USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1930 > Part 8
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Books still missing from the 1926 inventory have been permanently withdrawn from the records, together with books discarded as worn out, lost and paid for, etc. The total of such books withdrawn this year is 1,182, an unusually large number of withdrawals for one year.
Subtracting these from the total number of books at the end of last year (1929) plus the new books added during 1930, gives us a count of 576 less than the actual total proved by the inventory. The only possible explanation of this is that 576 of the 2,009 unclassified books withdrawn in 1927 have reappeared-for which we are pleased,
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Actual Count of Volumes in the Library December 31st, 1930
Fiction
Adult 8,661
Juvenile 2,571
Total 11,232
General Works
000
2,074
26
2,100
Philosophy
100
516
8
524
Religion
200
931
64
995
Sociology
300
2,013
254
2,267
Language
400
194
180
374
Science
500
918
168
1,086
Useful Arts
600
2,055
112
2,167
Fine Arts
700
2,032
203
2,235
Literature
800
2,859
473
3,332
Travel
910-919
1,842
368
2,210
History
900
1,855
253
2,108
Biography
B- 920
2,467
177
2,644
Total
28,417
4,857
33,274
The Children's Work
Eager boys and girls, some of them mischievous to be sure, but for the most part loyal and interested, find the library a pleasant place to which to come. The immense amount of work done for the children during the summer months would not be justifiable, could we not see some bene- fit to both child and library. We want the children to get the library habit young, and our work is not in vain, if they learn at an early age to be friends and patrons of the library.
During the summer of 1930, a rather different plan was put into operation. A Rainbow Reading Club was formed -to encourage the reading of all kinds of books, with empha- sis on non-fiction-to familiarize the boys and girls with the location of various kinds of books in the juvenile room,-to teach them how to find books for themselves-and, to help
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them to understand a little about what the numbers on the books mean. Recognition for reading done was given in the form of colored circles pasted on membership tickets, differ- ent colors denoting kinds of books read, by gold stars and membership pins given for a certain number of books read, and finally by a pot of gold pasted on the ticket for reading a total of 28 books as specified. 113 enthusiastic children gathered on the opening day, when the plan was explained and stories told, and most of them became members and went home with books. Others joined as the summer advanced. 95 maintained sufficient interest in the club to read at least one book, while by the end of the season 43 had read five or more, and several had read between 25 and 41 books. The total number of books read by members of the club was 638.
Faithful members were rewarded at the end of the sea- son by being invited to the Book Week Party at which book and pencil prizes as well as ribbon badges of merit were given to those who deserved special recognition. H. S. Hutchinson Company very kindly presented two books for prizes.
In connection with the children's work during the sum- mer, several women of town were most generous in giving their time for the Saturday morning story hours, which were very well attended. Stories always prove a delight to the boys and girls, and the attention given the story tellers the past summer indicated that the audiences were well pleased. Grateful appreciation is herewith given publicly to Mrs. Howard Crowell, Mrs. H. E. Kerwin, Miss Beatrice Mos- grove, Miss Helen Newton, Miss M. Louise Norris, all of Fairhaven, and to Mrs. Evan A. Bowen of Rochester.
School Work
The library continues to co-operate with the school. A larger number of classroom collections, 52 in all, were sent out during the year, and these we feel were very much worth- while.
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Many teachers availed themselves of pictures for class- room use from our picture collection. Our hope is that more teachers will discover what hidden resources the library pos- sesses, and will realize our willingness to help them in secur- ing the material they need.
During 1930 more time than usual was devoted to the course of instruction given annually to the eighth grade pu- pils of the Rogers School. Early in the year one group of about 150 pupils, divided into three sections, came to the library for the three usual lessons. During the fall, the out- lines used for the course were completely revised by the librarian, in co-operation with Mr. Charles Prior, Superin- tendent of Schools, and Miss Mabel Hoyle, a teacher at the Rogers School. Some new material was included, while all practical problems were omitted from the text and mimeo- graphed on separate sheets. The second class of about 160 pupils, coming early in December, reaped the benefit of the revision, and more time was allowed for the course, 19 classes being held, instead of 9 as formerly.
