USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1931 > Part 8
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Don C. Stevens 1893-1901
George W. Stevens 1893-1908
Mrs. H. H. Stillman 1919-1920 Miss Georgia E. Fairfield 1920-1928
George H. Taber 1893-1901
James L. Gillingham 1893-1912
Job C. Tripp 1902-1917
Frederick B. Lyman 1904-1909
Charles W. White, Jr. 1902-1904
Mrs. Lizzie F. Nye 1893-1919
Walter P. Winsor 1893-1911
Henry H. Rogers 1893-1909
Mrs. Mary B. Winsor 1893-1921
Edmund Anthony, Jr. 1902
Mrs. Sarah C. Anthony 1893-1912
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LIBRARY STAFF
DECEMBER 31, 1931
Avis M. Pillsbury Librarian
Sara B. Clarke. Loan Desk
Carolyn R. Dodge. General Assistant
*Marion H. Hanford
Cataloguer and Assistant
Florence Wilkinson
. General Assistant
Earl Dias . Page
Charles Worster . Janitor
OXFORD BRANCH
Albin Silva. In Charge Earl Dias Assistant
EAST FAIRHAVEN BRANCH
Clarence E. Maguire In Charge
RESIGNED DURING 1931
Helen Winnemore. General Assistant
*Appointed April 1st.
Report of the Librarian
FOR THE YEAR 1931
To the Trustees of The Millicent Library :
I have the honor and pleasure of submitting herewith the thirty-ninth annual report of the work of the Millicent Library. The year 1931 has been one of steady progress, characterized by purposeful activities. These activities, designed especially to bring to the attention of as many people as possible the resources of the library and to en- courage them to make use of its privileges, have reached both children and adults to the end that the year 1931 marks the greatest number of books loaned to patrons, and the largest registration in any one year in the history of the library.
The conclusion that the library is increasing yearly in value to the community comes as a matter of fact when the statistics show such an increase as this in the amount of work done, and when from the public comes a more noticeable appreciation than usual of the service rendered by the library. Yet there is much to be done. We are not satisfied. As we look ahead we hope for the time when the library may be serving not as at present approximately 38% of the popu- lation of Fairhaven, but when 50% or more will be deriving the benefits to be obtained from this institution made possible by the generosity of its founder.
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Home Use of Books
Placed end upon end, mile after mile, 7,920 books to the mile, the books circulated during the year 1931 would lead us from Fairhaven to Wareham, or about 15 miles. More books than ever before were circulated, the total num- ber loaned from the main library, the Oxford and East Fairhaven branches being 108,175 books. This is an 8% gain, or an increase of 8,399 books circulated over the year 1930, and a gain of 833 over the last record year, 1928. A gain of 8,618 books may be attributed to the main library, and 233 to the East Fairhaven Branch. Unfortunately there was a slight loss at the Oxford Branch, the juvenile circu- lation being 456 less than in 1930, and the adult circulation but 4 more. It is difficult to determine what is the exact cause of the decrease in Oxford circulation. Judging from the number of empty houses in that vicinity, it would seem that more families have moved away. It is also possible that more people are coming to the main library from that dis- trict. Statistics indicate that the main library is becoming more and more popular, the gain in circulation at the main library being 10% over the year 1930 and 412% over 1928.
The circulation from the juvenile department totalled 32,090 books, or 291/2% of the total circulation.
Two major changes have been made in recording the circulation statistics for the year 1931. For the first time, the books circulated from the Duplicate Pay collection and from the High School Library have been included in the tabulated record as a part of the regular library circulation. After careful consideration, no reason was found why they should not be included. The Duplicate Pay collection fills a great need by relieving the congestion on the demands for new fiction, and patrons seek books from the collection for the sake of obtaining a new book at an earlier date than otherwise would be possible. Paying for themselves, the
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books are soon transferred to the regular collection, thus supplementing it. Departing from former practice, the circulation figures from the High School Library now record only the circulation of books loaned to it by the Millicent Library. From the standpoint of the book collection, the High School Library may be considered a deposit station of the Millicent Library. The collection of books loaned to the High School Library fulfils as important a need and serves the same purpose as do those placed in our branch libraries.
