USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1955 > Part 10
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129
Board of Assessors
Arthur E. Boynton, Chairman
Reginald P. Fitzgerald, Clerk Chester W. Nelson
Conforming with the By-Laws of the Town, we here- with submit our annual report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1955.
This has been another most active year, new con- struction has continued at a new high level; many new homes have been constructed and transfers have continued to increase, causing a greatly increased work load to fall on the office personnel and the Board.
Our office staff has done a fine job, under these conditions, striving to keep up with this ever increasing problem, with the same equipment and personnel. Our sincere thanks and appreciation for this fine spirit of co-operation.
A comparison of figures for 1950 and 1955 indicate clearly what is happening in our town. The number of dwelling units in 1950 were 5494, with a total valuation (real estate only) of $36,462,270; 1955, 6617 dwelling units with a valuation (real estate only) of $45,287,890. Motor vehicle, 1950, 9778 automobiles, Excise tax $152,- 588.68. 1955, 13189 automobiles; excise tax $299,826.62. These figures are indicative of this continued growth.
Serious consideration should be given to intelligent planning for controlled industrial development which would help greatly in a balanced growth. Our Planning Board and Industrial Development Commission, in co- operation with other Departments, are doing a fine job in this direction.
Your Board will continue to do its best to serve all fairly and equitably and at this time wish to express our thanks to all other Town Departments and our office staff for this help and co-operation.
130
1955 RECAPITULATION
Figures Used in Fixing Tax Rate G. L. Chap, 59: 23, 25
All Appropriations Voted Since 1954 Tax Rate Was Fixed: $4,141,341.80 Debt and Interest Charges Court Judgments 10,666.25 39,264.58 Overlay Deficits 1,189.82
Hurricane Deficit 12/31/54
53,645.01
State: Tax and Assessments
77,850.84
County: Tax and Assessments
106,428.35
Overlay of Current Year
62,226.76
Gross Amount to be Raised
$4,492,613.41 131
Estimated Receipts
$1,297,588.89 362,408.36
Available Funds
₱
Total Deductions
$1,659,997.25
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property Number of Polls: 7402 @ $2.00 each
$2,832,616.16
Valuations : Personal Estate Real Estate $45,287.890.00 @ $59.90
$1,728,930.00 @ $59.90
$ 14,804.00 103,563.07 2,712,750.09
Special Committment April 30, 1955 @ $50.00 Personal Estate 1,450
72.50
Real Estate 28,530
1,426.50
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property
$2,832,616.16
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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 present the following report of the Librarian :
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
Miriam Hall
ANNUAL REPORT 1955
Recently, a gentleman approached the circulation desk at the library and asked if we could give him infor- mation on "How to tie a turban". During the course of conversation, it appeared that the gentleman was going to wear a turban at a costume party and he wanted to be sure that he had it tied correctly. He also volunteered the information that whenever his family wanted to know something, they always went to the library first. After some search on the part of the librarian, he was supplied with material which satisfied him, and he went off with the words, "The Library wins Again." This is an actual incident; the quotation is exact.
This might well serve as a slogan for this Review of 1955. The Library has won again; it has had a successful year thanks to the increasing number of library borrowers who have made use of the services of information and reading guidance offered by the Library; and thanks especially to the cooperation and untiring efforts of the fine staff, who serve these citizens.
MAIN LIBRARY
In 1955, the circulation of books, periodicals, and pamphlets, at the Main Library reached a new record of 206,306; an increase of 18,583 over 1954. In 1951, only four years ago, the total circulation for the Whole System reached 200,000 for the first time. This shows definitely what effect the new Library Building has had upon the
132
Town: the Library is being used. Many times during the year, staff members have reported experiencing unusually busy days. A comparison between the following tables will show the trend of larger single days circulation. At the same time this means more time spent on reference and information to borrowers.
13 LARGEST SINGLE DAYS
1954
1955
Nov. 29
989
July 25
1230
Nov. 15
951
Aug.
8
1172
Oct.
11
913
Jan.
3
1068
Aug.
9
890
Apr. 20
1045
Nov.
