USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1937 > Part 9
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FRENCH'S COMMON
The Common was kept in good condition all sum- mer and dead leaves all raked up and burned in the fall. A new bubbler was erected near the Tennis Court. Bleachers were painted in spring and a new cement sand box erected.
HOLLIS FIELD
The Hollis Field was kept in good condition all summer. The Tennis Court that was made through WPA project was finished up this spring and put into
200
playing condition. The grass was cut and the base- ball diamond was in good condition all summer.
ADAMS STREET
Adams Street playground was kept in good con- dition all summer. The tennis court that was started a year ago was finished up in the spring. The baseball diamond was also put in good condition. The grass was cut and a new bubbler was erected.
WATSON PARK
Watson Park is under repairs through WPA. Ex- pect a new project in spring. So the youngsters can use this park next summer.
HARRY VINTON Jr., Chairman. ROBERT B. TAYLOR, Secretary. CHARLES ABELL.
201
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Police Department
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
December 31, 1936 to December 31, 1937
IMOL
E
MA
1640.
TS
SS
Printed by Order of the Town
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 1937
January 1, 1938
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Braintree Police Department for the year end- ing December 31, 1937.
Whole Number Arrests 392
Male 372
Female
20
Residents
254
Non-Residents
138
NO. 1 CRIMES AGAINST PERSON 22
Offences
Male
Female
Res.
Non-Res.
Total
Assault and Battery
20
0
19
1
20
Rape
2
0
2
2
22
0
21
1 22
204
No. 2 1 CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY 37
Offences
Breaking, Entering, Larc.
5
0 0 oo Female
Res.
or Non-Res.
Total
Concealed Leased Prop.
1
1
0
1
Evading Fare.
2
0
0
2
2
Larceny & Attempts
15
5
13
7
20
Larceny Automobile
3
0
2
1
3
Malicious Mischief
1
0
1
0
1
Trespass
3
1
3
1
4
Using M. V. w|o Authority
1
0
0
1
1
31
6
20
17
37
No. 3 CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
333
Offences
Male
Female
Res.
- Non-Res.
1
Delinquency
20
0
13
7
20
Dog Keeping-Unlic.
4
0
4
0
4
Driving M. V. to Endanger
2
1
2
1
3
Driving M. V. Intoxicated
16
0
6
10
16
Drunkenness
225
4.152
77 229
Illegitimate Child Act, Viol.
3
0
0
3 3
Indecent Exposure
2
0
1
1
2
M. V. Laws, Viol.
14
2
9
7
16
Neglect, Desertion, Non-Support 7.
2
6
3
9
Non-Payment Wages
3
0
0
3
3.
Total
By-Law Town Viol. (Wey.)
0
1
1
Male
5
205
Tramps
2
0
0
2
2
Truancy
1
0
1
0
1
Wayward Child
4
0
4
0
4
Neglected Child
4
4
8
0
8
Probation, Viol. Default
6
0
4
2
6
Op. M. V. after Rev. or Susp. Lic. 6
0
3
3
6
319
14 213 120 333
RECAPITULATION
No. 1. Against Person 22
No. 2.
Against Property
37
No. 3.
Against Public Order, Etc.
333
Total 392
COMPLAINTS, ETC.
Ambulance Trips 269
Buildings Found Open 131
Cat Complaints 171
Dog Complaints 612
Drunk Releases
162
Fire Alarms Answered 97
72
Insane Cases-Male Residents 1 Female Residents Male Non-Resident
2
Lanterns put out
66
Lodging Given
19
Messages Delivered
401
Miscellaneous Complaints
2084
Missing Persons-Male Residents
46
Female Residents 22
Male Non-Residents 11
Female Non-Residents 12
1
206
4
Holes in Streets Reported
4
Stolen Cars Reported - Braintree' 3
Stolen Cars Recovered 9
Street Lights Reported Out 87
Sudden Deaths-Male Residents 5
Female Resident 1:
Male Non-Resident 2 Female Non-Resident 1
Sunday Permits Labor 41
Wagon Trips 69
Subpoenas-Braintree 37
Out of Town 18
Summonses-Braintree 52
Out of Town 198
Auto Accidents: Minor 100
Serious 80
Fatal
2
Code on Auto Accidents :
Minor: Accident in which Property Damage only, is incurred.
