USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1961 > Part 11
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I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and all others who have cooperated with my department during this year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD D. CAHILL Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Edward D. Cahill, Chief.
Arrests
Total Arrests
816
Males Residents -327 Female Residents- -37
Male Non-Residents 420 Female Non-Residents 32
No. 1-Crimes Against Person
MN
MNR FR FNR
Assault and Battery
3
0
0
0
Threats
1
0
0
0
Indecent Assault
1
0
0
0
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
1
0
0
0
Assault with Intent to Rape
0
1
0
0
Rape
1
2
0
0
7
3
0
0
No. 2-Crimes Against Property
B. and E. and Larceny Larceny
14
27
0
0
11
30
0
0
Malicious Mischief
3
4
0
0
28
61
0
0
148
No. 3-Crimes Against Public Order
Delinquency
32
3
0
0
Drunkeness
81
60
6
5
Arrests by Out of Town Police
4
46
0
0
Arrests for Out of Town Police
4
9
0
0
Violation of Probation
1
1
0
Neglect of Family
1
0
0
0
Default
1
0
0
0
Weapon Carrying
0
1
0
0
Circulating False Alarm
1
0
0
0
Uttering a Forged Instrument
1
2
0
Vagrant
0
1
0
0
Disturbing the Peace
1
3
0
0
Escapee
1
0
0
0
Runaway
1
0
1
0
Non-Payment of Wages
1
0
0
0
Violation of Town By-Laws
5
4
0
0
Non-Support
3
4
0
0
Lewd and Lascivious
1
1
0
0
Exposing
0
1
0
0
Illegitimacy
0
2
0
0
Automobile Theft
2
1
0
0
Misappropriation of Motor Vehicle
1
2
0
0
Motor Vehicle Laws (Violation) 34
46
0
5
Traffic Rules and
Regulations (Violations)
98
157
29
21
Operating so as to Endanger
7
2
0
0
Operating under the Influence
8
11
1
1
Possession of Burglar Tools
2
1
0
0
Receiving of Stolen Property
0
4
0
0
Harmful Drug
0
1
0
0
Affray
1
3
0
0
292
235
37
32
Complaints, Etc.
Ambulance Trips
525
Emergency Ambulance (Cruisers
224
Inhaltor Calls
68
Buildings Found Open
340
Night Lights Out
5
Cat Complaints
84
Dog Complaints
657
Dog Bites Reported
88
1
149
Fire Alarms Answered Holes in Street Reported Messages Delivered Permits to Labor Drunk Releases
183
83
123
Street Lights Reported Out
81
Lanterns Put Out
8
Vacant Houses Checked
349
Prowlers Reported
78
Hit and Run Complaints
63
Stolen Automobiles, Braintree
55
Recovered
63
Burglar Alarms Answered
102
Permits to Sell Fire Arms
7
Permits to Carry Fire Arms
153
Teletype Messages Received
739
Teletype Messages Sent
225
Articles Found
89
Articles Lost
70
Wagon Trips
142
Car Trips
40
Miscellaneous Complaints
9316
Missing Persons
MR
23
FR
7
MNR
2
FNR
2
Sudden Deaths
MR
20
FR
7
MNR
2
FNR
1
Insane Persons
MR
2
FR
1
MNR
0
FNR
0
Code: Arrests, Missing Persons, Sudden Deaths and In- sane Persons
MR-Male Resident
FR-Female Resident
MNR-Male Non-Resident
FNR-Female Non-Resident
1
150
42
76
TRAFFIC CONTROL
January 1, 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department with regard to traffic for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Many traffic problems have arisen during the year and in the solution or relief of them we have had excel- lent cooperation from our Highway Department, State Department of Public Works and the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Accidents on the Southeast Expressway and the new Rte. 128 have added to our burdens. There were thirty- three Minor-nineteen Serious and two Fatal accidents on the Highways - all chargeable to Braintree as they happened within our Town limits.
Of the five Fatal accidents recorded-two were on the Expressway, one on M.D.C. territory, one off street on Private Property, and one on a Town street.