There is no question but that the course is beneficial to the pupils in giving them an insight into the proper use of the library.
CHANGE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL
Beginning in 1925, the High School and the library co- operated in the employment of an assistant who should de- vote part time to both High School and the main library. Early in 1930, following the unfortunate changes which oc- curred late in the year 1929, Miss Alice Gidley was secured temporarily to carry on the High School part of the work, until the close of school in June. Miss Gidley carried on the work in a highly commendable way, and prior to the open- ing of school in September was engaged on a separate basis by the School department rather than jointly by school and library. The change was brought about through coincidence
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and the fact that the service at the main library could be improved by adding to its staff an assistant who could devote full time to the work instead of half time as under the old arrangement.
The main library continues to loan books and even to buy special books for use at the High School library. In fact the same spirit of co-operation exists and the relation- ship as to our service is in no respect different.
The Library in the Public Eye
Through the school children, the library was well ad- vertised during the year. Circulars were distributed on two or three occasions, and the librarian talked to the children in the classrooms.
The librarian also gave a number of talks on bookish topics to several organizations, and contributed an article on the library to "The Library Journal".
The local newspapers: The Fairhaven Star, The Morn- ing Mercury, The New Bedford Standard and The New Bedford Times, have all been most generous in giving space for publicity purposes. To these, the librarian wishes to express her great appreciation.
BOOK WEEK
The Book Week celebration in November was particu- larly successful. Mimeographed circulars were sent into the homes through the agency of the school children. As a re- sult of this advertising, 75 mothers and teachers attended the Book Week Tea. This group was much larger than on previous occasions. More books than usual were on display, and many of them were ready for circulation the week fol- lowing Book Week. The Whaler Book Shop very kindly
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loaned us a few books for exhibit purposes. Printed lists of books were distributed by the library as an aid to those interested in books for children of different ages. Seven little girls of the third and fourth grades, dressed as rain- bow fairies, helped serve at the tea. They were chosen be- cause of their good work as members of the Rainbow Read- ing Club.
Posters contributed by several high school students, and essays by 20 eighth-grade pupils of the Rogers School were on exhibit during the week, and helped to make the library attractive.
The librarian wishes to express her great appreciation of the co-operation and assistance rendered in connection with the Book Week Tea by Miss Sara Clarke, Miss Edith Dana, Mrs. Z. W. Pease, and Miss Anna Trowbridge, trus- tees of the library, and by Mrs. George H. Tripp.
The librarian and members of the staff attended during the year several library meetings, namely, the Northeastern Library Convention held at Swampscott, the Old Dartmouth Library Club meetings at North Attleboro and South Dart- mouth, and the Cape Cod Library Club meeting at Fal- mouth Heights. It is impossible to estimate the vast amount of gain derived from these meetings. The interchange of ideas through personal contact and discussion groups, the speakers with practical experience and enthusiasm for their work contribute to make these meetings worthwhile to library workers.
Gifts
Outstanding among gifts to the library are two por- traits, one of Peter, the Great, the other of Catharine, his wife. These came as a bequest from Miss Clara Bennett, a late citizen of Fairhaven. The portraits were painted by Arnold Van Boonen, a painter belonging to the period of the
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decline of Dutch art, and who died in 1729. The paintings have been hung in the Trustees room.
Gifts of books, duly acknowledged, have been received from several sources, and including the following towns- people or former residents : Miss Ada Delano, Mrs. Dora D. Forbes and Miss Alice Sturtevant.
Building and Maintenance
Several improvements were made and recommended during the year. In the spring, an electric draft and thermo- static control was installed on the boiler, in the hope that a cheaper grade and less coal would be consumed, thus reduc- ing the heating expense. This has been in operation only a few months. By another year, it will probably be necessary to make major changes in the piping system.
In September, the water pipes outside the building were replaced to the water main, a larger pipe being laid to insure Letter pressure. Several minor changes were made to the water pipes within the building.
