USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1957 > Part 8
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In May of 1957, a small meeting was held to test the sentiment for forming a Friends of the Library Group which would have as its goal the staunch support of Library objectives. Schools have their P.T.A.'s, churches have their guilds and societies, and the library feels the
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need of a group that is interested in furthering the role of the library in the cultural and educational life of the community. Much interest was evident among those present and it is hoped that steps may soon be taken to further this idea. Persons who may be interested in par- ticipating in such an organization are invited to communi- cate with the Librarian.
The Trustees gratefully acknowledge a gift of $545.45 from the estate of Dr. Frank Kenna to be used by the Trustees as may be desired. Dr. Kenna, who lived on Holmes Street near the Quincy line, was a frequent visitor at the Library. The Trustees plan to put this money to some special use which will fittingly identify the donor. Seventeen titles have been added this year to the Stacy B. Southworth Lincoln Library. Gifts of books or funds to this special library are always welcome. We hope someday to have one of the finest of such collections in this area.
At the close of the year, the Trustees received word that neither Mrs. Rogers nor Mrs. Wetherbee would be candidates for re-election in 1958. This news was re- ceived with profound regret. Both of these Public Spirited ladies have served the library long, faithfully and well. Both have left their marks of influence. Mrs. Wetherbee, through her knowledge and interest, influ- enced the assembling of a fine section on antiques, art and china. Mrs. Rogers served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the last twelve years. Some time ago Mrs. Rogers prepared a History of the Thayer Public Library for a paper read before the Historical Society. She also wrote a "Library Column" for the Braintree Observer on books and items of interest. The gentlemen of the Board will miss the gracious presence and the long experience of these Trustees.
The Trustees of Thayer Public Library all join in hearty praise for the librarians and other members of the library staff who reveal to us in their daily duties how dedicated they all are to their work and to the service of the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON W. BRYANT, Chairman MABEL S. ROGERS, Secretary RALPH B. WOODSUM, Treasurer CLARA G. WETHERBEE GILBERT L. BEAN
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Financial Report of the Trustees of the Thayer Public Library December 31, 1957
Principal-Foundation Fund
$ 11,020.91
Principal-Caleb Stetson Fund
2,500.00
Principal-Rachel R. Thayer Fund
172.50
Principal-Kenna Fund
545.45
Receipts
Cash on deposit January 1, 1957
$ 2,928.45
Income-Foundation Fund
341.90
Income-Caleb Stetson Fund
75.00
Income-Rachel R. Thayer Fund
5.38
Income-Nathaniel H. Hunt Fund
806.24
$ 4,156.97
Expenditures
Foundation Fund
$ 25.00
Hunt Fund
1,087.16
1,112.16
Cash on deposit December 31, 1957
3,044.81
$ 4,156.97
RALPH B. WOODSUM, Treasurer
STATISTICS 1957 Circulation : Books, Periodicals, Pamphlets
Main Library
Adult
94,065
+12,997
16% incr.
*Juvenile
140,525
+15,463
12% incr.
Total
234,590
28,460
Branches
Adult
34,486
3,536
* Juvenile
27,341
3,594
Total
61,827
1-7,130
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Total Books etc. 296,417
+21,330
Circulation : Records 3,716 + 1,407
60% incr.
Total No. Loans 300,133 +22,737 8.2% incr.
*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.
Over the desk 75,638 +12,223
20% incr.
School deposits 64,887 + 3,240
107 deposits
Circulation per capita 11
#The loss in branch circulation is due to the closing of the Braintree Branch the first of July.
Registration of Borrowers
Adult
Juvenile 3,788
Total 10,555
Borrowers Dec. 31, 1956
6,767
Registered in 1957
2,790
915
3,705
Borrowers moved or transferred
1957
3,011
619
3,630
Total registrations Dec. 31,
1957
6,546
4,084
10,630
Book Stock
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. Dec. 31, 1956
38,179
14,772
52,951
Vols. added 1957
2,198
1,393
3,591
Vols. withdrawn 1957
1,328
603
1,931
Total Vols. Dec. 31, 1957
39,049
15,562
54,611
229 gift books.
