USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1963 > Part 3
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Amount to be raised on Real Estate, Personal and Polls --- $ 3,807,584. 91
Less Amount raised on Polls 15,964.00
Net Amount to be raised by Taxation on Real and Personal- $ 3,791,620. 91
Total Taxable Valuation $55, 352, 130 00 x $68. 50 (Tax
Rate per Thousand) will raise $ 3,791,620. 91
Four new plats were made during the year by the Chairman of the Board of Assessors. The office now has 138 Plats. Eighty-four (84) plats was the total number that was in this office at the time the present Chairman was appointed. Only one of the number now existing was made outside of the office, the cost of which was $1, 400. 00.
Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Patrick J. Byrnes, Chairman Eloise M. Phelan.
30.
Annual Repor.
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1963
To the Honorable Cyril K. Brennan and the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
The year 1963 saw our hopes and plans realized in the completion of the new wing to the Library. The costs of the new wing and renovation of parts of the old building amounted to about $170, 000. 00. This added space will make room for about 47, 000 books in new stack area, three offices and a four passenger elevator. It will allow the rearranging of our whole set up in a more efficient and logical position. In 1964 we hope to be able to renovate the north gallery on the second floor for public use and enlargement of the children's room.
Circulation dropped somewhat due to the work going on as the back of the building had to be ripped out and facilities were not convenient for usual library activities. Much praise is due the Staff for continuing to work efficiently during this period of chaos .
Our present book collection stands at 81, 040, -1778 having been added this year.
In order to better serve the community, the library is now open three nights a week, to take care of the increase in the amount of students using the facilities for study and reference work. This also requires more mat- erials and services. Discipline during these night periods was a problem, but has improved somewhat with the use of an Attleboro Police officer to lay down the law.
Work with the children continued to grow and much emphasis was placed on their activities. Some of the Branches declined a bit but this no doubt can be traced to previous phenominal growth which could not be sustained, but no doubt will return to a slower but steady position
The formal dedication of the new library wing was held on October 30th, with Mrs. Louise Hall Thorp as a speaker and a formal tea and reception held after the lecture.
May we take this opportunity to thank the many friends in the community for their interest and kindnesses to the Library with both their gifts and suggestions. From the wills of Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Sweet the Trustees received an amount of $10, 000. 00, which carried on the deep interest which the Sweet family have demonstrated toward the welfare and success of this institution. We share with the community a great loss. To the Attleboro Sun, Pawtucket Times and Station WARA we thank you for your cooperation. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation to our wonderful staff for their( devotion . and loyalty during a most trying period of reconstruction.
With the completion of new facilities the City of Attleboro is equipped to serve this community for a continued period, deserved by its patrons and an establishment of which they may be justly able to point to with pride.
For statistical material, you will find it ably handled in the Librarian's report, which you will find most interesting.
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library
31.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
The 1963 Annual Report of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial
It is with pleasure that I write this, the first annual report after the com- pletion of the long-awaited addition. It is true that we are still renovating parts of the old building but this will go on indefinitely as upkeep demands. Now the last carpenter and the last electrician have departed, and Attleboro has a fine, modern library structure.
STATISTICS
The City Council increased the budget by some $5, 200. 00 this year which helped defray some of the added costs of a larger building, increased expenses in heat, electricity and janitorial help. The City raises were also welcome and an incentive toward harder work. And work was certainly necessary to move books and undergo hardship with unheated stacks and the inconveniences of having the back ripped out of the old building. I point with praise to the Library Staff for its services during this period.
The circulation of books took a drop during the year after phenomenally increas- ing 11% from 1961 to 1962. The drop of 4 1/2% this year was due somewhat to the inconvenience of adult patrons during construction and the general drop of juvenile book borrowers noted below in the section under branches. The Library is apparent- ly reaching a curving off of the tremendous growth in book circulation. From 1956 through 1962 there was a total increase of 55%, But here is a challenge to our Library to again begin climbing perhaps at a slower rate toward greater service. It is noted however that the circulation of phonograph records shows a rise over the 1962 figure substantiating our idea of having current displays of records near the circulation desk in better view of patrons.