Work on the staff room which was begun early in the year was completed in the late summer. Slight repairs were made in the plumbing, the walls were repaired, and both walls and floor of the room were decorated in an attractive color scheme. Furniture which made the room very comfortable and homelike was purchased. Much of the work was done by the janitor, Mr. Worster, to whom much credit is due for his willingness and interest in helping to make the room at- tractive. The librarian and members of the staff wish to express their sincere gratitude to the Trustees for approving the installation of such a room. The room has long been needed and has already proved its worth.
We are looking forward to another splendid improve- ment, the installation of hot water in the building. This recommendation was approved late in the year.
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To the office equipment has been added an L. C. Smith typewriter to replace one that was practically worn out, and a Neostyle machine with which mimeographed copies may be made. The latter is very helpful as a means of preparing lists and generally advertising the library.
Staff
Unfortunately the year has been one of rather upsetting changes. In January, Miss Carr who had given faithful service for three years, found it necessary to resign on ac- count of illness. With Miss Carolyn Dodge who came in January to train for library work, and the occasional aid of our part-time substitutes, Miss Christine McLeod, Miss Ger- trude Stiles and Miss Annie Thompson, the work was car- ried on until the summer months, at which time, we were most fortunate in securing the services of Miss Kathryn Kleinschmidt, a trained and experienced high school librarian from Watertown, Wisconsin. For two months she gave us most efficient service, but had to return to her own school early in September.
We were sorry to lose Philip Gidley, our faithful page for more than two years, and our best wishes went with him as he left to enter college in September. Earl Dias was en- gaged to succeed him.
In September, Miss Dodge became a regular member of the staff, and Miss Helen Winnemore was appointed to fill the vacancy made by Miss Carr's resignation. During the fall months, with a full quota on our staff and a little more assistance than we had been having, the work went smoothly and more efficiently than for some time, and the previously neglected work was well underway toward being caught up, when, early in December, Miss Winnemore was taken seriously ill. The close of the year finds us again getting along on a makeshift schedule.
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As far as the public is concerned, there has been no lack of service, but some things behind the scenes have necessarily been delayed. To the members of the staff, and especially to Miss Sara Clarke, the librarian wishes to express her grati- tude for their willingness to help in times of urgent need.
By the willingness and helpful spirit of its staff, the public judges the library. By the efficient training and ex- perience of its corps of workers, good work is maintained. High standards can only be maintained by requiring high standards of individuals who apply for work-and a per- sonnel large enough to handle the ever increasing duties of our busy library. Just so far as there are capable and suffi- cient workers, just so far can the library advance.
Appreciation
This report would not be complete unless a word could be said about the splendid co-operation which the Trustees have given the librarian. This has been made manifest in many ways, on several occasions. For this spirit of friendli- ness, for your continued interest as the days of my adminis- tration here increase, I express my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
AVIS M. PILLSBURY,
January 13, 1931.
Librarian.
STATISTICAL SUMMARIES ON PAGES 20 - 22.
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS. American Library Association Form of Statistics. Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1930.
Name of library-The Millicent Library
Town-Fairhaven, Mass.
Librarian-Avis M. Pillsbury
Date of founding-1893
Population served (Census 1930) 10,930
Assessed valuation of town $11,782,530
Terms of use, Free for lending and reference.
Total number of agencies
10
Consisting of-Central Library
3 stations (Oxford Branch, East Fairhaven Branch, High School Library) 6 schools (52 classroom collections)
Number of days open during year (Central Library) 365
Hours open each week for lending 84
Hours open each week for reading
84
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
*Vols. at beginning of year
32,417
Vols. added by purchase
729
654
1,383
Vols. added by gift
52
52
Vols. added by binding material not otherwise counted
28
28
Total volumes added
809
654
1,463
Volumes lost or withdrawn
570
612
1,182
** Total volumes at end of year 28,417
4,857
33,274
Periodicals currently received (Titles 129, Copies 159) .. Publications issued (4 bulletins, 1 annual report)
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USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. of fiction loaned
55,333
20,169
75,502
Total volumes loaned
70,177
29,599
99,776
Per cent of fiction of total vols. loaned ..
