USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1958 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
This growth in quality of library use is shown also in the type of reference questions for which we are continually being asked to find the answers. The following are only a few questions which we were not able to answer satisfactorily. Material on CYTOPLASMIC MIC- ROSOMES; HOW TO SET UP A DIET EXPERIMENT WITH RATS; MATERIAL ON FULMINATE EXPLOSIVES; HELIARC WELDING; COPPER OXIDE RECTIFIERS; MEN- DELIAN LAWS for a person interested in developing a new type of AFRICAN VOILET; LEGAL CASE OF MARY LASKY vs. ECONOMY GROCERY STORE. Other questions answered in- clude : Torture devices of the Dark Ages; Explanations of solar bat- teries and solar furnaces; How to make a barometer and a telescope ; Rice plantations in South Carolina before the Revolution ; Voodo cere- monies in Haiti; Cuban music and Hawaiian music; Scientific dis- coveries in the Artic and Antartic; History of the Edinburgh Music Festival; How to get rid of a skunk under a front porch; Welcoming speeches for club members; Chinese Art designs; History of prisons in Massachusetts; Effect of the frontier on American character ; Nuc- lear testing.
From a glance at these questions, it will be seen that a large num- ber of questions are in the fields of science and technology. In circula- tion, science books had the largest percent of increase, 30% ; last year science had an increase of 33%. In these fields we must not only keep our materials up to date, but we must enlarge our collection of books. Accordingly one of the major projects of the staff this year has been to look over approximately 3600 science and technology books; exam- ine them for date of publication, check in Standard recommended lists, for their value; check for more recent editions; check the amount of
134
materials available on particular subjects ; check the physical condition of each book, and how many times it had been used. At times it was necessary to get the advice of specialists in certain fields in order to be sure that individual titles were not obsolete. After all these processes, the staff considered the value of each book to the library collection, whether it was worth keeping, whether it should be rebound, or whether it should be replaced by more recent material. This is time consuming, and we have not completed the project. Of this number we found it necessary, either because of physical condition or obsolescence to dis- card 260 books. We have made a start in replacing them with new material, and adding material in new technical fields. However, in order to do this, money is necessary. The price of the majority of tech- nical and scientific books is a minimum of $7 or $8, and to add to this, we receive only a short discount of about 10% off the list price. There- fore, the Trustees have been obliged to ask for an increase in the Li- brary's Book Budget for 1959. Books are the Library's main stock in trade, the reason for its existence, and science is just one of many differ- en fields in which people are interested. We have an obligation to pro- vide material for all people.
We have been referring above to the adult department alone. How- ever, the elementary school television instruction programs are a de- cided stimulus to worthwhile reading in both natural and physical sci- ence in the children's department. Not only are children taking science books from the library, but teachers are increasingly asking for scien- tific material to use in the classrooms.
RECORD COLLECTION
The Record Collection has now grown to include over 500 titles, including all types of music from chamber music to jazz. Since most of our record borrowers ask for a particular type of music rather than a composer, we experimented during the past year with a new arrange- ment of the albums, grouping together all the orchestral music in one sec- tion, operas and musical comedies on another shelf, and piano concertos and music of other solo instruments in a third section, etc. Borrowers seem to like this arrangement, so one of our projects for the coming year will be the changing of the catalog cards and the shelf numbers on the records to correspond with the new plan.
Recordings were featured in one of the National Library Week exhibits, and were included with books on exhibition during the Boston Arts Festival; a special collection of Christmas records, readings and carols, were featured during the month of December.
135
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
The Thayer Public Library along with libraries throughout the country observed the week of March 16-22, 1958 as National Library Week.
The whole library staff was engaged for weeks previous to this in planning and preparing a worthwhile program. An exhibit of works by local artists arranged by Mrs. Robert Wick in the auditorium, an Open House with a talk on "One Man's Reading" by Mr. Walter Tate, the Senior Citizens open meeting on Japan with slides and ex- hibits of Japanese articles, two film showings for children of "Huckle- berry Finn" and Madeline were the major events which took place. New England's fickle weather produced one of her late snow storms, and this necessitated the cancellation of a joint program with the school libraries at which Mr. Harry Stubbs of Milton and writer of science fiction was to have been the speaker.
