USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1952 > Part 9
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31/8 %
Due
1988
4,000
New Jersey Power & Light Co.
27/8 %
Due
1979
5,000
New York Telephone Co.
2 3/4 %
Due
1982
4,000
Niagara Mohawk Fower Corp.
23/4 %
Due
1980
4,000
Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
27/8 %
Due
1980
4,000
Pacific Tel. & Tel. Co. .
31/8 %
Due
1983
4,000
Philadelphia Electric Co.
27/8 %
Due
1978
5,000
Public Service Co. of N. H.
31/4 %
Due
1973
5,000
Southern Cali ornia Edison Co.
27/8 %
Due
1976
2,000
Westchester Lighting Co.
31/2%
Due
1967
3,000
West Penn. Power Co.
27/8 %
Due
1973
15,000
U. S. Savings Bonds
21/2 %
Due
1953
35,000
U. S. Savings Bonds
21/2 %
Due
1954
25,000
U. S. Savings Bonds
21/2 %
Due
1955
16,500
U. S. Savings Bonds
21/2 %
Due
1956
30,000
U. S. Savings Bonds
21/2 %
Due
1957
3,000
U. S. Savings Bonds
21/2 %
Due
1958
17,500
U. S. Savings Bonds
21/2%
Due
1959
5,000
Deposit-Braintree Savings Bank.
5,000
Deposit-Randolph Savings Bank.
1,000
Deposit-Second Federal Sav. & Loan Ass'n, Boston.
4,000
Deposit-South Weymouth Savings Bank.
1,000
Deposit-Suffolk First Federal Sav. & Loan Ass'n, Boston.
3,000
Deposit-Weymouth Savings Bank.
7,000
Deposit-Worcester County Inst. for Savings.
25 shares Chase National Bank, New York.
234 shares First National Bank, Boston.
38 shares Manufacturers Trust Co., N. Y.
200 shares National Shawmut Bank of Boston.
52 shares National City Bank of N. Y.
45 shares Rockland-Atlas National Bank of Boston.
60 Paid-up Shares Braintree Co-operative Bank.
40 Paid-up Shares Holbrook Co-operative Bank.
10 Paid-up Shares Home Co-operative Bank.
5 Paid-up Shares Lawrence Co-operative Bank.
20 Paid-up Shares Lincoln Co-operative Bank.
5 Paid-up Shares Marblehead Co-operative Bank.
131
Indianapolis Power & Light Co.
27/8 %
Due
1979
40 Paid-up Shares Mattapan Co-operative Bank.
20 Paid-up Shares Middleborough Co-operative Bank.
10 Paid-up Shares Orange Co-operative Bank.
10 Running Shares Orange Co-operative Bank Series 124 20 Running Shares Pilgrim Co-operative Bank Series 134
20 Running Shares Quincy Co-operative Bank Series 187 50 Paid-up Shares Quincy Co-operative Bank. 30 Paid-up Shares Randolph Co-operative Bank.
10 Running Share Randolph Co-operative Bank Series 123
55 Paid-up Shares Sandwich Co-operative Bank.
10 Paid-up Shares Shirley Co-operative Bank.
15 Paid-up Shares South Shore Co-operative Bank.
10 Paid-up Shares Ware Co-operative Bank.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HARDING, Treasurer.
Tax Collector
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1952
% Outstanding
1951 Uncollected Tax
Balances January 1, 1952
$ 243,186.12
1952 Commitments
2,291,228.24
Total Accounts for Collection $2,534,414.36
Collections
$2,177,491.84
Abatements-less Refunds
129,473.53
Tax Titles
4,906.52
Returned for Apportion-
ment
58,809.52 2,370,681.41
Outstanding Balances 12/31/52
$
163,732.95
6.5
1952 Real Estate $ 75,551.79
Sewer Betterment 'Apportionments
1,313.29
Sewer Connection Apportionments
392.86
Street Betterment Apportionments
146.70
Water Liens
307.19
Committed Interest
532.84
Poll
38.00
Excise
23,724.22
Personal
2,410.46
Accounts Previously Abated
24.72 Credit
Unapportioned Betterment Assessments
59,340.32
Total 1952 Accounts Outstanding $ 163,732.95
GEORGE H. GERRIOR, JR.,
Tax Collector.