1
834
Aug. 22
1041
Sept. 8
834
June 24
996
June 28
833
Feb. 23
950
July 26
801
Feb. 21
943
Sept. 27
799
Aug. 15
938
Feb.
15
756
Nov. 14
924
Oct.
6
734
Mar.
7
911
July
30
714
July
6
900
Aug. 2
710
Nov. 19
900
It is particularly interesting to note that in 1955 the largest days circulation occurred in the middle of the summer. Three of the five days over 1000 were also in the summer. This would seem to indicate a change in the reading habits of the public, for previously July and August were considered the quietest time of the year.
BUSINESS MEN USE THE LIBRARY
When a new type of reference book is added some- what as an experiment, it is very gratifying to find that it has proved its worth. A few years ago the library added the MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICES starting with one service, INDUSTRIALS. Now the library subscribes to four : INDUSTRIALS, PUBLIC UTILITIES, TRANSPOR- TATIONS, and, alternating each year, GOVERNMENTS AND BANKS & FINANCE. It has become a regular ritual with many borrowers (not only men, but women) to come to the library the same time each week and examine these services. WALL ST. JOURNAL is another addition which appeals to men. With the growth in businesses of depart- ments of Personnel Management there is more and more
133
need for material to answer this demand. PRENTICE HALL PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PRACTICES is a service kept up to date weekly which is answering this need. One borrower recently told us that it was the best thing he had seen in this field. Law books of a general na- ture, which are not too technical and which are not too expensive are hard to find. The library is not qualified and has no right to give legal answers, and we can only try to answer a borrower's question in a general way, and sug- gest to him other sources of information. A business man wishing to establish a small boat yard, recently asked us what were his RIPARIAN RIGHTS in a particular local- ity. Labor problems also make necessary additional and up-to-date material.
YOUNG ADULTS USE THE LIBRARY
Mrs. Jeannette Tovet, librarian in charge of work with Young Adults, pays deserved tribute to Mrs. Isabel Handy Ross, who has during the past three years rendered unusual service in the development of this special library department. This department aims to stimulate and main- tain the interest of our teen-agers in reading for pleasure and profit and using the library to assist them in prepara- tion of school assignments. The success of the department is more than just indicated by the large number of boys and girls who come in immediately after school and who crowd the tables each evening. The three secondary schools are well represented as well as many colleges.
A special selection of books labeled Y are arranged in the YA section in the same order that similar books are found in the adult section. In this way, the young people familiarize themselves with the library system of classifi- cation and learn to identify the numbers on the backs of the books with subject matter inside. Many teachers re- quest special shelves of books to be used by students doing research work in civics, science, literature, etc., and the library often sets up groups of books of particular interest.
The tremendous cost of a college education has made both parents and students aware of the need for possible ways to supplement their own income, and for making a careful choice of the college they will attend. The li- brary's large collection of college catalogs is constantly in demand, along with LOVEJOY'S COLLEGE GUIDE and LOVEJOY'S VOCATIONAL GUIDE to suggest train-
134
ing for specialized vocations, as well as liberal arts back- grounds. Reference sources such as the two volumes of SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS, AND LOANS, and YOUR OPPORTUNITY give a surprising list of special funds, prizes, competitions and grants for which a stu- dent may apply.
CHILDREN USE THE LIBRARY
From Mrs. Dorothy Blair, Children's Librarian comes the following report of activity and enthusiasm among the children who use the library :
Now that the children of Braintree have their own beautiful and adequate Children's Library, they are en- joying it in ever increasing numbers. Approximately 1,000 children registered for new library cards during 1955. Over 111,000 children's books were circulated from this department at the Main Library. There has been a 50% increase in books moving across the Children's Room charging desk since we moved into the new building.
A trend in children's reading is a marked increase in the reading of non-fiction, especially by boys. The cir- culation of Biographies alone has increased about a thous- and a year in recent years, and the reading of science is becoming popular. Boys are discovering that "reading" does not refer necessarily to "stories"; and publishers are offering very attractive and easy-to-read biographical, historical and nature material. New interests are opened up by television programs, and Scouting activities.
