USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1926 > Part 6
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Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD S. POWELL,
Engineer and Supt. of Highways.
Report of Sweetser Charity
-
Rosa B. Cutler, Treasurer
In account with Sweetser Charity
Dr.
To balance on hand Jan. 1, 1926
$344.90
April 26, 1926
Received from Treasurer of Sweetser Lecture Committee
348.01
Received dividends from Wakefield Savings Bank 16.45
$709.36
Cr.
By disbursements .
218.22
$491.14
Jan. 1, 1927. Balance
1
ROSE B. CUTLER, Treasurer.
*
92
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Sweetser Lecture Committee
SEASON OF 1926
Receipts
Town of Wakefield (Sweetser Lecture Fund)
$425.00
Advance Sale, W. H. S. pupils, 554 season tickets at 75c 415.50
Advance Sale, L. L. McMaster, 297 season tickets at 75c
222.75
Door Sales, 71 season tickets at 75c
53.25
Door Sales, 269 single tickets at 25c
67.25
$1183.75
Expenditures
Lecture, Jan. 13, Hon. David I. Walsh
$75.00
Lecture, Jan. 20, Dr. S. Parkes Cadman
300.00
Lecture, Jan. 27, Bhaskar P. Hivale
75.00
Lecture, Feb. 3, A. L. Squier
75.00
Lecture, Feb. 10, Prof. H. I. Jones
150.00
Expenses for F. V. Fisher lecture
7.25
Town Hall, police and firemen
24.00
Clerks
18.00
Advertising and printing
101.65
Telephone, postage, miscellaneous
9.84
$835.74
Balance to Sweetser Charity
348.01
JOHN F. WHITE J. WILLIAM O'CONNELL CHARLES J. PETERSON CYRUS M. DOLBEARE FREDERICK A. SMITH.
$1183.75
93
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Report of Library Trustees
LIBRARY PERSONNEL
Librarian Helen Frances Carleton
Children's Librarian H. Gladys Mackenzie
Head Cataloguer Louise E. Sheldon
General Assistants
Olive L. Eaton Etta F. Smith
. Mrs. Katherine Madden Bertha Taylor
E. Adelaide Whittier
Part-Time Assistants
Ruth Ames Edward Liljestrom
Anne Hayden Elinor Morrill
Julia Scammon
Janitors H. T. Mitchell, Main Library D. E. Pease, Greenwood Branch
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Mrs. Florence L. Bean J. Oliver Beebe * Arthur H. Boardman
Richard Dutton, M. D.
Arthur L. Evans
+ Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram Winfield S. Ripley Mrs. Bertha Round Hervey J. Skinner Edson W. White
Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
* Ex officio, as Town Treasurer.
1 Deceased September 28, 1926
Appointed December 14, 1926.
94
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
ORGANIZATION OF TRUSTEES
Chairman Secretary Treasurer
J. Oliver Beebe Mrs. Florence L. Bean Arthur H. Boardman
BOOK COMMITTEE
Edson W. White, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean J. Oliver Beebe Richard Dutton, M. D.
Arthur L. Evans
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram Winfield S. Ripley Hervey S. Skinner Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
BRANCH COMMITTEE
Richard Dutton, M. D., Chairman
Arthur L. Evans Frank T. Woodbury, M. D.
CHILDREN'S ROOM
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean
Edson W. White
CIRCULATION AND PUBLICITY
Frank T. Woodbury, M. D., Chairman Richard Dutton M. D.
Edson W. White
EXECUTIVE
Hervey J. Skinner, Chairman
Mrs. Florence L. Bean
J. Oliver Beebe
FINANCE
Winfield S. Ripley, Chairman
Arthur L. Evans
Hervey J. Skinner
HOUSE
J. Oliver Beebe, Chairman.
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram Winfield S. Ripley
95
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library herewith pre- sent the Seventy-first Annual Report for the calendar year, 1926.
During the current year the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library has entered upon its fourth year in its new home. In 1923 the circulation was 106,244; this year it is 137,406, an increase of 31,130 or 29%. The circulation for 1926 is over 10,000 more than the total for 1925,-an in- crease of 8%. This total is an average of 8.8 books per person for the population of the town. According to the National Survey of Public Libraries, published in 1926, this Library which falls in Class C (having 20,000 to 50,000 volumes) stands fifth among the ten in the country hav- ing the highest per capita circulation.
The Library is as much a part of the educational system of the Town as are the schools but its scope is even greater, for it serves all ages. Often it is only through its facilities that the adult follows up the interests which the school has fostered, hence it is extremely import- ant that the public should know the resources which it affords.