Serious : Accident in which Personal Injury, how- ever slight, is sustained.
Fatal: Accident in which death results.
For the year 1938 I have recommended the pur- chase of two new cars to replace the 1934 and 1936 Ford cars now in use.
Our 1934 Ford has approximately 45,000 miles on odometer at present time. Our 1936 Ford has trav- elled approximately 50,000 miles. I believe it will be
207
good business for the citizens to vote an appropria- tion for the purchase of two cars to replace above described vehicles.
At this time I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Finance Com- mittee, and all who have shown a spirit of co-opera- tion toward my department.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. HEANEY,
4
Chief of Police.
208
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Engineer ?
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
December 31, 1936 to December 31, 1937 1
.BR
ATTE.
NMOI
'REE
CA
1640.
TS
SSACHU
SE
Printed by Order of the Town
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit the eighth annual report of the Engineering Department for the year ending Decemmber 31, 1937.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Lnes and grades have been furnished for the fol- lowing :
ROAD CONSTRUCTION-WPA:
Bickford Rd .- from Newton St. 270' east.
Cedarcliff Road-from Shaw St. to Quincy Ave.
Newton Ave .-- from Newton St. to Shaw St.
DRAINS-WPA :
Cedarcliff Rd .- 1050'-10". Newton Ave .- 290'-10". Newton St .- 250'-10'.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION :
Arnold St .- from Middle St. 1260' south.
Conrad, St .- from Quincy Line to Elmlawn Rd. Dearing Ave .- from Hollis Ave. 250' north.
210
Ferncroft Rd .- from Pleasant View Ave. to Tref- ton Drive
Hewmason Rd .- from Bellevue Rd. to Cliff Rd. Holden Rd .- frfom Commercial St. 350' east.
May St .- from North Bowditch St. to Hobart St. Newton Ave .- from Newton St. to Bickford Rd. Pleasant View Ave .- from Venus Rd. 1550' west. Shepard Rd .- from Washington St. 500' south. Thayer Ave .- from Hancock St. to Crescent Ave. Trefton Drive-from Argyle Rd. 950' east.
Wampatuck Rd .- from Washington St. 700' west.
SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION:
Ash St .- from Monatiquot Ave. to Hollis Ave .- east side.
Bellevue Rd .- from Stetson St. 500' north-east side.
Dean St .- from Oak St. 100' east-north and south sides.
Hollis Ave .- from Ash St. to" Maple St. south side.
Hoololingsworrth Ave. - fromm West St. 675' soouoth-east side.
Judson St .-- north and south sides.
Lisle St .- south side.
Oak St .- from Hollis 'Ave. to Storrs Ave .- east and west sides.
1 211
Sampson Ave .- north and south sides.
School St .- from Cedar St. to Pleasant St .- south side.
Sherbrooke Ave.south side.
· Storrs Ave .- from Abbott St. to Windemere Circle -north side.
Storrs Ave .- from Oak St. 250' east-south side.
Taylor St .- from Tremont St. to Franklin St. - south side.
DRAINS :
Arnold St .- 830'-12".
Grove St .- 380'-12".
Pearl St .- 120'-24"
Plain St .- 60'-30".
Trefton Drive-60' -- 10".
CURBING :
American Legion-475'.
Columbus Ave .- from Fountain St. 600' east.
Elmwood Ave .- from Sumner St. 200' west. Elmwood Park-islands 160'.
Maple St .- 400' north and south side.
Norfolk Sq .- traffic islands.
Tremont St .- from Washington St. 200' north - west side.
Washington and Franklin Sts .- traffic island.
212
WATER DEPARTMENT
Line for water main on Columbian Street from Grove Street to Weymouth Line and plan of same.
PARK DEPARTMENT
HOLLIS FIELD :
Layout of baseball diamond.
Layout of football field.
WATSON PARK:
Lines and grades for baseball field-WPA.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Survey and accident plan of Quincy Ave., at Dewey Rd.
Survey and accident plan of Quincy Ave., t Glenrose Ave.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
HOLLIS SCHOOL-WPA:
Reproducing lines and grades for curbing.
