USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 62
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24,013.42
24,013.42
Operation of Plant
104,100.00
109,777.66
109,777.66
Maintenance of Plant
52,100.00
34,380.68
34,380.68
Special Charges
34,400.00
30,128.26
30,128.26
Miscellaneous
15,000.00
14,845.67
14,845.67
Outlay
53,000.00
49,877.34
49,877.34
Debt Service
and Retirement
259,280.00
259,280.00
259,280.00
Total
$1,331,020.00
$1,331,020.00
$1,330,293.88 $726.12
Interest on Certificate of Deposits
$ 219,18
219,18
General Fund Accounts
205.48
12-31-68 $37,673.01 Bay State Bank -regular
205.48
savings account
12-31-68 $73,740.35.
Bay State Bank - 90 day
481.25
special notice account
488.89
12-31-68 $22,537.09 Arlington Trust Company daily interest account
473.61
215.28
100,000.00 to be taken from above ac- counts to reduce 1969 budget.
$3,209.57
completely by the Federal government.
The net total budget for 1969 is $935,037.00, after funds for reduction. It includes all costs of debt retirement and service, for construction and equipment, as well as the operation and mainten- ance of the school and its facilities.
The governing criteria for the assessments shown below is determined through October 1, 1968 enrollments.
Municipality
Percentage Share
Andover
Armed Services
None
School Rule Violations
None
North Andover
7.33 $ 68,518.37
Cash In
Expenditures
Budget share from communities CA 995,410.00
$1,330,293.88
School Building Assistance Bureau 62,260.00
Rentals, Productivity etc.
50,000.00
Clerk - Typist
20 Will finish
in 1969
These programs, for unemployed adults, l'estore people to the skilled labor market in our region and meet the needs of individuals as well as our commercial and industrial complex, locally. The costs of these programs are borne
212.33
488.89
33
Interest on Savings Accounts
Essex Savings Bank $ 406.97
Total in bank
$15,376.95
12-31-68
Community Savings Bank $ 419.86
Total in bank $16,700.71 12-31-68
The District Committee and administration extend their thanks and appreciation to the citi- zenry, industrial and municipal leaders and local school administrators for their encouragement and assistance in the many programs so necessary to development and progress of your region.
Library
Community use of the library is reflected in many civic and official groups.
The Memorial Hall Library as the public library of Andover and as a Sub-Regional center serving twenty-five libraries in northern Essex County, has continued the expansion of its ser- vices and facilities that began with the comple- tion of the new wing two years ago. Through opening up its collection to all borrowers who are residents of the state and providing such region- al services as interlibrary loan, seminars on im- proving public service, and in-depth reference services, the Memorial Hall Library continues to build its reputation for excellence and to expand that reputation over an increasingly wider area
and a broader spectrum of the general public.
This past year has been an extremely busy and fruitful one. The many additions of equip- ment, expansion of services, and changes in plant layout and personnel were all designed to im- prove the very basis for our existence-service to the public. This public now includes both citizens of Andover and of the wider region of which we are a significant part.
One of the most important steps taken this year was the decision of the Director, A. J. An- derson and the Board of Trustees to make the materials and services of the library available to all residents of the state who hold library cards with their local public library. This decision fol- lows in the tradition established by the Direc- tor's predecessor, Miss Miriam Putnam, who be- lieved that the library should strive to become a center of intellectual nourishment for all those in need, regardless of residence.
Public acceptance of library development in Andover is indicated by continually heavier use of library facilities. This is reflected in the sta- tistical portion, to be found elsewhere in the re- port. Suffice to say that general circulation sta- tistics for 1968 show an increase of 11% over 1967 figures and an increase of 29% over 1964 figures. In 1964 we had no interlibrary loan sys- tem functioning, while in 1968 we loaned 1,592 titles to other libraries and borrowed 271 titles from other libraries.
