USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1926-1929 > Part 20
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Sealer of Weights and Measures :
The present salary' is $350.00. . We believe this salary inade- quate, in view of the increased work thrown upon this officer, . and recommend that his salary be increased to $400.00 per annum and that he should receive, in addition thereto, his necessary expenses in the conduct of his office.
Inspector of Wires:
The present salary is $300.00 per annum. This Committee recommends no change.
Tree Warden and Moth Department :
The Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent now receives for these combined duties pay at the rate of $33.00 per week. This Committee recommends that the same be increased to $35.00 per week.
Board of Health :
The present salaries are as follows :
Chairman Members (two) Nurse
$75.00 per annum 50.00 per annum
1500.00 per annum
Car Allowance 200.00 per annum
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Inspector of Slaughtering
200.00 per annum
Inspector of Animals
Inspector of Plumbing
350.00 per annum 2.00 per inspection.
This Committee recommends no change in any of these salaries, except as to the compensation of the Inspector of Plumbing, which this Committee recommends be increased from $2.00 per inspection to $3.00 per inspection.
This Committee learns, however, that the Milk Inspector whose salary was formerly fixed at $75.00 per annum, resigned some years ago, since which time he has been carrying on as Acting Milk Inspector without compensation. It seems to us that the office should be recreated, the salary to remain as previously fixed.
Charities :
The present 'salaries are as follows :
Matron
$900.00 per annum
Town Physician
150.00 per annum
This Committee recommends no change in these salaries.
Library :
The present salaries are as follows :
Librarian $1800.00 per annum
Assistant Librarian 1303.92 per annum
Assistant Librarian (Children) 1200.00 per annum
Assistant Librarian ( Ballardvale) 100.00 per annum
This Committee recommends that these salaries be increased as follows :
· ·Librarian
$2000.00 per annum
Assistant Librarian
1400.00 per annum *
Assistant Librarian (Children) 1300.00 per annum
Assistant Librarian (Ballardvale) 150.00 per annum
This Committee feels that these salaries should not be con- sidered as final, but should be adjusted in the future from time to time as changes are warranted in the discretion of the Trustees.
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,
Spring Grove Cemetery :
The present salary of the Superintendent is $1500.00 per annum. This Committee recommends that his salary be in- creased to $1800.00 per annum.
School Department :
This Committee recommends that the School Committee's suggestion of an increase in the maximum salaries of the grade teachers from the present maximum of $1500.00 be increased to a maximum of $1600.00 and that the present maximum for . high school teachers be increased from the present maximum of $1800.00 to a maximum of $1900.00; these increases to in no way interfere with or curtail additional salaries paid to such as act as principals of the several grade schools, or such as shall be entitled to further increase beyond these maximums for extra professional study in accordance with the established policy of the School Committee.
This: Committee feels that salaries paid to the Superintendent of Schools and certain teachers in the high school must be left to the School Committee to act upon with a free hand at such times as occasion shall require, and we, therefore, make no re- commendations in regard to such salaries.
Board of Public Works:
The present salary of the Superintendent of Board of Public Works, which includes the water, sewer, street, and public parks departments, is now $3800.00. His work is onerous, and in our opinion capably performed. We approve of the suggestion made by the Board of Public Works and recommend that the salary of that official be increased to $4000.00 per annum.
This Committee makes no recommendation in regard to any increases in the salaries or pay of the employees of that de- partment as that matter is entirely in the hands of, and must be left with, the Board of Public: Works.
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Clerks, Janitors, and other Employees :
This Committee attempts to make no recommendations as to the pay of the various clerks, janitors, and other employees of the Town in its several departments, feeling that inasmuch as all such are appointed by, and answerable to, the respective heads of those departments who define and fix their individual duties, the matter of determining their fair and proper compensation must of necessity be left to such employing departments, rather than to this Committee which is bound to be more or less un- informed as to the merits of each individual case.
Conclusion :
This Committee estimates that were all of the increases herein recommended to be adopted by the Town, the same would involve an additional expenditure by the Town over that now established of about $10,000.00.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES C. SOUTER E. V. FRENCH E. BARTON CHAPIN FRED H. EATON MYRON H. CLARK
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-
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF ANDOVER
During the past year the Planning Board has very largely confined its activities to the development of a zoning scheme. At the last annual town meeting an appropriation of $1200.00 was voted so that this work, including the preparation of a map embodying the recommendations of the Committee, might be properly presented to the town.
