USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1957 > Part 8
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School
Grade
No. Pupils
Teacher
Rock
1
26
M. I. Fornaciari
2
21
M. E. Szupillo
South Middleboro
3
26
A. M. Mitchell
4
18
V. L. Hawkins
In spite of the fact that these two schools are physically apart from the larger Mayflower School, attention has been focused to make them
91
ANNUAL REPORT
an integral part of the educational program. Miss Leah M. Boutin con- ducts remedial reading instruction in the same manner as she does in the central schools. Presently, 11 Grade 3 pupils and 8 Grade 4 pupils are receiving this specialized instruction in reading.
Courses of study and time schedules are consistent with the overall school policy. Academic work is coordinated with that carried on in the larger schools, and comparison is made of the stage of work as well as progress. With at least a weekly personal contact, these schools keep abreast with what is going on in the system, and benefit from any studies or committee work in progress.
The coordination of materials, too, has been a step toward a diversi- fication and growth in the offerings of the Rock and South Middleboro schools. To parallel the reading programs in the larger schools, addi- tional readers are being introduced to enhance the group reading. Imme- diate knowledge is at hand as to what supplementary books are avail- able elsewhere in the system for temporary use. A science reader is now being used in Grade 4, and My Weekly Reader and the Children's Digest are all a part of the supplementary reading program. Grade 3 pupils have been given the California Test of Mental Maturity and other stand- ard tests will follow as the program unfolds.
Minor repairs have kept the buildings in good condition. The floors at the Rock School were re-varnished this year, and a slide added to the children's playground. At the South Middleboro School, a new sink and a hot water heater were added, and some desks installed from the Wash- burn Unit.
The P.T.A. consists of an active group of parents which meets alter- nately between the two schools. A 16 mm. sound movie projector was purchased through their efforts and the pupils have already benefited from three excellent educational films.
North Middleboro District Joseph C. Kunces, Superintendent
ORGANIZATION
School
Grade
No. Pupils
Teacher
Plymouth Street
1
23
M. C. Huntley
Pleasant Street
2
24
M. J. Walsh
Pratt Free
3
16
V. C. Smith
4
18
E. S. Stewart
The three schools in the North Middleboro section of Town consti- tute the North Middleboro district, and in the absence of a principal these buildings are directly supervised by the Superintendent of Schools. The teaching personnel in this district has not changed during the past
92
ANNUAL REPORT
year. In fact, it has been augmented with the professional assistance of Supervisors Matheson and Churchill, Remedial Reading teacher Boutin and Speech Correctionist Lamb.
The curricula followed, as well as the testing program, is that which has been instituted and carried on in similar grades throughout the Town.
At the Plymouth Street School and Pleasant Street School the in- terior woodwork has been painted. Storm windows and oil penetration driveways have also been installed at both of these buildings. The cus- todial care at the Plymouth Street School is cared for by Lawrence Hunt- ley, and the Pleasant Street School by Mrs. Phillip Baker. Both of these people are to be commended for the excellent manner in which they have performed their duties.
The Pratt Free School's responsibilities for maintenance rest with the Trustees of this building. Robert West, the chairman of this group, has been most cooperative. The efforts of this group have resulted in the installation of a new blacktop driveway, as well as minor im- provements such as a rubbish depository and a hand railing into the building.
In addition to these improvements, a jungle-gym type unit of play apparatus has also been installed which provides wholesome play during recess periods for the students.
Mrs. Irene Cabral serves as custodian of this building, and her work has been exemplary in nature, in that she maintains the building in a spotless manner.
As Superintendent of Schools I am proud of this district. The school property is in very good condition and the professional services of the teaching staff is excellent.
MIDDLEBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 1957 - 1958 School Department Directory
Year Ap- Ten- pointed ure
Name
1938
*
Luther Churchill
1955
Dorothy R. Ferry
1925
Sylvia G. Matheson
Diploma
Grade or Subject
Supervisor of Music Asst. Supervisor of Music Supervisor of Art
Address
Elmwood, Mass. Westdale, Mass. 91 Oak St.
MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
1956 1953
Samuel Deich
B.S. Ed., M.A. Ed.
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
A.B., M.A.
Dean of Girls, Latin
1937
Alfred E. Farley
B.S., M. Ed.
Dean of Boys, Social Studies
Dir. of Athletics, Industrial Arts 66 School St.
Head, Business Education Dept. Lakeville, Mass.
