Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1924, Part 40

Author: Plymouth (Mass.)
Publication date: 1924
Publisher: Plymouth [Mass.] : Avery & Doten
Number of Pages: 1028


USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1924 > Part 40


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It has proven that a wise choice was made in the selec- tion of the location for this playground. Hundreds of children may be seen playing there daily, and merchants of the North End announce that there is a very marked improvement in the number of children previously seen playing in the streets.


The ground has been plowed and rolled, and a comfort station has been built, but more apparatus is needed for the field, it should be fenced, and proper entrances should be erected.


JOB H. STANDISH, LOOMIS R. GRANT, HENRY T. GEARY Park Commissioners.


-218-


SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen :- In compliance with the General Laws, Mass., Chapter 98, Section 34, I herewith submit a report for 1926 as Sealer of Weights and Measures. Period from January 1, 1926 to January 1, 1927.


OFFICE STANDARDS


Balance-1. Yard Measure-1. Meter-1. Kilogram-1.


Avoidupois Weights.


50 lbs .- 1, 25-1, 20-1, 10-1, 5-1, 4-1, 2-1, 1-1, 8 oz .- 1, 4 oz .- 1, 2 oz .- 1, 1-1, 1/2-1, 1/4-1, 1/8-1, 1/16-1.


Capacity Measures.


1/2 bu .- 1, 1/4-1, 1/8-1, 1/16-1, 1/32-1, 1 gal .- 1, 1/2-1, 1/4-1, 1/8-1, 1/16-1, 1/32-1, 1/64-1.


Standards Other Than Those Furnished by the Commonwealth


Apothecary Weights.


4 drms .- 1, 2-1, 1-1, 1/2-1, 2 scruples-1, 1-1, 10 grains-1, 5-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0.5-1, 0.2-1, 0.1-1.


Metric.


500 grams-1, 200-1, 100-2, 50-1, 20-1, 10-2, 5-1, 2-2, 1-1, 500 milligrams-1, 200-1, 100-2, 50-1, 20-1, 10-2, 5-1, 2-1, 1-1.


Troy. 1 lb .- 1, 6 oz .- 1, 2-2, 1-1.


Cylindrical Glass Graduates.


32 oz .- 1, 16-1, 8-1, 4-1, 2-1, 1-1, 35 cu. inches-1, 10-1, 3-1.


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SEALERS WORKING EQUIPMENT Test Balance-1. Test Balance for Apothecary Weights-1.


Avoidupois Weights.


50 lbs .- 21, 25-2, 20-1, 10-2, 2-4, 1-3, 8 oz .- 2, 4-2, 2-2, 1-2, 1/2-2, 1/4-1, 1/8-2, 1/16-2, 1/32-1.


Metric.


500 grams-1, 200-1, 100-2, 50-1, 20-1, 10-2, 5-1, 2-2, 1-1, 500 milligrams-1, 200-1, 100-2, 50-1, 20-1, 10-2, 5-1, 2-1, 1-1.


Apothecary.


12 oz .- 1, 6-1, 2-2, 1-1, 4 drams-1, 2-1, 1-1, 2 scruples-1, 1-1, 10 grains-1, 5-1 2-1, 1-2, 0.5-1, 0.2-2, 0.1-1.


Capacity Measures.


1 gal .- 1, 1/2-1, 1/4-1, 1 pt .- 1, 1/2 pt .- 1, 1 gill-1, 1/4 bu .- 1, 1/8-1, 1/16-1.


Testing Measures for Gasoline Pumps.


5 gal .- 1, 4-2, 3-1, 2-2, 1-2.


Standard Measuring Flasks.


Metric Units :


500 mil .- 1, 250-1, 100-1, 50-1, 25-1.


Pipettes.


6 liq. drams, graduated in minims-1.


10 milliliters, graduated in 1/10ths-1.


30 minims, graduated.


1 inside caliper.


Tools, Record Books, Etc.


Yard measure-1, steel tape-1, steel dies-6, lead press-1, lead seals-300, aluminum seals-100, liquid clamp-1, paper seals : red-50, green-50, non-sealed labels-50, rubber seals- 3, condemning tags-100, drills-6, punches-3, adjusting lead-51 lbs., level-1, slicker plates-1, receipt books-2, seal- ing record book-1, commodity reweighing record book-1, coal reweighing book-0, reweighing pads-0, inspection


-220-


pads-1, ice-weighing kit-1, hopper funnel-0, striking stick-0, chain-1, hooks-6, point remover-1, dry measure guage-1, 14 inch stillson-1, 6 inch stillson-1, hammers-2, student bag-1.