After careful consideration, the firm of Morse & Dickinson of Haverhill, Mass. was retained for engineering and advisory purposes. As they were at work both on the Playstead develop- ment and the preparation of assessing maps, this concern was very familiar with the town's problems. We have found them very sympathetic and helpful, and willing to co-operate to the fullest extent. We wish to express our appreciation of the efforts of Mr. Goodwin who has represented Morse & Dickinson at our meetings.
Before the town meeting our zoning map will have been pre- sented to the voters at one or more public hearings. We realize that in spite of our most earnest efforts, local conditions may necessitate some changes in our scheme, and we wish to avail ourselves of the interest and knowledge of the whole community. Our one effort has been to provide for the wholesome future growth of our town. We believe this can be done with injury to no one, and benefit to the town as a whole. Our present problems are capable of satisfactory solution, and with the proper fore- sight the development will proceed in an orderly and attractive manner.
Sixty-four percent of the people in Massachusetts are living in towns or cities which have adopted some scheme of zoning. Many other towns and cities are preparing plans. The concensus
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of opinion is that this method of regulating community growth is beneficial to the health, comfort, safety, morals and general welfare of the people. For these reasons we hope that the town will adopt the zoning scheme as recommnded by the Committee.
Planning Board :
CHARLES H. FORBES, Chairman GRANVILLE K. CUTLER ROY M. HAYNES IRVING SOUTHWORTH R. E. HARDY, Secretary
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TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
NATHAN C. HAMBLIN
BURTON S. FLAGG
FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL
JOHN C. ANGUS
FREDERICK A. WILSON PHILIP F. RIPLEY CLAUDE M. FUESS
Chairman NATHAN C. HAMBLIN
Secretary and Treasurer FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL 4
Librarian . EDNA A. BROWN
Assistants
JULIA E. TWICHELL EDITH DONALD
In Charge of Junior Room AGATHA R. WADE
Assistant MARGARET D. MANNING
In Charge of Ballardvale Branch
MARTHA D. BYINGTON .
Janitor ARCHIBALD MACLAREN
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
The librarian's report adequately covers the activities of the past year. Since that report was submitted, an unusual gift has been received. The Woman's Relief Corps has presented two bronze tablets, one containing the Gettysburg Address of Pres- ident Lincoln, the other the First Memorial Day Order of General Logan. These tablets are given in honor of the veterans of the Civil War. They are most appropriate additions to our building.
Although the capacity of the building has been doubled, we estimate an increase of about one fourth in the cost of main- tenance. This is on the present basis of necessary expenditures. It does not take into account any increase in salaries for the staff nor an increased expenditure for books. We believe the salaries are too low. It is not commonly understood, perhaps, that the annual appropriation of the town is used for maintenance only, and that all book purchases are made from the income of invested funds. There is a constant demand for more books. We shall be glad to get them if the town sees fit to increase the appropria- tion.
The aim of the trustees is to have the library serve the citizens of Andover to the fullest extent. This aim is constantly in the minds of the members of the administrative staff. Any sugges- tions that will help to its attainment will be most welcome.
NATHAN C. HAMBLIN, Chairman FREDERICK A. WILSON FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL PHILIP F. RIPLEY
BURTON S. FLAGG CLAUDE M. FUESS JOHN C. ANGUS
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MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIPTS
Appropriation
$ 5000.00
Dog tax
834.22
Income from investments
4717.38
Fines
278.27
$10829.87
EXPENDITURES
Salaries
$ 6690.02
Lighting and heating
524.86
Periodicals
317.80
Bookbinding
507.27
Books
1523.86
Insurance
321.67
Labor
278.52
Librarian's office expenses
139.69
Typewriter
84.75
Water
9.41
Rent safe deposit box
12.50
Supplies
228.52
Rent, J. W. Barnard Est.
191.00
$10829.87
FREDERIC S. BOUTWELL, Treasurer
This is to certify that the Securities belonging to the Trustees of the Memorial Hall Library, and the income arising therefrom, have been checked and are found to be correct. All other items in the above statement are audited by the auditors elected by the Town of Andover, Mass.