132
COMPARATIVE REPORT OF COLLECTIONS 1939 - 1952
Year
Real Estate & Personal
Apportioned Betterment
Committed Interest
Poll Taxes
Excise Taxes
Unapportioned Betterment
Water Liens
Total
1939
$
904,538.52
Inc. in R.E.
$ 9,984.00
$ 42,154.16
$ 4,884.15
$ 961,560.83
1940
915,966.37
Inc. in R.E.
10,509.50
51,561.98
9,233.18
987,271.03
941
853,248.67
14,635.59
$ 4,238.89
10,577.00
64,973.01
11,099.68
958,772.84
1942
881,795.36
17,986.84
3,763.43
10,586.00
53,630.66
16,329.78
984,092.07
1943
834,813.39
18,299.01
3,443.06
9,964.00
33,243.13
4,269.64
904,032.83
1944
796,499.54
16,258.24
2,900.08
9,708.00
22,156.27
4,522.23
852,044.36
1945
810,893.71
11,464.45
2,205.21
9,372.00
18,972.60
4,909.30
857,817.27
1946
987,932.49
9,940.97
2,031.55
9,826.00
25,211.90
8,183.35
1,043,126.26
1947
1,117,602.36
10,502.43
2,233.13
9,258.00
46,815.20
17,354.34
$ 70.76
1,203,836.22
1948
1,259,482.35
15,664.22
3,477.69
12,542.00
76,766.32
44,589.73
856.35
1,413,378.66
1949
1,388,831.07
24,104.98
5,925.59
12,640.00
113,019.61
51,159.16
1,039.72
1,596,720.13
1950
1,627,503.70
29,018.97
7,575.00
12,516.00
143,159.91
76,675.00
3,508.29
1,899,956.87
1951
1,709,204.11
31,920.82
8,578.48
12,200.00
170,010.42
39,395.99
2,982.44
1,974,292.26
1952
1,907,844.89
33,634.28
9,510.56
12,070.00
168,151.47
42,156.68
4,123.96
2,177,491.84
133
GEORGE H. GERRIOR, JR., Tax Collector.
VALUATION INCREASE TAX RATE FLUCTUATION
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947 M
1948
1949 1
1850
1951|
1952
Year
Valuation
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
2044
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952 1
cart
Tax Rate
165
19$2
$41.245.4451
1952
$46.20
150
1951
40,535.060
1951
43.80
155
1950
37.814. 525
1950
00 11117
150
1949
33,175.$50
1949
42
145
1948
31.873.650
1948
40,00
140
1947
29,951,025
1947
37.00
1946
28.191. 300
1946
36.40
135
1945
29.40
130
1945
27.894.850
130
194
28.034. 800.
1.25
1943
29.60
1.20
27,791,000
1 20
115
1942
27.373.550
115
110
1941
25.862.450.
110
1040
34.00
1.05
1940
25. 324. 800
205
1939
36.40
100
1989
25, 403.300
95
90
85
80
....
Tax Collector
.25
1944
29.20
1943
1842
31.60
1941
32.00
1
Electric Light Commissioners
Your Commissioners submit the annual report of the Braintree Electric Light Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
NORTON P. POTTER FRANK P. LORD SHELLEY A. NEAL Commissioners
GENTLEMEN :
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Braintree Electric Light Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The main project for the Department this year was the construction of a new plant addition, consisting of an annex to our present building, a 7500 lb. per hr. in- tegral type B. & W. Boiler, a 7500 Kw. steam turbo- generator, together with the necessary auxiliaries and a new screen house for the circulating water pumps and travelling screens. This construction was started in April and is nearing completion and the new equipment should be in operation early in March, 1953.
The Maximum Peak Demand for this year was 12,- 400 Kw. and this occurred on December 27, 1952. This was an increase of 900 Kw. over the previous years. The Peak Demand in 1942 was 5200 Kw., which shows an increase of 7200 Kw. over that ten year period. This growth demonstrates the need for this new equipment.
The kilowat hours generated and purchased this year exceeded 1951 by 75,000 Kwhrs. The small increase this year was due mainly to the closing down for six weeks by our largest industrial consumer.