Other statistics are also good, as the present book collection stands at 81, 040 a rise of 1778 books for the year. The per capita expenditure per Attleboro citizen has risen to $2. 95, an excellent record and gain over previous years.
The Library is now open three nights weekly as an incentive for students and working people to come visit the Library. There has been a tremendous surge of students using the library in recent years, and a consequential rise in reference and research type questions and use of Library materials. The discipline problem resulting from this teen-age rush has greatly improved since the use of an Attleboro police officer to "sit in" each night.
In summary, while our circulation is down slightly from last year, I believe the quality of our service remains very high.
WORK WITH CHILDREN
While much of the main floor was torn up during the year the Children's depart- ment remained the same, and its activity continued to grow. This department r' showed a slight gain in circulation particularly in July and August when a combined registration of 300 boys and girls in both reading clubs swelled attendance and use of the room. Of this total 196 received diplomas at the August 29 program featuring Garret Van Wart of the Blue Hills Trailside Museum and his animal act.
32.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
Summer story hours attracted hundreds of listeners to four story hours and a film program. We were fortunate to have the services of Miss Ruth Bradley as story teller, a teacher at Briggs Corner School.
National Library Week was celebrated with two films, "Know your Library" and "Discovering the Library". Several hundred children made visits to this Special event. Two Christmas films were given featuring children's classics during the week before Christmas
For Book Week, November, 1963 there was the return engagement of Johnny Sisson and his Merry-Magic and puppet show. Some 300 children packed the auditorium for the two shows. Many classes visited the library during the week to see the fall display of Children's books.
Rapport with the School department was again evident this year when more classes than ever before (fifth and sixth grade principally) visited the Library for instruction from Miss Guilette in the use of the public catalog.
IN THE BRANCHES
Work with children tended to drop considerably this year for several reasons. At Tiffany School a shortage of library personnel at the main library forced a cut in library hours there. The deletion of the sixth grade there has also affected library use in recent years. The circulation is still good there, based on the number of hours the library is open.
Hebronville Branch which services Joseph Finberg School has also shown a drop in use. Finberg has recently lost its seventh grade class as potential readers.
South Attleboro Branch held its own this year with only a slight loss in circulation. Adult circulation here was over 30, 000.
The hospital book service of the Library does very well under the cap- able direction of Mrs. Thelma Lantz.
BOOK COLLECTION
There was considerable reorganization of the Library's book collection after the completion of the new stack area. All of the circulating books in science and applied science have been shifted from the front reading room on the left of the main door to the new stacks to allow expansion of the Library's reference collection and the establishment of a Teen Room. Hundreds of books especially selected for high school age students have been brought to- gether for the YOUNG ADULTS COLLECTION consisting already of some 600 titles. Other collections in the Teen Room include the college catalogs, career materials, reader's guide to periodicals and all encyclopedias, as well as a new circulating pocket book collection and display rack.
Another sizable shift resulted in the formation of the Genealogy Rooms of the Library. For the first time all information about Attleboro's history and genealogy are together in one room. Nearby is our general collection of family histories and Massachusetts town records and vital statistics.
33.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued
The back files of all magazines are now complete in one alphabetical arrange- ment in the new building. Heretofore these were scattered all over the building.
All in all the book collection is much less cluttered and far more accessible than before. There is no longer crowding of shelves and all stacks continued to be open to the public.
Wall maps featuring large scale details of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Narragansett Bay are now hanging at the end of the new stack areas (main floor and mezzanine levels. ) Two study carrels seating four have been placed in back of the main floor stack area for those wanting a quieter atmosphere for study.
BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT
Total costs connected with the new wing and the renovation of parts of the old building will run about $170, 000. The features of the new addition have been noted in last year's report and include a new stack area for 47, 000 books, three offices and a four passenger elevator. Some of the changes in the old building during the year include:
1. Complete rewiring of the old building.
2. Installation of motorized valves on many radiators. Radiator covers installed
3. As a safety factor glass floors were removed on the main floor stack and replaced with steel and vinyl tile cover. Installation of asbestos vinyl on wooden floors on stairs and other parts of original building. Many flourescent lights replace older type of fixtures.