During the past year the Memorial Hall Library as a Sub-Regional Center has made stren- uous attempts to improve service and coopera- tion among its member libraries through a ser- ies of seminars and meetings. One such meeting early in the year considered ways to implement the various sections of the Arthur D. Little Re- port on Library Development in Massachusetts. The report deals with improved cooperation and envisions a library network involving all types of libraries. This and other meetings were instru- mental in establishing a Blue-Ribbon Commis- sion to study ways of applying the report's recommendations for library service in the state. Among other meetings held at Memorial Hall Library were ones on Public School Library co- operation and on furthering services between local public libraries within the regional system. In addition inter-library loan of books and related materials continue to show healthy increases, the circulation figures for 1968 showing better than a 50% increase over 1967 circulation.
34
Community use of the library is reflected in the many civic and official groups which come into the building every week seeking assistance on a wide variety of problems. The third-floor meeting rooms are booked for use almost every night and the Memorial Hall, spruced up with new drapes and curtains, continues to function as a local center for gatherings of all types. A number of local groups have put on art displays, utilizing the public areas in the new wing and the Andover Garden Club continues to provide floral displays to brighten up the circulation desk. The library was pleased to play host to the Great Books discussion groups last year and plans are being formulated to extend this service to a Junior Great Books Program, being initiated by the school system in Andover.
And speaking of schools, Memorial Hall Library has continued the pattern of close co- operation with the public school system started many years ago when the library assumed res- ponsibility for the school libraries. Though school libraries are now the responsibility of school officials, close contact is maintained with school librarians and administrators in order to insure that duplication of effort is kept to a minimum and that complimentary services are strengthened. Meetings with officials and faculty of the high school have taken place at the library and at the school to see where each system can most fruitfully help the other in furthering edu- cation in Andover. Further meetings are planned with other school officials in the near fu- ture. Local public and private schools continue to pay the library the compliment of requesting instruction in library resources. In 1968 students from West Junior High, Pike School and St. Augustine's paid visits to the library and received tours of the building and facilities. Memorial Hall Library extended its facilities to a special group on the problems of perceptual reading in children. This group, which trained tutors and parents to help children overcome reading dis- abilities, made use of the library's facilities for over three months in the latter part of the year.
Many new services have been added to the library this year. A microfilm Reader-Printer was installed early in the year. This machine en- ables prints of microfilm to be run off for use at home or elsewhere. Its popularity is attested to by the heavy use which students of all ages have made of this service. Microfilm holdings have been strengthened with the addition of many
titles in the fields of the sciences and education. An important step in the preservation of local history materials was the microfilming of the "Lawrence American and Andover Advertiser" covering the years 1853 to 1907 and the "Andover Townsman" in its entirety. For those patrons with vision problems, many large-print books were added and subscriptions to the large-print editions of "The New York Times" and "Read- er's Digest" started.
One of the most popular services is the new copier, which provides positive (black on white) copy at ten cents a page, a real boon to the busy student, housewife or businessman. Another in- novation which has helped to increase use of new books are the larger browsing units located just inside the front door. Many patrons are pleased to find the latest acquisitions in one convenient location. The adult reading room has been con- verted into a music room with the addition of two stereo sound units and large, convenient re- cord bins for browsing. In the Childrens Room new prints and interior painting have brightened up the place considerably and a family area has children's literature in both English and foreign languages. For young adults a new display case has been set up and the young adult non-fiction has been integrated with the rest of the collec- tion. It has been found that 90% of the titles read by young adults in non-fiction are ad ult material anyway and intergration will make it easier for everyone to find the books they need. Nursing home services continue with monthly visits made to the Andover Housing Project and the Hughes Nursing Home. To serve the busi- ness community more adequately, the business reference materials have been consolidated into one area and such services as "Value Line Invest- ment Survey" and "Draper, Sears Market & Stock Guides" are now provided.