PENNIMAN SCHOOL-WPA:
Stakig Inines and grades for baseball field.
Staking lines for retaining wall.
Lines and grades for 380' drain.
213
SOUTH WEST SCHOOL:
Topographical survey of a portion of Hollings- worth Park for school site.
Sketch of proposed area of schoolc grounds.
Survey and plan of proposed road.
Staking walks to new school houose.
Staking lines and grades for sidewalk east side of road 400' south from Pond St.
ASSESSORS
All deeds and subdivisions have been checked and plotted on plans accordingly.
One hundred twenty new buildings and additions have been located and plotted on plans.
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
One hundred twenty pole locations staked out to be set.
GENERAL
Lines and grades were given to property owners on accepted streets upon request.
We have had numerous requests for house num- bers and have given them our prompt attention.
Survey of gravel pit off Sagamore Street and quan- tities figured.
Survey of proposed gravel pit off Pond Street near Randoloph Line and estimates of quantities figured.
214.
Gutter grades were given on Monatiquot Avenue from Oak Street 100' west-north side.
Gutter grades on Dean Street from Oak Street 100' east-north side.
I wish at this time to extend my appreciation for the co-operation I have received from the Selectmen and all Town Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. DRINKWATER,
Town Engineer.
.
215
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Light Department
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
December 31, '36 to December 31, '37
BR
OF
NMOL
ATED
MA
· 1640.
SSACHUSE
BRAINTREE ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Fred B. Lawrence, Manager.
Report of Year 1937.
To the Municipal Light Board,
Braintree, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
Submitted herewith for your approval is a finan- cial statement of the Braintree Electric Light Depart- ment for year ending December 31, 1937.
STREET LIGHTING COST
Kw. Hrs. used year 1937 - 612,671 at
.01625108 equals $ 9,956.56
Labor
868.24
Lamps and Supplies
665.83
Maintenance and Material
1,408.37
Total cost to Department
$ 12,899.00
Cash received from Town
12,900.00
NET PROFIT 100.00
218
ANALYSIS OF SALES
1937
1936
RESIDENTIAL
5,669,519
5,183,386
INDUSTRIAL
9,574,165
8,673,954
MUNICIPAL
666,526
777,176
STREET LIGHTING
612,671
807,467
TOTAL KW. HRS.
16,522,881
15,441,983
RESIDENTIAL
$157,866.98
$151,181.77
INDUSTRIAL
137,591.37
113,977.16
MUNICIPAL
8,153.46
9,075.65
STREET LIGHTING
12,900.00
12,000.00
TOTAL SALES
$316,511.81
$286,234.58
The above analysis shows an increase of 1,080,898 in distribution of kilowatt-hours and a $30,277.23 in- crease in sales.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Superintendence
$ 17,752.03
Boiler Fuel
67,686.04
Water for Steam
1,470.47
Lubricants
62.16
Station Supplies & Expenses .
2,927.68
Various Maintenance acc'ts
12,243.96
Electric Energy Purchased . .