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
B.A.
B.S., M. Ed.
B.F.A.
A.B.
A.B.
Mathematics, Science
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
Driver Education, Mathematics
B.S.
Homemaking
English
B.A. A.A., A.B., J.D.
Social Studies
A.B., M.S. A.B., M.A.
Social Studies English Business Education
Diploma
A.B.
English, Latin
Business Education
Sproat St. Wareham St. Pearl St. 5 Mitchell St.
ANNUAL REPORT
4 Maple Ave. Brockton, Mass. 19 North St. Brockton, Mass.
63 Pearl St. 62 Pearl St. 13 West Grove St. Thompson St. Boston, Mass. Plympton St. 54 Everett St. W. Bridgewater, Mass.
Fairview St. Bridgewater, Mass. 21 Pearl St.
93
1928
%
Joseph L. King
1947
*
Helen A. Pardey
1933 1928 1947 1957 1946 1957 1930 1957 1948 1956 1957 1957 1952 1957
Walter G. Hicks Mary Anacki Joseph S. Antone, Jr.
Virginia Bartlett Robert F. Brady
* Mary Brier Lois W. Buck
** Harold E. Card M. Christiana Gates Albert C. Governor Margaret L. Fogg Joseph A. Masi Helen S. Millet Esther L. Moore Lorraine R. Moriarty Lillian M. O'Neil
Certificate
Degree
Certificate
B. Mus., M. of Mus. Ed.
Principal Asst. Prin., Head Science Dept.
B.S. B.S. Ed.
English Mathematics
Physical Education Art French
1946 1955
Henry E. Battis
Year Ap- Ten- pointed ure
Name
Degree
Grade or Subject
1950
* Margaret H. Ryder Albert F. Soule, Jr. Charles M. Stewart Marion B. Thomas
B.S., M.A. B.S.
Physical Education
1957 1947
William H. Tufts Louise C. Walker
B.S.
Biology
North Easton, Mass.
1955
*
Dorothy L. Wetherell
A.B., M.A.
English
1936
Evelyn F. Whitty
B.S. Ed.
Mathematics, Science
11 Everett St.
MIDDLEBOROUGH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
1921
*
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
Principal
B.S. Ed.
Asst. Principal, Industrial Arts
1946
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
Mathematics
B.S.
Homemaking
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
Health Education, Science
B.S., M. Ed.
Junior Practical Arts
A.B.
Music Mathematics
Diploma B.S. Ed.
Health Education, Reading
Certificate
Language Arts
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
Social Studies
A.B., A.M.
Social Studies
A.B.
Social Studies
B.S. Ed.
Art
B.S. Ed. A.B. Certificate
Reading, Literature Social Studies Mathematics
English
1952
Rose A. Sweeney Vincent P. Sullivan
B.S. Ed.
English
B.S. Ed.
Science
Address
R.F.D. #1 School St. 88 Pearl St. Peirce St.
1956
A.B., M. Ed.
Social Studies
Social Studies
North St.
80 South Main St.
50 School St. 129 Wareham St. Dighton, Mass. Wareham St. Falmouth, Mass. Dighton, Mass. Bridgewater, Mass.
Lakeville, Mass. Bridgewater, Mass.
2 Reland St. Coombs St. 82 Pearl St. 82 Pearl St. Taunton, Mass. Bridgewater, Mass. Bridgewater, Mass. 81 South Main St. Bridgewater, Mass. Bridgewater, Mass. Quincy, Mass.
ANNUAL REPORT
94
1956
Henry B. Burkland Harry I. Pickering George Borges Hilda J. Buck E. Fen Carpenter Catherine C. Carr Berlene B. Casselberry Frieda H. Churchill Edwin Denton Martinia K. Donahue Franklin E. James Joyce M. Jenness Anne M. Kelleher Carver H. Mann Barry M. Moriarty Eleanor G. Sanborn Myra A. Shaw Mildred E. Stearns
A.B.
Librarian Mathematics
1955
1956
1956 1946 1954 1957 1942
1957 1909 1956 1954 1956
1956 1957 1957 1952
1956
B.S., M.Ed.
A.B., M.A.
1944
MAYFLOWER SCHOOL
Year Ap- Ten- pointed ure
Name
Degree
Grade or Subject
1944
Edward W. Sawicki
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
Principal
1956
Harriet B. Blanchard
B.S. Ed.