During the past year over five hundred re- cords have been added to the collection, many of them spoken word and language records which make a welcome addition to the new music room. Over 8,000 new books have been added this year, a 25% increase over the number added last year. Many special series were selected such as the "Modern Library Series", a multi-volume work covering the world's great classics, the "National Cyclopedia of American Biography" and a vocational series titled "Your Future As .... ' which includes hundred of occupations. The de- signation of Memorial Hall Library to receive
35
both federal and state funds has meant that the citizens of Andover will have access to a collec- tion that has both depth and breadth over many subject fields. For those interested in fine art, the library has provided twenty-five new prints for general circulation, bringing its total print collection to over a hundred fine reproductions covering all periods of art.
Many improvements have been made to the building itself. A number of rooms were given fresh coats of paint during the summer, new car- peting and drapes were added in certain areas and some of the overhead lighting was improved. A brand new charging system, the Gaylord Sys- tem, was installed during the summer months and has speeded up the charging out of books considerably. However during peak periods of use there are often lines of patrons waiting to take out books, even though all machines are in operation to speed up service. Public demands still tax the resources and ingenuity of the library staff and improvements are constantly being sought in both building layout and personnel or- ganization.
A number of new personnel were added dur- ing the year. Most of these additions were re- placements for staff who had retired or had moved to other locations. New personnel added to the library staff were; R. B. Hubbs, Associate Director, Barbara DeMaio, Secretary, Donna Hadley, Library Assistant, Tseng-wen Shen, Catalog Librarian, Sara Bean and Gwendolyn Smith, Reference Librarians. The library faces this year the same problem of a shortage of pro- fessionally-trained personnel that plagues many public libraries throughout the country. The Memorial Hall Library intends to meet the de- mands of its public and to maintain its reputa- tion for service. This can only be done with quali- fied personnel which are in great demand every- where. The library is fortunate to have a dedi- cated and superior staff available and additions to this staff will be made as the situation and funds permit.
The Memorial Hall Library Board of Trus- tees announced the retirement of Mrs. Cornelia Fitts in October after many years of exemplary service to the library and to the community. It was also announced that Mrs. Bernice Warshaw and Mr. Ernest Costello have been chosen to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees.
The library as a social institution attempts to address itself to some of the vital public issues
of the day. During the year the "Kerner Report Study Group" on the effects of racism in American life has met continuously in the library and the "End the War in Vietnam Group" has also availed itself of the library's facilities. It is felt that the library should make its facilities available to all groups, regardless of how "con- troversial" they might be in their approach to public issues. The library should be a place where all thoughts may find expression, all liter- ature may be perused and all men of whatever expression may meet together to exchange view- points. The Library Bill of Rights states empha- tically that: "As an institution for democratic living the library should welcome the use of its meeting rooms for discussion of current public questions. Such meeting places should be avail- able to all groups in the community regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members." The Memorial Hall Library intends to live by that standard as closely as possible.
A number of problems from the past still intrude upon the development of effective library service in Andover. Parking has become an acute problem now that Northeast Airlines has taken a lease on property to the rear of the library. At present there is only space for five automobiles on library-owned property. This prob- lem is tied in with the larger question of park- ing facilities for the entire central business district and hopefully the problem will be resolved in this context. The library's position as an area resource center has meant a consider- able growth in the rate of acquisition of library materials of all types. The capacity of the building to absorb much more material may reach the critical point sometime in the next decade. It is pleasant to report the resolution of some other problems that have inhibited the pro- gress of the library. The student discipline situa- tion is now well in hand due to alert monitoring by college students specially hired for this pur- pose. The new charging system has speeded up service to patrons and re-registration of all bor- rowers has eliminated dated records and improved statistical control of library operations. Poor lighting and heating in the third floor has been corrected, which will make the meeting areas more congenial to the many civic and official groups which make use of these facilities. The recent conversion of the "Adult Reading Room" into the "Music Room" promises to turn what had become a little-used section of the library
36
into an area of great popularity with many library patrons. Indeed it was noticed that after the conversion many more people came in just to read or study than had appeared before the addition of the sound units and the record bins!