Office Equipment.


All-steel desk-1, fireproof file, 3 compartment-1, Rem- ington Standard No. 10 typewriter-1, safe-1, chairs-2. One Ford, ton truck, M-1926, with covered body.


Summary of Inspections Made


Clinical thermometers, 7 Coal Certificates, 18


Ice scales, 53 Junk scales, 3


Marking of bread, 20 Marking of food pkgs., 44


Metal ice cream container, 10 Milk jars, 21


Paper or fiber cartons, 19 Pedlers licenses, 90


Pedlers scales, 58


Transient vendors, 3


Wholesale milk cans, 20 Oil Jars, 19


Cranberry measures,


34


Milk dealers licenses,


135


Oleomargarine licenses, 10 Berry baskets, 2


Summary of Tests Made


Berry baskets, 5 Cartons, approved


Gasoline devices, . 175


measures, 20


Ice cream cartons,


39


Manufacturers' sealed milk jars, 79 Massa. standard boxes, 11 Oil jars, 206


Reweighings for muni- cipal,


1 Glass graduates, 31


Re-test of store scales, 14


Half barrel cranberry boxes, 282


Cranberry barrels,


8


Fuel baskets,


86


Oil pumps, 7


Miscellaneous,


377


Vehicles measured for wood, 9


Pedlers yard sticks,


3.


-221-


Trial Reweighings and Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale Total No. Tested


Article


Bread,


212


Correct 32


Under 85


95


Butter,


4


. .


. .


4


Charcoal in bags,


9


9


. .


·


Coal in transit,


18


1


2


15


Coke in bags,


53


29


. .


24


Confectionery,


4


. .


. .


4


Fruits and vegetables,


25


6


2


17


Ice,


4


1


. .


3


Liquids,


240


102


. .


138


Meat,


2


2


. .


. .


Cord wood,


14


6


1


7


Kindling,


26


9


17


Miscellaneous,


396


269


18


109


1,007


457


117


433


Work Performed on Scales, Weights, and Measures


Article


Adjusted


Sealed


1 Non-Sealed


Condensed


Platforms over 5,000 lbs.,


11


23


Platforms under 5,000 lbs.,


101


211


35


18


Counter 100 lbs. or over,


1


3


. .


. .


Counter under 100 lbs.,


33


86


38


11


Beam 100 lbs. or over,


5


8


. .


. .


Beam under 100 lbs.,


6


16


4


1


Spring 100 lbs. or over,


4


43


. .


11


Spring under 100,


85


149


7


51


Computing 100 lbs. or over,


7


8


1


. .


Computing under 100,


46


95


2


8


Personal weighing,


. .


7


. .


3


Prescription,


1


7


. .


2


Jewelers,


. .


2


. .


Z


. .


·


Over


-222-


Weights.


Avoidupois,


35


1,409


. .


36


Apothecary,


. .


. .


. .


16


. .


. .


. .


. .


. .


Capacity Measures.


Liquid,


455


. .


18


Ice cream cans,


5


. .


. .


. .


. .


. .


1


Dry measures,


10


. .


1


Fuel baskets,


. .


66


. .


Automatic Measuring.


Gasoline measuring pumps,


5


132


3


19


Kerosene measuring pumps,


1


34


2


Oil measuring pumps,


28


110


31


1


Molasses measuring pumps,


2


5


. .


Quantity measures on pumps, 334


967


. .


. .


Linear Measures. Yard sticks,


. .


86


. .


3


Summary total,


703


5,121


127


207


Receipts


Sealing fees,


$360 73


Adjusting charges,


49 57


Total paid to Town Treasurer,


$410 30


Expenditures


Appropriation for 1926,


$2,900 00


Salary of Sealer,


$1,050 00


Labor,


373 50


Equipment,


196 30


. .


Glass graduates,


3.


· ·


8


. .


.


132


13


Metric, Troy,


26


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Printing and advertising, Postage and stationery, Telephone, Auto expense, Miscellaneous,


47 75


64 47


37 31


1,104 75


25 90


Balance,


$2,899 98


. 02


Total,


$2,900 00 DANIEL J. SULLIVAN, Sealer.