During the year, the Duplicate Pay collection circulated 4,837 books, this being a gain of 43%, or 1,473 books more than were circulated in 1930. The High School Library circulated a total of 2,834 books, 49% being non-fiction.
Adding these figures to those before mentioned the circulation of books for home use during the year 1931 reached 115,846. This is an average circulation of 101/2 books per capita, or 28 per registered borrower.
During the year, the demand for pictures, clippings and stereoscopes exceeded that of 1930 by 588, the total being 1,219. With this the circulation reached as its grand total 117,065.
Books in foreign languages were demanded to the num- ber of 369,-135 being French, 233 being Portuguese, and 1 Italian.
During the summer vacation period, June 15th to September 30th, 1,267 books were circulated on the extended time privilege. This was a gain of 422 books or practically 50% over 1930.
530 books were loaned to teachers and others for class- room use or serious study, this being a 27% gain for the year.
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Thus in almost every phase of the work, there has been an increase in the amount handled. It is difficult to record just what factors are responsible for the rise and fall of circulation figures. Necessarily they are the visible factors which indicate the business the library is doing. The library is frequently measured by these figures, yet they indicate only a part of the work done. During this year of depression, it is natural for us to conclude, because of the increase in circulation figures, that people are resorting to reading either as a means of pleasure, or of relieving their anxieties, or because they are endeavoring to increase their resources through study. We hope that the reading of books-especial- ly the better books-fulfils a need in this period which is trying to so many, and that when prosperity returns as it always has in the past, reading will continue to be a joy to the people of Fairhaven and that the Millicent Library will continue to serve the true purpose of every library- the diffusion of the knowledge contained in books.
Our Borrowers
During the year, 934 adult and 530 juvenile borrowers received library cards. This total of 1,464 for the year, or, 4,142 for the three year period represents active borrowers, 37% being juvenile and the rest adult. This is our largest registration and a gain of 88 over 1930. Statistics indicate that almost 38% of the residents of Fairhaven have library cards. 187 new cards were issued to borrowers at the Oxford Branch and 47 to East Fairhaven. During the summer months, 33 visitors were given temporary cards, good for three months.
The Book Collection
Much thought and time is spent each year in choosing books which will best fulfil the needs of the library and the demands made upon it by the people in the community. To
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choose books which will please everyone is impossible. So called reliable reviews cannot always be relied upon, in de- scribing books which will be found suitable for the library. The book market, in these modern days, is flooded with much of good and bad, and a careful selection must be made. Con- scientious effort has been made toward this end.
During the year 1931 the book collection increased more than usual, there being accessioned 1,790 books, of which 864 or 48% were juvenile. This is a total of 327 more books than were added in 1930, and includes 133 titles which were transferred from the Duplicate Pay collection. Of the books added, 765 were new adult titles, while 402 were juvenile. 161 replacements were added to the adult collection and 462 to the juvenile department. Of the total accessioned, 1,723 have been catalogued and are already in circulation.
Books lost and worn out numbered 295 for the year. Thus our total reached 34,769 of which 5,525 are juvenile. It is a pleasure to note that 275 of the 1,112 books reported missing in the inventory of 1930 have found their way back to the library shelves.
One of our great needs is to replace books in the juvenile collection. An accumulation of titles found missing in in- ventory and those worn out represent several hundred good juvenile titles which should be replaced. With a limited book budget, it is impossible to do this all at one time, for to do it completely would take a very large proportion of the amount now spent for books for an entire year. During 1931 practically one-half of the juvenile purchases were re- placements. Children do not clamor for the latest in reading. Year after year good titles in juvenile books are replaced because the girls and boys like the books. And some of them never grow old. Unfortunately in one way, and for- tunately in another, juvenile books wear out rapidly. We are pleased to have the books read. They would not be ful-
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filling the mission for which they are purchased, if they did not wear out. Yet, could we devise a system whereby these books would not become soiled so soon, many books could be retained longer. Occasionally complaints come to us be- cause of dirty books. Should we discard books as soon as soiled, while the binding is still good, our juvenile collection would be reduced perhaps 25% or more. Books are mended as long as that is possible, and many are sent to the bindery to prolong their usefulness. Labels have been pasted in the front of books to urge children to be careful; occasionally children have been sent home to wash their hands.