4. Renovation of old catalog and order departments and conversion of these to public genealogy rooms.
5. Landscaping with evergreens entire Library grounds.
6. New motorized book lift connecting all three levels of stack for first time.
7. Repainting and professional decorating of entire main floor, including public rooms, Librarian's office, book stack walls and lower hall- ways on basement level.
8。 New metal staircases to boiler room.
Planned for 1964 are the renovation of the north gallery on the second floor for public use and possible renovation and enlargement of the Children's Room and Staff Room area.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
The public activities of the Library were necessarily kept to a minimum during the first half of 1963 due to the construction. Then came the shifting of some 50, 000 books and the rearrangement of the stack area and the main floor. Several events are described below:
1. For the third year the Library sponsored with the A. A. U. W. a children's book fair. Several hundred new spring publications were on view and the attendance showed a slight improvement over the preceding year.
34.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued
2. National Library Week activities included displays in down town bank windows and films on library subjects shown to hundreds of Attleboro children. The theme was "Reading- the Fifth Freedom - Enjoy it."
3. Many activities for children were held and are noted earlier in this report.
4. The formal dedication of the new library wing was held on October 30 in the Library auditorium. A large group of Library friends heard Mrs. Louise Hall Tharp, noted biographer, lecture on her friendship and acquaintance with libraries. A formal tea and re- ception for Mrs. Tharp and her husband followed. There were also tours of the library and displays of hundreds of new fall books.
5. Among the exhibits of the year was an important display of a collection of Indian relics and artifacts on loan from an Attleboro resident.
PERSONNEL
The staff remained constant during the year 1963 for the first time in several years. Thoug : at the end of the year Mrs. George Newton submitted her resignation for retirement effective the first of January, 1964. We view her departure with regret. Library assistants have all been busy during the year taking correspondence courses in library science. These are Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Lantz, Mrs. Leeburn and Mrs. Dow. Miss Barthlein has completed two courses towards her Masters Degree from the graduate library school of the University of Rhode Island.
The Librarian completed his second year as Treasurer of the Massa- chusetts Library Association as well as being an Instructor in Reference Work for the Extension Division of the University of Massachusetts and the Massa- chusetts Division of Library Extension.
There were frequent speaking engagements by Miss Edna Guillette, Children's Librarian and the Librarian. Mrs. Lantz continues as Secretary of the Old Dartmouth Library 'Club .
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The bequests of $10, 000 in the wills of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sweet to the custody of the Library Trustees was a splendid example of public genero- sity. Through the years Mr. and Mrs. Sweet have shown considerable interest in the library by their contributions and many kindnesses. They will be sadly missed.
There have been many gifts of books and periodical subscriptions to the Library as in previous years. The Attleboro Museum has lent the Library three of its paintings on long term loan. The coverage of Library events by Radio Station WARA, the Pawtucket Times and the Attleboro Sun has been ex- cellent.
35.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued
In April the Attleboro Gardeners contributed a check for $300. 00 (proceeds from their shrub sale) towards relandscaping the Library. The Trustees generously con- tributed a sum of money to complete the project.
In September the Library received a collection of 163 old photographs from Mr. William O. Sweet. The collection was given in memory of his father and will be known as the Frank R. Sweet Archive.
The Mayor, City Council, the Trustees and staff have all contributed substantially to the operation and support of the Library during the year. For all these kindnesses and bequests mentioned above I am exceedingly grateful.
In closing this report I should like to repeat my words at the dedication of the Library wing, as they apply to our future growth:
"Our new stacks give to all of us space to study mankind's accumulated knowledge in depth. We can now expand our book collection in subject areas that reflect our growing scientific curiosity; we can carry along with us the historic and social growth of our times. "
We look to 1964 as a year of continued improvement to the physical plant of the Library and the facilities and services to the public. With the backing of the citizens of Attleboro we pledge our finest efforts toward a stronger, better-read, better- informed Attleboro.
Respectfully submitted, Rowell L. Waller, Librarian
STATISTICS IN FORM RECOMMENDED BY THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Annual Report for year ending December 31, 1963.