-224-


REPORT OF MEASURER OF WOOD AND BARK


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :


Gentlemen :- The following report is rendered for the year 1926 by the Measurer of Wood and Bark.


CORD WOOD


Date


Kind


Correct Under


Over


Jan. 26


Stove length


Tested 14


5


. .


9


Jan. 28


Stove length


1


. .


. .


1


Feb. 27


Stove length


1


. :


. .


1


Mar. 9


Stove length


1


1


. .


Mar. 15


Stove length


1


1


. .


..


Mar. 16


Stove length


1


. .


. .


1


Apr.


5


8 foot length


3


. .


. .


3


Apr.


6


8 foot length


1


. .


. .


1


June 21


Stove length


. .


. .


3


July


1


Stove length


8


. .


8


. .


July 27


Stove length


1


. .


1


. .


July 28


Stove length


5


. .


. .


1


Total,


41


6


10


25


KINDLING


Jan. 26


9


. .


. .


9


June 21


3


. .


. .


3


July


1


8


. .


. .


July 27


1


. .


. .


July 28


5


. .


. .


-


-


-


Total,


26


. .


9


17


. .


. .


-


5


Nov. 9


8 foot length


1


8


1


5


-225 ---


DELIVERY UNITS MEASURED


Date


Type Number Measured


May 19


Baskets


6


May 20


Baskets


1


Oct. 14


Truck


1


Oct. 21


Truck


1


Oct. 26


Team


1


Nov. 1


Team


1


Nov. 16


Truck


2


Nov. 22


Baskets


2


Nov. 23


Baskets


16


Dec.


1


Baskets


16


Dec.


1


Trucks


3


Total, 50


1. I would especially call attention of wood dealers to Chapter 94, Section 299, General Laws, Mass.


a. Section 299, Chap. 94, General Laws, Mass., as amended, requires that the seller of cordwood and fire- wood, except as otherwise provided, shall cause to be is- sued and delivered to the purchaser, a certificate or mem- orandum stating the quantity of wood delivered, in terms of cords or cubic feet. and provides for a fine of not more than $50.00 for any violation of this requirement. The words "except as otherwise provided" undoubtedly refer to Section 303, Chapter 94, General Laws, Mass., which are as follows :


Section 303. The City Council of a city may establish ordinances, with suitable penalties not exceeding $5.00 for any one violation thereof, for the regulation of the sale of prepared wood slabs, and edgings for fuel, when sold by the load, and for the inspection, survey, measure- ment and sale of bark for fuel or manufacturing purposes brought in said city for sale, whether the same is exposed for sale in ranges or upon a vehicle, and said city may provide for the appointment of such surveyors, inspec- tors, and other officers as may be necessary to carry into effect such ordinances and may establish their fees.


DANIEL J. SULLIVAN.


Plymouth Fifteen


-- 226-


REPORT OF TOWN FORESTRY COMMITTEE


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :


Unexpended balance, Jan. 1st, 1926, for purchase of land,


$310 00


Balance from 1925, '


848 75


Appropriation for planting trees, improve-


ments, etc.,


$2,000 00


$2,848 75


Paid for trees,


$380 00


Paid for labor and teams,


1,276 70


Paid for tools, etc.,


37 65


$1,694 35


Balance, $1,154 40


This balance is held in reserve to work with during the winter months as the cleaning up, cutting brush, burn- ing, etc., can be done much more economical and safer at this time of the year.


We planted 20,000 trees the past year, making a total of 55,000 for the past three years.


We would estimate that 90% of these trees are alive and doing well.


We also believe that the best of fire protection is none too good for our Town Forest, and our special aim is to have a good fire belt all around it and through it. Also, the old roads leading through the different parts are be- ing trimmed and made passable for any kind of fire ap- paratus. Your Committee recommend an appropriation of $2,000 for the ensuing year.


Respectfully Submitted,


W. N. SNOW,


B. F. RAYMOND.


-227-


REPORT OF FOREST FIRE WARDEN


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen :- I submit the following report for the year 1926.


All of the fires the past year were in April and May, the largest ones being April 15th, April 28th, May 2nd, and May 22nd. Both months were unusually dry and high winds prevailed most of the time.


There were 28 fires in all, attributed to the following causes :


Incendiary, 6 Camp Fire, 1


Burning Brush, 2 Careless Smokers, 19


One of the fires caused by burning brush, came over from the adjoining Town of Carver and burned over . more than 1,000 acres.


There were 1,150 permits granted for fires in the open air, and no trouble resulted in any case.