The Thayer Public Library and the public schools are working ever more cooperatively. Not only are the books that we lend to each classroom being used more and more, but every afternoon children come for books for their school work. They need books for classroom "book reports", books on special topics, and books rated accept- able for State Reading Certificates. Helping the children find all of these keeps one librarian busy during the "after-school peak".
Now that the Library has ample room, it is able to increase its work with groups of children. During 1955, 69 groups totaling over 1800 children visited the library. School classes came to borrow books individually or to see exhibits of new books. Scout groups came for story
135
hours, or to work for the Readers Badge. In addition, the Library ran two series of Story Hours : a summer vacation series and a mid-winter series. Groups such as these intro- duce to the library, children who might never discover it alone.
ART EXHIBITS NEW FEATURE OF LIBRARY SERVICE
This year for the first time, due to the fine facilities of the library auditorium and exhibit room, the library staff felt they could sponsor a full art exhibit. The exhibit was discussed and originally planned in the Spring of 1955, with Mrs. Isabel Ross in charge. In September of 1955, plans were completed by a committee consisting of Miss Florence Potter, Chairman, Mrs. Jeannette Tovet from the library staff, and Mrs. Stanley Smith, a library borrrower and member of the South Shore Arts and Crafts Guild. They were helped immeasurably by the cooperation of the rest of the library staff as well as bv the artists who contributed their fine works and also gave the names of others artists who might be contacted.
The exhibit began on October 10, 1955, and was shown in four groups, each being hung for two weeks. The emphasis was on variety of materials and techniques so that many different artists were encouraged to exhibit. It was decided to limit the group of artists to Shouth Shore residents so that it would be an entirely local exhibit.
All of the four groups were very enthusiastically received by library patrons and also by many out-of-town visitors who welcomed a chance to view such an exhibit. Most of the 38 contributing artists were not professional, since one of the intentions of the exhibit was to give those who paint for a hobby a chance to show their works and discuss painting with others who share their interest. The interest which has been aroused in art as a hobby is shown in the greatly increased circulation of library books on painting, sketching and other forms of creative art. Because of popular demand, the Library hopes that it will have sufficient staff to resume these exhibits in the future.
EXTENSION SERVICES
The BRANCH LIBRARIES constitute an important part of the total library picture for borrowers who do not
136
find the Main Library conveniently accessible. The East Braintree Branch was forced to close for ten days in De- cember when the furnace completely gave out and had to be replaced. A new gas heater was installed and the branch was reopened on January 3. The old twelve foot long table which has been in the branch for so many years has finally been replaced by three small round tables and half of the chairs are new with attractive colored seats. The Trustees hope to replace the rest of the chairs in the present year.
Braintree Highlands Branch has been enjoying its enlarged and new attractive quarters. The increased school population and the greater use of library facilities offered at the branch have increased the book circula- tion. This is especially true in the number of books sent out from this branch for school deposits; in this item there was an increase of 135%.
The Braintree Branch is located less than a mile from the Main Library; as a consequence an increasing number of Braintree readers are coming to South Braintree to avail themselves of the facilities of the larger library. If this trend continues, and thereby further reduces the cir- culation of books at the Braintree Branch, the Trustees may be called upon to weigh the question of whether or not the Branch should be further maintained by a Town Appropriation.
But at the present time there is a considerable num- ber of Braintree people who do not have automobile tran- sportation to the Main Library; these are the persons whom the Braintree Branch now serves. The Trustees do not feel that they are yet justified in recommending the closing of the Braintree Branch.
Another problem which will require study by the Trustees is the best means of providing adequate library service to the rapidly growing population in the outlying areas of the Town. An increasing number of towns in the Commonwealth are attempting to solve the problem by the use of Bookmobiles rather than by the establishment of additional library branches.