BURTON S. FLAGG
PHILIP F. RIPLEY
Auditors
February 6, 1928
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4
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Memorial Hall Library:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith present the report of the library for the twelve months ending December 31, 1927.
The 28th of June, 1927, saw the library moving home, after an entire year spent in temporary quarters, and to a home so beautiful and so dignified that it is still, at the end of December, a matter of constant comment.
Getting settled, especially as belated workmen were still in the building, was no small matter, even though the actual moving itself went smoothly. There were two sets of books to sort to- gether; those which had been with us in our temporary rooms, and those which had been stored during the period of exile. To dovetail them neatly in the spaces allotted each class required careful planning. Everyone worked hard, and when the building was finally opened for inspection on the evening of July 8, things were approximately in place, and in running order for business the" next day.
That opening was one which neither the town nor the weary staff will forget. For two hours, throngs of delighted people wandered through a building which surpassed their highest ex- pectations. "First-comers went back to bring friends, and as the news spread, the crowd increased. Next day, the story was
123
repeated. Indeed, for weeks succeeding, parties arrived to see, exclaim and admire.
Not only our own people came to see the remodeled building, but many visitors from out of town. Librarians and library trustees from other places have been numerous, and generous have been their praise and their congratulations upon "Andover's ideal library." Two members of the State Library Commission inspected it by inches, and gave it their unqualified approval, saying that they considered it a "perfect example of remodeling." They expressed the wish that every librarian in Massachusetts might see it and be inspired by its beauty and convenience.
"Restful," "homelike" and "welcoming" are the adjectives most frequently applied to the main library, while the list of complimentary words is exhausted when visitors reach the junior room, with its floods of sunshine, its gay draperies, its low tables, chairs and bookshelves, and its crowds of happy users. One person returned from a visit of inspection with the comment : "That room is knee-deep with smiling children."
And when, on a stormy day, a fire burns on the library hearth, it is a keen enjoyment to see the expression of pleasure which comes over the faces of people as they enter from the wet or cold world without and see the flames flickering on the andirons, and see earlier arrivals with one eye on a book and the other on the fire. It is as though the spirit of home descended on a public place.
But people have done more than admire the library. They have used it. Our circulation for 1927 is 54,310 volumes, which is the largest record in the history of the library. And these figures are less than they would be, had it not been for the scarlet fever epidemic in June, which, closing the schools, closed also the junior room. This did not open again until after the removal to the Memorial Hall, a period of an entire month. The main library was also closed for two weeks while moving, so that the increased circulation under these handicaps, shows a remarkable record.
.
On December 31, 1926, every borrowers' card in the library, 4535 in number, was canceled and a new registration begun.
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In the twelve months just past, this fresh registration shows 3011 borrowers. As three years is the time limit always needed to indicate what proportion of any town uses its public lbrary, it is plain that our percentage is again to be large.
The reference work has been heavy. The added convenience and quiet of the new building is an inducement to students, who find the secluded alcoves exactly right for work. Every after- noon and evening sees them engaged with themes, required school reading, or with encyclopedias to consult. The section set apart for educational books is thoroughly appreciated by the teachers, and, for the first time, the art books are so placed that they may be used to the best advantage.
The younger children have not been slow to use their room for school work. Each day shows a crowd of eager boys and girls looking up topics in their own simpler reference books and asking help with their lessons. Many who have no quiet place at home to study, spend hours in the junior library.
During November, the children were interested in reading for the state certificates. There were 205 of these issued through the year, and five honor certificates. These latter mean that their winners have read 25 of the approved books on the state lists. The honor winners are Dorothy Boyce, Monica Coyle, William Page, Jennie Shameklis and Mariatta Tower.