Continuing events throughout the week were exhibits of books in various stores and public buildings in different sections of the town.
fresh
Borrower's Interests Displayed In Hobby Exhibit
In order to give the townspeople a chance to tell us what library service means to them, and offer any comments, a questionnaire was distributed to those who came into the library during the week.
An analysis of these answers was most helpful and revealing, and often amusing. A few of the comments suggest different reactions to library service. "Library Week is wonderful, and the 'commercials' should be continued all year round."
136
Begrudge paying most taxes. Those contributing to library support are excepted.
I have 4 children and seldom go out, so I value the library as a means of keeping up with what is going on.
Library appears to be geared to school children and old ladies, not modern-rearders. Ages 20 - 30 appear to be ignored.
l enjoy your displays and books very much - of interest to young and old.
"Limited selection of books.
The service is exceptional. Especially appreciated in children's section.
I am proud of our library.
I would appreciate more current fiction.
Stay open every night - close in the morning.
An asset to our community.
Scientific books. The more the better.
I would enjoy more new novels and biographies.
We just moved here a few months ago from Quincy and were pleasantly surprised at the completeness of the Main Library and the branch we use.
Would like more scientific material.
As a student I find reference is inadequate and as a music lover record collection is limited.
Object to the noise and confusion caused by children and teen-agers."
In this survey, frequently there was espressed the wish for more science books, more current fiction, more books in general. Again a need for more money for books. We appreciate the answers to the question- naires, and whenever feasible we shall try to put into effect any improve- ments which have been suggested.
PROBLEMS
As indicated by a comment on one of the questionnaires, the problem of noise among the young people and children is causing us some concern, especially in the evening. Evenings should be a time for adults to use the library, and for those students who really want to study.
137
We hesitate to say that young people cannot come into the library in the evening, for we do want them to feel that the library is a friendly place. However, we do expect them to observe the rules and respect the rights of other people. Those who come to the library should come with a definite purpose, to USE LIBRARY MATERIAL. They should not just bring their textbooks and expect to do their home work, and chat with their friends. Mrs. Blair suggests that Junior High people should do their reference work in the afternoon, and she further adds that pa ents should not allow themselves to be pressured into accepting I'brary and church as an excuse to go out evenings. In order to try and keep some sort of order, and weed out those who do not intend to USE the library, we have had to make a rule that anyone high school age and under must show his library card to a staff member and sign his name and address and grade if he is to be admitted to the library, in the evening. No child under the 8th grade is allowed to come into the library in the evening unless he is accompanied by a parent who stays while the child is in the library. We are relieved to find that our library is not alone in this problem of behavior.
In talking with librarians of other towns we find they are having the same trouble, but it is disturbing to us and we realize that people who use the library have a right to expect some degree of quiet.
51
National Library Week Art Exhibit
PERSONNEL
Since November, we have lost three staff members. Two have left for family reasons, and one left to accept a school library position in Weymouth at a much higher salary. We have not been able to fill any of the positions, so we start the new year with three vacancies.
138
Too often in neighboring towns it has happened that a public librarian has left to accept a position in a school library ; higher salaries on a level with teachers, long vacations and no evening work are naturally an attraction. It will be impossible to attract qualified librarians for professional positions in PUBLIC LIBRARIES until salaries are increased to parallel more nearly those of school librarians.
The Librarian is grateful for a most devoted staff. Each one has taken on extra duties since the vacancies have occurred and this has contributed greatly to keep the library running smoothly at a busy time of year. However, many things will have to be left undone in order to try to continue to serve the public; this, we consider the first and most important phase of the library work. We regret any inconveniences and difficulties which the public may experience, due to a shortage of ex- perienced personnel.
MIMEOGRAPH
A major purchase during the year has been that of a mimeograph machine. This has been found useful for many purposes, but especially that of issuing a monthly list of new books.
This is a service which borrowers have asked for many times, and we hope to be able to continue this service throughout the year.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Library is grateful to many people for their cooperation and helpfulness during National Library Week, and throughout the year. For publicity : Mr. Walter Tate, Braintree Observer, Quincy Patriot Ledger and Radio Station WJDA.
For exhibits in store windows:
Niles Real Estate; Cookie Box Bakery; Danny's Cleansers ; McNealy Real Estate; Ruth's Coffee Shop; Dr. Jerome Wasserman ; Ken's Donut Shop.