During the year, the book demands from Oxford and East Fairhaven were cared for by changing the entire or portions of the collections, and sending individual books on request.
The Children's Work
Work with the children is constructive. While ful- filling the needs of to-day, we are incidentally building the foundation of tomorrow. The love of books and of reading instilled early into receptive minds will carry far into the future. Children show their likes and dislikes for reading in their eager impetuous way. To guide them along from one stepping stone to another, to direct their reading so that it will be built up constructively is the principal object of doing this intensive work with the younger generation.
Several projects have been carried on during the year. In the spring, by cooperating with Mr. Maguire in charge of the East Fairhaven Branch, the library sent out a supply of books listed on the State Certificate Reading lists. As a result of the reading interest aroused, 34 pupils of the East Fairhaven School were awarded 48 State Reading Cer- tificates, 3 of which were large ones meaning that 20 books had been read by each recipient,
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For the summer months a club called the World Treasure Hunters Club was formed, 115 enthusiastic boys and girls signing their names in red on the Sailing List to Lands of Treasure. Outline maps of the world were given to each hunter as soon as three books had been read. Colored dots and combinations of dots and stars pasted on the maps indicated the progress made and recorded whither the book journeys carried these searchers after treasure. If the books chosen were on the State Certificate Reading list, special credit was given and counted toward the winning of State Reading Certificates. A special list of books compiled from various approved lists, and including titles on the state list was made and posted, and served as a guide to reading. From this list 33 of the hunters read a total of from 3 to 45 books each, while 17 others read 1 or 2 each. With 300 books counting toward State Certificates, a total of 423 were read by the 50 boys and girls who continued on their book journeys.
The interest in this club, covering all boys and girls from the first grade through the first year of high school, was keenest with pupils of the sixth and seventh grades, with the fifth graders close competitors. At a party during Book Week to which these faithful young workers were invited, 21 boys and girls were awarded State Reading Certificates, 43 of which were small and 4 large.
During the summer months and again during Book Week, story hours were held for the children. Varying in the number in attendance, the climax came when at the Book Week story hour, 135 eager youngsters crowded in to hear the fascinating stories.
To the people who told these stories giving generously of their time, the librarian expresses her hearty appreciation. These were: Mrs. H. E. Kerwin, Miss Margaret McGuire, Miss Beatrice Mosgrove, and Miss Helen Newton.
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Work With The Schools
The classroom collections sent out during 1931 totalled 62 and contained 1,602 books. No accurate statistics of their use in the school is obtainable, but reports from the teachers are very gratifying and prove to the librarian that the good derived from having these books in the classroom is far reaching and serves to acquaint children at an early age with books and the Millicent Library.
The occasional visits of the librarian to the classroomns for purposes later mentioned helps also to produce this 1e- sult.
For twelve days beginning October 19th, the librarian gave a library lesson each day to an eighth grade class com- ing from the new Junior High School. Each pupil bene- fited from three distinct lessons, learning of the routine of obtaining books from the library, the proper use of the cata- log, and the arrangement of books in the library stacks.
Publicity Within and Without
Within the library various exhibits have been arranged.
Loaned by Mrs. M. P. Whitfield, an unusual display of Japanese curiosities were in the exhibit case for about two weeks, early in the year. The display consisted of a carved doll made by Toshitaka Makino, a noted Japanese sculptor, a book of beautiful plates, originals of which were painted by a famous Japanese painter 600 years ago, a beautiful box covered with gold, and exquisitely carved ivory figures.
Later on, collections of stamps loaned by Miss Roberta Tripp and Mr. Bradford Luther attracted much attention.
The recently acquired autograph of President Hoover was also on display for a time.