TOTAL KWHRS. GENERATED AND PURCHASED
1952 1951 47,008,000 46,933,000 Increase 75,000
The total numbers of services December 31, 1952 was 7639, an increase of 163 during the year.
I wish to express by appreciation to the Commis- sioners, Town Officials, Customers and Employees for their co-operation during the past year.
135
Following is presented the essential details showing the physical and operating conditions as prepared in ac- cordance with the annual report to the Department of Public Utilities.
Respectfully submitted
ERNEST T. FULTON,
Manager
ANALYSIS OF SALES
Kwhrs.
Revenue
Domestic and Commercial
20,655,315
$477,489.82
Industrial
18,345,472
298,174.27
Municipal
1,395,792
22,904.75
Street Lights
819,000
12,285.00
41,215,579
$810,853.84*
OPERATING EXPENSES
Production
Superintendence and Labor
$ 51,684.89
Boiler Fuel
267,215.43
Water for Steam
1,299.68
Lubricants
261.44
Station Supplies and Expenses
723.36
Maintenance of Station Structures
9,019.82
Maintenance of Boiler Equipment
9,531.65
Maintenance of Turbo Generator Units
6,494.62
Maintenance of Electric Equipment
4,480.62
Maintenance of Accessory Electric Equipment
459.23
Maintenance of Miscl. Power Plant
66.50
Electric Energy Purchased
12,306.79
$363,544.03
Transmission and Distribution
Station and Sub Station Superintendence and Labor
$ 14.08
Operation of Transmission and Distribu- tion of Lines
18,644.59
Transmission and Distribution Supplies
4,821.60
Inspecting and Testing Meters
904.87
Removing and Resetting Meters
5,083.92
Maintenance of Transformer Station & Sub-Station Equipment
609.63
Maintenance of Transmission and Dis- tribution of Lines
56,587.20
Maintenance of Underground Conduits. .
178.99
Maintenance of Meters
1,306.23
Maintenance of Transformers
2,819.10
1
Equipment
$ 90,970.21
136
Utilization
Operation of Street Lamps
$ 4,891.06
Replacement of Street Lamps
2,318.86
Supplies and Maintenance
3,927.65
$ 11,137.57
General Expenses
Maintenance of Consumers Installations
$ 5,348.91
Commercial Salaries
31,395.01
Advertising
10.00
Salaries of Manager & Municipal Light Board
8,300.00
Office Salaries
3,166.87
General Office Expense
6,051.76
Insurance
9,145.49
Accidents and Damages
83.00
Maintenance of General Structures
3,569.24
Miscl. General Expense
351.72
Pensions
6,938.56
$
74,360.56
DEPRECIATION
$ 96,351.89
GRAND TOTAL OF OPERATING EXPENSES
BOOK VALUE OF ALL PROPERTY ..
$ 636,364.26* $3,130,220.87*
PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
January 1, 1952, Balance
$2,307,992.59
Transferred from Income
152,878.16
BALANCE, DEC. 31, 1952
$2,460,870.75*
INCOME STATEMENT
OPERATING REVENUE
OPERATING EXPENSES
$ 810,853.84 636,364.26
Manufacturing Surplus
$ 174,489.58
Miscellaneous Additions
S46.91
Interest on Bonds
22,458.33
Transferred to Profit and Loss
$ 152,878.16*
BALANCE SHEET
Assets
Plant Investment
$3,130,220.87 200.00
Petty Cash
57,719.86
Operating Balance
80,208.30
Special Bond Fund for Plant Expansion
547,528.81
Special Deposits
10,507.46
Accounts Receivable
80,398.30
137
Special Cash For Construction.
$ 175,336.49
Materials and Supplies
24,528.69
Depreciation Fund
121,737.25
Prepaid Insurance
7,705.74
TOTAL ASSETS
$4,060,755.28*
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable
$ .00
Consumers Deposits
10,507.46
Bonds & Notes Payable
1,400.000.00
Interest Accrued
10,208.33
Loans Repayments
133,000.00
Appropriations for Construction Repay- ments
46,168.74
Profit and Loss
2,460,870.75
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$4,060,755.28*
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
BRAINTREE
$ 10,880.43
EAST BRAINTREE
9,764.65
SOUTH BRAINTREE
26,404.22
CONTRACTS and SPECIAL RATES.