Records Dec. 31, 1956
306
Records added 1957
144
Records withdrawn 1957
13
Total records Dec. 31, 1957
437
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
In the Library Report for 1956, the librarian made special mention of the status of the Braintree Branch Library, and of a forthcoming survey of the branch situa- tion throughout the town.
On February 28, Mrs. George J. Galick, Director of the Massachusetts Division of Library Extension, and Miss Alice Cahill, Supervisor of Field Services visited the Li-
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Per Cent of Circulation Increase in Non-Fiction- 1957
905
2
25
30
35
40
50
2
60
65
70
15
80
85
...
1.
Reference
12
Philos- ophy
53
Social
10
Sciences
Languages
44
1
Pure Science
133
Applied Science
Arts + Recreation
1.5
Literature
30
History
29
Travel
Biography
Periodicals
Records
bl
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Religion
brary to make this survey. They went over, carefully, statistics for the circulation of each branch from 1946- 1956; operating costs in 1956; and a map showing the location of branches, schools, new housing developments, and concentric circles denoting the relating of each branch to the Main Library and to each other. They were then
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taken on a tour of the town from which they could get first hand information of the condition of each branch building and the areas served by each branch unit. The conclusions from this survey contained in the report to the Trustees made the following recommendations:
1. "The Braintree Branch no longer justifies its existence. It should be closed. It is economically unsound and administratively inefficient to con- tinue a branch library operation which costs more per book circulation than either of the other two busier branch operations, particularly when al- most 50% of the area served falls within a one- mile radius of the Main Library building."
2. "It is recommended that the closing of this branch be a first step in a long range program for im- proving library service to Braintree residents
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where there is no coverage in many outlying sec- tions."
3. "The Branch service outlet for East Braintree residents is crowded and small without any pro- vision for off street parking facilities on a very heavily travelled highway." Several suggestions were made for possible relocation of the branch and improvement of its facilities.
4. Finally, the report states, "Braintree covers an area of 13.7 square miles. Several new housing developments have come into existence ; ยท many of these are some distance from the Main Library or the East Braintree or Highlands branch. It would seem that the inauguration of a Bookmobile service would be the best method of further extending town l'brary service to these areas. This bookmobile could also be the substitute for the Braintree Branch Library .. . "
ON WINGS OF SONG
After considering this report, the Trustees agreed that the Braintree Branch had served a great need during the Depression days and the War years when gasoline rationing made it difficult for people to go to South
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Braintree, but that at present the cost and the use made of the branch no longer justified its continued operation. Consequently the Branch was discontinued as of July 1. Mrs. Gertrude Bates, formerly librarian of the branch is now serving the Main Library. The Librarian and Trustees realize that this step has caused a hardship to some of the Braintree borrowers; however, they are gratified that the majority of these people are now using the Main
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THE MAGIC CARPET OF BOOKS
Library regularly. While many of the children from this area do come to the Main Library, it has been more diffi- cult for them to make the change. It is the children who live in the Lakeside School area who are particularly affected. This Northwest corner of the town is one of the areas which needs some form of library service, and which could be effectively served by a Bookmobile. In fact, requests have come to the Librarian and Trustees from residents in the Granite Park area for bookmobile or other type of library service.
LIBRARY CONTINUES TO GROW
The statistics at the beginning of this report show that in spite of the closing of the Braintree Branch, there
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was an overall increase in the number of loans over 1956 of 22,737 or an increase of 8%. At the Main Library the increase in books was 28,640 or 13% and 1,407 or 60 % gain in records loaned. For the first time in the history of the library the number of loans has exceeded 300,000.
Last year in the children's department, the books circulated in the school deposits showed the largest gain ; this year, the books circulated over the desk showed the largest gain. This is the way that Mrs. Blair, the chil- dren's librarian, would prefer to have it. It shows that children come to the library on their own and borrow books because they like to read, and not because they have to, as might be the case in a classroom. As might be expected the subject books in the children's room which showed the greatest increase were again the Science Books. A few years ago Biographies were read the most, now Science and Biography are running neck and neck. Mrs. Blair, has enlarged the collection of science books by buying more copies of books already owned, and by adding as many new science titles as possible. She has also kept this collection up-to-date, by carefully going over each title and weeding out all science books which were out of date, with the exception of a few which might be valuable for historical reasons.