The past year has been one of steady growth and innovation in providing quality public
library service to the people of Andover and the surrounding area. As demands continue for ever more sophisticated levels of service and materi- als, the Memorial Hall Library will meet this challenge as it has in the past by combining the best of old traditions with the most effective of new techniques and materials.
LIBRARY STATISTICS 1968 ANNUAL REPORT
1964
1968
Percent Increase
Circulation*
160,295
207,151
29%
Books Added
4,064
8,785
115%
Book Stock
68,677
81,733
12%
Per Capita Books **
3.3
3.9
Per Capita Circulation **
7.7
10.0
INTERLIBRARY LOAN
Books Borrowed from other Libraries
118
271
Books loaned to other Libraries
139
1,592
ACTIVITY GROUPS
Story Hours
25
36
Pre-School Programs
36
34
School Class Visits
20
30
AUDIO VISUAL
Film Showings
103
255
Framed Print Loans
460
470
Records Added
151
515
REGISTERED BORROWERS
7,200
11,000
60%
PERSONNEL
Total Budget
$114,000
$209,000
Personal Services
84,000
137,000
Personnel as percent of Total Budget
74%
66%
Full Time Staff
13
14
Part Time Staff
26
29
Total
39
43
NOTE 1 Circulation figures for 1968 show an increase of 25,000 over
1967 figures. The 1967 figures show an increase of 21,000 over 1964 figures.
NOTE 2 Registered borrowers total 11,000 as of 1968. We have changed our registration system in June 1968 and culled much deadwood from the files.
* Includes magazines and pamphlets.
Based on 1965 census, 20,551 population.
37
Recreation
A teen center was the second program of consequence.
The two basic aims of the Recreation De- partment are to make available suitable areas and facilities for the leisure time needs of the people of Andover and to encourage and assist the peo- ple in taking full advantage of the areas and facilities provided. These two aims are consist- ent with practice wherever Recreation Programs are established.
Prior to 1964, the first aim was of primary concern to the Department. Outdoor facilities were used on a limited basis. Playground equip- ment was made inoperable when the playground staff was off duty. It was dismantled before and after the regular playground season. Indoor faci- lities, available to the Department, were almost non-existent.
The first project, in keeping with the first aim, was the development of the Andover Re- creation Park. The land was purchased early in 1963. The Director organized work parties to clean the building and land, drew plans for development and constituted a movement to pass a Special Article for $10,000 at the 1964 Town Meeting. The objective was to provide the people of Andover with a family area; one that could be used throughout the year; and one that would provide indoor as well as outdoor facilities.
The appropriation was large enough to pro- vide basic renovations to the building and basic improvements to the area. It was not large enough to contract the work. Providing a labor force was left to the organizational ability of the Director. It was also his responsibility to plan, direct and supervise all improvements.
From 1964 until this year it has been neces- sary for the department to emphasize facility development. In late 1967, three events made it possible to start changing the emphasis. These included the purchase of the nursery school on Iceland Road in Shawsheen, turning over pro- gramming of the Ballardvale Community Center to the Department, and changes in policy of the School Department to allow the Recreation De- partment greater latitude in use of school build-
ings. Because of these changes, the Department has been going through a transition during the year. Maintenance and development is being tak- en over by a department appropriately equipped for the job and activity areas are being utilized by the Recreation Department.
Several activities have developed during the year. The first was a basketball league for men over thirty. This started in February with six teams and approximately fifty players. When the new season started in December, the number of teams was increased to nine with a total partici- pation of over one hundred.
A teen center was the second program of consequence. The Student Activity Center started operation in May after a two month study by adults and teen agers. The program has main- tained an average attendance of over one hun- dred per evening through the Spring, Summer, and School Year. The flexibility of the building and the close association with the students in school have provided a good working relation- ship that was previously unobtainable. Through this relationship, it has been possible to schedule many activities suggested by the students. This has made it possible to serve many interests of many students rather than a stereotyped "teen dance program". Support by many private in- dividuals has demonstrated the interest by the public.