30,934.38
MUNICIPAL
2,414.62
$
80,398.30*
DEPRECIATION ACCOUNT
January 1, 1952, Balance
Net Transfer from Income
$ 47,892.45 96,351.89 520.00
Interest
$ 144,764.34
Expenditures
$ 23,027.09
DEPRECIATION BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1952
$
121,737.25*
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT
January 1, 1952, Balance
Expended for Construction
$ 33,152.88 11,681.24
Balance
$ 21,471.64
Transferred from Operating Balance December 31, 1952 $ 36,248.22
CONSTRUCTION BALANCE, DECEM- BER 31, 1952
$ 57,719.86*
CASH RECEIVED AS PER CASH- BOOK
$ 823,507.50*
PAID TO TOWN TREASURER
$ 823,507.50*
138
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE BALANCE OPERATING BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1952
$ .00*
$ 116,456.52
Transferred to Construction Account .. $ 36,248.22
OPERATING BALANCE, JANUARY
1, 1953
$ 80,208.30*
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
Debit
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1952
$ .00
ERNEST T. FULTON, Manager
823,507.50
$ 823,507.50*
Credit
PAID BY ORDER OF THE COMMIS- SIONERS CASH BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1952
$ 707,050.98 116,456.52
$ 823,507.50*
Braintree Housing Authority
FRANK L. HEANEY, Chairman
ERNEST J. JANSSEN
Vice Chairman
GEORGE A. HITCHCOCK Treasurer
JOHN E. MALONEY WILLIAM H. GUSTAFSON
Assistant Treasurer
FRED E. HANSON, Executive Director
CHAPTER 200 PROJECT
In March, 1952, the 90 houses in this project first became fully occupied and in July the project office was moved to the newly completed Administration Building at 130 Railroad Street.
Only veterans having minor children and gross fam- ily incomes within maximum limits prescribed by the State Housing Board can qualify for admittance to occupancy of the houses and the order of selection of applicants is :
1. Those who were residents of Braintree at the time of entering service.
139
HOUSING AUTHORITY
140
2. Long time Braintree residents who had been ab- sent from the Town for not more than two years at the time of entering service.
3. Those whose wives are long time Braintree resi- dents.
Rentals are established by application of percentages to gross family incomes ; the percentages being 18, 16 and 14, respectively, for families of one, two and three or more minor children. Maximum income limits are pre- scribed by the State Housing Board for continuance in occupancy.
Applications are first screened as to general quali. fications and reported incomes which are verified by questionnaires to employers. Before clearing for assign- ment of otherwise qualified applicants the need of each is investigated by an outside and impartial investigator. Through this procedure information becomes available for applying a system of scoring, set up by the State Hous- ing Board, whereby the order of preference in assignment is arrived at. It assures unprejudiced selection on the basis of need. Already, through brief occupancy, personal initiative and improved financial status, some veterans have found it possible to build or otherwise acquire their own homes, thereby creating vacancies for accommodat- ing other worthy applicants, and have voiced their ap- preciation for the opportunity afforded them to get a new start after return from long absence from civilian life.
The project consists of 50 four room and 40 five room houses in six separate locations. Though a full time maintenance man is employed, tenants are required to perform the usual duties of tenants in single family houses. Permanent financing will be by 40 year bonds and the properties may not be sold before expiration of that period unless the government declares the housing emergency to be at an end prior thereto; in which event the present law provides for sale at fair market value.
In lieu of taxes the town will receive 5% of the shelter rent which, on the basis of the initial management program, will amount to approximately $2,200.00 annu- ally.
The Authority wishes to acknowledge and express appreciation for the services and cooperation rendered by the following :
141
Mr. C. C. Crowell, Architect Mr. George P. Love, Attorney Mr. Matthew W. Hanscom, Clerk of the Works Paul Livoli, Inc., Contractor The various Town Departments.
UNION VILLAGE PROJECT
Six of the original twelve buildings in this project have now been razed. With reduction in the number of units it has been found necessary to discontinue the serv- ices of a Maintenance Supervisor. Other administrative and operating economies are under consideration.
The number and frequence of applications from qual- ified applicants for accommodation in this project is greatly reduced and tenants are gradually finding more desirable housing through acquisition of their own homes, assignment to Chapter 200 houses or finding privately owned accommodations. At present buildings are approx- imately 90% occupied but it is expected that there will be sufficient vacancies to permit razing of one or more of the buildings in 1953.