The accompanying chart indicates that in the Adult Department there was a gain in all classes of non-fiction. Here, the class with the largest per cent of gain is rather surprising; Religious Books with a gain of 53%. The staff cannot attribute this to any one particular reason. They feel that it follows a general nationwide realization of the need for spiritual help in these modern times.
The use of the library for Reference purposes is growing and the evening attendance in the reference room and stack study tables is often at capacity. High School and College students are finding that they must take their studying seriously in order to make the grade in the strenuous competition to enter and to stay in college once they have been admitted. Even during va- cations the tables are full with college students home for the holidays.
With this constant use of reference books and en- cyclopedias, mutilation has increased; we have been very free from this problem until this year. A few volumes of encyclopedias have been missing entirely; but the worst problem is when pages are cut out, or pictures and parts
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of pages are taken. Notebook assignments where illus- trations have to be used are one cause for this. We regret that the easiest way for a pupil to get his illustrations is to take them out of a library book. In the evening when it is very busy at both the charging desk and in the refer- ence section, it is impossible for two staff members to charge and discharge books, search for answers to refer- ence questions, and keep watch over a roomful of stu- dents. Unfortunately the problem of mutilation is not. only confined to students and reference books. Recently a new cook book was found to have several pages of recipes torn from it; this had only circulated to adult women.
SURVEY OF LIBRARY USERS
It is the custom of the Library to re-register adult borowers every three years. This keeps the file of li- brary users more accurate; weeds out those who have moved out of town, and corrects any change of address within the town. In June of 1957, we began this re- registration. A card is sent to each borrower whose cards expire within a certain month asking him to come in to sign a new card if he wishes to continue as a library user. After a period of three months, if a card is still in the old files, the cards are looked over and the names with- drawn unless the staff members recognize people who for various reasons may not have been able to come to the library to sign again. In this case, a telephone call and a card sent to the borrower in the mail may keep his name on file. However, we urge borrowers to renew their cards as soon as possible.
On the registration card there is a place for the bor- rower to put his occupation and also any special interests or hobbies. While this information is not obligatory, it is important and helpful in the process of book selection. During this card renewal, we have also been making a file of occupations and special interests which were listed. According to the old Nursery Rhymes, "The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker"; and "Doctor, Law- yer, Indian Chief" these,-with the exception of the Candlestick Maker and Indian Chief,-and many more are all represented as library users, whether for educa- tional or recreational reasons. One hundred three dif- ferent occupations including the following were listed :
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Housewife Students (including High School and College)
Teachers Secretaries and clerical workers Engineers Salesmen
Package designer Hearing Aid audiologist Ontical worker
Die maker Advertising
Managerial
Buyers Bank employees
Chemists
Machinists
Technic ans
Nurses
Electricians
Hoisting engineer
Boiler inspector
Barrel washer
Doctors Meat cutter
Dentists
Deputy U. S. Marshall
Truck drivers Social workers Deck loader Florists
Switchman
Armed services
When it comes to Special Interests, they run all the way from Airplanes to Youth activities, including such in- terests as "Fence viewing," Hypnosis, Light-fusion, Maine, Speech. Sports and Music are about tied for the largest number of enthusiasts.
MUSIC
This interest in Music has doubtless been fostered to a certain extent by the establishment of the Music Room and Record Collection, and it shows this service is de- finitely worthwhile. Miss Mary Valentine, in charge of the record collection, reports that in addition to the in- crease of 60% in the borrowing of records, the record player in the Library's Music Room was in use for a total of about 100 hours during the year. During the month of October, Miss Valentine arranged a series of four weekly record programs with the themes "New England Music"; "Panorama of America"; "Tribute to Hungary"; "Ports of Call". While these programs were not too largely attended, those who were present were very en- thusiastic. At each group meeting, Miss Valentine ar- ranged pictures of composers and places represented by the music to be played; also books on music or travel for follow-up reading. This year we expect to plan a similar series and with more publicity and possibly a more popu- lar time we hope that more people will be able to enjoy this group listening to good music.