Grade I
1931
Elsie A. Cahoon
Diploma
Grade IV
1952
Carol A. Chaplain
B.S. Ed.
Elementary Practical Arts
1921
Rose Maley
Diploma
Grade III
1923
Esther M. Spooner Lillian G. Standish
B.S. Ed.
Grade IV
1954
Elizabeth D. Tate
Diploma
Grade II
1957
Virginia T. Cahoon
B.S. Ed.
Grade V
1956
Charles E. Valine
B.S. Ed.
Grade V
1946
*
Anne L. Washburn
Diploma
Grade IV
Address
547 Center St. Bridgewater, Mass.
712 Rock St.
249 North Main St. 712 Rock St.
12 Court End Ave. 741/2 Oak St.
13 Webster St. Lakeville, Mass. Bridgewater, Mass.
Taunton, Mass.
SCHOOL STREET SCHOOL
1950
Robert W. Gross
B.S. Ed., M. Ed.
Principal, Grade V
B.S.R. Ed.
Grade V (part-time)
B.A.
Grade IV
1957
Barbara F. Churbuck Marilynn F. Dutra
B.S. Ed.
Grade III
B.S. Ed.
Grade IV
1957
Muriel J. Gorey
B.A.
Grade III
1957
Susanne S. Howard
B.S. Ed.
Grade III
1956
Helen D. Robbins
B.S. Ed.
Grade V
UNION STREET SCHOOL
1919
*
Alice R. Begley Barbara T. Bates
Diploma
Principal, Grade II
1957
B.S. Ed.
Grade I
1930
Amelia L. Boutin
Diploma
Grade I
1935
* Mildred K. Bowman
B.S. Ed.
Grade II
1952
Evelyn Elliott
Diploma
Grade I
119 Sproat St. 35 Peirce St. 45 Bourne St. Bridgewater, Mass. Bridgewater, Mass.
Taunton, Mass. 11 Prospect St. Archer Court
7 Benton St. 1549 Plymouth St. 60 Everett St. 44 School St. 230 North Main St.
95
ANNUAL REPORT
1953
Alice G. Austin Ann M. Callan
1957
1957
Diploma
Grade V
1956
*
Year Ap- Ten- pointed
ure Name
Degree
Grade or Subject
1924
*
Marjorie M. Hanson
Diploma
Grade II
1953
Ethel H. Manwaring
Diploma
Grade II (part-time)
1947
*
Elsie L. McCarthy
Diploma
Grade I
1956
Valdis W. Talbot
A.B.
Grade I
41 Lane St. 51 North St. 514 Centre St. Bridgewater, Mass.
WEST SIDE SCHOOL
1947
*
Louis J. Rando Florence G. Caldera
A.B., M.A. B.S. Ed.
Principal, Grade VI
Grade VI (part-time)
1951
B.S. Ed.
Grade II
Diploma
Grade V
B.S. Ed.
Grade V
1927
*
Diploma
Grade I
49 Everett St.
1955
1924
* Margaret E. Peck
Certificate
Grade III
FLORA M. CLARK SCHOOL
1926 1957
*
Raye F. Guidoboni Mary F. O'Connell
Diploma
Principal, Grade II Grade I
PLYMOUTH STREET SCHOOL
1945
Marjorie C. Huntley
B.S. Ed.
Grade I
PLEASANT STREET SCHOOL
1956
Margaret J. Walsh
Diploma Grade II
Bridgewater, Mass.
PRATT FREE SCHOOL
1952
*
Elinore S. Stewart
B.S. Ed.
1954
* Virginia C. Smith
B.S. Ed.
Grade IV Grade III
Pleasant St. 43 Oak St.
96
ANNUAL REPORT
Address
Brockton, Mass. 11 Sachem Hillside Bridgewater, Mass. 99 South Main St. 3 Howland Ct.
1957 1957
Florence K. Churbuck Ernestine B. Wood Myrtle A. Marden Sara E. Matheson Doris P. Orr
B.S. Ed.
Grade IV
14 Washburn St. South Main St.
14 Southwick St. Bridgewater, Mass.
Plymouth St.
Diploma
1957
ROCK - SOUTH MIDDLEBORO DISTRICT Edward W. Sawicki, Principal
Year Ap- Ten- pointed ure
Name
Degree
Grade or Subject
Address
1951
Mabel I. Fornaciari
Diploma
Grade I
1957
Margaret E. Szupillo
B.S. Ed.