A new Brockway truck has been purchased and equipped, adding much to the efficiency of the depart- ment.


There was only one arrest for violation of the fire laws, the smallest number for several years.


I recommend that a small appropriation be made each year for the purpose of trimming out old roads that have grown up, making the way no longer accessible for fire apparatus.


At the annual Town Meeting in March, $3,500 was appropriated for this department. At a special Town Meeting November 13th, $1,800 was appropriated, mak- ing a total appropriation of $5,300. The total expendi- tures have been $5,258.60, leaving a balance of $41.40.


I recommend an appropriation of $4,000 for 1927.


IRA C. WARD, Forest Fire Warden.


-228-


REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR


January 3, 1927. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :


Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report for the Building Inspection Department for the year of 1926 commencing June 15 and ending December 31st. No. of


Permits


Estimated Costs


33 New dwellings,


$173,700


21 Alterations and additions, 26,000


22


Garages, 37,500


13 Other buildings, 50,700


-


89


$288,400


I wish to thank the applicants for their hearty co-oper- ation and support in helping to put our Building Laws into effect.


Respectfully submitted,


THOMAS A. BODELL,


Inspector.


-229-


GYPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTH ACCOUNT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the following report is respectfully submitted :


Appropriation,


$5,000 00


Payments, Salaries and Wages-


Superintendent,


$1,208 25


Labor, 2,318 90


$3,527 15


Other Expenses-


Insecticides,


$81 96


Hardware and Tools,


22 40


Trucking,


550 75


Auto and Sprayer Expense,


775 03


Telephone,


42 48


1,472 62


4,999 77


Balance to Excess and Deficiency,


$0 23


During the past year, there were a few Brown Tail Moths, but less than in previous years.


The manner of conducting operations against the Gypsy Moth has not differed materially from that of former years. The con- ditions as a whole have not changed very much since last year. The cemeteries and parks, which cover quite an acreage, are in fine shape, and must be kept so. All roads in Plymouth were sprayed and kept green, which was appreciated by every one.


I respectfully recommend an appropriation of $5,000.00 for labor and supplies for the ensuing year.


A. A. RAYMOND,


Moth Superintendent.


-230-


TREE WARDEN ACCOUNT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the following report is respectiuny submitted : Appropriation, $2,500 00


Payments,


Salaries and Wages-


Superintendent ('Tree warden),


$543 75


Labor,


1,223 20


$1,766 95


Other Expenses-


Insecticides,


$444 12


Hardware and Tools,


70 38


Hose,


66 15


Trucking,


60 00


All Other,


92 14


732 79


2,499 74


Balance to Excess and Deficiency, $0 26


During the past year there has been more or less trimming done on various streets of the Town; several of the old trees cut back, with the hope of growing new tops. Some spraying done for Elm Leaf Beetle and other pests. A few trees, which were knocked down by automobiles or died from other causes, were replaced by trees which came from our own nursery.


All trees that have been planted within twenty years are doing well, but some of the older ones I plan on feeding this year, hoping to "Spruce them up" a little. We have to lose a few trees every year, but for every one we lose, we are planting five.


I respectfully recommend an appropriation of $2,500.00 for labor and supplies for the ensuing year.


A. A. RAYMOND,


Tree Warden.


-231-


REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1926


OAK GROVE AND VINE HILLS CEMETERIES


Appropriation, March 27th, 1926, $10,000 00


Appropriation, Nov. 13th, 1926, 800 00


Income from Funds (for care and general use), 1,637 91


$12,437 91


Expenditures


Superintendent's Salary,


$1,530 00


Labor,


7,183 91


Teams,


410 74


Loam and Fertilizer,


999 35


Trees, Shrubs, Grass Seed, etc.,


264 50


Fencing,


266 50


Tools and Repairs,


208 06


Clerical Assistance,


378 79


Telephone,


20 93


All other,


708 00


11,970 78


Unexpended,


$467 13


Receipts


Sale of Lots,


$1,635 75


Care of Lots,


1,569 43


Miscellaneous (including Graves and Foun- dations),


3,469 26


$6,674 44


We recommend an appropriation of Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($11,500.00) for general care.


-- 232-


Oak Grove and Vine Hills Fencing


Special appropriation,


$3,500 00


Expended, 3,500 00


There is a tract of vacant land adjoining the easterly side of Vine Hills Cemetery, containing about 190,000 square feet, and which can now be purchased.