Our Auxiliary Police and Women Traffic Supervi- sors have rendered their usual excellent performance of duty.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and all others who have assisted us in the regulation and control of traffic during this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD D. CAHILL
Chief of Police
Accidents
Minor
305
Serious 193 Fatal 5
151
Cases Prosecuted in Court
Male
Female
Operating Motor Vehicle so as to Endanger Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence
9
0
19
2
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
49
7
Violation of Traffic Rules and Regulations
35
2
Violation of Parking and Meter Regulations
249
40
361
51
Cases Reported to Registrar for Action on Licenses
Unlawful Speed
240
14
Operating Motor Vehicle After Drinking
23
0
Passing School Bus
6
1
Other Violations
140
9
409
24
Violations of Traffic and Meter Regulations
Restricted Place
481
223
All Night Parking
462
182
Meter Violations
1247
474
All Other Violations
405
111
2595
990
Cases and Violations Committed by :
Residents
1985
547
Non-Residents
1588
310
Personnel :
49 Police Officers
16 Women Traffic Supervisors 1 Clerk
152
THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Thayer Public Library present for your consideration the Financial Report of the Trus- tees and the Report of the Librarian for the year 1961.
Gordon W. Bryant, Treasurer
Doris A. Canavan Constance S. Leggett Gordon O. Thayer
*Ralph B. Woodsum Gilbert L. Bean, Chairman
*Resigned October 1961.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT-December 31, 1961 Trustees of Thayer Public Library
Principal Funds
1. Foundation Fund 11,020.91
2. Caleb Stetson Fund 2,500.00
3. Rachel R. Thayer Fund
172.50
4. Nathaniel H. Hunt Fund (with Town Treasurer)
5. Lucia E. Hollis & E. Stanwood Hollis Fund (with Town Treasurer)
6. Frank Kenna Fund 545.45
Income
Balance on hand January 1, 1961
3,879.52
Added during 1961-Foundation Fund 430.34
Stetson Fund 90.63
Thayer Fund 6.77
Hunt Fund
965.84
Hollis Fund * 3,373.07
Kenna Fund 23.60
8,769.77
This includes $3,000 gift from Braintree School Dept.
153
Expended
From Foundation Fund Hunt Fund Hollis Fund
1,618.02
731.39
3,373.07
5,722.48
Balance of Incomen on hand December 31, 1961
3,047.29
8,769.77
GORDON W. BRYANT, Treasurer
CIRCULATION: BOOKS, PERIODICALS, PAMPHLETS
Main Library
Adult
105,602
322
* Juvenile
162,078
4663
Total
267,680
4985
Branches
Adult
28,704
1943
Juvenile
20,505
3349
Total
49,209
- 5292
Total books, etc.
316,889
-10277
CIRCULATION :
Phonograph Records
4,811
+ 1254
TOTAL LOANS
321,700
- 9023
2.8% de- crease
*The juvenile circulation at the Main Li- brary includes books which circulated over the desk at the library, and books which circulated from classroom deposits at the schools.
Over the Desk
102,286
1274
School deposits
59,792
- 3389
4663
154
REGISTRATION
OF BORROWERS
Adult
Juvenile 4,574
Total 12,911
Borrowers Jan. 1, 1961
8,337
Registered in 1961
2,398
820
3,218
Borrowers moved or cards expired
1,853
517
2,370
Total registrations Dec. 31, 1961
8,882
4,877
13,759
44% of the population
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes Jan. 1. 1961
42,390
16,936
59,326
Volumes added 1961
2,752
1,157
3,909
Volumes withdrawn 1961
1,987
1,118
3,105
Volumes Dec. 31, 1961 43,155
16,975
60,130
PHONOGRAPH RECORDS
Jan. 1. 1961
725
Added 1961
136
Withdrawn 1961
33
Records Dec. 31, 1961
828
ORGANIZATION MEETINGS
IN LIBRARY ROOMS
159
+23
MONEY COLLECTED AND TURNED INTO THE TOWN TREASURY
Rental of Library Rooms
139.00
Fine Money
4.827.87
4,966.87
THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN 1961
During the past few years, EDUCATION is a word which has been much overused. In the Periodical Index for 1959-1961, there are twelve pages listing articles un- der Educational headings; everything from "It's smart to be smart"; "Bringing up a Scientist" to "Are you giving your children a balanced cultural diet?", "What makes the Educated Man?" and "What's happening in Educa- tion".
155
The impact of this increasing emphasis on education is being felt at the Thayer Public Library. Educational reading practically equalled recreational reading in 1961 since the circulation of non-fiction was 47% of the total. Although the total circulation showed a slight decrease of 2%, there was an increase in the adult department in the circulation of non-fiction and a decrease in fiction ; an increase in the circulation of phonograph recordings of 35%. Since most of the decrease was in the juvenile de- partment we feel that this was due to the new libraries for each elementary classroom purchased by the School Dept. with the Hollis Fund Money. This is as it should be for in this way each child comes in contact with library books, and many who live too far to use public library service can have the opportunity to borrow material to supplement their text-books. Not only is the educational trend shown in the books circulated, but to a great extent in the use of materials in the library itself. Afternoons and evenings and even during vacation periods the public library almost becomes a school library.