Grade II
1953
A. Margaret Mitchell
Diploma
Grade III
1953
*
Veronica L. Hawkins
B.S. Ed.
Grade· IV
Bridgewater, Mass.
1929
Leah M. Boutin Helen Lamb
B.S. Ed., M. Ed. A.B.
Remedial Reading Speech Correctionist
60 Everett St. Swansea, Mass.
Secretarial Staff
Constance M. Souza, Secretary to Superintendent, Town Hall
Joanne McComiskey, Secretary to Superintendent, Town Hall Bessie M. Veazie, Secretary to Principal, Memorial High School
Elizabeth F. Kraus, Assistant, Memorial High School Elsie I. Wheeler, Secretary to Principal, Middleborough Junior High School
Jane L. Thayer, Assistant, Middleborough Junior High School
97
32 North St. 10 Barrows St.
8 Taunton St.
1956
ANNUAL REPORT
School Physician Stuart A. Silliker, M.D.
School Nurse Ila P. Jackson, R.N.
Maintenance of Buildings William L. Enos
Custodial Staff
Norman L. Flood, Memorial High School
John Dutra, Memorial High School
Warren Jefferson, Middleborough Junior High School
George Rogers, Middleborough Junior High School
Edward W. Lowe, Middleborough Junior High School
Ernest H. Bigelow, Mayflower School
Edward J. Medas, Mayflower School, part-time
Ernest S. Maxwell, School Street School
Raymond W. Chapman, Union Street School
Samuel Whitehead, West Side School Samuel Whitehead, Flora M. Clark School, part-time Harold Williams, South Middleboro School, part-time Edward Grishey, Rock School, Part-time
Mrs. Irene Cabral, Pratt Free School, part-time Lawrence Huntley, Plymouth Street School, part-time Mrs. Phillip Baker, Pleasant Street School, part-time
ANNUAL REPORT
98
99
ANNUAL REPORT
STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1956 - 1957
Number of
Teachers
Number of
Enrolled
Non-Resident
Enrolled
Average
Daily
Attendance
Average
Membership
Yearly
Percent of
Attendance
Supervisors
3
Memorial High School
28
614
109
554.16
582.99
95.10
Grade IX
203
Grade
149
Grade XI
143
Grade XII
115
Post Graduates
4
Middleborough Jr. H. S.
20
548
3
512.32
542.54
94.08
Grade VI
148
Grade VII
198
Grade VIII
183
Junior Practical Arts
19
School Street School
8.5
272
1
256.02
270.79
94.57
Grade IV
139
Grade V
133
Washburn Unit
5
141 141
0
130.62
139.40
93.68
Grade III
9.5
232
0
212.48
229.68
92.53
Grade II
125
West Side School
8.5
249
0
231.41
241.61
95.77
Grade I
27
Grade II
22
Grade III
34
Grade IV
35
Grade V
106
Grade VI
25
Flora M. Clark School
2
57
0
51.25
54.19
94.56
Grade I
26
Grade II
31
Plymouth Street School Grade I
1
27
0
23.43
25.60
91.78
Pleasant Street School Grade II
1
18
0
17.04
17.94
95.02
Pratt Free School Grade III
2
37
0
35.67
37.27
95.60
Grade IV
19
Rock School
2
54
0
49.20
52.61
93.54
Grade I
25
Grade II
29
So. Middleboro School
2
41
0
37.60
40.42
94.02
Grade III
21
Grade IV
20
92.5
2290
113
2111.20
2235.04
94.19
27
18
18
107
Union Street School Grade I
Pupils
Pupils
100
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CENSUS, October 1957
5 years or over and under 7
7 years or over and under 16
Distribution of Minors, October 1, 1957
(a) In the registration of minors (ages as of October 1, 1957) :
The registration of minors should include all persons of the specified ages who re- side in the town (city) whether they attend school or not. Pupils attending private schools should be recorded in the town where such pupils have their residence.
Boys : Girls:
247
1006
209
873
Totals
456
1879
(b) Distribution of the above minors, Octo- ber 1, 1957:
In public school membership
245
1786
In continuation school membership
0
0
In vocational school membership
0
14
In private school membership
7
65
In State and County Institutions and schools for defective and delinquents Not enrolled in any day school
0
6
204
8
456
1879
101
ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
State Aid for Public Schools, Chap. 70, G. L.
$85,211.84
State Reimbursement for Transportation,
Chap. 71, G. L.
