USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1933 > Part 9
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The inevitable statistics record the following : -
THE CIRCULATION WORK
Books borrowed:
Main library :
Adult
81,555
Juvenile
25,681
Duplicate Pay Collection
4,249
111,485
Oxford Branch
Adult
11,378
Juvenile
5,770
17,148
Oxford School Deposit
Juvenile Collection
1,872
1,872
East Fairhaven Branch
Juvenile Collection
2,414
2,414
High School Library
Adult
1,854
Juvenile
53
1,907
Total
134,826
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These 134,826 books went into the homes of our patrons dur- ing the year 1933. This is a circulation of 12 per capita, and 29 for each registered borrower, a record of which we may be proud. The gain over the year 1932 was 7,445 books. During the first seven months of the year the gain was record breaking, being 9,493 books. For the last five months of the year, the cir- culation dropped off slightly over last year's record, indicating that people have less reading time, perhaps because some have secured employment again. If that is the reason, we are indeed glad. This gain of 1933 represents a gain of 5.8% over 1932, 16% over 1931, 20% over 1928, which was an unusual record year, and 66% over 1923, just ten years ago.
The gain at the main library was 4,174 books or 3.8%, and at the Oxford branch 2,013 books or 13.3%. The Oxford cir- culation went ahead of its high figure of 1928 by 935 books. A loss of 125 occurred at the High School library, and 489 at the East Fairhaven branch.
From the juvenile department, 35,790 books, a gain of 1233, were circulated.
Due probably to less spending money, fewer duplicate pay books were circulated, yet this collection continues to aid our borrowers in securing the most popular fiction at an early date, and allows us to place an extra copy in the regular collection when a book has paid for itself. 125 new titles were added to this collection and 91 were transferred to the regular shelves dur- ing the year.
285 books were circulated from our Portuguese collection and 247 from the French, the latter being a 187% increase over 1932.
On the extended time privilege during the summer months, 543 books were circulated.
Of the books borrowed from the High School library, 53% were non-fiction. Teachers and others borrowed 697 books for classroom use or study.
815 pictures and stereoscopes were circulated, thus bringing the grand total of circulation to 135,641. We can safely say that this number represents 67 tons of books that were carried from and returned to the library by our borrowers. If placed end on end, this number would make three piles reaching to the top of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest.
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For More Efficient Service
With the installation of the Dickman Bookcharging System on January 1st, 1933, a major change in our charging system was put into effect. The Dickman machine, operated by mechanical ineans, has eliminated practically all the errors that were bound to creep in when charges were made with a pencil and dater. With the installation of this system, one important change was necessary. Borrowers were requested to retain their own cards and not to leave them at the library. This in itself has proved a great protection to the borrower, since there can be now, no possibility, as formerly, of a patron's card being borrowed with- out the owner's knowledge. With the borrower presenting his or her own card, there can be no error in the charge being accredited to the right borrower, and because the borrower's number is stamped on the library record, it is accurate. While a few have complained about not being able to leave cards at the library. there have been others who have commended the change. The librarian and assistants are convinced that the change is for the best interests of all the patrons.
Special Services
Twice during the year, special books have been kept on re- serve for teachers taking extension courses,-the first group con- taining 40 books which were held for two months. While entail- ing extra bookkeeping, it is one of the services we are glad to give.
Several books were borrowed from other libraries for our patrons. In turn we lent 21 books to other libraries.
OUR BORROWERS
Borrowers registered during year :
1,034
Adult Juvenile 511 1,545
Total registered borrowers (3-year period) :
Adult
2,980
Juvenile 1,616 4,596
Of the 1,545 borrowers registered during the year, 707 regis- tered for the first time, or after a lapse of a long period. 194 cards were issued to Oxford Branch patrons, and 49 to East Fair- liaven borrowers. The total registration was 132 more than in 1932, and is the largest ever recorded in the history of the library. 42% of the population of Fairhaven now hold library cards.
9
With the change in our charging system, every old card that was presented was exchanged for a new one to which was at- tached a metal unit bearing the borrower's number. Through this means we made incidentally a check-up on the activity of our borrowers. 2,625 old borrowers were given new cards. It cannot be expected that 100% of those who have cards are actu- ally using them during the entire period of their validity, but the above records prove that 90% of our borrowers were active during 1933.
THE BOOK COLLECTION
Books added:
New adult books
637
New juvenile books
422
Added copies (adult)
170
Added copies (juvenile)
337
Total
1,566
Books withdrawn:
Adult books
101
Juvenile books
157
Total
258
The book collection now numbers 30,851 adult books, 6,469 juvenile books,-a total of 37,320.
The task of selecting books is no easy one. To strike a inedium between buying the much demanded popular books of little value and the permanent books of real worth, but of limited appeal, requires great consideration. Every borrower cannot and will not enjoy every book, but with our book collection as large as it is certainly every borrower will be able to find many books to suit his or her individual taste.
Of the books purchased during 1933, approximately 36% of the book fund was spent for adult fiction, 31% for adult non- fiction, 19% for juvenile fiction, more than half of this being for replacement copies, and 14% for juvenile non-fiction.
There has been a demand during the year for books, espe- cially the picture book type, for little children. We purchased a goodly number of these, but have been unable to supply an ade- quate number.
1,562 books were catalogued and placed in circulation dur- ing the year.
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To prolong their usefulness, 275 books were rebound and 19 magazines bound.
A hitherto unused corner of the library opposite the reference book section was fitted out as a map corner. Several large maps were hung on rollers, and are now much more accessible and more easily used.
Inventories
Inventories begun in 1932 and completed in 1933 give us a record of book losses.