As a means of overcoming the crowded conditions in the library in the evenings, the Library Trustees decided to make available for study purposes an unused room in the basement of the library. This would relieve the con- gestion and noise upstairs and make the library more attractive for adult users who could only come to the library in the evening. A tile floor, new lighting, shelving and the installation of a univent for ventilation purposes made possible partly by funds from the 1961 State Grant- In-Aid for Public Libraries, and partly from income of Trust Funds held by the Trustees of the Library have made this space into a bright usable room. Additional copies of encyclopedias and other reference books would be needed but our regular book budget was not large enough to divert money from purchase of current ma- terials for these extra copies. Early in the summer, the Trustees were most unexpectedly notified that the Brain- tree School Committee with the approval of the Com- missioners of Trust Funds was transferring $3,000 from their Hollis Fund income to the Public Library for the purchase of reference books for this study room. These books were to be kept in this room and not to be circu- lated, hence there would always be in the library for use these much needed materials. 424 books including 11 mul- tiple volume sets were purchased with this money, so we have a fine basic collection with which to start in this
156
room. The Trustees and the Library Staff appreciate this gift and feel that this is an important step in cooperation between the schools and the library and that it will help relieve the pressures which the new EDUCATION has created not only on the school system but also on the public library. We are both partners in education. Due to delays in receiving materials, this supervised Study Room has only been opened since the first of 1962, but its influ- ence is already being felt in the more quiet atmosphere upstairs.
Another major accomplishment during 1961 was an enlargement of the East Braintree Branch Library. In our report for 1960 the possible use of the State Grant-In-Aid towards planning a new building for Fast Braintree was mentioned. Various developments made it wise to drop this project temporarily; this was a disappointment, for there seemed to be no solution to our present inadequate quarters. However, the store next door to the East Brain- tree Branch was vacated in early summer and we were offered the chance to take this additional space if we needed it. After negotiations with the landlord regarding increase in rent and necessary remodeling, and approval from the Finance Committee for the additional monthly charge, the changes were made and a somewhat larger East Braintree Branch library was opened in early Octo- ber. More room for student study, more shelving, new lighting fixtures, a tile floor and a fresh coat of paint have brought many favorable comments from East Brain- tree borrowers that now it "really looks like a library". These store buildings are old and fast deteriorating, so that even now conditions are not good, and we feel that this is only a temporary stop gap measure; we must still look ahead into the future for better facilities for East Braintree.
Every library would like the opportunity to introduce each child in town to the opportunities and pleasures of library use. This ideal became a reality in Braintree start- ing last fall as part of a program for all fifth grade chil- dren in the town-public school, private school and paro- chial school children alike. The program was made possi- ble by cooperation of the Library, the School Department and the Braintree Historical Society. Each fifth grade classroom is scheduled to spend a full school day at the Library and the General Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace to see how the early townspeople lived and to learn about
157
their American heritage. While half of a class is visiting the Thayer House, the other half is visiting the library for instruction in its use. Mrs. Blair, the Children's Librarian, tells the children about the beginning of the library founded by Sylvanus Thayer, explains the arrangement of books for different age groups and gives them an op- portunity to see what kinds of books they may borrow; books on how to improve their model railroad, books on heroes and events made popular by TV, books that will help them in their school assignments. While at the libra- ry the children also hear an illustrated lecture on the his- tory of Braintree and make their own map of important events and landmarks as the lecture progresses.
In this report we would like to make you a little more acquainted with the organization of our work and with those who do it. The Personnel of the Library are respon- sible for its effectiveness, for no matter how many books a library may have they would be of no use without a li- brarian trained in their cataloging, classification and ar- rangement. The library would be merely a storehouse. Ability to locate what you want easily is what makes the library serviceable to you. We have been fortunate in our staff members most of whom do not have a formal library training degree, but because of other educational back- ground and experience, as well as the all important desire to be helpful are valuable members of the staff. In addi- tion to helping those who use the library, they have spe- cial responsibilities.
Miss Mary Valentine, the Assistant Head Librarian,. is also in charge of Reference Work and the Phonograph Record Library. She is also responsible for arranging the staff schedules and in the absence of the Head Librarian is in charge of the Library. This summer her special pro- ject was that of selecting the books to be purchased for the new Study Room; also making out a leaflet which was sent to High School teachers telling how the library serves the teachers and how the teachers can help the li- brary give better service by notifying us in advance of special assignments.