20,050.63
Total
$122,192.97
219
Transmission & Distribution
of Lines $ 6,123.24
Distribution of Tools 378.67
Inspect, Test, Remove & Re- set Meters
2,117.66
Maintenance of Transformer
Station & Sub .- Sta. 353.17
Maintenance of Lines
27,206.66
Maintenance of Meters &
Transformers
1,807.43
Total
$ 37,986.83
STREET LIGHT EXPENSES
Labor
$ 868.24
Replacements
665.83
Maintenance
1,408.37
Total
2,942.44 $
GENERAL EXPENSE
Consumers' Installations $ 8,1.39.15
Office Expense
15,554.39
Advertising
7.50
Board, Manager & Office Sal- aries
9,054.88
General Office Expense
3,054.08
Insurance & Transportation
3,736.27
Maintenenance of General
Structures
876.67
Depreciation
30,459.05
Miscl. General Expense
400.71
Total
$ 71,282.70
220
GRAND TOTAL OPERATING
EXPENSE
$234,404.94 BOOK VALUE OF ALL PROPERTY
$808,316.23
PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT
Jauary 1, 1937 Balance $756,716.06
Transferred from Income 79,719.22
Balance December 31, 1937 $836,435.28
INCOME STATEMENT
Operating Revenue
$316,511.81
Operating Expenses
234,404.94
Manufacturing Surplus
$ 82,106.87
Miscellaneous Deductions
2,387.65
Transferred to Profit & Loss
Account
$ 79,719.22
OPERATING FUND
Credit
Balance, December 31, 1936$ 6,756.11
Receipts 311,112.05
Street Lighting 12,900.00
Total
$330,768.16
Debit
Accounts Payable Balance De- cember 31, 1936 $ 10,998.38
Transferred to Depreciation
30,459.05
221
Plant Extension
68,753.87
Operation
205,413.02
Balance, December 31, 1937
15,143.84
Total
$330,768.16
COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET
Plant Investment
$808,316.23
Cash Operating Fund
15,143.84
Special Deposits 2,662.67
Accounts Receivable
42,371.55
Materials & Supplies
25,931.90
Depreciation Fund
121,985.98
Prepaid Insurance
1,854.52
Total Assets $1,018,266.69
Accounts Payable .00
Consumers' Deposits
2,662.67
Loans Repayments
133,000.00
Appro. for Constr. Repayment 46,168.74
Profit & Loss
836,435.28
Total Liabilities $1,018,266.69
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE :
Braintree $ 7,481.52
East Braintree
5,067.92
South Braintree
11,190.82
Contracts
17,199.07
Municipal
1,432.22
TOTAL
$ 42,871.55
222
DEPRECIATION ACCOUNT
January 1, 1937 Balance $ 90,929.16
Net Transfer from Income 30,459.05
Interest 597.77
Balance December 31, 1937 $121,985.98
Cash Received as per Cashbook 324,012.05
Paid to Town Treasurer 324,012.05
Accounts Payable Balance .00
Operation Fund Balance De-
cember 31, 1937
15,143.84
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD OTIS B. OAKMAN, TOWN TREASURER
Debit :
Balance, January 1, 1937 .$ 6,756.11
Fred B. Lawrence, Man-
ager
324,012.05
$330,768.16
Credit :
Paid by Orders of Com-
missioners
$315,624.32
Balance December 31 1937
15,143.84
$330,768.16
223
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Thayer Public Library
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
December 31, 1936 to December 31, 1937.
OF BRA
TOWN
RATED
TREE
:
MASSA
1640
TTS
Printed by Order of the Town
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Braintree :
Again it is my privilege and responsibility, in be- half of the Board of Trustees, to make the annual report for 1937 in reference to the Thayer Public Library and its branches.
During 1937 the Thayer Public Librbary was open 303 days of the year.
The total circulation of books for the year was 154,068, distributed as follows:
Thayer Public Library 85,049
Braintree Branch Library 37,168
East Braintree Branch Library 31,851
The Trustees are glad to note that there has been an increase for the year 1937 of 1,533 in the circula- tion of books in our Thayer Public Library; and 506 in the Braintree Branch.
The circulation figures 'show a slightly different emphasis on the kind of reading on the part of our adult readers. In the Thayer Public Library, for in- stance, there was a circulation of 28,388 non-fiction books, as compared with 27,024 during the previous year, an increase of 1,364. On the other hand, the circulation of our fiction books suffered a slight de- crease, 35,311 for 1937 as compared with 35,842 dur- ing the previous year.
226
This substantial increase in our non-fiction circu- lation would seem to indicate that an increasing number of our citizens are thinking more seriously, and probably thinking to better purpose. This is due, no doubt, to the enrichment of our material along various lines iin the field of adult education. Our li- brarian has been indefatigable in her efforts always to provide the very latest material in adult education courses, and the public is beginning to realize what extraordinary material she has gathered together for our enrichcment.
It is gratifying to note the increase in circulation of books for children. The circulation increased from 20,650 in 1936 to 21,338 in 1937
Ever since Braintree has conformed to the recom- mendation of the Class II Library Standards by the employment of a children's librarian, the circulation in our children's department has been steadily in- creasing.
