USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1912 > Part 5
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New Bedford Rubber Co.,
.65
118
A. E. Wordell,
1.40
Oliver Ditson & Co.,
1.45
Holden Patent Book Co.,
32.02
Wadsworth, Howland & Co.,
20.00
Milton Bradley & Co.,
7.49
Charles F. Wing,
1.70
Browne Pharmacy,
1.15
$457.47
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY
FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
ANNUAL REPORT
1912
121
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES OF THE MILLICENT LIBRARY 1893-1913.
President
HENRY H. ROGERS .
1893-1909
HENRY H. ROGERS .
1909-
Vice Presidents
WALTER P. WINSOR.
1893-94
GEORGE H. TABER
1895-96
GEORGE H. TRIPP
1897-98
THOMAS A. TRIPP
1899-00
JAMES L. GILLINGHAM
1901-02
JOB C. TRIPP,
1903-04
JAMES L. GILLINGHAM
1905-06
FREDERICK B. LYMAN
1907-08
THOMAS A. TRIPP .
1909-11
EDWARD L. BESSE
1911-13
MORRIS R. BROWNELL
1913-
Treasurers
JAMES L. GILLINGHAM
1893-94
MRS. LIZZIE F. NYE
.
.
1895-96
WALTER P. WINSOR
·
.
1897-1911
GEORGE B. LUTHER
.
.
1911-
Secretaries
THOMAS A. TRIPP
1893-96
MISS ELLEN H. AKIN
1895-96
MRS. SARAH C. ANTHONY .
1897-98
MRS. LIZZIE F. NYE
1899-00
DON C. STEVENS
1901
DREW B. HALL
1901-1911
GALEN W. HILL
1911-
122
STANDING COMMITTEES 1913-1914
Book Committee-
Mr. Rogers, Mr. Brownell, Mr. T. A. Tripp, Mrs. Winsor, Miss Clarke.
Finance Committee-
Mr. Luther, Mr. J. C. Tripp, Mrs. Nye, Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Pope.
House Committee-
Mr. Besse, Mr. G. H. Tripp, Miss Akin, Mrs.
Broughton.
Trustees
Miss Ellen H. Akin
1893-
Edmond Anthony, Jr.
1902
Mrs. Sarah C. Anthony
1893-1912
William E. Benjamin
1893-
Edward L. Besse
1893-
Mrs. Cara R. Broughton
1893-
Morris R. Brownell
1909-
James L. Gillingham
1893-1912
George B. Luther
1909-
Frederick B. Lyman
1904-1909
Nrs. Lizzie F. Nye
1893-
Henry H. Rogers
1893-1909
Henry H. Rogers, Jr.
1909-
Harry L. Pope
1912-
Don C. Stevens
1893-1901
George W. Stevens
1893-1908
George H. Taber
1893-1901
George H. Tripp
1893-
Job C. Tripp
1902-
Thomas A. Tripp
1893-
Charles W. White, Jr.
1902-1904
Mrs. Mary G. Winsor
1893-
Walter P. Winsor
1893-1911
Miss Sara B. Clarke
1912-
123
LIBRARY STAFF
LIBRARIAN AND SECRETARY.
GALEN W. HILL
June, 1911-
ASSISTANTS.
FLORA H. LEIGHTON, in charge of circulation
EDA M. PERRY, Children's Librarian
ANNIE THOMPSON, Cataloger RICHARD A. DENNIE, Page
January, 1903-
February, 1905-
December, 1891-
January, 1913-
JANITOR.
WILLIAM O. SAWYER
April, 1907-
124
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN FOR THE YEAR 1912.
To the Trustees of the Millicent Library :-
The following report of the librarian for the year 1912 is respectfully submitted for your consideration.
The year has been one of quiet work, but, at the same time, we believe one of steady progress. The usual tabu- lated statistics showing the additions, withdrawals, circula- tion and registration appear in the appendix to the report.
Accessions and Withdrawals.
During the year 873 volumes were added to the library, while 928 were withdrawn. The process of weeding out such books as were out of date or of no practical value to the collection accounts for the large number of withdrawals, which exceed the accessions by fifty-five volumes. It is believed that the 20,868 volumes in the library December 31, 1912, represent a more active and better rounded collec- tion of books than the 20,923 volumes of the previous year.
