings. ment
Local licenses were issued and applications for County, State, and Special licenses were made out for the applicants and mailed to the Bureau of Standards in Boston for verification and completion.
Respectfully submitted, Joseph A. McGee
Sealer of Weights and Measures
22.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council
7,812
5,904
15,000
48,053,100 3,120,500
177,556. 45 $ 2,734,221. 39
15,624. 00
2,927,401. 84
10,744
328,163. 08 5,097,420.00
1603
24,730. 27
TOTAL VALUATIONS
Valuation of Taxable Real Estate-
Valuation of Non-Taxable Real Estate- Valuation of Taxable Personal Property
I Valuation of Non-Taxable Personal Property Tax Title Deeds to City-
Land of Low Value
1
8
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
B
1
1
1
1
Personal Property Tax- Real Estate Tax-
Poll Tax
Number of Cars assessed-
Total Valuation-
Total Tax Levied
Number of Adjustments on Motor Excise
Total amount of Adjustments-
-
-
B
0
B
A
0
F
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
I
I
0
8
Number of Acres of Land assessed-
Valuation of Taxable Real Estate-
Valuation of Taxable Personal Property-
TAXES LEVIED
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
9
1
1
1
1
A
1
2,291,300.00 9,020,945.00 3,120,500.00
57,220.00
445.00
$62,543,510. 00
1 9
1
0
0
-
1
1
1
1960
We submit herewith our annual report for the year 1960.
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
$
$
$
$
$
$
1
1
1
1
1
1
R
MOTOR EXCISE TAX
1
1
$48,053,100. 00
Total Valuation-Taxable and Non-Taxable
1
23.
11,432
Gentlemen:
0 I I Number of persons assessed on Real and Personal Property Number of Polls assessed- 1
Number of Houses assessed.
Annual Report
Report of the Board of Assessors continued-
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
1960 Budget and Appropriations
$4,274, 972. 80
1960 Amount Raised for State and County Taxes- 222,030. 76 1
1960 Overlay Account-
n
35,926. 25
Total Amount to be Raised 1 0
4,532,929. 81
Less Estimated Receipts-
1,605,527.97
Amount to be raised on Real Estate, Personal Property and Polls-
2,927,401.84
Less Amount Raised on Polls
15,624. 00
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Real Estate and Personal Property -- 2,911,777. 84
Total Taxable Valuation $51, 173, 600. 00 X $56. 90 (Tax Rate per thousand) will raise 2,911,777. 84
Seven new plats were made by the Assessors in 1960, at no added expense to the City. This demanded much extra work by the personnel of the entire office since all records covered by those plats had to be changed. It might be of interest to note that valuations having doubled over a period of time have increased the work load with no increase in the personnel in the past twenty-five years in this office.
Respectfully submitted,
Board of Assessors
Patrick J. Byrnes, Chairman
Eloise M. Phelan
Carl A. Nelson
24.
1
9
1
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT 1960
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
In compliance with the City Ordinance, the Annual Report for the Board of Public Welfare for year ending December 31, 1960, is herewith submitted.
After deducting amounts from the Federal Government, Cities, Towns, and the State, the net cost to the City of Attleboro, Massachusetts, for the Department of Public Welfare was $199, 669. 99 against a Total Expenditure for the entire year of $693, 953. 27.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for 1960 follows:
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Appropriated:
Refunds
$463,225. 00 4,519.87
TOTAL
$ 467, 744. 87
Expenditures: $ 693, 953. 27
Less Federal $ 233,952. 26
Expenditures from City Funds
BALANCE
$ 460, 001. 01 $ 7,743. 86
Salaries:
Appropriated
$ 22,314. 00
TOTAL
$ 22,314. 00
Expenditures $- 33,866. 81
Less Federal 11,552. 81
Expenditures from City Funds
$ 22,314.00
BALANCE
-$ 00,000. 00
Aid to Dependent Children
Appropriated
-$ 31,800. 00
Refunds
614.12
TOTAL
32, 414. 12 $
Expenditures
$ 70,968. 48
Less Federal $ 38,574. 36
Expenditures from City Funds
-$
32,394. 12
BALANCE
$
20.00
!
: 1
I
1
1
A
25.
-
Annual Report
Report of the Welfare Department continued-
Disability Assistance
Appropriated Additional Appropriation Refunds 1
$ 25,123. 00 7,000. 00 664. 53
TOTAL
$ 32,787. 53
Expenditures
-$48,033. 09
Less Federal
$15,399. 53
Expenditures from City Funds
BALANCE
$ 32,633. 56 $ 153. 97
Old Age Assistance
Appropriated
$288,000. 00
Refunds
1,496.82
TOTAL -
$289,496. 82 I
Expenditures
-$456,056. 91
Less Federal 8 0
166,572. 03
Expenditure from City Funds 1
$289, 484. 88
BALANCE
$
11. 94
1959 Bills
Appropriated
$
447. 10
TOTAL
447. 10
BALANCE
$ 000,00
Administration
Appropriated
-$ 3,328. 00
Expenditures
Telephone 1 1
$ 824.33
Office Supplies
1,569.09
Auto Maintenance
396.60
Transportation O. R. 1
26.62
Janitor Service
420. 00
Seeking Information
218. 01
Miscellaneous
3.00
Medical Consultant
600.00
Postage
1,062.00
TOTAL
$ 5,119.65
Less Federal
1,853.53
Expenditure from City Funds
-$
3,266.12
BALANCE
$
61. 88
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
I
9
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
i
I
1
0
1
1 1
1
1
1
1
I
1 1
I
8
1
1
I
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
26.