It is important for the citizens of Braintree to be adegately informed as to how our library standards measure up at the present time to the library stan- dards recommended by the Massachusetts Library Association Planning Board.
Braintree is now in the Class II division, compris- ing towns and cities of the Commonwealth ranging in population between 10,000 and 25,000. There are 16 towns in this group.
The Massachusetts Library Association Planning Board Standards for Group II
In order to qualify for this class, a library should meet the grade specifications and four of the follow-
227
ing requirements, two of which should be the starred items.
:
The grade specifications concern the preparation and the quality of training of the librarian, the senior assistant, and the assistants. It is enough to comment that Braintree is admirably meeting these grade speci- fications.
The items enumerated by the Massachusetts Li- brary Association Planning Board are as follows:
A. Librarian and Staff-The librarian and as- sistants needed to meet the demands of the service on the basis of one full-time assistant for every 20,000 to 25,000 books circulated.
B. Budget-One dollar per capita as a minimum or at least 2 per cent of the Town's total appropriation.
C. Book circulation-Seven per capita as a minimum.
*D. Hours Open-Forty-eighty hours as a mini- mum.
E. Compensation of Librarian and Staff.
In reference to the two starred items, C and D, the Trustees are happy to report that the Town of Brain- tree has, by adequate appropriations for books, brought our Thayer Public Library up to standards that exceed the minimum requirements prescribed.
Item C. Book Circulation
During the year 1937 the Thayer Public Library and its branches have just fallen short of a circula- tion of 9 books per capita. This contrasts favorably
228
with the minimum requirement of 7 books per capita; but our circulation does not yet place us high on the list. Wakefield and Westfield have a circulation of 14 books per capita; Beverly, Milton, and Wellesley, 12 books; Fairhaven and Leominster, 11 books; Brain- tree and Dedham, with a per capita of 9 books, are tied for 8th place. The Town of Braintree should be con- stantly striving for a higher rating in its circulation of books.
Miss Louise Jones, supervisor of state libraries, pays us a gratifying and deserved tribute when she comments that for a small library, the Thayer Public Library has during the past ten years added "a re- markable variety of books, admirably chosen, and has maintained an excellent balance between fiction and non-fiction books."
This has been due in large measure to the untiring research and analysis of new books and publications, supplemented by able and discriminating judgment in the choice of worth while books by the women of our Board. Those who take the time to read from week to week in our Library column in the press the book reviews of our new books must be conscious of the good work that is quietly and efficiently being done.
Item D. Hours Open
The Thayer Public Library is open 57 hours a week as contrasted with the minimum requirement of 48 hours. While the Thayer Library has been steadily moving up in its hours of service to the pub- lic, it is still in the lowest quarter of the classificaton of Group II.
229
Farhaven keeps its library open 84 hours a week; Westfield and Greenfield, 76 hours; Beverly. Leomin- ster and Wellesley, 72 hours; Wakefield, 69 hours; Norwood, 66 hours; Gardner, 63 hours; Milton, 61 hours; and West Springfield, 60 hours. Belmont, Attleboro, and Braintree have a service of 57 hours a week.
The hours of the Thayer Public Library at present are as follows: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 9:00 A. M. to 9:00 P. M .; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 to 12:00 A. M., 1:30 to 5;30 P. M.
The Braintree branch is open seventeen and one- half hours a week: Tuesday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M .; Thursday and Saturday 2:00 to 5:30 P. M. and 7:00 to 9:00 P. M.
The East Braintree branch has hours similar to the Braintree branch, with the addition of Tuesday evenings service from 7:00 to 9:00 P. M.
The time is at hand when we should increase the hours of service of our branch libraries, and offer a weekly service at our Thayer Public Library from 9:00 A. M. to 9:00 P. M.
Extension of Library Service
Immediate action should be taken by the Town to provide a branch library for the citizens and youth of Braintree Highlands. They should have the same privileges in hours and in quality of library service as our other two branches have.
230
The pupils from Braintree Highlands, now in at- tendance at the Braintree High School, especially need this service. They are transported to school by bus and are returned at the close of school. Because of this necessary arrangement for transportation, they cannot stop at the Thayer Public Library for any ref- erence work; and the distance is prohibitive for a visit to the Library later in the afternoon or evening. These children certainly need the service of a library branch in their midst; so also do the adults of this rapidly growing community.