The collection in the tower room, consisting of those books which it seemed worth while to keep for possible reference purposes or to supplement the regular collection, now num- bers 922 books. As their location is indicated in the cata- logue and shelf-list, they are easily accessible.
Among the noteworthy purchases during the year were the Century Dictionary, the Library Atlas of the World, and, from the point of view of usefulness to the librarian and staff, the United States Calalogue of Books in Print. Jan. 1, 1912. Another accession especially appreciated was the Photographic History of the Civil War, in 10 volumes.
The one particular class which especially needs to be
125
strengthened is the music collection. We have perhaps a sufficient number of books about music, but comparatively few scores and little sheet music. Special attention will be given this year to the purchase of such music as seems to be suitable to a library of this type.
Inventory.
During the fall, an inventory of the books in the library, the first in five years, was undertaken with the result that 138 volumes were reported missing, the loss of which could not be accounted for. These figures show a relatively small proportion of books lost, when compared with the losses sustained by other libraries.
I would recommend, however, that an inventory be taken each year. With our present staff this is perfectly feasible during some of the less busy months.
Binding.
Three hundred and fifty books were rebound during the year. Beside this number many worn out copies were re- placed by later or cheaper editions. Thirty-six volumes of magazines were bound to continue a small but well selected file of bound periodicals. A change in binder was made early in the year, and thus far the 'change seems to have worked to advantage, both as to cost and quality of work.
Registration.
Three hundred and eighty-eight names were added to our list of registered borrowers. Of these 192 were adults, 106 children, and 92 non-residents. The total registration now amounts to 2,454 names, of which probably 2,000 rep- resent active borrowers.
126
Circulation.
The circulation from the regular shelves this year was 49,184, as against 48,164 for 1911, an increase of 1,020. That from the pay collection was 1,440, an increase over last year of 104, showing a growing use of this collection.
As no school room libraries, except the deposit at the High School, were sent out this fall, the circulation from the schools fell off from 2,938 to 1,085. This makes the total circulation somewhat less than last year.
The average circulation per capita was 10.1, and per bor- rower registered 21. The fiction percentage was 64.
The rules adopted last year of making the time limit on new fiction seven days and extending that on non-fiction to four weeks have worked well.
Because of the confusion and misunderstandings that arose in connection with the special teachers' cards which had been in use for some years, the following rule was made early this year, and has worked very satisfactorily .
"Teachers in Fairhaven schools may take out such books as are desired for use in classes or for special study, and may retain them for an unlimited period during the school year, the books being subject to recall if needed by other readers. These books should not be charged on the regular borrower's cards, but should be charged to the school in the teacher's name. All books taken by teachers on their regu- lar cards are subject to the same rules that apply to all borrowers."
The revised rules and regulations for readers were printed in June and issued to all borrowers.
Children's Room and Work with Schools.
The circulation of books from the children's room fell off this year from 12,950 to 12,418, a decrease of 532. Outside attractions, as well as the exceedingly fine weather for outdoor play this fall, were possible factors in the decrease.
127
The circulation was, however, greater than any year pre- vious to 1911 by over 700 volumes. The number of books issued from the children's room in 1911 may be considered as an exceptional rather than a normal figure. The at- tendance has been good and the behavior of the children has been very satisfactory.
Owing to the fact that the higher grades of the Oxford school were transferred at the beginning of the school year to the Rogers school, and thus brought close to the library. no school libraries were sent to any of the schools this fall with the exception of the High School. A small collection of books for the third and fourth grade pupils will be sent to the Oxford school this winter.
Miss Perry gives the following account of special work with the children: "During the school year, lists of books suitable to the different grades were posted on the bulletin boards in the grammar schools. These were changed from month to month, and were on various subjects, as: Stories of the American Revolution; Some true stories; Courage and heroism; School and college stories; Robin Hood; Sea stories ; Fairy tales, etc.
"Just before the schools closed in June the children's librarian visited the schools and suggested to the boys and girls that they might spend part of their vacation in 'Travel at home' by reading about other countries. Sixty-three children read one or more books from the list of travel books suggested. One club of girls decided to read about Canada. They met at the library and read aloud 'Betty in Canada,' and a part of 'American Patty.' Each read at home other books about the country.