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Still causing comment and admiration are the lovely bookplates on display since Book Week. These were made by high school pupils under the direction of the art super- visor, Miss Anne Salice.
Very much worth mentioning is the display of book essays very admirably done by eighth grade pupils under the direction of Miss Mabel Hoyle and by a few Senior High School pupils under the guidance of Miss Margaret Siebert. Especially fine cover drawings were made for these by the pupils under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Hastings for the eighth grade and Miss Salice for the high school. These essays were exhibited on our bulletin boards and many people made a special trip to the library to examine them.
To all these people for the loan of these various exhibits, appreciation and gratitude is extended.
Exhibits of books accompanied by fitting posters were displayed from time to time during the year. - Some very fine posters used for this purpose were very kindly contributed by students who did them in connection with their art course at the high school. Undoubtedly such displays help to stimulate a desire for non-fiction reading.
Various mimeographed lists and circulars were made as follows: Selected lists on "New garden books" and the "Problems of childhood and youth" at the request of the Fairhaven Mothers' Club; A reading list of books suitable for high school students, to accompany a talk the librarian gave before the students; Circulars of vacation reading plans distributed by the librarian to the children in the classrooms ; Book-marks distributed to the school children to make known the Book Week activities, and especially the Tea for parents and teachers.
These various lists have done much to call attention to many good books the library owns and to make known special activities at the library.
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İn April, the librarian gave a talk at Hyannis at the Annual Library Institute, conducted by the Massachusetts Division of Public Libraries, and has also talked to several local organizations.
In December, an enlarged issue of the Millicent Library Bulletin was prepared and included four pages of juvenile titles.
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During Christmas week, the library was festive indeed, decorated with the Christmas trees which were furnished by Mr. Besse.
To the Fairhaven Star, to the New Bedford Standard and Mercury, and to the New Bedford Times, all of whom have been most generous in giving space and on special occasions taking photographs, the librarian expresses her appreciation of their cooperation in increasing interest in the work the Millicent Library is doing.
BOOK WEEK
In spite of a dreary winter afternoon on November 19th, there was a splendid attendance at the Library Tea which everyone seemed to enjoy. The Trustees Room was made festive by lighting a fire on the hearth; new, attractive and colorful children's books were displayed ; national flags of several countries brought out the idea of the 1931 Book Week, "Round the World Book Fair"; the Millicent Library Book House, a miniature house covered with all kinds of jackets from children's books, called attention to many good books written by authors of several countries; miniature book characters, Pinocchio, Robinson Crusoe, Little Black Sambo and others within and around the house delighted both children and adults; six girls chosen from the band of faithful treasure hunters wore costumes representing various countries and helped serve tea.
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With this atmosphere, the 1931 Tea was perhaps the most successful of the several we have had.
Tea was poured by Mrs. Z. W. Pease, Miss Edith Dana and Miss Anna B. Trowbridge, while Miss Sara B. Clarke and members of the staff assisted in other ways. The librarian is grateful indeed for the assistance rendered by these people.
Building and Maintenance
In the spring, the front lawn on the west was respaded and new grass seed sown.
During the summer, the much desired and needed hot water was installed and is much appreciated by the entire staff. The two small gas plates installed at the same time, one in the basement and the other on the main floor, proved their value at the Book Week Tea, by providing a constant supply of boiling water.
New and much needed shelving was ordered for the juvenile room. When received, this will do much toward re- lieving the crowded condition of the shelves.
The stairway and one of the floors in the basement were scraped and refinished by the janitor, adding much to the appearance of the hallway. Work on the walls in the hallway was begun and is in progress.
Credit should be given to the janitor for his splendid work in renovating portions of the building, and for his cooperation in rendering unusual service in times of special activities.
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Staff
Courteous and efficient service rendered by members of the staff helps much in selling the library idea to the com- munity. Our aim is to render this kind of service, so that patrons will find the library a pleasant place to which they are glad to come again and to ask for the assistance they may desire.