Name of Library Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial City of Attleboro
Name of Librarian - Rowell L. Waller
Date of Founding- 1885
Population served 27118 (U. S. Census 1960)
What government unit served - City
Terms of use-
Free lending
Free for reference
Total number of agencies - 6
Central Library, 3 Branches, 1 Hospital Service, 1 school deposit Number of days open during the year 289
Hours open each week for lending 60
Hours of service per week required of staff 37 1/2
36.
Annual Report
BOOK STOCK
Number of volumes at beginning of year
79,262
Number of volumes added during year by purchase 2,447
Number of volumes added during year by gift and cataloged 150
Number of lost volumes returned during the year 13
Number of volumes withdrawn during year-
832
Total number of volumes at end of year 81,040
Number of newspapers currently received
11
Number of periodicals currently received-
253
Number of music records added 38
Total number of music records (cataloged) -- 842
CIRCULATION AND USE
Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use 34,244
Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use 27,049
Number of books for children lent for home use 125,759
Total number of volumes lent for home use- 187,052
Total number of music records lent for home use
2,871
Total number of films lent for home use 156
Total number of pictures lent for home use 2,656
REGISTRATION
Total number of registered card-holders
10,772
Length of registration period is 3 years
CITY APPROPRIATION
Salaries and Wages - Appropriated
$ 50,775.00
New Equipment
1,000.00
General Expenses
20,682.00
Expended
Salaries
43,425. 00
Wages (Part-time)
7,349.85
$ 50,774. 85
GeneralExpenses
Books
8,073.08
Fuel
1,800.00
Light
1,509.62
Phone
412. 16
Building
2,813.25
Bindery
1,222. 72
Hebronville
1,328.90
South Attleboro
1,376.52
Tiffany
120. 29
Printing
106.00
Postage
257. 29
Trucking
94.69
Carfares
49.69
Library of Congress Catalog Cards
261.07
Library Supplies
1,052.89
Workmen's Compensation
76.21
Microfilm
127. 62
$ 20,682. 00
37.
72,457. 00
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library Continued-
New Equipment
$ 999. 74
Returned to City Treasurer Salaries and Wages . 15
Expended from invested Trust Funds 7,614. 02
TOTAL EXPENDED
City Appropriation and Trust Funds
$80,070. 61
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1963
Leland B. Smith President
Mrs. Winthop Barden Secretary
Mrs. Arthur Conro Mrs. William Gregory Mrs. Philip F. Leach John A. MacDonald
Frederick V. Murphy, Jr. George E. Nerney
Raymond M. Horton Treasurer
LIBRARY STAFF (as of December 31, 1963)
Rowell L. Waller Librarian
Marion B. Moore Cataloger and Administrative Aide
Greta M. Dow
Junior Assistant A
Arline R. Barthlein Senior Assistant A
Thelma Lantz Junior Assistant B
Edna Guillette Children's Librarian
Mildred Leeburn Junior Assistant C
Mary Lou Newton
Senior Assistant B
Leona M. Vandenkerckhoven Junior Assistant D.
Eleanor B. Stewart Loan and Stack Supervisor
Linda Barber Beverly Bliven Virginia Bonner Marie Brennan
PART-TIME ASSISTANTS Gail Garechi Betty Reiss Dorothy Robinson Charles Sciolto
May C. Truesdale Janet Whitfield Jean Withers
Part-time Custodian, Raymond Audette Senior Building Custodian, Herman I. Isele
38.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM 1963
Board of Fire Engineers Attleboro Fire Department
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1963.
During the year a total of 813 service calls were made by this depart-
ment. These calls include periodic tests of boxes, tests made in conjunction with insurance engineers covering the numerous privately owned master boxes, sprinklers and fire detection equipment. We wish to call attention to the citizens of this city and all concerned that the City of Attleboro has more privately owned fire detection systems which are connected directly to the city fire alarm system than any other city or town of its size in New England. This has been accomplished by the excellent cooperation between this department, the fire department and the business people of Attleboro.
Listed below is a small portion of the work completed outside of the ord- inary maintenance of this department.
