USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1960-1962 > Part 5
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Present overcrowding affects the kind of service that we want to give. It takes little imagination to real- ize that the adult department is now getting the brunt of the population increase which earlier affected the Chil- dren's Room.
We are not so much concerned about the large num- ber of young people who use our library for this could really be a cause for rejoicing. We are concerned because the physical plant provides no quiet reading or study areas to which serious readers, old and young, can escape out of the traffic jam in the reading room and around the charging desk. We have no course under the circumstances but to take steps, even when it involves some denial of the li- brary, to preserve the rights of all library users, who seek in the library a place conducive to leisurely browsing, quiet reading and study. Any disciplinary action which we take is taken for that reason. Too often this fall, pro- fessional staff members have been two-third monitors and one-third librarians. We can not give the relaxed, thought- ful book and information service under these trying circum- stances .
The influx of young people who spill over into the main reading room every afternoon after school presents a problem which does not belong to the library alone. School administrators, counsellors and community leaders with whom we have talked recognize that this is also a parental and community responsibility. More recreational facilities after school and in the evening are not necessarily the only answer, although we are glad that extended study is being carried on along these lines.
This past year there has been greater amount of communication between the junior and senior high school staffs and the Memorial Hall Library than usual. We should like to see this continue and to have more of it. It is so easy to go our own ways in a busy world. We believe that more frequent meetings could help to increase the under- standing of our complimentary roles, to define better our areas of responsibility for materials and would result in better service, not only to boys and girls, but to faculty members as well. We should like to see developed a cooper- ative program of library instruction from the primary grades through senior high school.
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Continued growth forces a library to look at its methods and to modernize them when it will contribute to meeting the demands of increased use more effectively and efficiently. Last year we recommended the immediate in- stallation of a library card system and of a mechanized method for the charging out of library material. For a six months' trial period, we selected the Brodac circula- tion system, an automatic charging device using a trans- action card and working on the principal of heat reflection and absorption.
Library cards were put into use last May and two charging machines installed in June. Library users and staff members are to be congratulated on the quickness with which they adapted themselves to these revolutionary changes. The library public was remarkably enthusiastic. Borrowers like to feel that their library is keeping pace with the times. Any who feared that the machines might change a friendly service into a "faceless" operation had their fears allayed. The new system makes it more possible, rather than less, for staff to have time for personal service.
We are recommending the renewal of our contract for the rental of the machines for another year. We know after a limited experience that automation has helped to eliminate time-consuming and monotonous routines, reduce the number of errors, allow better allocation of staff and will make possible more economical handling of added use to come. At the end of another year, we shall be able to produce more useful comparative studies so that we shall be more intelligent in our future recommendations.
Total circulation declined this past year, al- though it can be fairly shown that much of the loss was a paper one. Indeed, if this does not seem too much of a paradox, we were in many ways busier than ever. Despite changes in loan periods and policy on renewals, we would probably have shown some loss, since many activities had to be curtailed; the Children's Room closed during its move to the top floor; and the library was often less than inviting because of construction dirt and noise. Greater efficiency would seem to justify such a circulation loss.
Yet at the same time our electric eye checked in 10,000 more visitors to our adult reading room than in 1959. There were more new borrowers, greater use of framed prints and films, more book loans to Chestnut Court, and Fanning Home, to junior and senior high school libraries and ex- panded hours of services at the South Elementary School Library.
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We anticipate that even with our present loan policy that circulation will increase in 1961.
Essential concentration on building and time- saving machines must never overshadow the library's central purpose which is to build a strong book collection and then to devise ways, through publicity, displays, personal en- thusiams and skillful guidance, which will result in its maximum use.
Every day people seek the library to choose books and other materials for self improvement, for a study group, to help improve performance on the job, to explore Zen Buddhism, to learn the peaceful uses of atomic energy, to redecorate a house or select a house design, to help set up an accounting system, to improve reading skills.
There is a kind of rhythm about a library year. A request for books on fly tying means January, for garden books and seed catalogs an approach to spring, for sports their own seasons. The school year brings its recurring requests for selections for a prize speaking contest or material for a graduation essay.