For displaying posters:
Armstrong Cork, Fisher-Pierce, Clark's Sport Center, Smiley's Drugstore, Weymouth Art Leather, Tedeschi's Mar- ket, Warren's Hardware and Radio, Nelson's Market, Barile Plumbing, Golden Rule Cleansers.
For beautiful flower arrangements during Library Week and through the year; Braintree Garden Club.
139
For planning and arranging Art Exhibits : Mrs. Robert Wick and Mrs. Malcolm Duffee, and all those who exhibited paintings.
Many borrowers may remember the delightful book by Robert Smith "Where did you go?" "Out." "What did you do?" "Nothing." In a recent issue of the American Library Association Bulletin, Mr. Smith has written a short article on libraries and education with the title "WHERE DID YOU GO?" "TO SCHOOL." "WHAT DID YOU LEARN ?" "ABOUT LIBRARIES."
He says "One thing I feel sure was taught to me in school, was that there were such things as books, and that there existed a building knwn as the 'liberry.' Having once made this discovery, I got the notion that the libraries were the educational system of the United States and that schools were basically places to equip you to use libraries . .. Air age, atom age, space age, age of anxiety, whatever age it may be, it seems to me that the problem of education may be difficult, but not complex. The repository of wisdom is the books of the world."
A small part of the books of the world are available here at your library; we feel sure that the children of Braintree are learning about libraries in school. And as Mr. Smith concludes "If it can be disclosed to a certain number of them (children) that the most exciting thing in the world is to make contact with another mind, a certain number of them will be the hope of the world."
The Thayer Public Library will feel that it has accomplished its objectives, if we have in a small way helped citizens young and old feel the joy and excitement of learning through reading.
Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Hall,
Librarian
Statistics 1958
CIRCULATION: BOOKS, PAMPHLETS
PERIODICALS,
Main Library
Adult
103,199
-|- 9,134
*Juvenile
156,064
-|- 15,539
Total
269,263
-|- 24,673
140
Branches
Adult
29,212
5,274
Juvenile
22,213
5,128
Total
51,425
10,402
Total Books etc.
310,688
--
13,271
Circulation : Records
4,244
--
528
Total No. Loans
314,932
- - 14,799
The juvenile circulation at the Main Library includes books which circulated over the desk at the library, and books which cir- culated from classroom deposits at the schools.
Over the desk
85,007
-- 9,369
School deposits
71,057
-1- 6,170
The loss in branch circulation is due to the fact that the Braintree Branch closed in July 1957; and also to the fact that in 1957 the Highlands branch sent school deposits from the branch; in 1958 all school deposits were handled at the Main Library.
Registration of Borrowers
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers Jan. 1, 1958
6,546
4,084
10,630
Registered in 1958
2,245
842
3,087
Borrowers moved or cards expired
1,809
732
2,541
Total registrations Dec. 31, 1958
6,982
4,194
11,176
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes Jan. 1, 1958
39,049
15,562
54,611
Volumes added 1958
2,146
1,073
3,219
Volumes withdrawn 1958
928
738
1,666
Total volumes Dec. 31, 1958
40,267
15,897
56,164
Records Jan. 1, 1958
437
Records added 1958
120
Records withdrawn 1958
15
Total records Dec. 31, 1958
542
141
LIBRARY HOURS
Main Library Monday, Wednesday, Friday Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
9-9 9-5:30
East Braintree Branch Tuesday, Thursday Saturday
1:30-5:30 and 7-9
1:30-5:30
Highlands Branch
Tuesday, Thursday
1:30-5:30 and 7-9
Saturday 1:30-5:30
All libraries are closed on Saturdays from June 15 - Sept. 15.
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
ARTHUR F. LUCAS, Inspector JOHN H. FRAZIER, Deputy
Permits issued in 1958 700
Number of Inspections in 1958 1860
Fees collected from January 1, 1958 thru December 31, 1958- $2,151.00
-
142
FIRE DEPARTMENT HARRY T. SEARS Chief of Fire Department
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
In 1958 out of a total of 757 calls of all descriptions, 181 resulted with a loss totaling $73,516.48 with a property valuation involved by fire of $3,607,956.34.
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 Marshall. 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.
The three fire stations are in very good condition and require only the usual maintenance to keep them in good repair.