In accordance with the policy of the American Library Association in furthering adult education, the booklets in the series, "Reading with a purpose" have been made available for all who wish to consult them. Some of the subjects follow: "Some Great American Books" by Dallas Lore Sharp, "English Literature" by W. N. C. Carlton, "The Pivotal Figures of History" by Ambrose W. Vernon, "Biology" by Vernon Kel- log. Each pamphlet contains a list of books recommended for reading in connection with the subject, and these books have been purchased for circulation if they were not already on the shelves of the Library.
In a further effort to bring to the attention of patrons the non- fiction department, two racks have been placed in the Delivery Room. These have nearly doubled the display space previously available, and have served to bring to public attention many volumes of biography, es- says, science, history and other kindred subjects which might otherwise be overlooked.
As in other years the Library has endeavored to serve the schools in every possible way. The Montrose School has had a deposit collection this year for the first time, and very recently, one has been placed at the Hamilton School at their request. Many of the schools have been visit- ed by Miss Carleton or Miss Mackenzie and, in some instances, informar
.
96
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
talks upon the use and care of books as well as upon the choice of read- ing have been given.
The pamphlet collection has been arranged in a file in the office. This contains the latest material on all sorts of subjects and is very helpful in reference work. At the close of 1925 there were 710 pamph- lets in the file; now there are 2254.
On February 19th the Kosmos Club held a meeting in the Lecture Hall and Historical Room, and many of the members were in colonial costume. Miss Carleton welcomed the Club and Miss Mackenzie told a story of colonial days; both were in costume. On November 5th, through the courtesy of the Club, Miss Carleton and Miss Mackenzie were given an opportunity to display books for children at the regular Club meet- ing. This made a very pleasant opening for Children's Book Week which followed. In connection with Children's Book Week, a contest for orig- inal book marks was held for pupils of the eighth grade and the prizes, two beautiful books, were given by the Kosmos Club. Mrs. Helen Ran- dall, president, presented the books to the winners, Carol Lee and Rose Puglisi. The Trustees are grateful for this interest and cooperation in the work of the Library.
In September the Trustees were shocked and saddened by the sud- den death of Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram who served as Trustee so long and so faithfully. The following appreciation of Miss Ingram was sent by the Trustees to Mrs. George Topliff, her sister, to the Daily Item and was spread upon the records of the Library:
The Trustees of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library wish to express to the family and friends of Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram their sincere appreciation of her useful and generous services over a period of many years as a member of the Board.
The loss of her resourcefulness and unselfish in- terest on behalf of the library patrons, particularly the children of Wakefield, is greatly to be regretted.
A few weeks after the death of Miss Ingram, at a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Bertha Round was unanimously appointed to fill the place on the Board thus made vacant.
In November, another gift was received from a member of the family from which the Town has received so much. Mr. Lucius Beebe of Phila- delphia gave $1000 in memory of his father, Charles Beebe; the income of this gift is to be spent for books.
Elizabeth Frances Ingram
Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram who became a member of the Board of Trustees of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in 1913, was from the very first keenly interested in the op- portunities for service thus afforded her.
She brought to her new duties the enthusiasm and the ideals which had made her a teacher of wide influence. Having worked with and for the young people of the Town, and knowing their problems, she was always ready with a help- ful suggestion when consulted by the Librarian.
She served the Board as Secretary for six years and was on various committees of library administration, always serv- ing with intense interest, never perfunctorily.
In collaboration with Miss H. Gertrude Lee, the Librarian, she prepared a list of books for young readers, "Good books to read," which is still in use.
Her foresight was of great importance in the preservation of the historical material about the library; and she gave most generously of her summer leisure to compile the valu- able Historical Sketch of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Li- brary which was issued at the end of the year 1925.
No adequate estimate of her services as Library Trustee can be made; many of them were intangible, but no less appreciated by her co-workers on the Board who in continu- ing the work of library development, will always be stimu- lated by their associations with her.
٠٦٠
9.7
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
The Mothers' Club of Wakefield has again given ten dollars to pur- chase books helpful to mothers. Various other gifts of flowers, books and magazines have been received, and to all these friends of the Library the Trustees wish to extend their sincere thanks.
During the spring the lawns were regraded, and in the fall the shrubbery was renewed and some new shrubs added. Both of these im- provements were much needed.