36,981.91
Tuition and Transportation of State Wards
1,077.46
Tuition of non-resident pupils
27,158.81
Adult Civic Education Reimbursement
111.00
Special Class Reimbursement
2,794.11
Federal Aid, George Barden Fund
419.00
Vocational Agricultural Reimbursement
4,237.89
Vocational Tuition and Transportation Reim- bursement
5,021.26
Lunch and Milk Program
44,026.79
Athletic Fund
4,707.09
Rental of School Facilities
220.00
Evening School
632.70
Restitution for damages to school property
196.50
Pierce Trustees
413.00
Other Receipts
25.22
$213,234.58
DISBURSEMENTS
Expenses of Instruction:
Salaries
$382,256.06
Military Leave
47.88
Textbooks
13,540.05
Music Program
750.05
Physical Education Program
900.00
Athletic Fund
10,791.20
Supplies and Other Expenses
13,959.80
422,245.04
Expenses of Operation of School Plant:
Salaries
$24,555.11
Fuel
20,303.49
Other Expenses
13,896.51
Expenses of Maintenance of School Plant:
Salaries
$3,300.00
Replacement and Upkeep
6,383.53
Repairs (Town Manager)
6,499.73
Outlay
3,016.25
58,755.11
19,199.51
102
ANNUAL REPORT
Expenses of Auxiliary Agencies: Salaries, Promotion of Health
$4,000.00 48.75
Expenses of Promotion of Health
Libraries
499.73
Transportation
45,809.76
Tuition Other Expenses
633.53
51,049.83
Expenses of General Control:
Salaries
$12,338.24
Expenses of Administration
996.94
13,335.18
Expenses of Vocational Education:
Salaries
$2,397.00
Tuition and Transportation
7,500.00
Adult Education
1,477.32
11,374.32
Lunch and Milk Program
44,944.49
George Barden Fund
379.97
Smith-Hughes Fund
753.00
Pierce Fund Donation
554.04
$622,590.49
58.06
103
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the President and Board of Trustees, Middleborough Public Library :
One of the questions most frequently asked of the library staff is this: "What does the library staff do? What do you all DO at the library?" Like the iceberg which shows only one-seventh of its size above the water, only a small part of what the library staff does shows on the surface, most of it being carried on behind the scenes of the library desk. But we assure you we are busy as bees from nine in the morning until closing hour at night. The Middleborough Public Library is giving service comparable to a small city library with the help of a very small staff, which means that every minute of every working hour is fully occupied. Here are just a few of the duties that keep the library staff busy :
Place back on shelves magazines and books brought in the day before.
As they arrive daily, check current magazines, put on read- ing tables and prepare others for circulation.
The daily clerical work of counting circulation, keeping ac- count of fines received, sending notices for overdue books and notifying patrons of books reserved for them.
Mending the hundreds of books and magazines torn and tattered from constant or careless use.
Processing and cataloging new books to be ready for bor- rowers' use.
Filing the thousands of catalog cards that users may have an index to the books in the library. Every book in the library is represented in the catalog by two cards and some by ten or twelve.
Processing and cataloging new phonograph records.
Discarding old and obsolete books.
Providing some 2000 books to school classrooms.
Mimeographing bulletins of new books and phonograph records.
Preparing posters and exhibits of library books.
Conducting tours of the library for Boy and Girl Scouts and classes of school pupils.
Most important of all, the most pleasant and rewarding part of library work and the part that does show on the surface, serving the public. This includes charging the thousands of books, magazines and phonograph records taken out each year and answering the hundreds of questions that are brought in daily by person or over the telephone.
The chief librarian oversees all this, orders the new books and phonograph records, devoting hours of study and reading to make the best selection; takes books to all schools in town including the rural schools; carries books to the various nursing and rest homes; gives bed- side book service each Friday morning to the patients of St. Luke's
104
ANNUAL REPORT
Hospital; carries books to the branch at South Middleborough on Wednes- days; writes a weekly book column for the Gazette; answers the daily mail which almost always contains requests from far and wide for information on some local celebrity like Deborah Sampson or Mrs. Tom Thumb, the genealogy of some early family or historical event of the region; serves on committees of State and regional library clubs and gives innumerable book talks to church and civic organizations.
All these extra-curricular duties take the librarian away from the library many hours each week, but the service rendered and the gratitude of those served add up to excellent public relations for the library and seem to wholly justify the time and effort spent.