Mrs. Edith Emerson, for many years Librarian at the Highlands Branch Library, is in charge of Circulation and Supervising the Cataloging of books. It is her job to see that the books which go out also come back to the library within a reasonable time. She has the unenviable task of
158
trying to collect books which are overdue and seeing that the fines are paid. A more pleasant task is that of pre- paring new books for cataloging, and assigning them to the correct classification.
Mrs. Thea Tarbox assists at the Main Desk with cir- culation duties, but is mainly responsible for Cataloging the adult books. This requires ordering Library of Con- gress printed cards for non-fiction, checking the cards when they arrive, and typing in the correct class numbers and subject headings; also making complete sets of cata- log cards for all fiction titles.
Mrs. Carol Giles, East Braintree Branch Librarian., has complete charge of reference work, book selection and general oversight of that branch, and on days when the branch is not open she assists at the Main Library by selecting books for the Young Adults section and also checking on the periodicals to see that the files are kept complete and up-to-date. Mrs. Julia Doukszewicz has been a capable assistant in all phases of the work at this branch since 1953.
Mrs. Arlene Burgess, Highlands Branch Librarian, has charge of work at that branch which occupies the greater part of her time. She also, however, has some du- ties at the Main Library to help with the processing of the work, including the withdrawal of discarded books.
Miss Judy MacAllister and Miss Gloria Fiorentino are two very valuable staff members in the Adult Denart- ment. Judy is responsible for sending the notices for over- due books, writing up the registration cards, processing books for the bindery, checking order cards and bills for books when they arrive and typing book cards and pockets after books are cataloged as well as making out the circu- lation statistics. Gloria joined the staff in July of 1961. She takes care of the financial records, processing bills, keeping the account book, making out the all important payrolls, typing letters and other material. mineograph- ing, and also arranging the exhibits in the two outside display cases.
Selecting books for the Adult Department is the joint responsibility of the Head Librarian, Miss Valen- tine, Mrs. Emerson, and Mrs. Giles but suggestions from all staff members are encouraged. All regular staff mem- bers also have an opportunity to make suggestions and
159
discuss policies for improved library service at monthly staff meetings.
Mrs. Dorothy Blair is the Supervisor of the entire Junior Department, selecting and purchasing all of the books for this department, cataloging them, answering reference questions, helping the child select the right book for his or her interest and ability; in the summer conducting the weekly story hour and as we have men -. tioned before taking charge of the 5th grade visitors each Monday morning during the school year.
Miss Anne Whalen, since October, has been serving as full time assistant in this department; her duties in- clude typing catalog cards and processing all the new books, keeping track of books which become overdue and the Children's Registrations, charging and discharging books at the desk and helping children pick out their books.
Any discussion of the staff duties would be incom- plete without mentioning the part time assistants. With- out them we could not carry out the weekly schedule of being open to the public 611/2 hours.
Mrs. Mary Struzik is on duty the three evenings we are open, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and on Sat- urdays, assisting at the Circulation Desk and arranging exhibits in the inside display case. ,
Mrs. Elizabeth Richmond is on a part time schedule during certain days and one evening a week helping with general desk work and checking worn books with the Standard Catalog before a decision is made as to whether a title should be discarded or rebound.
Mrs. Alice Albrecht works on Monday and Friday evenings at the Main Library and alternate Saturdays at the Highlands Branch Library.
In addition, eight high school pages keep the con- stant flow of books returned to their proper place on the shelf, and help with pasting and processing of books and phonograph records.
Although many of our staff are not professionally trained, they feel a professional responsibility and take an active part in attending meeting of Library organiza- tions and filling certain offices in these groups. Miss Val- entine, who has a Library degree from Columbia, is still
160
serving on the Education Committee of the Mass. Library Association; Mrs. Blair, with a Library degree from Emory University, is one of the founders and takes an active part in an informal organization of Children's Li. brarians called the "Sandwich Club". Mrs. Emerson is treasurer of the Old Colony Library Club; Mrs. Giles is serving on the Program Committee of the Mass. Library Association as a representative from the Round Table of Young Adult Librarians and your Head Librarian is Secre- tary of the Greater Boston Library Administrators (this was formerly the Metropolitan Boston Library Planning Council). This latter group was entertained at the Thayer Public Library at their regular meeting in March.