During November, also, Miss Wade started a story hour which will continue throughout the winter. This is held on Saturday mornings in the junior room. There are few children who do not enjoy hearing stories told, and, through listening, are led to read worthwhile books. Interesting exhibitions have been arranged for the children in their glass case. Posters from Warsaw, Poland, attracted much attention at the opening of the library. Articles from Norway formed another exhibit; from Java, another, and still later, was a most interesting one of Indian relics and curiosities, including an Indian doll, some finely woven baskets, and a miniature totem pole from Alaska. The Christmas snow-scene arranged for the holidays proved a special attraction. Travelers in Europe during the summer remembered the junior library, and an educational exhibit of dressed dolls from other
125
lands has been started with Donald and Dugald, "our little Scotch . cousins," and Mari, "our little Norwegian cousin."
One much appreciated object in the junior room, the artistic model of the Santa Maria, was given by a person who wished to remain anonymous. This is an unusually beautiful model, and was made in Oberammergau. The window-baskets in this room, and also in the main reading-room are a source of enjoy- ment to everyone. The baskets are a part of the library furniture, but the plants and ferns were all gifts from garden-lovers, who have filled our sunny windows with summer beauty. The south- west alcove of the reading-room is especially attractive with all its flowering plants.
Interesting and valuable gifts have come our way during the year. First, we should mention the many flowers from all over town for the night of the library opening, and those other flowers which continued to come till gardens were no more. Miss Alice C. Jenkins presented to the Trustees' room a portrait of her father, E, Kendall Jenkins, who was on the original board of trustees and who served in that capacity, and later, as chairman, for fifty-two years. This portrait is a duplicate of one which was made at the request of the Salem Y. M. C. A. and hung in their building as an example of the type of man they wished their boys to be. Miss Jenkins also gave a copy of the Magna Charta, and the list of original contributors to the Memorial Hall, which had been kept by her father. The list was headed by the name of John F. Flint, with a gift of $100.
Mrs. Joseph W. Smith gave the junior library fourteen new books for children, some of which were fine illustrated editions. Gifts of books for both departments have been numerous, as may be seen from the list of givers.
When the library moved from its temporary quarters, what- ever furniture could be used at the Ballardvale branch, was taken there. The room has acquired a large and fully adequate card catalogue case, a standing bulletin board, a desk for the libra- rian, and several movable bookcases. The number of periodicals taken for the branch library has been increased by the addition of the "Literary Digest" and the "Woman's Home Companion.
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It is with reverent interest that visitors view the Memorial Hall, on the second floor, where every memorial feature has been left unchanged. By dint of quick work, this room was made available for the use of the G. A. R. on the 30th of May, and they held there their customary service. This hall, when it shall have seats provided, is capable of seating about 200 people. By the terms of its license, it may then be used for lectures or for meetings of an educational or cultural type, but for nothing of a social nature.
We have now an adequate building with ample space for books for years to come. The entire capacity is sixty thousand volumes, more than twice the number that we own at present. The steady use of the library is increasing the demand from the public for new books, and also increasing the bills for binding. Books cannot be used without wear. The only library which has small binding bills is the one which does not serve its patrons. To purchase yearly, sufficient new books to supply every demand except that for erotic fiction, is now our ambition. We have taken especial pains to buy new technical books, such as those on steam and electrical engineering, and have seen the men borrow then eagerly. Steps have also been taken to increase the collection of art books. The growing interest in philosophy and psychology has been recognized, and recent publications placed on our shelves.
One day in early December, an elderly gentleman was seen standing in the centre of the reading-room. Since he seemed a stranger, the librarian went to speak to him. He said that he came from Salem, and had stopped to see the library, attracted by its fine exterior. After being shown over the building, he remarked: "I am lost in wonder that Andover should have such a beautiful library. Many places four times the size have nothing like this to show. I know of but one other town library in Mass- achusetts which approaches this in beauty, either outside or in, and that is the remarkable building at Nahant, in which Henry Cabot Lodge was so much interested."
When he understood that the present structure was an old one, remodeled at one-third the cost of new construction, his wonder increased. Certainly, Andover has acquired among other towns
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a reputation for marked acumen and business ability, when, to use the exact words of one visitor, an important official in library work, it transformed with such economy, "one of the ugliest library buildings in New England into one of the most beautiful."
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA A. BROWN, Librarian
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.
STATISTICS OF THE LIBRARY
Number of books issued at the Memorial Hall
47163
Number of books issued at Ballardvale 7147
Total number borrowed for home use 54310
Number of borrowers' cards in use 3011
Books added by purchase 815
Books added by gift
262
Total additions
1077.