78%
68%
75%
Circulation per capita
.9.1
Circulation per registered borrower
24.6
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc. loaned
631
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
904
518
1,422
Total of registered borrowers
2,457
1,597
4,054
Registration period, three years.
Per cent registered borrowers of population served
37%
Vols. placed in collections in schoolrooms are counted in cir- culation on the day they are moved from Central Library, and no complete record of use at the school is recorded.
* Number of volumes in adult and juvenile departments, respec- tively, not available at beginning of year.
** By actual count from the shelf-list cards. See table and explan- ation under heading: Inventory.
Classified Accessions, Withdrawals and Circulation, 1930
ACCESSIONS
With - drawals
CIRCULATION
Main Library
Oxford Branch
East Branch
Total
Class
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Fiction
384
362
746
764
48,912
15,612
6,421
3,108
1,449
75,502
1 Periodicals
3,705
505
1,329
2
5,541
2 General Works
000
52
52
4
221
63
7
291
Philosophy
100
16
16
4
418
20
18
4
460
Religion
200
13
4
17
6
238
85
3
52
10
388
Sociology
300
59
52
111
47
671
867
14
356
107
2,015
Language
400
4
54
58
29
68
960
20
235
116
1,399
Science
500
12
10
22
15
384
206
10
150
26
776
Useful Arts
600
22
7
29
65
965
285
31
63
25
1,369
Fine Arts
700
38
16
54
49
1,121
754
32
139
48
2,094
Literature
800
64
103
167
100
1,731
1,494
30
192
99
3,546
Travel
910-919
50
19
69
35
1,534
866
78
454
83
3,015
History
900
34
11
45
35
815
451
37
289
34
1,626
Biography
B-920
61
16
77
29
1,203
297
37
74
18
1,629
Pamphlets
124
1
125
Total
809
654
1,463
1,182
62,110
22,466
8,067
5,112
2,021
99,776
84,576
13,179
2,021
1-Not accessioned
2-Includes bound magazines
3-Part of books property of High School
Duplicate Pay Collection 3 High School Library Pictures, Clippings, etc.
3,364
.
2,749
631
Total
106,520
INDEX
PAGE
Town Officers, 1930-1931
3
Report of Selectmen 9
General Revenue 12
Commercial Revenue 13
Payments General Government
16
Protection of Persons and Property
20
Health and Sanitation
24
Highways
27
Charities
29
Schools
31
Recreation and Unclassified 34
Public Service Enterprise 35
Interest and Maturing Debt 35
Agency, Trust and Investment
36
Refunds 36
Analysis of Appropriation Account-1930 38
Balance Sheet-1930 42
Treasurer's Report
44
Report of Audit of Accounts-Dec. 31, 1929 50
Report of the Collector of Taxes 52
Report of the Police Department 54
Town Clerk's Report 62
Births-1930
62
Marriages-1930
67
Deaths-1930 70
Report of the Highway Department 73
Report of the Planning Board 74
Report of the Board of Appeals 75
PAGE
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers 76
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm 80 Fairhaven Firemen's Relief Association 81
Report of the Park Commissioners 82
Report of the Building Inspector 89
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures 90
Report of the Tree Warden and Moth Super- intendent 93
Report of the Board of Health 94
Inspector of Animals 95
Report of the Board of Sewer Commissioners 96
Report of the Inspector of Shellfish 97
Report of the Slaughter Inspector
99
Fairhaven Safety Committee 100
List of Jurors 101
School Reports-1930
School Committee (Officers) 2
School Calendar 3
Report of the School Committee 4
Report of the Superintendent
11
Present Corps of Teachers-1930-1931 37
In Memoriam 40
Age and Grade Table 41
Tabulated Grades, Teachers, Attendance, etc. 42
School Expenditures 43
Library Reports 1-22
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