Progress at the Greenwood Branch has been very satisfactory. Sheif room for about a thousand books and eighteen shelves for magazines have been added to the equipment. 900 new books, one fifth of the books purchased for the whole Library. have been added to the Branch. The circulation at this Branch totals 22,343 in 1926, an increase of 1729 over the 1925 figure-which was 20,614. After the new shelves were in- stalled, the necessary rearrangement placed the reference books in one section, the juvenile books in a separate section; another including addi- tional alcove shelving held the adult books, and a new alcove was used for the books for young people. This portion of the room is used by both adults and young people of High School age. Several collections of books on special subjects, such as travel. antiques, adult education, radio, biography, have been arranged at various times. In October, an exhibi- tion of industrial processes was held for three weeks, with pupils of the eighth grade of the Greenwood School assisting. During Children's Book Week fine editions of children's books were displayed on a ladder representing different ages. These exhibits have all been much appre- ciated. An outside sign has been put up on the lawn, and a special bui- ietin placed near the Children's section for notices of interest. Miss Bella Rattray told stories to the children of Greenwood during Children's Book Week and again Christmas week.
The Trustees believe that the Library is making a steady progress in its service to the Town as is shown by the continued increase in cir- culation.
For the ensuing year, they recommend for the Library appropriation, $21,000.
FLORENCE L. BEAN, Secretary.
98
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Board of Trustees :
In giving the highest type of library service it is always the aim to secure for the borrowers what they wish, if possible. This service may include securing information from any kind of institution, borrowing books from various types of libraries, or even securing material from the authors themselves, as well as lending the library's own resources. It is the record of such services, in so far as can be given in any written or tabulated form, that is the substance of this report for the year 1926.
During the year 4547 books have been purchased. Of those with- drawn the large majority were worn out, but included in the number were 129 which were burned by the order of the Board of Health. The records of the annual inventory have not been included in the reports for the last three years; the total this year is placed herein. With this in- clusion the number of volumes in the Library at the end of the year is 30,156. Of the new books purchased, 900 were bought for Greenwood where growth is marked. Daily, attention is given to all necessary mend- ing of books. and this care keeps the number to be rebound or withdrawn as worn out, at its lowest minimum. Purchase of replacements for the books withdrawn was an obvious need; of the books purchased, 1378 were for this purpose. New purchases are based on actual examination of books, on reviews both published and those discussed in the Book Re- view Club of Greater Boston, on the weekly record in the Publisher's Weekly, and, when possible, on requests of borrowers.
At the beginning of the year a new collection of books of vocal nd instrumental music was added to the library resources. A folder con- taining a complete list of the music books was widely distributed, and much publicity was given to this added feature of library service. Dur- ing the year 170 books were borrowed from this collection. Additions to this section will depend upon the demand for the music. Other import- ant types of resources are the pamphlet collection, consisting of 2254 namphlets, the pictures, the Italian books and the files of magazines. It is the effort of the Library always to keep as complete a file as possible of the magazines important from a reference point of view. Except for the current numbers, these magazines are available for loan in the same way as books. The current numbers are kept in the Reading Room. A few duplicates of the most popular are purchased for immediate circu- lation.
Discussions of new books, changes and improvements of routine ad- ministration are some of the features of the staff meetings. Ten such
99
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
meetings have been held during the year. Some interesting visits of staff members to other Libraries in and around Boston have been made. The cordial welcome of these Libraries and the generous expenditure of time given to the visitors not only made these visits appreciated but also stimulating and inspiring.
In February the Americanization classes of the Evening School were welcomed to the Library. A short description of the resources of the Library was given, also an explanation of the few steps necessary to secure books. Then the classes were shown the special section of Amer- icanization books, as well as the other books.
Class-room deposit collections have been placed in the Montrose School, and, very recently, in the Hamilton Schools. The officers of the different classes at the former have met at the Library to organize; re- views and discussions of the books read formed the main part of the meetings.
At the November monthly meeting of the Lincoln Association, for- merly called the Sons of Italy, the Librarian started the discussion as to methods for greater library service to their members. It was decided to have a deposit of Italian books at the club-house. Some of these books were sent immediately while others it has been necessary to import. The loan of a collection from the Public Library Commission of the State has been a great aid.
Many special collections have been sent to the High School Library. Everything requested, if possible, is secured to aid the High School. Shelves are also reserved for the books on the High School reading lists which are prepared by the High School Faculty, and for any special sub- jects of debates or other study.
A booklet was sent to all the teachers in September, which gave a short description of the resources of the Library available to help them in their work. This description included lists of many of the subjects under which pamphlets and pictures could be secured, and the list of the recently acquired exhibits of industrial processes which also could be borrowed.