6
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
R
Annual Report
Report of the Welfare Department continued-
General Relief
Appropriated
$ 92,660/00
Refunds I
1,744.46 0
TOTAL
94,404. 40
Transfer to D. A.
7,000. 00
BALANCE
$ 87,404. 40
Expenditures
Weekly Cash -
44.015. 78
Rent, Board and Care
11,000.79
Clothing
337. 85
Fuel
404. 69
Medicine 1
18,688. 23
Towns, Cities and Institution -
4,612. 00
Transportation
444. 99
Miscellaneous
4. 00
Burial
400. 00
TOTAL
79,908. 33
79,908. 33
BALANCE
1 9
0
1
$ 7,496.07
Total Expenditures
$ 460,001.01
Less Money Received
Disability Administration $ 543.57
Old Age Assistance (State)
183,815.81
Aid to Dependent Children (State)- 21,358. 64
Disability Assistance (State)
20,966. 46
General Relief (State)-
22,569. 84
General Relief - O. A. Cities & Towns
$2,781. 77 $ 8,294. 93
11,076. 70
TOTAL
260,331. 02 $199,669. 99
Net Cost to City
$ 693, 953. 27
Total Expenditures
233,952. 26
Federal
260,331. 02
States, Cities & Towns
199,669. 99
City of Attleboro
Comparison of 1958, 1959, 1960
$ 693,953. 27
Total Expenditure
$ 708,049. 82
$233,140. 34 (32%)
231,381.64 (33%)
233,952. 26 (34%
Federal
State _ Cities and Towns
$266,853. 61 (37%)
257,137. 46 (36%)
260,331. 02 (38%
City of Attleboro
$208,055. 87 (31%)
216,070. 28 (31%)
199,669. 99 (28%
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
I
8
I
1
9
1
0
1
1
1
1 1
0
1
A
1
B
1
1
0
1
1
I
9
1
$704,589. 38
Board of Public Welfare J. K. Henderson, Chairman - P. J. Duffy -R. B. Pond
27.
5
İ
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1960
The Honorable Cyril K. Brennan Mayor of the City of Attleboro Members of the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
The first item one looks for in any report of operations is, "did you make a gain". Your Library is most happy to report that the year 1960 was the best in its history.
Circulation of books alone increased 9526 over last year. Cooperation with the schools helped in this acceleration. Reference studies added to the need for more classical and scientific material to cope with this greater demand and it is our hope that, in the coming year we may be able to add to this important classi- fication.
Emphasis on the juvenile requirements and desires was reflected in an in- crease of 6267 items this year from 5487 last year. Films and story tellers helped to interest the children and let them become acquainted with their Library and create a reading habit.
The number of registered borrowers increased as did the Teachers collections and the use of the picture collection. The fact that most every classroom in the schools have books borrowed from the Library accents the need for more books.
The Branches continue to be a useful and necessary adjunct to the main stem, and while no appreciable gain was recorded they held to about the regular level.
A coffee hour was held in the music and fine arts room with local designers and artists from our local industries, to demonstrate what their library had to offer in material that would be helpful to them.
A fire alarm system was installed in the main building for the protection of patrons and material, which was paid for from Trust Funds. General repairs and replacements followed the ordinary requirements.
The resignation of Mrs. Lewis Chilson from the Board of Trustees was regret- fully received. Her knowledge, judgement and devotion to her task was an inspiration to us all. Mr. John MacDonald was appointed to fill her vacancy.
The staff had few changes during the year.
28
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
It is always gratifying to any organization to be remembered by gifts, and the Library has been most fortunate in this respect. We wish to record here our deep appreciation to all who contributed so generously. Dr. Hanson and Dr. Pierce donated a projector magnifier for the use of patrons with impaired eyesight to help them see more clearly. The Robbins Company donated a silver bowl to the child who read the most books during the summer; a total of 83.
We wish to thank Radio Station W A R A , the Attleboro Sun, and the Pawtucket Times for their generous support and interest.
That the Library was able to record its best year in history was due to the ability, willingness and devotion of its staff. Our deep appreciation goes out to them and we hope that they may be rewarded, other than with words.
We look forward to 1961 with confidence.
Respectfully submitted, Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial, Ethel H. Barden, Secretary
29.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
The 1960 Annual Report of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial, is herewith presented:
It is very nearly impossible to access statistically all the work done by the Library in any one year. When statistics are kept of certain types of library service or procedures, there is at least tangible evidence to show the increased work load of the staff or the additional service to the public. However, much of the Library's work cannot be shown in statistics goes unheralded, unrecorded and often its importance is taken for granted.
Mention should be made of some of these uncounted and uncountable services. For example, a tremendous amount of assistance is given to Library patrons, young and old, answering their queries. There are questions on bibliographies, book lists, inter-library loan materials. There is a substantial reader's advisory service to the public. The total number of these requests, and questions, would reach well into the thousands.
Measuring the number of readers of magazines and newspapers or the number of people entering the Library would give other figures. During the recent Christ- mas holidays a spot check was made of the number of people in the building at 3:30 P. M. and there were sixty. Sometimes, if the picture or design is obscure enough, as many as twenty books are consulted to answer one research question. There is no record kept of the number of library materials actually used in the library but not circulated.
The compilation of statistics then for every wisp of library activity would be endless and still meaningless. Total library service and usage cannot ade- quately be chronicled but must be interpreted from observation and from what statistics are available. In the supplement to this report there is a table sum- mary of statistics, many of which have been utilized in the following sections of this report They give a strong clue to the amount of service rendered during the year, and tell part of the Library's story
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