Your Commissioners think it desirable for the Town to purchase this land for the future needs of the Ceme- tery, and recommend an appropriation of Twenty-five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) for this purpose.


BURIAL HILL CEMETERY


Appropriation,


$2,000 00


Income from Funds,


120 91


$2,120 91


Expenditures


Superintendent,


$238 00


Labor,


1,008 00


Teams,


32 75


Tools,


72 55


Loam and Fertilizer,


16 00


Fencing,


662 00


All other,


61 30


$2,090 60


Unexpended,


$30 31


Receipts


Care of Lots,


$45 00


Miscellaneous,


43 54


$88 54


We recommend an appropriation of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for the year 1927. Burial Hill Fencing


Special Appropriation, $1,000 00


Unexpended, $1,000 00


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CHILTONVILLE, MANOMET, CEDARVILLE AND SOUTH POND CEMETERIES


Appropriation,


Income from Funds,


59 00


$359 00


Expenditures


Labor and Teams,


238 67


Unexpended,


$120 33


Receipts


Manomet, Sale of Lots,


$20 80


Chiltonville, Sale of Lots,


31 20


Cedarville, Sale of Lots,


00 00


$52 00


We recommend an appropriation of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for the year 1927. 1


SPECIAL APPROPRIATION FOR ADDITION TO MANOMET CEMETERY


Unexpended, January 1, 1926,


$43 10


Labor,


40 00


Unexpended, $3 10 Sixteen new Funds have been established the past year, amounting to $2,400.00, all of which can be found in the report of the Town Accountant.


Respectfully submitted,


HORACE M. SAUNDERS, ARTHUR E. BLACKMER, RICHARD T. ELDRIDGE, Board of Cemetery Commissioners.


$300 00


-234-


PLYMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY


The following reports of the Librarian and the Presi- dent for the year ending Dec. 31, 1926 are respectfully submitted to the tax payers of the Town:


It seems hardly necessary for the President to make an additional report after the very detailed report of the Librarian, but I feel that I should endorse many of her recommendations and express our appreciation of the faithful and efficient service rendered by the working force at the Library.


There have been many things to contend with during the past year, among them, changes in the Library force, and painting and redecorating the walls, which natur- ally interfered with the routine work, but it seemed ad- visable that these matters should be attended to and we feel that the appearance and comfort of the Library has been much improved. The old system of lighting was ob- solete and we thought it advisable to install a new sys- tem, which possibly will cost a little more for mainten- ance, but is certainly very satisfactory and very pleasing to those who make frequent use of the Library.


During the past year we met with a sad loss through the death of a devoted friend, the late Miss Appleton, who for many years had served the Library most faithfully as one of its officers. Her interest was such that at the time of her death she left $10,000 for the benefit of the Library with the suggestion that it be used towards a children's department. She realized as well as the other officers the necessity of this department, and it is hoped that the time is not far distant when the Directors can see their way clear to make such changes as in their opinion is necessary, to better serve both the children and the adults. This can only be done through an addition to


-235-


the Library, whereby the children's department will be separate from the reading room.


You will see by the Librarian's report that the circula- tion has an increase for the present year of more than 21,000 over that of 1924 and a part of this increase was in Italian, Yiddish, Polish, German, Greek, and French books. This branch is also growing and should be given attention.


The use of the Library by the Public Schools is also on the increase and calls for additional room and fa- cilities.


Every one knows the value of the Plymouth Public Li- brary to the Town, and we must necessarily meet its needs in order to maintain the present high standing. With the amount of work increasing, which is necessary on account of the increase in attendance and circulation, it naturally calls for larger expenditures, the Town has always been very generous in its appropriations, when- ever the Library has asked for an increase it has always been granted.


As the financial year does not end until March 31st, I am unable to state the exact expenditures during the past year, but I feel sure that it will be necessary to ask the Town to appropriate a larger sum than for the year 1926.


We know that our Library is maintained with effici- ency as to service, at a less expense than many other towns comparable with ours, but its means are inadequate to meet the increasing demand for books of reference and general reading. In view of this fact I feel sure the Town will prove its appreciation of the Library by such an increase as the Directors feel is necessary.


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,


EDWARD L. BURGESS, President.