Civil Defense Agency
The Braintree Civil Defense Agency made progress during the year 1952 in proportion to the limited funds available.
The Fire Department has continued the training program of the auxiliary firemen. Industrial plants have been organized for self protection.
The Warning System has been maintained and test- ed. Participation in a State-wide warning test disclosed our present warning system was inadequate and recom- mendations are being made to correct the deficinecy.
The Police Department have organized and partial -. ly equipped one hundred (100) auxiliary police. Weekly training meetings have been held and the auxiliary police have performed efficiently on several public occasions.
The Communications Department have continued their weekly meetings and have become very efficient in the operation of their equipment.
142
The obsolete police radio equipment was turned over to Civil Defense and is being rebuilt by the Communica- tions Personnel to be used as portable and mobile units.
The Radiological Department continued training classes in the use of Geiger Counters and other instru- ments with success.
The School Department and all utilities, appreciating the importance of Civil Defense, have co-operated in train- ing and organizational work.
The loyalty and interest of the entire personnel of the Braintree Civil Defense is commendable and their un- tiring efforts and sacrifice is greatly appreciated.
R. P. FITZERALD, . Director of Braintree Civil Defense
Board of Assessors
CHESTER W. NELSON, Chairman
ARTHUR E. BOYNTON NORRIS H. PINAULT, Clerk
Real estate bears the burden of local taxation. As- sessed valuation is the very foundation of our taxation system. It is the responsibility of the Board of Assessors to assess all property and polls for tax purposes to raise the funds needed for the operation of the town's services. Chapter 59 of the General Laws prescribes that real estate shall be assessed at its "full and fair cash value.". The assessors also must evaluate personal property such as furniture, fixtures, stock in trade, livestock and the dis- tribution system of Public Utilities; prepare warrants for motor vehicle and trailer excise; warrants for sewer ; street betterments, etc.
The tax rate is fixed each year on the basis of raising the necesary funds to cover the town budgets as well as certain County and State assessments.
.
Much property is being constructed in our town and the great number of transfers has increased the demands of this office. The growth ensuing from this increasing activity in our town is, of course, going to be reflected in increased budgets in all departments. Therefore all capital expenditures should be carefully considered and.
143
well planned with the thought that everything should be done to avoid, as much as possible, the increasing of our tax rate.
Your board is striving to the best of its ability to. serve the citizens in a fair and impartial manner.
We wish to pay tribute to our clerical staff for their conscientious and efficient help and to all other depart- ments that have co-operated in this past year which has been a most difficult one because of the changing period of adjustment that is effecting not only our town but every community in our nation.
Your Board would like to make special mention of the fact, so that it may properly be spread upon the rec- ords of the Town, that on March 2nd, 1953, our chief clerk, Mrs. Olive Bean, will have completed 25 years of service in the employ of the Town of Braintree.
We would like at this time to extend our personal thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Bean for the untiring efforts and the splendid public service rendered to the Town throughout her 25 years of service, and wish for her continued health and happiness.
1952 RECAPITULATION
Figures used in Fixing Rate (General Laws, Chapter 59, Sections 23 and 25.)
-
Total 'Appropriations Voted Since 1951 Tax Rate was Fixed
$2,919,401.64
Court Judgments
18,752.64
Overlay Deficits
20,904.73
State: Tax and Assessments 80,539.69
County: Tax and Assessments 105,867.70
Overlay of Current Year 49,739.58
Gross Amount to be Raised
$3,195,205.98
Estimated Receipts $ 870,101.07
Available Funds
363,259.08
Total Deductions
1,233,360.15
Net 'Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property
$1,961,845.83
Number of Polls: 7,035 @ $2.00 each $ 14,070.00
Valuation: Personal Estate $ 1,351,605.00 62,398.55
Rental Estate .. 40,809,180.00
1,885,377.63
Loss due to Fractional divisions of rate .40
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property . . $1,961,845.83
144
Thayer Public Library
STACY B. SOUTHWORTH, Chairman
Mabel S. Rogers, Sec.