STAFF TURNOVER
It seems that for many years an organization will go along with few changes, and then have a turnover of more
137
than half its permanent personnel all at once. Such has been the case at the Library this year. In June, Mrs. Frazier, the assistant in the Children's Room, moved with her husband to Maryland; in June,, Isabel Handy married and left in September to work in the Newton Library nearer to her home in Auburndale. The two weeks from November 5-19 saw the departure of three more full time staff members. Mrs. Ruth Beach, left to live with her eister in California ; Miss Florence Potter was married and moved to Burlington; and Mrs. Chiarelli left to take a job in a Cambridge office where she received more money than it was possible for us to pay her. All of these vacan- cies are at the Main Library. In spite of the new building and fine working conditions, the Trustees have not been able to fill these vacancies with experienced, qualified personnel because of the low salary schedule under which the Library must operate. The remainder of the staff and the temporary help with whom we have had to fill in are to be commended for the wonderful spirit of helpfulness and cooperation which they have shown and for the extra duties they have assumed; but the fundamental services of the Library are being seriously hampered because of this shortage of personnel.
CONCLUSION
At the beginning of this report, we illustrated the success of the past year with one incident of a satisfied borrower and mentioned that it is the library user himself who contributes in great measure to this success.
What about you? Have you a LIBRARY CARD?
Have you asked a REFERENCE or INFORMATION QUESTION this year? Have you used the MUSIC ROOM; borrowed RECORDS (or used the RECORD PLAYER? Have you asked for suggestions of a GOOD BOOK TO READ? Have you used the quiet STUDY TABLES in the mezzanine and basement stacks? Have you enjoyed the ART EXHIBITS in the auditorium and DISPLAYS in wall cases ?
Your money makes these services possible. They are for you. In 1956 why not get full value for your money ?
BE A LIBRARY USER IN 1956.
138
LIBRARY STATISTICS 1955 Circulation
Main Library
Adults
95,090
+12,421
+15%
Juvenile
111,216
+ 6,162
+ 6%
Total
206,306
+18,583
+10%
Branches
Adult
36,339
- 2,982
Juvenile
31,382
- 2,789
Total
67,721
- 5,771
- 5%
Grand Total
274,027
+12,812
+ 5%
The juvenile circulation at the Main Library includes books which circulated over the desk at the Library, and books which circulated from classroom deposits at the schools. 60,340 over the desk; 50,876 from school deposits. Circulation of records 604
Circulation per capita based on 1955 population Largest single days circulation whole system
10.2
September 6
1456
Largest single day's circulation, Main Library July 25
1230
Book Stock January 1, 1956
Adult 35,343
13,311
48,654
Volumes added 1955
2,010
1,278
3,288
Volumes withdrawn 1955
694
551
1,245
Total volumes Dec. 31, 1955
36,659
14,038
50,697
Recordings Dec. 31, 1954
106
Added 1955
84
Total recordings Dec. 31, 1955
190
Registration of Borrowers
Adult 1718
Juvenile 980
Total 2698
Registered in 1955
Borrowers moved or
transferred
72
145
217
Total registrations
since April 1954
5411
3331
8742
Juvenile
Total
Volumes Jan. 1, 1955
139
In April 1954 the library started a re-registration of all library borrowers to bring our records up to date. These figures represent total borrowers who have regis- tered since that time.
Town Accountant EXPENDITURES AND RECEIPTS 1955
RECEIPTS
GENERAL REVENUE
Taxes :
1955
Real Estate
$2,582,619.36
Personal
97,173.60
Poll
13,662.14
$2,693,455.10
1954
Real Estate
63,167.34
Personal
3,870.57
Poll
50.00
67,087.91
Tax Ttile Redemptions :
Tax Titles
4,514.31
Sewer
74.53
Water Liens
99.81
4,688.65
From State
Income Tax
62,631.62
Meal Tax
5,873.56
Corporation
Tax
128,460.08
School Aid
203,054.62
400,019.88
Licenses and Permits
Victuallers
1
200.00
Pin Ball Machines
508.34
Music Boxes
120.00
Auto Dealers
100.00
Auctioneers
10.00
Sunday
231.00
Hawkers and Pedlers
75.00
Rent Town Hall
150.00
-
140
Junk Dealers
200.00
Liquor
8,149.00
Bowling and Pool
39.00
Pistol Permits
120.50
Adv. Liquor Licenses
210.00
Pay Lien Taxes, Sales Land
117:82
Miscellaneous
12.71
10,243.37
Court Fines
300.00
Grants and Gifts
Dog Licenses
1,844.63
State :
School Construction Asst.