The apparatus and equipment are in very good condition the Triple Combination purchased last year was commissioned January 10, 1959, it is the latest thing in fire fighting apparatus, the piece was built to the specifications of the Braintree Fire Department Designed for use at all types of fires, including those on the New Southeast Ex- pressway, where there is no added water supply, it carries a 600 Gallon pump connected to a 600 Gallon water tank, two 200 ft. pre-connected 11/2 inch hose lines, 30 gallons of foam concentrate that can produce 4800 gallons of mechanical foam to combat gasoline fires, carries 500 ft. of hose connected to two power reels. A 24 ft. aluminum extention ladder and a 14 ft. roof ladder, has automatic transmission and power steering, also has a two way radio and lighting equipment.
Mutual Aid plays a very Important part in the protection of life and property. Weare grateful to have automatic Mutual Aid with our neighboring city and towns.
In 1959 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.
In 1959 I have recommended the installation of automatic sprink- lers in the Town Hall this is is a 2nd class building, used by the public more than any building in the Town of Braintree.
The large reduction in insurance premiums has in many cases been the prevailing reason for installing automatic sprinklers.
143
-
BRAINTREE
144
M1189
THE LATEST IN FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Often times the annual savings is sufficient to pay for the sprinkler system. Regardless of the question of safety which should be the most important feature for the safety of people, sprinkler protection is an excellent investment.
STATE LAW - Upon the approach of any fire apparatus 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 con- sent of a member of such department. No person shall drive a vehicle within three hundred feet of any fire or responding to an alarm, nor drive such vehicle or park or leave the same unattended, within eight hundred feet of a fire or within th fire lines established thereat by the fire department. Violations of any provisions 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 Depart- ment. In 1958 there were 248 inspections of fuel oil burners installations. These installations are increasing every year. A person, firm or corpo- ration 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 Department for the installation and storage of Liquified Petroleum Gas systems. 9 permits were issued in 1958 for such installations 56 permits for blast- ing and 498 permits for fires in open air.
Supervised drills and schooling in the Fire Department are car- ried on through out the year to keep abreast of the most advanced fire fighting techniques and equipment.
During the year 1958 we used 19,050 feet of 21/2 inch hose 9850 feet of 11/2 inch hose 40,000 feet of booster hose and 945 ft. of ladders. Our engines pumped water 63 hours and 40 minutes. We answered 141 calls for building fires, 58 resuscitator calls 205 grass, wood and dump fires. 40 calls for automobile fires, answered 49 false alarms, received 19 Mutual Aid calls and 249 miscellaneous calls, mak- ing a total of 757, calls in 1958.
The Fire Alarm system is in very good condition except for a 28 year old Operating and Control Center at the Central Fire Station. This equipment is out-moded and unreliable. I have recommended the pur- chase and installation of a new Control Center. Ten new fire alarm boxes were added to the system in 1958 constisting of 5, new locations and 5 replacements, fire alarm boxes have been installed to protect each
145
Convalescent Home. The installation of red lights over the fire alarm boxes should control speedy location of boxes at night.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all other who have assisted the Fire Department in carrying out its duties.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Braintree, Massachusetts January 1, 1959
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1958.
ARRESTS
Total Arrests. . . . . . 736
Male Resident
304 Femal Resident
36
Male Non-Resident .. . 386
Female Non-Resident .10
No. 1-Crimes Against Person
MR MNR FR FNR
Assualt & Battery
9
9
1
0
Threats
1
0
0
0
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
2
9
1
0
Indecent Assualt Against Person
3
0
0
0
Lewd & Lascivious
3
3
1
0
16
21
3
0
No. 2-Crimes Against Property
B & E & Larceny
27
13
0
0
Concealing Leased Property
0
0
1
0
Larceny
39
14
0
0
Malicious Mischief
0
1
0
0
66
28
1
0
146
No. 3-Crimes Against Public Order
Delinquency
32
8
2
0
Drunkeness
62
92
18
3
Motor Vehicle Laws, Violation
7
8
0
0
Operating Under Influence,
Motor Vehicle
8
10
0
0
Operating So As To Endanger,
Motor Vehicle
3
2
0
0
Traffic Laws, (Violation)
59
190
7
5
Violation Town By-Laws
1
1
0
0
(Violation) Probation
7
2
1
0
Arrests for Out of Town Police
9
1
0
0
Non-Support
7
1
0
0
Neglect of Family
4
0
0
0
Disturbing the Peace
0
1 0
0
Circulating False Alarm
2
0 0
0
Receiving Stolen Property
1
1
0
0
Missappropriation of Motor Vehicle
8
5
0
0
Weapon Carrying
2
3
0
0
Escapee
0
1
1
2
Arrests by Out of Town Police
9
3
0
0
Illegitimacy
0
1
0
0
Adultery
0
1
1
0
Having burglar tools in Possession
0
4
0
0
Habitual School Offenders
1
0
1
0
Runaway
0
0
1
0
Vagrant
0
2
0
0
222
337
32
10
COMPLAINTS, Etc.