Each year the need to understand the meaning of our scientific age grows greater and so does the library's task in selecting books which accurately, yet in terms com- prehensible to laymen, explain the kaleidoscope of scien- tific and technical change.
Scientists often look down on popularizers, yet we need writers of the stature of Loren Eisley, C. P. Snow and Jacob Bronowski to help close the gap which exists be- tween the humanities and the sciences.
With a bequest which was to be used for the pur- chase of technical books, we bought two important encyclo- pedias: the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY and the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. Already these pub lications have proved useful to technical men and students. The biology collection has been strengthened through judi- cious weeding and the addition of up-to-date, authoritative replacements.
Our most ambitious activity of the year was the third annual observance of National Library Week. The loca theme THE LIBRARY MIRRORS THE COMMUNITY was carried out in a variety of ways, with the main event a display of Andover products in the library hall which was seen by about six hundred people, most of whom, were unaware of the variety of manufacturing being carried on in Andover. The library's story through pictures was impressively told in the Andover
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Townsman. Once again the main reading room was gay with flower arrangements provided by members of the Andover Garden Club. The temporary outside flood lights, origi- nally planned only for the week, proved so effective that they have been made a permanent installation.
Great Books, now in its ninth year, gives proof of the remarkable hold that this book centered discussion program has on its participants. A small group carried on a GREAT DECISIONS 1960 program with eight weekly discus- sions of pre-selected current issues. Special displays arranged by the library continued to focus on issues and events. £ Individuals loaned personal collections ranging from old banks to Irish art.
The international program EXPERIMENT IN INTER- NATIONAL LIVING brought seven boys and their leader to Andover for a few weeks stay. Special library cards were issued to them and most of the boys found their way to the library to borrow books and to look up material for articles commissioned by home papers.
A questionnaire sent out to a group of selected libraries in Massachusetts and throughout the country brought interesting information about salaries and work conditions, including benefit programs such as Blue Cross. We already knew that professional salaries are generally higher outside Massachusetts and the results of the ques- tionnaire confirmed our impressions. Perhaps more signifi- cant for us is the breakthrough in salaries going on in our own state with two libraries reporting recently adoption of beginning professional minimums of $4800.
Miss Nancy Pendlebury, a Simmons College Library School senior, did her practice work here in the spring. Apparently she liked what she found here since she joined the staff August 1 as a professional assistant.
We have had many requests for talks about the library and for book talks. Staff members have continued to serve on professional committees and to contribute to professional meetings. It is a high honor for this library that Miss Margaret Lane has been selected to give the 1962 Hewins lecture in a series established by Frederic G. Mel- cher in 1946 to develop original research in the field of children's literature in America.
This year's passage of a state aid bill for pub- lic libraries could mean much in restoring Massachusetts public libraries to the place that they once held in the nation. The bill provides general grants-in-aid to com- munities whose public libraries meet certain requirements
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and provides a general fund to enable the development of a statewide system of regional public libraries.
Expression of the interest of friends of the library took a variety of forms; personal service, gifts of money for memorial gifts, loans of hobby collections, flowers from gardens, and an outstanding gift of books by the Andover Council of Churches. One borrower showed originality by making some book display racks as his con- tribution to National Library Week.
Early in March we look forward to being at home to the Andover townspeople and all those who worked on or for the new addition. This will take the form of an open house, at which time there will be an appropriate dedica- tion of the new wing.
This report should properly end with a warm thank-you to members of the library staff for whom this has been a difficult year as they battled dust, noise and general inconvenience and yet who, despite all this, car- ried on effectively and cheerfully, contributing many imaginative ideas to the building project.