126,649.74
Hurricane Carol Light Dept.
21,357.84
Hurricane Carol Town
45,509.36
Indigent Persons
103.00
T. A and Trans.
2,761.99
Vocational Education
2,506.94
198,888.87
Federal Grants
Flood Relief Control
2,000.00
Schools Public Law 874
28,050.89
O. A. A.
91,266.25
O. A. A. Admr.
9,128.79
A. D. C.
21,281.96
A. D. C. Admr.
2,426.20
D. A.
7,438.02
D. A. Admr.
900.18
162,492.29
Chapter 90
State
27,383.42
County
13,691.72
41,075.14
From Trust Funds :
Hollis Fund-Park Dept.
500.00
Charles Thayer-Library
500.00
Charles Thayer-Dyer Hill Cemetery
100.00
Colbert Library Trust-
School Colbert Library
9,000.00
10,100.00
Special Assessments
Sewer
Apportioned 1955
24,043.73
Apportioned 1954
1,172.28
Unapportioned
37,546.66
Betterments Paid in Advance
12,199.29
74,961.96
Sewer Connections
Apportioned 1955
12,994.01
Apportioned 1954
298.30
141
Unapportioned Betterments Paid in Advance
17,849.93 5,618.00
36,760.24
Street
Apportioned 1955
1,520.15
Apportioned 1954
110.07
Betterments Paid in
Advance
931.90
Unapportioned
661.00
3,223.12
Sidewalks
Apportioned 1955
263.72
Apportioned 1954
16.12
Unapportioned
470.01
Betterments Paid in Advance
128.00
877.85
Water Liens
1955
5.670.23
1954
540.41
6,210.64
Motor Vehicle Excise
1955
254,700.48
-
1954
49,971.99
1953
50.63
304,723.10
General Government
Collector
1,567.50
Town Clerk-Dog Licenses
3,794.60
Engineering Dept.
70.75
5,432.85
Protection of Persons and Property
Police Department
Ambulance Receipts
1,278.75
Fire False Alarms
100.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
369.85
Inspector of Buildings
6,658.50
Inspector of Wires
2,407.75
Moth Receipts
107.20
10,922,05
Health and Sanitation
Health
Accounts Receivable
3,156.06
License and Permits
3.525.00
Dental Clinic
633.25
Miscellaneous
634.50
7,948.81
142
345.71
Sewer
Highway
Snow Removal
92.00 214.54
Miscellaneous
306.54
Charities and Veterans' Services
Welfare
Accounts Receivables
2,363.54 149.00
From Individauls
O. A. A. Accounts Receivables
A. D. C. Accounts Receivables
D. A.
Accounts Receivables
7,766.69
Accounts Receivables Adm.
450.09
8,216.78
O. A. A. Recoveries
10,301.40
Infirmary
270.00
Veterans Services Accts. Receivables
19,704.08
Schools and Libraries
Schools
Lunch Program High School
51,479.66
Lunch Program Elementary
79,198.32
Athletic Fund
7,190.39
Tuition
3,620.14
Insurance Claim
743.00
Miscellaneous
2,108.70
Libraries-Fines and Sales
Recreation and Unclassified
Parks Bathing Tags
377.90
Golf Course Reserve
9,735.25
Teachers Retirement Refund Reserve
16,81
Sale of Tax Title Possessions
3,175.00
Rent National Guard
800.00
Bra. Housing Lien of Taxes
3,240.00
Bra. Housing Surplus
1,183.42
Parking Meter Reserve
7,741.19
Withholding Tax Reserve
269,688,86
Saving Bond Reserve
7,804.76
Union Dues Reserve
513.00
Miscellaneous Receipts
223.88
304,500.07
Enterprises and Cemeteries
Water Department
253,553.18
Electric Light Department
1,151,783.92
Electric Light Depreciation Fund
169,033.80
Interest
485.00
169,518.80
2,512.54 126,358.63 15,693.66
144,340.21 2,225.95
143
Cemeteries Sales of Lots Burials
250.00
230.00
480.00*
Interest and Maturing Debt
Interest
Taxes
1,951.81
Excise
138,21
Tax Titles
401.11
2,491.13
Special Assessments
Committed 1955
9,819.72
Committed 1954
385.35
Not Committed
267.60
10,472.67
From Water Dept. for Payment
2,226.00
From Light Dept. for Payment
21,437.50
Accrued Interest
1,408.75'
Maturing Debt
From Water Dept. for Payment
18,000.00
From Light Dept. for Payment
70,000.00
88,000.00
Temporary Loans
Anticipation of Revenue
1,200,000.00
i.oans
Junior High School
1,150,000.00
Premiums
2,043.53.