Ambulance Trips .
389
Emergency Car Ambulance
194
Buildings Found Open
476
Night lights Out
22
Cat Complaints
177
Dog Complaints
620
Dog Bites Reported
82
Fires Alarms Answered
206
Holes In Street Reported
96
Messages Delivered 197
49
Drunk Releases
94
Street Lights Reported Out
105
Lanterns Put Out
19
Permits To Labor
147
Lodging
4
Vacant Houses Checked
413
Prowlers Reported
40
Hit & Run Complaints
35
42
Stolen Automobiles, Braintree Recovered
60
Burglar Alarms Answered 106
Permits To Sell Fire Arms
4
Permits To Carry Fire Arms
246
Teletype Messages Received
653
Teletype Messages Sent
229
Articles Found
60
Articles Lost
96
Wagon Trips
159
Car Trips
21
Miscellaneous Complaints
5972
Missing Persons
MR
36
FR
14
MNR
7
FNR
1
Sudden Deaths
MR
17
FR
12
MNR
1
FNR
1
Insane Persons
MR
4
FR
7
MRN
1
FNR
1
Code: Arrests, Missing Persons, Sudden Deaths and Insane Persons
MR -- Male Resident
FR- - Female Resident
MNR- - Male Non-Resident
FNR -- Female Non-Resident
Braintree, Massachusetts, January 1, 1959
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Depart- ment with regards to Traffic for the year ending December 31, 1958.
148
ACCIDENTS
Minor
305
Serious
209
Fatal 3
Cases Prosecuted in Court
Operating Motor Vehicle so as to Endanger 5
0
Operating Motor Vehicle Under Influence 18
1
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws 29
0
Violation of Traffic Rules and Regulations 68
11
Violation of Parking & Meter Regulations 20
11
140
23
Cases Reported to Registrar For Action on Licenses
Unlawful Speed
151
8
Operating Motor Vehicle after Drinking
29
2
Passing School Bus
2
0
Other Violations
65
2
247
12
Violations of Traffic & Meter Regulations
Restricted Place
279
31
All Night Parking
62
2
Meter Violations
338
153
All Other Violations
205
79
902
265
Cases & Violations Committed by :
Residents
554
121
Non-Residents
735
179
PERSONNEL
46 Police Officers
15 Women Traffic Supervisors
1 Clerk
1 Custodian
149
1
In my budget requests for 1959 I have asked for the replacement of four cars plus an extra car. Investigations have increased and the car is needed for transportation of the investigators.
I have also requested additional funds for the purchase of an ambulance as the $8,100.00 appropriated last year was insufficient. I have requested the addition of four new men.
During the year it was necessary to add another Woman Traffic Supervisor at the Penniman School.
Traffic problems during the year have been tremendous and we have received splendid cooperation from the Selectmen, Highway Depart- ment and the State Department of Public Works.
I wish to thank all who have shown a spirit of cooperation to my department.
Respectfully, Edward D. Cahill Chief of Police
BOARD OF APPEAL UNDER ZONING BY-LAW
The Board of Appeal Under the Zoning By-Law met regularly in accordance with By-Laws, conducted hearings on all petitions sub- mitted for consideration and rendered decisions on same having regard for the merits of each.
NORRIS H. PINAULT, Chairman JAMES G. BUCKLEY, Clerk HYMAN H. BORAX
150
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
HERBERT B. HOLLIS, Chairman HARRISON T. SMILEY, Clerk FRED A. TENNEY, Member H. J. GAFFNEY, Agent
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.