All this indicates how library service has changed. No longer do the librarian and her assistants sit quietly behind a desk handing books over the counter. No longer does the public library deal in books alone. Almost every library today circulates phonograph records, pictures and in many cases, educational films. In years past, such activities outside the library walls might have been questioned, but now it is an accepted fact that the public library shall fulfill its function and responsibility as an educational institution by reaching out in every direction to pro- vide learning and culture to the citizens of the community.
Busy as they are with the mechanics of running the library, staff members never forget that they are here first and always to serve the public. It is the aim of each one to help every person who comes into the library to the best of her ability. Any questions considered not satisfactorily answered are noted and material obtained on the subject so as to be ready for the question the next time it is asked. Inquiries and recommendations regarding new books are given careful considera- tion and often serve as a welcome guide in selecting new books for the library.
BOOKS AND PHONOGRAPH RECORDS
The addition of 1,684 volumes this year brings the total number of books now in the library to 61,290. There are also 618 phonograph records available for borrowers' use. Books and magazines circulated in 1957 numbered 81,752, an increase of more than two thousand over last year's figures, and the 2,141 phonograph records circulated show an increase of over three hundred.
WORK WITH SCHOOLS
When the new Junior High School was opened last Fall their library shelves were practically devoid of books. The public library pro- vided one thousand books for the pupils' use while their own library was being assembled. The collection in all classrooms were changed several times throughout the year.
Certificate reading, a joint project of schools and library, surpassed any previous year, due in a large part to the fact that Mr. Maxwell of the Junior High School made certificate reading a major project. In grades Four to Eight were awarded 1,409 small certificates for five books read and 160 honor certificates for twenty books read.
105
ANNUAL REPORT
EXHIBITS
We were unusually fortunate in 1957 to have two very fine exhibits of paintings by local artists. A student at the Swain School of Design in New Bedford, August P. Silva, exhibited a collection of oils and water colors, and Mrs. Muriel Young loaned an exhibit of her work which also included oils and water colors. Both exhibits were of professional caliber.
During Book Week in November, the art pupils of Memorial High School under the direction of the art instructor, Mrs. Sylvia Matheson, displayed story books for children under eight years of age, the stories written and illustrated by the pupils themselves.
The library staff arranged a series of exhibits called the "Bait Shelf" which proved very popular. The exhibits were labelled, "Staff's Choice." For a period of two weeks each member of the staff in turn displayed a collection of books which they had particularly enjoyed over the years. Each exhibit was labelled with the name of the staff member making the choice. We have had many requests to repeat this project.
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
The staff and public equally appreciate the installation of a refrig- erated drinking fountain. This was purchased and installed with a fund administered by the town, "The Maria Peirce Luxury Fund."
Continuing the plan to preserve our fine library building by redec- orating at least one room each year, the stack room was given a coat of paint. A great improvement was achieved when the white cement floor in the basement was given a coat of grey rubber paint.
A portable typewriter was added to the office equipment. New shelves for additional storage in the basement were built by our able custodian, Mr. Rebell, and shelves are being constructed for the growing record collection by shop pupils of the Junior High School under the direction of Mr. Harry Pickering, shop instructor.
THE STAFF
In many ways 1957 has been a momentous year for the library staff. For the first time in thirty-five years there was a change in the full- time library personnel. Miss Louise B. Pratt, who had been with the library over forty years, having reached retirement age, left the library on the thirtieth of September. On September 28th, the board of trustees and library staff tendered Miss Pratt a dinner at the Toll House, present- ing her gifts of luggage and a travel clock as an expression of esteem and in tribute to her long and faithful service to the library.
During the after-dinner speaking in which tribute was paid Miss Pratt for her loyal service, an expression of appreciation was also extended to Mr. Thomas H. Kelly who concluded his services as treasurer of library funds after serving in this capacity for many years.
Hours for the library staff have been changed from forty hours to thirty-seven. The trustees also voted to close the library at six o'clock on Saturday evenings and on New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve.
106
ANNUAL REPORT
Members of the staff have been in attendance at library conferences in cities and towns throughout the State and have participated in the programs at many of the meetings. At a meeting of the Old Colony Library Club at Marshfield Hills, Mr. Theodore N. Wood, president of the board of trustees, took part in the program as member of a panel discussing library problems. Mrs. Witbeck is currently serving as a member of the Personal Services Committee of the Massachusetts Library Association.
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