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Factory workers Draftsmen
Lawyers
Supervisors Printers
EXHIBITS
The displays in the large exhibit case of the library also tied in with music groups, during this period, as it has been the aim of Mrs. Tovet to work in exhibits which would support another library feature when- ever possible. Especially attractive was the display representing music of America: An early American barn with tiny figures square dancing ; a Victorian band stand, and the Modern Esplanade Shell which houses the Boston Symphony orchestra for its esplanade concerts; the figures of the orchestra players and their instruments made to scale by Miss Valentine and Mrs. Tovet were a work of art. One of the loveliest displays was an exhibit of por- celain and china to illustrate several beautiful new books on these subjects. Most of these articles were loaned by Mrs. Charles Stockbridge. Another exhibit of particular note was the exhibit of Indian materials and artifacts which was a part of the large exhibit arranged by the Braintree Historical Society in the room below the library auditorium. These were loaned to the Historical Society by Mr. Milton Babcock during the month of May. Chil- dren from schools within walking distance of the library came in groups to see the complete Indian exhibit, and this apparently made a great impression on them, for even now almost every week some child asks if he can see the "Indian museum". In connection with the various exhibits, the library is grateful to the following for loans of illustrative materials :
Boston Symphony Orchestra Book Clearing House Houghton Mifflin Co. South Weymouth Naval Airbase
GIFTS
Several noteworthy gifts have become available to the library during 1957. Two have already been men- tioned in the report of the Trustees; that of the Mural, and the gift from the estate of Dr. Frank Kenna. The Mural is a great addition to the auditorium of the library ; it adds a focal point of interest and color and it perpetu- ates one of the early scenes in Braintree's history. This was truly a community enterprise, and many have been the enthusiastic comments on this decorative addition to the library.
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Another gift was from the former Braintree Girl Scout Council. In December this office was discontinued, as Braintree's Council combined with several other towns on the South Shore to form the Mayflower Council with headquarters to be located in Hingham. The Braintree office had collected a library of materials for the use of its leaders in Brownie and Girl Scout Troops. The Brain- tree Council felt that it would like to have its material remain in Braintree for its own Scouts, and the library would be the logical recipient. The Library is grateful for this gift of fifty books and pamphlets on Scouting, crafts and camping. As soon as these have been pro- cessed they will be put on a special shelf for Girl Scout Leaders. In some cases where there are several copies of one title, one copy will be sent to the East Braintree Branch for the use of leaders in that vicinity.
We are grateful to the many inividuals who have given books to the library. One special gift of forty books was from a family moving to Florida. These were mostly current popular adult titles, all of which we were glad to have extra copies. Seventeen titles have been added to the Southworth Lincoln collection during the year. In all we have received from one source or another 229 worthwhile books as gifts.
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
In March 1958 there is to be observed an event of importance to all people throughout the country. This is National Library Week from March 16-22, 1958, spon- sored by the American Library Association and the National Book Committee. The theme: "WAKE UP AND READ". Already many national magazines have fea- tured articles about libraries and reading. Good House- keeping for November in an article telling of the many services available to citizens at their public library says "this month as Thanksgiving approaches count it among your blessings". This Week Magazine in its article of October 20, 1957 says "What is reading? It is KNOWL- EDGE ... It is MAGIC . . . It is TODAY ... It is IDEAS. Is this all? No, it is WISDOM, too and INSPIRATION. Reading is absorbing, it is exciting, it is vital. In short, there are hidden riches waiting for everyone who re- sponds to this message: WAKE UP AND READ."
The staff of the Thayer Public Library also counts among its many blessings, its library borrowers and
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friends, and we count it a high privilege to be able to serve the citizens of Braintree. During this National Library Week, we hope to be able to offer the citizens some program in keeping with the general theme, which may be an incentive to all people to WAKE UP AND READ not only during National Library Week, but all through the years to come.
Inspector of Wires
ARTHUR F. LUCAS, Inspector JOHN H. FRAZIER, Deputy
Permits Issued in 1957 722
Number of Inspections 1957 1800
Fees collected from January 1, 1957 thru December 31,1957-$1,765.00.