A third activity was an instructional tennis program. This was made possible by the comple- tion of the first, regulation, public tennis courts in many years. Although the courts were not completed until late in the season, public interest made it possible to schedule a short series of les- sons in October and November.
Other projects that the Director has worked to promote have included an Arts Council, Film Council, and the new Senior Citizens' Drop In and Information Center on Barnard Street.
Since 1964 when the Department had little to offer in the way of facilities, it has been pos- sible to promote a number of activities. They in- clude groups interested in badminton, drama, dance, art, singing, chess, bridge, investments, yoga, scouting, 4-H, physical fitness, skiing, go- carting, rug hooking and sculpturing as well as special events such as outings, parties, movies and teen dances. Along with summer activities such as softball, outdoor basketball and the traditional playground and swimming programs, participa- tion has more than quadrupled in the past five
38
years. Most of this would not have been possible had it not been for the emphasis on facility development.
Volunteer leadership was used in 90% of the activities during the year. The Program could not operate without this assistance. Although these volunteers are largely self-sufficient, they need support from the Department. This support can take many forms dependent upon the type of ac- tivity, meeting place and length of time the ac- tivity has been in operation. New activities, in their planning stages and first few months of operation, need proportionately more assistance. The more complex activities require prolonged help. All volunteers need occasional help and the knowledge that support is always available. Lack of this support can lead to deterioration of the activity.
During the year it has become very appar- ent that the number of activities operating in Andover need more assistance than the one-man Department can provide. It has proven physically
impossible for the Director to give attention to the detail work necessary for operation of exist- ing activities and still make the contacts and ar- rangements necessary for additional activities that have been requested. With the opportunity to change the emphasis of the Department must also come the personnel to implement the change.
Although the Activity Program was stressed in 1968 there was still need to consider develop- ment of facilities. Pomps Pond, the beach area and the waterfront buildings all must be given attention if the needs of the people are to be met. Growing interest in outdoor sports makes it necessary to consider development of new courts and fields or consider lighting existing ones to take advantage of evening hours. Buildings to house equipment were of primary concern as were more flexible buildings to house additional activities requested.
Much has been done in the past to achieve the aims set forth. With the growth of the Town, much can and must be accomplished in the future to meet growing demands
ANDOVER RECREATION AREAS
ANDOVER RECREATION PARK, 175 Abbot Street - 35 acres of land and 16 acre pond - winterized lodge - swimming - picknicking - playground - ball field - sledding - outings - horseshoe courts - sanitary facilities - drinking water.
BALLARDVALE PLAYGROUND, 164 Andover Street - 12 acres of land - summer fieldhouse - lighted all-purpose court - small softball diamond - playground - sanitary facil- ities - drinking water - all weather community building located nearby.
INDIAN RIDGE PLAYGROUND, 27 Cuba Street - 1 acre of land - playground - all-purpose field - sanitary facilities - drinking water.
SHAWSHEEN PLAYGROUND, Corner of Lowell Street and Iceland Road - approximately 1 acre - playground - sanitary facilities - drinking water - small meeting building.
OTHER AREAS used by the Recreation Department for specific activities:
CENTRAL SCHOOL PLAYGROUND, 36 Bartlet Street - playground - play fields - lighted all-purpose court - sanitary facilities - drinking water.
WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GROUND, 64 Beacon Street - playground - play fields - sani- tary facilities - drinking water.
GREATER LAWRENCE REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL, 51 River Road - soft- ball diamond.
PHILLIPS ACADEMY FIELD, 14 Bancroft Road - softball field.
SOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Andover Street and Woburn Street - softball fields.
ANDOVER EAST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, 36 Bartlet Street - badminton courts in gymnasium. ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL, Shawsheen Road - tennis courts.
39
Water Department
The 12" loop from Bancroft booster station was completed
The major construction in the water system in 1968 was the South Industrial Loop, 12,306 ft. of 12" main with appurtenances giving a fire flow of 2500 g.p.m. With a major sewer installation completed along with highway improvements, this area is now ready for extended industrial development.
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