Trust Fund Income
Nathaniel H. Hunt
819.50
Charles E. French
51.20
Library Foundation
203.76
1,074.46.
Refunds and Transfers
Refunds
Land Damages
350.00
Fire Alarm Expense
.74
Bd. of Health Premature Infant Care
196.00
Sewer Maintenance
3.00
Sewer House Connections
121.85
Highway Materials and Supplies
45.15
T. A., O. A. A., A. D. C., D. A.
23.00
O. A. A. Federal Grants
1,374.45
A. D. C. Federal Grants
257.05
D. A. Federal Grants
63.60
1954 Veterans Services
51.40
1955 Veterans Services
880.07
School Instruction
145.62
School Operation of Plant
172.16
School Maint. of Plant
8.00
Parks Materials, Supp. Repairs
20.10
144
Golf Course Maintenance
13.73 2.32
Water Dept. Maintenance
- $ 3,728.24
Transfers
Accountant and Extra Clerical
160.00
Collector Extra Clerical
300.00
Town Clerk Salary
140.76
Town Clerk Expense
48.50
Registration Clerical
380.00
Engineering Aide Salary
1.60
Junior Engineering Aide Salary
1.60
Town Hall Maintenance
500.00
Police, 31 Patrolmen
166.60
Police Extra Men, Vac. Sick
213.12
Police Expense
394.34
Health
Contagious Diseases
804.57
Health Premature Infant Care
169.47
Sewer Dept. House Connections
3.000.00
Chain Link Fence Dump
1,320.00
Veterans Services
3,000.00
School Instruction
4,000.00
School Operation of Plant
3,051.51
Swimming Expense
595.00
Golf Course Purchase
1,107.00
Non-Contributory Retirement
1,521.00
Insurance Employees Comp.
1,120.31
Premiums
853.45
22,848,83 $
Cash Balance December 31, 1954
General
822,830.98
Water Department
35,644.78
Electric Light Department
75,838.30
Electric Light Depreciation
256,574.76
$1,190,888,82
$9,947,987.88
EXPENDITURES
General Government
Legislative
Moderator
$ 25.00
Finance Committee
Secretary Salary
500.00
Expenses
Clerical
210.96
Assoc. Meeting and Dues
78.68
Advertising
20.00
Printing
479.50
Supplies, Postage, Phone
47.34
836.48
.Selectmen
Selectmen
Salaries
2,100.00
Secretary
3,447.60
145
Expenses
Offices Expenses
324.15
Assoc. Dues and Meetings
81.00
Telephone
265.10
Extra Clerical
75.00
All Other
86.70
831.95+
Accounting
Salary Accountant
4,470.00
Secretary
2,843.25
New Typewriter
105.00
Office Expense
181.68
Telephone
131.29
All Other
37.03
350.00
Treasurer
Salary Treasurer
4.500.00-
Clerks
5.029.70
Extra Clerical
191.00
Parking Meter Off. Expense
11.50.
Expenses
Tax Titles
120.75
Office Expense
492.26
Printing and Advertising
489.50
Association Expenses and Dues
15.78
Telephone
173.25
Surety Bond
335.00
Petty Cash
100.00
Certification Fee
24.00
Safe Repair
20.10
All Other
41.91
1,812.55.
Tax Collector
Salary Collector
3,900.00;
Clerk
2,485.60,
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