The Trustees, realizing this urgent need, have made tentative arrangements at a modest rental figure for an attractive little Braintree Highlands branch, and will present this matter for the consideration of the voters at the March Town Meeting.
Item A. The Librarian and her Staff
This brings me to Item A of the Class II classifica- tion, namely, the librarian and her staff.
By the recommendation of the Planning Board, as I have previously commented, there should be one full-time asistant for every 20,000 to 25,000 books circulated.
I have already called your attention to the fact that our circulation last year was 154,068 books. On the basis of a 25,000 book circulation for each assist- ant, we should have six full-time assistants and a part- time assistant; on the more liberal basis of a 20,000 book circulation, we should have seven full-time as- sistants and a part-time assistant.
231
In this respect we have fallen far below our re- quirement, and remedial action should be taken this coming year to correct the situation.
Our librarian has been carrying on with only four full-time assistants and three part-time assistants, equivalent approximately to five full-time assistants and a part-time helper.
Our library assistants, have, during the past few years, cheerfully worked over time without added compensation, and our librarian has rendered contin- uous extra service, quite oblivious of the reckoning of time.
If we open up a branch in Braintree Highlands and add this to our library service, our librarian will need six full-time assistants and a part-time assistant to carry on the library work efficiently.
Item B. Budget
It is important for our citizens to realize how far short the Town has fallen in meeting even the mini- mum budget requirement of the Massachusetts Li- brary Planning Board. The minimum set by the Board under Item B is $1.00 per capita or at least 2 per cent of the Town's total appropriation.
According to the 1935 census the population of Braintree was 17,122. On the basis of normal increase since 1935, the population is now probably slightly in excess of 18,000. This would give Braintree as a minimum budget figure, $18,000, as the library appro- priation for the coming year.
232
If we should base our appropriation on 2 per cent of the Town's total appropriation, our budget figure would be slightly in excess of $22,000, for the total appropriation for 1937 was $1,103,607.07.
If we agreed on a medial figure, our appropria- tion would be $20,000.
Last year the Town appropriated $12,319.98. To this was added the dog tax of $1,868.52 and $250.00, the income from the Thayer fund, making the grand total $14,438.50. This is over $3500 below the low- est minimum figure set by the Massachusetts Library Planning Board or fully $5500 below the medial fig- ure mentioned.
It is the duty of the Town to make a determined effort to bridge this gap in its library appropriation for 1938.
Item E. Compensation of Librarian and Staff
The last item, E, in the classification deals with the compensation of the librarian and her staff. In reference to this, the Trustees wish to state that they are unanimously agreed that a salary maximum should be established for the librarian, the assistant librarian, and the assistants of the staff; and that the maxi- mum should be reached on the basis of a definite annual increase.
A salary schedule such as this would give a sense of security to the personnel of our library staff and keep them contented in the service they are so faithfully and ably rendering.
233
I cannot bring this report to a close without stress- ing the utter inadequacy of the Thayer Public Library to meet our modern day conditions. The present build- ing is not in keeping with the uses and functions of a library in relation to the community. The delivery desk is not properly located to supervise the reading rooms, the shelves of books, and the entrance. The librarian's quarters are crowded to the utmost and subject to frequent interruptions. The stacks are crowded to capacity and there is no more opportunity whatever for the expansion in the library as it now is. The storage of the books in the basement is lament- able. The condition of the basement is such that the books simply cannot be preserved in satisfactory con- dition.
Then, too, there is the fire hazard due to wood floor construction.
Our Thayer Public Library, as it now is, may justly be described as the product of the days when a library was considered a mere repository for books.
Mrs. William F. Rogers of our Board of Trustees in a most thoughtful and stimulating address recently given before the Braintree Historical Society on the subject "The Past, Present, and Future of the Thayer Public Library"-you ought to read the entire address -admirably summarized the situation when she said, "A library must keep in step as a town progresses, in fact it should keep at east one step ahead. To meet the growing demands, we must have ample stack rooms with space for further expansion. There must be a children's room for reading and story hours, well lighted workrooms where book repairing and cata-
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