-236-


REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN FOR YEAR 1926


To the Directors of the Plymouth Public Library :


In submitting this, the second annual report since the present librarian came to the Plymouth Public Library, for one year as acting-librarian, and for the past year and three months as librarian, it is with much satisfac- tion that she is able to report a steadily increasing use of the Library, and further widening of its activities. In this, the fiftieth anniversary year of the founding of the American Library Association, it is encouraging to know that our Library, together with all other public libraries in the United States, is extending its usefulness each year to a larger group of people, who are appreciating and realizing to a far greater degree, the benefits to be ob- tained from a constant use of their public library


Our public library, like all others, is limited in devel- oping its usefulness because of insufficient funds and lack of space. With the growing use of the Library, both by the children and adults, our small quarters have become completely inadequate to cope with the demands made upon them. The proximity of the children and adults is deplorable and unbearable, and unfair to both. It is earnestly to be hoped that this uncomfortable situation may be remedied in some way in the near future. Through the generosity of the Library's devoted friend, the late Miss Anne P. Appleton, the Library has received $10,000, which she hoped would be used towards a chil- dren's department. This good beginning inspires the hope that other public spirited men and women who wish to do some permanent good with their money, may feel inclined to assist an institution which is of lasting benefit to all, rich and poor, young and old alike.


Another difficult situation of the past year was an en- tire change in the staff, which meant the training and ac- climating of three new assistants, a task so formidable that the unitiated cannot begin to realize the difficulty of


-237 --


it. Miss Bamford, the assistant librarian, resigned in March, to be married; Miss Haigh, the Children's Libra- rian, resigned in September in order to take a course in children's work in Western Reserve University ; and Miss Bruce resigned in September in order to accept a better position in the Natick Public Library. It is a great handicap to go through the process of training assistants and then to have them leave because they can get more money elsewhere. Our Library should be just as well able to pay for competent help as are the other Libraries in the state.


Just after all these changes in the staff occurred, the Library suffered a great loss in the sudden death of Miss Anne P. Appleton, who for twenty-one years had been a most sincere and steadfast friend to the Library. Hard- ly a day went by without the Library benefiting in some way from her valuable advice and generosity. All who were ever associated with her in any way, know that it is impossible to express the appreciation that is felt for her years of untiring effort toward helping the Library to become a more efficient and more serviceable institu- tion. And as though her personal service during all those years were not enough, she bequeathed to the Li- brary the sum of $10,000, which, as has been mentioned above, she hoped would be used toward a separate chil- dren's department. Only immense gratitude can be felt for such an expression of friendship toward the town at large.


Still another disturbing occurrence was the closing of the Library for one week in November, while the walls were being re-decorated and the white paint being done over. After this work was finished the electric lighting system, about which there had been a great deal of com- plaint, was enlarged and improved, much to the comfort and satisfaction of the staff and Library patrons.


However, in spite of all these setbacks and interrup- tions, the daily routine of the Library was carried on,


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and December 31, 1926, finished the most successful and serviceable year in the history of the Library.


It would most assuredly seem, after having considered the detailed record of the year's work, which follows, that the townspeople appreciate and need their Library, and it is to be hoped that the Town will agree to render such aid as is necessary for the Library's future growth and usefulness.


The circulation of the past year was 76,309 - once more the largest in the history of the Library, a gain of 9,228 over that of 1925, and of 21,366 over that of 1924.


The total attendance of 42,737 again exceeded that of any previous year, and was 3,280 in excess of that of 1925. The juvenile attendance was 19,180, about 1500 more than that of last year, while the adult for reading and reference alone, amounted to 23,577, a gain of 1,826. Of course, these figures are approximate, and without doubt below the actual attendance, because often times the Library is crowded, and the staff so busy, that it is impossible to secure an absolutely accurate record.


The total circulation of 76,309 consists of 51,653 adult books, 24,656 juvenile, 2294 of which were circulated by the School deposits, and of 696 prints. Of this adult cir- culation, 1509 were current periodicals ; 245 were Italian, Yiddish, Polish, German, Greek and French books. 17,250 of the total circulation was non-fiction.


Through the Inter-Library Loan, many volumes of non-fiction were borrowed from the Boston Public and Boston Medical Libraries, the Brockton Public Library and the Division of Public Libraries at the State House. Whenever an important work of non-fiction is desired and is not to be had in our Library, the Librarian is only too glad to make every effort to secure it from some one of the Inter-Library Loan exchanges. Deposits in Yiddish, German, Polish and Italian are borrowed regu- larly from the Division of Public Libraries, and ex- changed when they have been read through.




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