Clara G. Wetherbee
Gordon W. Bryant Ralph B. Woodsum
The Trustees of the Thayer Public Library herewith present for your consideration the report of the Librarian which follows :
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN MIRIAM HALL, Librarian
The year 1952 has been a momentous one in the history of the Thayer Public Library, in many ways. It has brought many exciting and busy days for the Library Staff, days which will have far-reaching effects on the future of the Library.
New Library Building to Become a Reality
Needless to say the most important event in the library's year has been the decision of the townspeople to make possible the construction of the new library building. Now that this actually has been started, not only library workers but also library users are rejoicing in the better accommodations which will be theirs to use before another year is finished. The day cannot come soon enough when the doors will be opened for the public to enter. From the time early in September when the bull dozers appeared on the land to turn the first sod, there have been continual expressions of congratulation and comments of goodwill from citizens in all parts of the town. The Librarian and Staff are greatful for the interest of those who supported the project.
Great Increase in Use of Library
The publicity produced by the weeks of discussion for and against, and the general interest stimulated dur- ing the town meeting periods had a tremendous effect on the use of the library during the year. Circulation or the number of books borrowed by library users increased by 23,666 over the circulation of 1951. A total of 224,647 books carried home from the Main Library and the three
145
MEET THE STAFF - OFF DUTY
Front Row, Left to Right-Mrs. Carol Giles; Mrs. Ruth Beach; Miss Isabel Handy; Mrs. Helen Wood.
Back Row-Mrs. Gertrude Bates; Miss Hall; Mrs. Dorothy Blair; Mrs. Edith Emerson; Mrs. Arlene Burgess. Missing from the picture, Miss Jacqueline Peterson
branches. During the five Saturdays alone in March, 1,346 people came into the Main Library. Does this answer the statement of some that the library is not used? In analyzing this figure of circulation, we find that the juvenile increase accounts for about 58% and the adult for about 42% of the total increase. The pre- vious large increase in 1947 was almost entirely in the juvenile, this being the first year since Mrs. Blair, a trained children's librarian, was in charge of the children's room and began the work of sending deposits to the school classrooms. At least as far as the adult use of the library is concerned, we may safely figure, that the year 1952 had the largest rate of increase in fifteen years. How does this substantiate the theory that Tele- vision will take the place of reading? Last year's report dwelt at length on reasons for believing that reading was holding its own over television, so we will not go into that detail again this year. The figures are self evident.
146
What kind of information are these increasing numbers of citizens, both children and adults seeking? According to the class of books which had the greatest increase in use, adults are seeking information from Periodicals, both recreational and for use in research projects. This shows a continued importance of the files of magazines for several years back; they are essent al in finding material for students. Travel books and the ever- present demand for books on how to do things, technical and repair books, showed the next greatest increase. Would you expect to find listed in our card catalog 140
THE START OF THE NEW LIBRARY
books with the titles beginning with words "How to"? There is an interesting parallel in the children's depart- ment with the increase there, also, of books on how to make things Children are being brought up to make things for themselves rather than depend on buying some expensive item from the store. They are being taught in school such subjects as mechanics and weather and other scientific subjects. The coming generation will develop into a generation of craftsmen and scientists. In contrast to this scientific trend, it is refreshing to note that there has been a revived demand for Fairy Tales among the children. Interest in People and Events of past years continues to be strong. Many borrowers seek diversion from their daily problems in Music and these citizens feel a real thrill in the fact that soon there will be oppor-
147
tunity in the new building for record collections and eventually facilities for listening.
Staff
Who makes all this information available to the library borrower? A helpful and loyal staff, the number of whom has not kept pace with the increasing work in- volved in selecting, preparing, and keeping record of the number of books and periodicals which have gone over the desk throughout the year. The present staff consists of the equivalent of seven full time people be- sides the librarian. The standard number of employees for a library staff is measured as one full time person for every 20,000 circulation. Although we do not nearly come up to this scale, we are making every effort to
THE FIRST BRICK
carry on with the minimum staff. However, the time has come when we feel that we are warranted in asking for a full time assistant for the children's department. It will be said, no doubt, that this is due to the new build -. ing; however, regardless of what building we should be in, this extra person is a necessity. In that department, there is for assistance, only one high school girl who works two and a half hours in the afternoon. The Children's Librarian is responsible for selecting and ordering new books, cataloging and processing chem,
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