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1960 STATISTICS OF LIBRARY USE BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes at beginning of year
43,251
14,478
57,729
Volumes added by purchase
1,774
1,178
2,952
Volumes added by gift
122
14
136
Lost volumes found
4
4
Volumes lost or withdrawn
-657
-525
-1,182
44,490
15,149
59,639
Newspapers & magazines currently received Magazines received by gift
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USE
Adult books and other materials*
93,118
Children's books and other materials* Main Library & Branch
44,757
Elementary School Libraries
30,936
Total Circulation
168,811
The library wishes to call attention to the fact that in addition to books loaned through school libraries to indi- vidual boys and girls, 15,170 books belonging to the school libraries and the Memorial Hall Library were deposited in classrooms by the school libraries, with each book being used from one to twenty times.
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
New and re-registered
2335
646
2981
Total number of registered borrowers
4968
3033
8001
Circulation per capita (based on preliminary 1960 federal census figures - 15,878)
10.6
includes magazines, pamphlets, records, mounted pictures, film strips, slides, framed prints
The drop in circulation is largely accounted for by the introduction of the Brodac charging machines. Interests of efficiency dictated certain changes in methods of counting circulation and length of loan.
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182
75,693
borrowers 1960
Board of Public Welfare
The Board of Public Welfare submits the following report for the year 1960:
During 1960, a new form of aid, "Medical Assistance for the Aged", was set up, to be effective on October 1, 1960. This assistance provides medical care for persons sixty-five years of age or over, whose income and re- sources are insufficient to meet the cost of necessary medical services. The Federal Government contributes fifty per cent of the cost and the State two-thirds of the remainder. At the present time it is very uncertain what will happen to this program and how much it will cost, as the new Congress is already trying to change the bill. This form of assistance is very liberal, and it is impossible to estimate how many persons will become eli- gible for benefits, and how much to appropriate for 1961.
During 1960, our Old Age Assistance rolls decreased from 109 cases on January 1, 1960, to 92 cases on Decem- ber 31. Nine of these 109 cases were transferred to Medical Assistance for the Aged. In 1960 we collected $15,541.52 under the lien law from estates of former recipients of Old Age Assistance.
Under the Aid to Dependent Children law, we had seven cases at the start of the year, and five at the close of the year, while the Disability Assistance and General Relief programs have not shown much change, five cases being aided under the last two programs at the pres- ent time.
In 1960, we spent $83,898.70 out of an appropriation of $91,600.00, leaving a balance of $7,701.30 which will be returned to the town. The State will also refund to our Free Cash Account $52,572.70, reducing the cost of our assistance program to $31,326.00.
During the summer of 1959, Mr. Cole expressed a de- sire to retire as of January 1, 1960, but agreed to remain until January 1, 1961. An examination for his po- sition was held by the Civil Service Commission in Feb- ruary of 1960, and in October two men from Lowell were certified for the position. No one from Andover passed the examination. Mr. Francis Maguire of Lowell was appointed to the position on December 12, 1960, and started to work on December 19, only to give up the posi- tion on January 3, 1961. Mr. Cole, who had retired on December 31, 1960, agreed to return temporarily until other arrangements could be made.
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On January 3, 1961, the Selectmen met with Mr. War- shaw and Mr. Serio to discuss the responsibilities of the Board of Public Welfare, and the necessity for quick action in obtaining a new director for the department. The Selectmen agreed to give the Board a list of job responsibilities, and define their duties.
At this time we wish to thank Mr. Arthur Cole for the many years of valuable and competent service he has rendered to the town.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Serio, Chairman, Pauline A. Mayo, Thayer S. Warshaw.
Arthur W. Cole, Director.
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Annual Report of the Andover Housing Authority
The year 1960 was the tenth full year of occupancy of the Vet- eran's Housing Project Andover 200-1, and the first full year of occupancy of the new development, Housing for the Elderly, Project Andover 667-1. This was a year full of change for the Authority.
At the expiration of the term of Roy Russell, who had served on this board since March of 1955, David MacDonald, Jr. was welcomed as the new member at the Authority's first meeting after Town Meeting.
On April 15th, Mr. Ernest N. Hall resigned from the position of Executive Director, a post which he had filled since October 2, 1952. Before serving in this capacity, Mr. Hall had been a member of the Authority from their first organizational meeting in 1948, and he had made a valuable contribution to the continued progress and success of the Housing Authority. The Housing for the Elderly Project is cer- tainly a credit to the Town, and the work done by him in connection with its development was largely instrumental in making it so. The Housing Authority felt keenly his resignation.