Fire Department
HARRY T. SEARS Chief of Fire Department Superintendent of Fire Alarm
In 1957 out of a toal of 1,066 calls of all descriptions 151 fires resulted with a loss totaling $73,118.69 with a property valuation involved by fire of $896,020.00.
Fire prevention being the most effective weapon in lowering the fire loss and minimizing the physical dangers to our people, we have introduced the Junior Fire Marshall Program which has contributed measurably in controlling hazardous conditions in the homes. Over 3,000 homes in the Town of Braintree were inspected, cleared of any fire hazard through a questionnaire by a Junior Fire Mar- shall. The questionnaire was then returned to the school teacher before receiving a reward. We feel this plan along with the Fire Department Fire Prevention program is far reaching in reducing our fire losses and protecting the lives of our people.
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A DISASTROUS FIRE CAUSED BY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 11, 1957 IN EAST BRAINTREE SQUARE
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The three fire stations are in very good condition and require only the usual maintenance to keep them in good repair.
The Fire Alarm System is in very good condition, 13 new fire alarm boxes were added to the system in 1957, consisting of 10 street boxes in new locations and 3 master fire alarm boxes for school and factory protection. The installation of red lights over the fire alarm boxes should control speedy location at night.
The apparatus and equipment are in very good condi- tion except for an 18 year old forest fire truck that should be replaced this year with a combination forest fire and emergency truck capable of carrying 600 gallons of water, to take care of fires that will occur on our new highway system, without hydrant reserve.
Mutual Aid plays a very important part in the pro- tection of life and property. We are grateful to have automatic Mutual Aid with our neighboring city and towns.
Our two way radio purchased in 1951 with one mobile added each year until all apparatus are radio equipped, provides instantaneous and reliable communication be- tween Fire Headquarters and fire apparatus and men, contributing to the efficiency of the Fire Service.
In 1958 we should complete the School Building sprinkler program. All 2nd and 3rd class school buildings will be protected by automatic fire alarm and sprinkler systems.
The large reduction in insurance premiums has in many cases been the prevailing reason for installing auto- matic sprinklers. Oftentimes the annual savings is suffi- cient to pay for the sprinkler system. Regardless of the question of safety which should be the most important feature for the safety of our school children and school buildings, sprinkler protection is an excellent investment.
STATE LAW-Upon the approach of any fire appara- tus which is going to a fire or responding to an alarm, every person driving a vehicle on a way shall immediately drive said vehicle as far as possible toward the right hand curb or side of said way and shall keep the same at a standstill until such fire apparatus has passed. No person shall drive a vehicle over a hose of a fire department, without the consent of a member of such department. No person shall
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drive a vehicle within eight hundred feet of any fire ap- paratus going to a fire or responding to an alarm, nor drive such vehicle or park or leave the same unattended, within six hundred feet of a fire or within the fire lines established thereat by the fire department. Violations of any provi- sions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.
Fuel oil in excess of ten gallons shall not be kept in a structure without a permit having been obtained from the head of the Fire Department. In 1957 there were 255 in- spections of fuel oil burner installations. These installa- tions are increasing every year. A person, firm or corpora- tion shall not install nor alter a fuel oil burner installation until a certificate of competency has been obtained from the State Fire Marshall.
A permit is required from the head of the Fire De- partment for the installation and storage of Liquified Pe- troleum Gas systems. Eighteen permits were issued in 1957 for such installations, forty-nine permits for blasting and 517 permits for fires in open air.
Supervised drills and schooling in the Fire Department are carried on throughout the year to keep abreast of the most advanced fire fighting techniques and equipment.
During the year 1957 we used 42,250 feet of 21/2 inch hose, 47,500 feet of 11/2 inch hose, 60,000 feet of booster hose, and 930 feet of ladders were used. Our engines pumped water for 349 hours. We received calls for 151 building fires, 69 resuscitator calls, 516 grass, woods and dump fires. We answered 29 calls for automobile acci- dents, received 57 false telephone calls and false alarms. We answered 21 Mutual Aid Calls and 227 miscellaneous calls, making a total of 1066 calls.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all others who have assisted the Fire De- partment in carrying out its duties.
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Police Department
Braintree, Massachusetts, January 1, 1958
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