During the summer a valuable exchange of visits by the heads of departments was made between the Milton and the Braintree Public Libraries. The Reference Libra- rian from Milton spent a day at Braintree with Miss Val- entine observing our procedures and Miss Valentine spent" a day at Milton observing their department; Mrs. Giles spent a day with the Milton Branch librarians; and Mrs. Emerson exchanged days with the Milton Cataloger and Circulation Librarians. The Milton Children's Librarian spent a profitable day with Mrs. Blair at Braintree. This exchange also included the Head Librarian who spent a very worthwhile day with Miss Shaw, the Head Librarian of Milton; and Miss Shaw returned the visit at Braintree. Many new ideas were gained and have been or will be put into practice during the coming year.
This serves as an introduction to the many persons with whom the public may come in contact when visiting the library. More of these people than we would like work on a part time basis. We face a continuing problem of trying to fill all positions with qualified full time person- nel who are trained to assume full responsibility for specific positions. Competition for qualified librarians is very keen.
The Thayer Public Library has lost several valued employes during 1961. In the summer Mrs. Kate Sanzo, who had been working part time, resigned to become Librarian in the South Junior High School. She was a fully trained Librarian with experience. Mrs. Priscilla Spinney, who had been a valuable part time assistant for severeal years, resigned to become a kindergarten Aide at the Ross School and in this way qualify for her teach-
161
er's certificate. More and more libraries are having this problem of public librarians leaving to take a position with a school library because of attractive hours, vaca- tion and pay scales. This is a serious problem. Mrs. Doro- thy Dozenberg, a competent assistant in the Children's Department for four years, resigned in September to as- sume full housekeeping responsibilities. To add to the pic- ture our Supervising Custodian resigned just before Christmas.
Securing replacements is increasingly difficult. Staf- fing problems are occupying more and more time of your Head Librarian. Mrs. Dorothy Blair, outstanding Chil- dren's Librarian since 1946 will reach the retirement age in November. This is an important position; our junior department has a high reputation throughout the state and we must not allow it to deteriorate. We are faced with the problem of no qualified assistant who can fill her place, and a salary schedule which is not high enough to attract a well qualified person. We are working with the Personnel Board to try and solve this problem.
A resume of the Library Staff would not be complete without mentioning the death of Mrs. Gertrude Bates in May. Although she had retired last year, she was be- loved by all and continued to hold a real place in the hearts of the staff. Gifts have been received from former staff members and the present staff propose to make a gift to the library in her memory.
During the past year the library has received a gift of note from the Braintree Lions Club; a subscription to the Readers Digest in Braille. This, we feel, is a most worthy contribution to the library and we only wish more of the blind of Braintree could take advantage of this gift. Karen Geyer, a student in Braintree High School, is most appreciative and regularly comes to the library to find out when the new monthly issue arrives. This is a most interesting periodical; it comes in four large brown paper sections each month, quite in contrast to the small pocket size regular editions. The library also appreciates gifts from the following individuals and organizations : Mr. and Mrs. John Trefry, Jr. a book in memory of Mrs. Isabelle Copp; the Braintree Garden Club two books in memory of Mrs. LeRoy Hatfield and Miss Gladys Hall : Mr. Percy Fenton Hunt of Brookline, thirty-five pieces of sheet music; Mr. Charles Rolfe, Jr .; Mr. Irving Zieman ;
162
The Braintree National Guard, "The History of a Combat Regiment 1639-1945"; Mr. Joseph Quadros, twenty-five financial reports of various companies; Mrs. Merlyn Sheean; Mrs. Lucy LeBaron; Miss Brenda Hogaboom; Rep. Herbert B. Hollis; Col. Albert E. Roberts; Mrs. Vel- ma I. Mitchell; and Congressman James A. Burke; The 16 & 8 Movie Club gave us a subscription to the maga- zine "Better Movie Making". Miss Clara Eosue loaned us for our exhibit case an interesting collection of fans.
In October, the Trustees accepted with regret the resignation of Mr. Ralph Woodsum from the Board. Mr. Woodsum had been a member of the Board since 1945, and had served as Treasurer since 1956. He was replaced by Dr. Gordon O. Thayer of Thayer Academy as a mem- ber of the Board; and Mr. Gordon W. Bryant has as- sumed the duties of Treasurer.
In spite of many problems, the past year has been a rewarding one and much is being accomplished by a devoted library staff and a Board of Trustees who spend many hours of thought in planning to make the library's future one of greater service to the citizens of Braintree. The Head Librarian is most appreciative of their wise counsel and understanding.
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