Books withdrawn, worn out, lost, etc.
128
Total number of books in library
26513
Volumes rebound
784
Volumes bound, periodicals, etc.
64
BALLARDVALE BRANCH
Number of books issued for home use
7147
Books added by purchase 68
Books added by gift 37
Total additions 105
Books now belonging to branch
2260
GIFTS
Gifts of books and pamphlets are acknowledged from state and government departments, from other libraries, from the A. V. I. S. the Cochewicke Campfire girls, and from the follow- ing individuals :
Miss F. E. Aldred; Rev. C. N. Bartlett; Mrs. H. D. Bloom-' bergh; E. T. Brewster; M. T. Byington; Miss J. B. Carpenter ; Miss Emily Carter ; Mrs. Gerard Chapin; Miss Abbie S. Davis ; Miss Annie Davis ; Miss Fonnie Davis ; Mrs. Valentine Fitzhugh ; Mrs. Georgia Freeman ; James C. Graham ; Mrs. Herbert Greene ; Rev. C. W. Henry ; Miss Alice C. Jenkins ; Miss Irene McCarthy ; Miss Evelyn D. Miller ; T. E. Mitton; C. L. Pack; George B. Ripley ; Mrs. Joseph W. Smith; Miss Mary Byers Smith ; L. F. Torrey ; Dr. Roger Tracy ; Miss Olive, Warden ; and Miss Rosalie Wood.
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HOW TO USE THE LIBRARY
The Memorial Hall Library is open every day except Sundays and holidays, from 9 to 12.30 in the morning, and from 3 to 9 in the afternoon and evening. The junior room is open from 3. to 8 p.m.
›Any resident of Andover may have a library card upon filling out 'an application blank. Any child who can write his name may have a card, but children in grades below the Punchard School are required to have their applications endorsed by both parent and teacher.
Children may borrow one book at a time. All grown people are allowed to take any reasonable number of books, provided that only one is a current magazine, and only one is a seven-day book.
Books are issued for fourteen days, the date upon which the book is due being stamped plainly on the "date due" slip at the time of issue. A book kept overtime incurs a fine of two cents for every day overdue. A few of the books most in demand are issued for seven days only. All these are labeled upon the book pocket, "Seven-day book." Books lost or damaged must be paid for.
· Seven-day books are not renewed nor reserved for anyone, nor may they be transferred from one card to another. They must be definitely returned to the library by each borrower, Other books may be renewed if no one else has asked for them, and if a work not fiction is especially desired for any serious purpose, notice of its return to the library will be sent on request.
· The shelves of the library are open to all grown people. The books are arranged according to subjects, and it is often much more satisfactory to go to the shelves and examine the books than to depend upon the catalogue.
The new books are listed at intervals in the weekly paper, and cumulated in the yearly library report, but the only complete
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record is the card catalogue. This catalogue is arranged alpha- betically like a dictionary.
The new books purchased each month are placed for some weeks in a special case, so that the most recent additions to the library may be found there. The library buys only a limited amount of new fiction but it tries to fill the wants of the com- munity in regard to other books desired. People are invited to suggest for purchase the titles of books they wish.
The library staff is always glad to answer questions or in any way to help visitors find what they want.
LIST OF PERIODICALS AND NEWSPAPERS TAKEN FOR THE READING ROOM
American city
American Legion monthly (gift)
American Mercury
American monthly Review of Reviews
Atlantic monthly
Blackwood's magazine
Bookman
Book review digest
Catholic world
Century
Christian Endeavor world (gift)
Country gentleman
Country life in America
Cumulative book index
Current history
Drama
Etude
Forum
Garden magazine and Home builder (gift)
Guide to nature (gift)
Harper's magazine
House beautiful (gift)
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Illustrated London News India rubber world International studio (gift) Ladies' home journal Libraries Library journal Life
Literary digest
Littell's living age
London weekly Times
Manchester weekly Guardian
Missionary review of the world
Nation
National geographic magazine
Nineteeth century
North American review
Outlook
Popular mechanics
Radio news
Readers' guide to periodical literature
Recreation
St. Nicholas
School arts magazine
Scientific American
Scribner's magazine
Survey
Textile world
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