New shelves were necessary at the beginning of the year in the Children's Room. The demands upon this room had passed beyond its re- sources. New shelves across the front of the room provided space for 500 more books; but this was not entirely sufficient, and in September half the locked-case section was made available for the books' for little folks. The four thousand books in this department include the reference and "fine editions" collections. The circulation for this department for the year was 43,213 and there were 390 new borrowers. Story hours
100
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
were held in the audience room during the year. The record attendance was at the story hour in Book Week, at which Mrs. Rudkin of Beverly gave two delightful hours to two separate groups. At the final meeting in the spring, lantern slides were shown.
It is with great regret that mention is made at this time of the loss by death of the Chairman of the Children's Room Committee of the Trustees, Miss Elizabeth F. Ingram. Although her connection with Miss Ingram was but for a year, the librarian will always remember with grateful appreciation the never-failing interest and encouragement she always found in her relations with this esteemed Library Trustee.
New shelving and re-arrangement of the books were necessary at the Greenwood Branch Library. In the Reading Room the current num- bers of the magazines were on the tables. The issues for circulation are found on new shelves in the front room. Inį the Reading Room spec- ial collections on different subjects have been displayed, as well as the new collection of industrial exhibits. An 8% growth in circulation over that of last year showed the immediate response to expansion; the total circulation was 22,343 and there were 201 new borrowers registered. Miss Bella Rattray gathered the children at the Library for story-telling on the Saturday of Book Week and the Saturday before Christmas. The Greenwood correspondent for the Wakefield Daily Item, Mrs. Leete, has kindly included various items of interest about this Branch in her col- umns.
The new display shelves in the main delivery room provide an oppor- tunity for frequent changing of books of timely interest. Five issues of the Bulletin have been printed and distributed during the year. In addi- tion to the library column given by the Wakefield Daily Item each week for library news, the local newspaper has been most generous in pub- lishing articles of interest on library affairs both local and national. Lists of books on many subjects of interest have been issued for free distribution.
The Lecture Hall has been used by the Current Events Class of the Kosmos Club and the Historical Society as well as the groups in con- nection with library activities. In addition, the Kosmos Club held a meeting in the building in February.
The files of Town Records mentioned in last year's report are now complete, we are glad to record.
The Community Christmas Tree was placed on the library lawn th's year and the trumpeters and carollers held their program Christmas Eve
on the library steps.
The year has been a record of growth in every department of the Library. The total amount of material given out on loan totals 137,406 which is an average of 8.8 books per person and an average of over 402
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
101
books a day. This is an increase of 8% over last year. 981 new (bor- rowers were registered.
In recording the story of the growth of the year the Librarian speaks with much appreciation of the helpful advice and encouraging support of the Trustees and the loyal cooperation of the Staff.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN FRANCES CARLETON,
Librarian.
GIFTS
Altman Company
American Foundation
American Institute of Homeopathy
American Legion
American Society for the Control of Cancer.
American Tree Association
Amoskeag Manufacturing Company
Armour & Company
Arnold Arboretum
Miss Annie G. Balch
Barber Asphalt Paving Company
Barrett Company
Mrs. Florence Bean
Charles Beebe
J. Oliver Beebe
Junius Beebe
Beechnut Packing Company
Berry Brothers
Boston Five Cents Savings Bank
Sidney Brooks
Buttenheim-Dix Publishing Corporation.
Mrs. Gardner Campbell
Mrs. Alice B. Carpenter
Carter White Lead Company
Mrs. W. O. Cartwright
Miss Louise Chatterton
Continental Baking Corporation
Cook's Tours
Joseph Dixon Crucible Company
Cunard Steamship Company
102
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Congressman Dallinger Dennison Manufacturing Company Harris Dolbeare Mrs. Charles Dutton
William E. Eaton Faneuil Hall Chapter, D. A. R.
Mrs. T. C. Farwell Goodrich Rubber Company
Louis Gowing Allen R. Greenleaf Miss Alice Haskell
Heywood-Wakefield Company
Howard Hunt Pen Company
Indiana Limestone Quarrymen's Association
Insurance Federation of America, Inc.
International Correspondence School
Japan Society Knights of Columbus Miss Esther Lofstrom
Manhattan Single Tax Club
Massachusetts Audubon Society
Massachusetts Society for Mental Hygiene
Massachusetts Tuberculosis League
Mrs. Horatio Meriam University of Maine
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Minnesota Department of Education
. Minute Tapioca Company Montrose School Mrs. Fred T. Morrill
Museum of Fine Arts
National Aniline Company
National Geographic Society
National Vulcanized Fiber Company
Near East Relief Nelson Doubleday Company, Inc.