Miss Winnemore's continued illness made it impossible for her to return and on April 1st, Miss Marion Hanford was appointed to fill the vacancy. Miss Hanford, who has taken over most of the work of cataloging and accessioning and serves also as general assistant, came to us well recom- mended from the Somerville Public Library where she had several years experience.
Fortunately no other changes have occurred on the staff. Miss Christine McLeod, Miss Gertrude Stiles, and Miss Annie Thompson continue to act as occasional sub- stitutes. Early in the year Miss Thelma Chamberlain also rendered part-time service. All of these substitutes have helped greatly in times of emergency.
In April a student from the Library School at Simmons College spent two weeks with us, doing practice work with- out pay and observing our methods.
The librarian and one or more members of the staff represented the library at the meetings of the Old Dartmouth Library Club at Marion and New Bedford, and at the 53rd annual convention of the American Library Association at New Haven, Conn.
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Appreciation
In closing, the librarian wishes to express her appreci- ation to Miss Sara B. Clarke who was first in command dur- ing the librarian's vacation, and to the other members of the staff for their interest and cooperation during the year, and particularly during the summer.
To the Board of Trustees for their continued support, for their loyalty and generosity, and especially for their con- sideration in allowing the librarian the opportunity of enjoy- ing a European vacation, the librarian here expresses her grateful appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
AVIS M. PILLSBURY,
January 12, 1932.
Librarian.
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS. American Library Association Form of Statistics. Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1931.
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
$11,840,530
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 (62. 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 28,417
Juvenile 4,857
Total
Vols. at beginning of year
33,274
Vols. added by purchase
854
864
1,718
Vols. added by gift
48
48
Vols. added by binding material otherwise counted
not
24
24
Total volumes added
926
864
1,790
Volumes lost or withdrawn
99
196
295
Total volumes at end of year
29,244
5,525
34,769
Periodicals currently received (Titles 134, Copies 165).
Publications issued (4 bulletins, 1 annual report)
5
19
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. of fiction loaned
66,395
21,209
87,604
Total volumes loaned
83,756
32,090
115,846
Per cent of fiction of total vols. loaned 79%
66%
75%
Circulation per capita
10.5
Circulation per registered borrower
28
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc. loaned
1,219
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
934
530
1,464
Total of registered borrowers
2,579
1,563
4,142
Registration period, three years.
Per cent registered borrowers of population served
.... .37.8%
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.
INDEX
PAGE
Town Officers, 1931-1932
3
Town Meeting Members 9
Report of Selectmen 15
General Revenue 17
Commercial Revenue 19
Payments General Government 22
Protection of Persons and Property 26
Health and Sanitation
30
Highways
33
Charities 35
Schools 38
Recreation and Unclassified 42
Public Service Enterprise 43
Interest and Maturing Debt 43
Agency, Trust and Investment 43
Refunds 44
Analysis of Appropriation Account-1931 46
Balance Sheet-1931 50
Treasurer's Report
52
Report of the Outstanding Debt 53
Report of Audit of Accounts-Dec. 31, 1930 60
Report of the Collector of Taxes 62
Report of the Police Department 64
Town Clerk's Report 72
Births-1931
72
Marriages-1931 76
Deaths-1931
79
PAGE
Report of the Highway Department 82
Report of the Planning Board 84
Report of the Board of Appeals 85
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers 86
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm 88
Fairhaven Firemen's Relief Association 89
Report of Central Fire Station Committee 90
Report of the Park Commissioners 97
Report of the Building Inspector 103
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures 104
Report of the Tree Warden and Moth Super- intendent 107
Report of the Board of Health
108
Inspector of Animals 109
Report of the Board of Sewer Commissioners
110
Report of the Inspector of Shellfish 111
Fairhaven Safety Committee
112
State Auditor
113
School Reports-1931
School Committee (Officers) 2
School Calendar 3
Report of the School Committee 4
Report of the Superintendent 12
Report of the Principal of the High School 25
Health 30
Present Corps of Teachers-1931-1932 34
Age and Grade Table 37
Tabulated Grades, Teachers, Attendance, etc. 38
School Expenditures 39
Library Reports 1-20
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