On May 2nd of this year the Authority appointed James E. Manning to the position of Executive Director, the position he now holds. Mr. Manning has been employed by the Authority since August 19, 1950, and is the Authority's first and only person to work on a full-time basis, and he combines his former managerial duties with that of the execu- tive post.
The 200-1 Project had very few maintenance problems this year. In the fall, 460 window shades were replaced at a cost of $989.44, by the process of receiving bids for this work, as required by the State Housing Board. Over one-third of the interiors of the project units have been painted, by the tenants in some instances, and by project labor. Work is now underway to replace leaking steam traps.
Maintenance problems that will be corrected next year will be repairs to steps and sidewalks, continued replacement of leaking steam traps, and replacement of linoleum in a number of units, a nec- essary replacement in view of the hard usage given it during ten years of occupancy.
Vital Statistics. There are 56 apartments in the 200-1 Project, 34 two-bedroom units, 20 three-bedroom units, and 2 four-bedroom units. The established annual income limit, which is regulated by the State Housing Board, is,for families with one or less minor dependent, $4,500 .; two minor dependents, $4,700; Three or more minor dependents, $4,900.
The income allowed for continued occupancy, also
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regulated by the State Housing Board, is, for families with one or less minor dependent, $5,000 .; two minor dependents, $5,200 .; three or more minor dependents, $5,400.
The average monthly shelter rent is $49.00. To this is added, for utilities, a flat charge of $17.35, or #20.50, or $23.20 as the case bay be, depending on the size of the unit occupied.
The 667-1 Project is comprised of 40 one-bedroom units, a Recreation Hall, and two laundry rooms which are provided with coin-operated washers and dryers.
The Yearly income limits are for two persons, 65 years or older, $3,000 .; one person 65 years or older, $2,500. The average rent, including all utilities, garbage and trash collection, is $50.00.
The Recreation Room of Chestnut Court, the name by which the Housing for the Elderly development in known, has become more than just another room. The good people of Andover have taken it under their wing, so to speak, and have provided it with many comforts. Through the efforts of Dr. William V. Emmons and the trustees of the Andover Home for the Aged, the room has been completely and most tastefully furnished. The adjoining kitchen was equipped with dishes and other serving pieces by the Andover Mothers' Club. Other gifts include a piano given by Mrs. John Carver, TV set given by the Andover Service Club, electric wall clock by Mr. John Grecoe, three blue spruce trees by the Andover Village Improvement Society, and spring flowers planted and maintained by the Andover Spade and Trowel Club. The residents have been the honored guests at holiday parties given them by the November Club and the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. The Mem- orial Hall Library furnishes the room with a lending library, the books being changed on a monthly plan. Lest anything be left out, Dr. Emmons and the trustees as before mentioned, again seeing what was needed, had delivered at the door a new light-weight, easily man- euverable wheel chair, to be on hand when needed. It has been put to considerable use and is deeply appreciated.
The residents have recently formed an organization known as the Chestnut Court Associates, by-laws have been completed and adopted, and officers elected. Through this means they have become a self- governing body, a well integrated successful social unit, the indiv- idual character of which is the preservation of independence and co- operative purpose. Mr. Thomas P. Eldred, chairman of the Andover Housing Authority, presided at their first organizational meeting.
Mr. Robert Townsend superintends the Housing for the Elderly de- velopment, and maintains the high standard he has helped to establish. Mr. Raymond Hutchings, a resident, serves as Special Police Officer.
Twelve families have moved from the 200-1 Project and five fam- ilies have moved into larger apartments within the Project. In the
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667-1 Project, two persons have moved from the development, and the vacated units filled by new tenants. The Management Office keeps an extensive file of those wishing to apply for tenancy in either of the projects. As this report is being written, arrangements are being completed to come to the rescue with emergency housing for a young Andover family who suffered loss of their home and all its effects as the aftermath of a sweeping fire which occurred during the holi- day season.