"The popularity of the patterns in the back of Goodwin's 'Course in Sewing' led to the suggestion that the library buy a few sets of doll patterns to use during the holiday seeason. This was done, and during December over seventy dolls' patterns were circulated. Judging from the interest shown by both children and mothers, the experiment has proved a decided success."
128
Bulletin.
The Bulletin has been continued this year as a monthly publication, and has been made the medium of several special lists of books. At the last meeting of the trustees it was voted to change it to a quarterly publication with the new year. This seems wise in view of the cost of print- ing and because the frequency of issue has not seemed to be appreciated by the public generally.
Building.
In February a new oriental rug was purchased for the children's room to replace the old one, which had become very much worn. The rug, green in color, harmonizes well with the wall tints, and has added much to the attractiveness of the room.
During the summer a portable vacuum cleaner was pur- chased, which has already proved its worth. In this connec- tion I wish to speak a word of praise for Mr. Sawyer for his efficiency in caring for the building. Many visitors have spoken of the appearance of the building from the point of view of neatness and freedom from dust. The necessary repairs have been few and minor in character.
Plans for 1913.
In addition to the usual routine of the coming year, the following work will be undertaken
A change in the arrangement of the non-fiction in the galleries is planned, in order to bring together the bound magazines, which are now scattered in different sections of the library.
The suggested subject headings on the Library of Con- gress printed catalogue cards have been followed for four or five years past, and since these are not always consistent and often do not coincide with those previously used in the
129
catalogue, much confusion has resulted. It is sometimes necessary when one desires all the books on a certain subject to look under several headings. A revision of the catalogue to correct such inconsistencies as exist will be undertaken.
Within the last few years a feeling has arisen in both educational and library circles that a closer co-operation between school and library would be to the advantage of both branches of educational activity. This has furnished topics for papers and discussions in library and teachers meetings. It is hoped that some methods may be devised during the coming year to secure an even closer relation- ship between the schools and the library of the town.
Personal.
Mr. Harry L. Pope and Miss Sara B. Clarke were elected trustees during the year to fill vacancies in the board.
There have been no changes in the staff during the year. The library has been represented at the three meetings of the Massachusetts Library Club. Mrs. Leighton attended the meeting at Springfield, and the librarian the meetings at Chelsea and Haverhill.
My relations with the staff have been very pleasant, and T desire to make grateful acknowledgment for their co- operation and interest in the work of the year.
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation for the continued confidence and support accorded me by your Board of Trustees.
Respectfully submitted,
GALEN W. HILL, Librarian.
APPENDIX. Accessions, Withdrawals and Circulation, 1912.
ACCESSIONS
WITH- DRAWALS
CIRCULATION
Adults
Children's Room
Total
Adults
Child- ren's Room
Pay Duplicates
Schoolr'm Libraries
Fiction
190
73
78
58
399
40
50
77
24,980 256 5,750
7,480
1440
33,900
General Works
5
4
9
26
1
466
722
Periodicals
31
4
35
*6,143
Philosophy
7
7
124
1
125
Religion
13
2
15
85
2
171
94
265
Sociology
45
or
9
3
62
2
5
526
589
1,115
Language
3
9
3
10
25
2
6
34
347
381
Science
10
3
7
9
29
75
2
257
181
438
Useful Arts
42
18
3
1
64
13
3
897
262
1,159
Fine Arts
23
5
5
3
36
41
4
682
534
1,216
Music
9
1
7
10
51
5
8
966
705
1,671
Travel
48
6
10
5
69
69
8
1,197
587
1,784
History
7
10
7
2
26
148
3
396
487
883
Biography
17
4
9
30
1
292
1
399
190
589
Totals
483
138
144
108
873
41
808
120
36,766
12,418
1440
1085
51,709
New titles
Add. copies & volumes
New titles
Add. copies & volumes
Pay Duplicates
Adults
Children's Room
Total
Not classified
6
1
16
131
102
233
Literature
33
*Chiefly unbound periodicals. Registration per year, 388. Circulation per capita, 10.1. Per cent. fiction circulation, 64.
Total registration, 2,454. Circulation per borrower registered, 21.
393
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