February 4 A new master box 1314 was installed and connected to the sprinkler system at the Sadler Bros., Co., Newport Avenue, South Attleboro.
February 11 Fire Alarm line extended on Newport Avenue to the new Holiday Inn Motel, master box 1324 was connected to our lines.
February 27 Master box 3141 Grace Baptist Church, North Main Street was installed and connected to our lines.
March 7 Numbers 3 and 8 circuits in South Attleboro were rerouted for better protection of that area.
March 26 Completed new line over the new Holden Street bridge and ex- tension to the Sisalkraft Plant.
April 1 Box 5152 Mechanic and Dennis Streets damaged by unknown truck, this box was beyond repair and had to be replaced with a new spare box. No insurance could be collected to cover cost of damages as offender was not known.
April 20
William S. King, Sr. retirement was effective as of this date.
April 22 Harold F. Wellman was named Acting Superintendent of Fire Alarm by Mayor Cyril K. Brennan, effective this date.
April 28
Amos B. Couture was transferred from fire department and named Acting Ass't. Electrician by Mayor Brennan, effective this date.
39.
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued
May 3 Underground cables installed for two master boxes at LaSalette Shrine.
May 9 Master boxes 6412 and 6413 Lasalette Shrine in service, connecting interior systems of new buildings to city system.
May 15 Line constructed and new street box 3152 installed at the junction of Wamsutra Road and Old Farmy Lane. Box 28 Knight and Webber Avenues remounted on pole, cleaned and tested.
June 3 Master box 6411 Lasalette Convent installed and connected to city system.
June 10 Started installation af lives on Read Street for new box locations.
June 15 Painted fire alarm oves and holders around the center of the city that are connected to the underground system.
June 31 New Street box 5313 Failed at the junction of Thacher and Patterson Streets.
August 1 New street box 3231 installed on existing line on Deanville Road.
August 13 Line constructed and new street box 5312 installed at the junction of Hawthorne Street aud Jewel Avenue.
August 26 New boxes were installed at two locations, box 5411 at the junction of Read Street and Pond Street and box 6221 at the junction of Pike Avenue and Harvey Road.
September 10 Box 613 on pole that was struck by an auto, minor damage was done to box, repaired, trolled on new pole and tested same.
Sept. 11 Installed new line to service Doward Sweet Mfg. , Co. , and the Well's Co. in the new industrial park on Wallow Blodet.
Sept. 18 Fire Alarm line completed on Read Street and connected to number 7 ( ircuit.
Sept. 19 New boxes were installed at two locations on Read Street, box 5412 at Read Street and Morse Avenue and box 5413 at Read Street and Vine Street.
Sept. 27 New fire alarm line constructed on Thurber Avenue to the junction of Oak Hill Avenue.
Oct. 2 Replaced old type box 416 with new style box.
Oct. 13 Box 511 County Street and Riverbank Road knocked over by hit and run driver.
Oct. 14 Box 511 repaired and restored to service, parts and material used from spare stock.
40.
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued
Oct. 16 New master box 3118 Howard Sweet Mfg., Co. , installed and connected to the interior system.
Oct. 23 New street box 2411 Thurber Avenue at camp grounds in service.
Oct. 24 New street box 2412 Thurber and Oak Hill Avenue in service.
Oct. 28 New line constructed on Rocklawn Avenue to Powderhouse Road.
Oct. 30 New street box 5242 installed at the above location.
Nov. 6 Fire Alarm line extended on County Street from Captain Courtois Drive to Rice Street.
Nov. 22 New street box 5341 installed at above location.
Dec. 27 Received underground cable to replace present cable between fire alarm headquarters and County Square. Work on this project will start as soon as the telephone company install new duct lines from Park and South Main Streets to the junction of County and Thacher Streets.
In concluding this report, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the Members of the Municipal Council, the Board of Fire Engineers and all other departments whom have been helpful to this depart- ment during the year. To William S. (Bill) King my sincere thanks for the fine leadership while he was head of this department and the best of health during his retirement.
Respectfully submitted Harold F, Wellman Acting Superintendent of Fire Alarm
41.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES 1963
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council:
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