The payment to the Town of Andover in lieu of taxes for the year 1960 was $1,876.00.
URBAN RENEWAL
In summary of the achievements and progress toward the goal of Urban Renewal in Andover, the Andover Housing Authority hereby re- ports to the citizens the following on Urban Renewal activity, 1960.
On May 25, 1960, United States Senator Leverett Saltonstall an- nounced approval of a $62,025. Federal Urban Renewal Planning Advance to the Town of Andover for Survey and Planning of the "Central And- over" Urban Renewal Project. In conjunction with this approval it was also announced that, in anticipation of Andover's requiring a Federal Capital Grant of Funds upon completion of planning, $514,700. had been reserved in Andover's name for the Project.
Following the Federal Urban Renewal Administration approval of Andover's Application for funds, the Andover Housing Authority, on behalf of the Andover community, executed, June 23, 1960, a "Contract for Planning Advance Funds" with the United States of America for a sum of $62,025. Under this Contract and for your personal informa- tion, the Urban Renewal Project in Andover will be further identified in the future by the Contract Number which is Urban Renewal Project Massachusetts R-22, which simply translated means it is the twenty- second Renewal Project in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts receiv- ing Federal Assistance.
On approval by the Federal Urban Renewal Administration of Plan- ning Funds, the Authority proceeded to select a Consultant to con- duct the surveys and prepare plans for the Andover Urban Renewal Project Area. The well-qualified and nationally outstanding Urban Renewal consulting firm of Candeub, Fleissig and Associates of Bos- ton, Mass. and Neward, New Jersey, was signed to a $16,000. plaming contract with the Authority on August 8, 1960.
Further, to administer the Urban Renewal activities for the And- over community, the Authority proceeded to select on October 10, 1960, Mr. James W. Franklin, an experienced and well-qualified Ur- ban Renewal Administrator to be the Director of Urban Renewal.
In the administrative management of the Urban Renewal activities, the Authority then selected and placed under Contract in October,
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1960, Mr. Fredric S. 0'Brien, Andover, Mass., to act as Legal Coun- sel, and Mr. Ralph Spector, Andover, Mass., to be Project Accountant.
Upon requisition to the Federal Government, in October, 1960, the Authority received an advance of $15,000. for project expenses to date.
The Authority takes further pride in reporting to the community that, at this time, one-third of the Consultants services are com- plete on survey and plans and there is under consideration for sel- ection an Acquisition Appraiser to value properties in the Project Area. Also, other competent appraisers are being contacted for the purpose of conducting an appraisal to extablish re-use sale price values of project land.
In the coming year, the Andover Housing Authority will continue to keep all informed and wants to call to your attention that should you have any question on Urban Renewal to contact Mr. Franklin at the Office of Urban Renewal, 66 Main Street, Andover, Mass., Tele- phone, GReenleaf 5-6553, or any Authority member.
Included with this report is a balance sheet reporting the assets and liabilities of the "Central Andover" Urban Renewal Project on December 31, 1960.
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Members of the Andover Housing Authority, as of December 31, 1960, are as follows:
Thomas P. Eldred, Chairman Harold E. Coleman, Vice-Chairman Thomas R. Wallace, Treasurer George A. Noury, Assistant-Treasurer David MacDonald, Assistant Secretary
James W. Franklin, Director of Urban Renewal
James E. Manning, Executive Director
A balance sheet and statement of operations for each project for the period ending December 31, 1960, is attached.
Respectfully submitted,
James E. Manning Executive Director
PROJECT 667-1 BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1960 Assets
Cash, Administration Fund
$11,032.01
Prepaid Insurance
771.42
Total Assets
$11,803.43
Liabilities, Reserves, & Surplus
Liabilities
Income Tax Withholdings - Federal
72.30
Income Tax Withholdings - State
10.10
Accounts Receivable - prepaid rents
216.50
Reserves
Provision for Operating Reserve
1,800.00
2,099.20
Surplus
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