New England Conservatory of Music
New England Telephone & Telegraph Company
New York State Library
Ohio State Department of Education
Mrs. M. D. Paige Plymouth Cordage Company Portland Cement Company
Proctor Gamble Company Mrs. Oscar Raymond Mrs. Carrie Rich Mrs. Eva Gowing Ripley
103
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
W. S. Ripley
Russell-Miller Milling Company
D. L. Slade Company
School News Company
Science Press
Mrs. S. Stearns
Mrs. Florence A. Vining
Wakefield Daily Item
Wakefield High School Parent Teacher Association
Wakefield Historical Society
Wakefield Mothers' Club
Fiske Warren
Miss Grace White
John White
Mrs. Selim White
Charles N. Winship
TABLE I.
FINANCIAL STATISTICS 1926.
Receipts
Town Appropriation
Dog Tax
$19,600.00 1,507.69
Income from Trust Funds :
Junius Beebe Fund :
$788.15
Marcus Beebe Fund :
573.74
Decius Beebe Fund :
259.94
Frederic Beebe Fund :
333.44
Alice B. Carpenter Fund :
42.74
J. G. Aborn Library Fund :
71.91
Mary H. Pratt Library Fund :
9.09
M. W. Gove Library Fund :
24.29
Frederic Beebe Library Fund :
50.63
Cyrus Gilbert Beebe Fund :
85.00
Flint Memorial Library Fund :
42.50
Dr. F. P. Hurd Library Fund :
106.25
Cyrus Wakefield Library Fund:
21.25
Franklin Poole Library Fund :
21.25
2,430.18
$23,537.87
2.86
$23,540.73
Refund, Univ. of Chicago Press
104
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Expenditures
Books:
New purchases :
$5,377.70
Replacements and duplicates
1831.39
Magazines and newspapers
487.48
Binding
705.87
$8,402.44
Salaries :
Library service
$8817.33
Janitor service
1779.20
$10,596.53
Printing:
438.05
Express :
102.12
Telephone :
152.90
Repairs:
53.64
Light:
587.79
Heat:
1,522.29
Water:
22.80
Furniture, Children's Room:
358.00
Furniture, Main Library :
239.80
Furniture, Greenwood Branch
116.14
Postage, Supplies and Miscellaneous :
948.23
$23,540.73 $623.28
Library Receipts, 1926, returned to the Town:
TABLE II.
STATISTICS OF SERVICE AND RESOURCES, 1926. SERVICE
Circulation
Main Library, volumes issued, Adult Department :
71,796
Juvenile Department:
43,267
Greenwood Branch, volumes issued : Adult Department: 12,603
Juvenile Department :
9,740
115,063
22,343
Total circulation, 1926 :
137,406 V
REPORT OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
105
Borrowers registered :
'December 31, 1925:
Main Library 5290
Greenwood 890
Total 6180
New Borrowers, registered 1926:
780
201
981
-6070
-1091
-7161
Expirations in 1926:
835
262
1097
Borrowers registered Dec. 31, 1926 :
5235
829
6064
V
RESOURCES
Material
Volumes belonging to Library January 1, 1926:
27,296
Additions in 1926 :
Main : By purchase, new titles 2199
Replacements and duplicates 1316
Gifts 119
-3634
Greenwood : By purchase, new titles 839
Replacements and duplicates 62
901
Bound magazines :
12
Total additions 4547
Volumes withdrawn, 1926:
Main Library : 618
Greenwood: 69
Volumes lost, 1926 :
Main Library :
39
Greenwood :
32
Volumes burnt, 1926 :
Main Library :
102
Greenwood :
27
Total withdrawals 887
Net additions, 1926 :
3660
·
106
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Volumes missing : three years inventory
Main: Adult 335
Juvenile 308
Greenwood: Adult
13
Juvenile 44
800
Total net additions 2,860
Volumes belonging to Library, December 31, 1926
30,156
Pamphlets
2,254
Grand total :
32,410
TABLE III.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS 1926, ANNUAL REPORT
Population of Wakefield :
15,611
Terms of use of Library: Free.
Agencies: Main Library, One Branch, Three Schools.
-
Days open during the year, Main Library
341
Days open during the year, Branch
148
Hours open each week for lending, Main Library
66
Hours open each week for reading, Main Library
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