Loss of books (1931-1933)
Main library
Fiction
Non-Fiction 290
Total
Adult
240
Juvenile
124
63
Duplicate Pay
49
766
Oxford Branch
Adult
57
Juvenile
13
10
80
Oxford School Deposit
Juvenile
3
3
East Fairhaven Branch
Juvenile
37
20
57
High School Library
Adult
23
17
Juvenile
4
2
46
547
405
952
676 adult books and 276 juvenile books lost since our last complete inventory of 1930 seems appalling, but some of these will reappear-perhaps from the hands of the honest borrower who carried them home accidentally without having them charged-perhaps from bookshelves where they have been mis- placed.
It is discouraging to have to report losses of books and it is difficult to make people honest, if they do not wish to be honest.
We are glad that some of those who appropriated books from the library collection for their own use at least had honor enough to return some of them. During the year, several groups of stolen books were found in the lobby or on the rear doorstep. We wish the honor would extend to not taking books at all un-
11
less they have been properly charged. The library is free to all, a generous number of books are allowed each borrower, and it seems odd that one should find it necessary to take books delih- erately. If there is such a thing as gratitude, such people should consider the unusual resources of the Millicent Library that they have been privileged to enjoy, rather than to deprive other bor- rowers of books that might prove either enjoyable or helpful to them, and to cause the library the expense of replacing them sooner or later.
Neither is it pleasing to report that some of the older boys seem to think it "smart" to take books away, or to hide them in table drawers and in the stacks. The librarian and assistants fail to see anything "clever" about it, and it would seem that the time will come, perhaps soon, when an example will have to be made. As a matter of civic duty, anyone seeing anything of this kind should report it immediately to the librarian.
COOPERATION WITH THE SCHOOLS
During the year 1933, there was unusually close cooperation between the schools and the library. A deposit station was opened in the Oxford School in March, at the suggestion of the principal that many of the boys and girls would like to take books home after school. This seemed to be a need that could not be taken care of by our regular Oxford branch. From March to the end of the year, the experiment resulted in 1,872 books being circulated. The deposit is open to the children twice a week, when school is in session, books are charged for one week, and the collection is supervised by the principal of the school, Miss McGuire. Much credit is due her for her interest. The collection containing between 150 and 200 books has been changed twice.
As usual, the seventh grade pupils came to the library in March for library lessons, twenty-four classes being held.
57 classroom libraries, consisting of 1,745 books were sent to the classrooms during 1933. Complete usefulness of these hooks cannot be recorded, since the records kept by various teachers are not uniform, but partial records indicate a circula- tion of 2,718, September, 1932 to June, 1933.
The librarian visited nearly every classroom in the six public schools, twice during the year, and in many rooms told stories to the boys and girls.
12
THE CHILDREN'S WORK
What is the future of our children's work ? It has increased tremendously during the past five years. The juvenile room is crowded. There is little space for more book shelves, and more shelves will be needed in the not distant future. No longer can we crowd the boys and girls into the room for story hours when we advertise through personal visits to the schools such ones as those held during Book Week and at the opening of the summer reading club activities. Must we stop our efforts to win these developing youngsters, or will there be a way provided for us to expand ? We had a record story hour when between 400 and 500 children gathered at the Town Hall (by special arrangement) on November 18th, to hear stories and to see Mr. Alton Paull's fascinating Punch and Judy show. To other major story hours have come as many as 75 to 150 boys and girls. At the weekly story hours held during the summer, the average was between 30 and 35.
The summer reading club has come to be looked upon by the children as a summer event, and interest in it is shown by boys and girls of all ages. Without doubt, the Magic Trail Book Club was the most popular club we have ever had. The interest by grades was as follows: Sixth, fifth, seventh, fourth, ninth, eighth, third and second. 741 books were read by 77 active inembers, with 162 other boys and girls expressing interest. Members played with the fairies and sent guests over the trail that led to the fairy's home. A miniature stage was made color- ful with a woodsy background, the fairy's home, a crystal lake, little book figures (one earned for each three approved books read) and magic balloons, gay and colorful, which cast over all a glamorous appearance, so that one might think one's self in the midst of a mid-summer night's dream.
An interesting result of the reading club was that aside from fiction, travel books were the most read, while history and fairy tales vied with each other for popularity, and biography came next in line. After all, is not the stimulation of better reading worth while ?
BOOK WEEK
Book Week can hardly be thought of apart from the chil- dren's work. This year the two were more than ever linked to- gether. Prior to Book Week, the librarian sent a letter to the principals of the several schools in Fairhaven, stating that any projects the pupils cared to contribute for a Book Week exhibit would be displayed at that time. There is no need to describe
13
the splendid posters and projects that were received. They were on display long enough so that almost everyone interested saw them. The remarkable thing about the affair was the spirit in which it was done. The boys and girls were eager and enthusias- tic, the teachers were cooperative to the utmost, the work was well done, and the parents and the general public were most appreciative.
Book Week festivities consisted of a library tea for all adults interested in children's reading, at which Miss Edith Dana and Miss Anna B. Trowbridge poured, the special story hour for boys and girls, and the party for the faithful reading club members.
A special display of new books suitable for various ages was arranged in the Trustees Room.
EXHIBITS
Some of these have already been mentioned in the preced- ing paragraph. Several seasonal exhibits were arranged. Dur- ing the year the exhibits displayed in our special case were of unusual interest and attracted much attention. For special loans we are indebted to Mr. Charles Prior and to Mr. Henry Waldron for Coolidge letters, which with those in the possession of the library were exhibited when ex-President Coolidge died-to Mr. Thomas A. Tripp for a splendid map of Massachusetts made by his mother, and for a map of the Town of Fairhaven showing homes of the residents as they were in 1855-to Mr. George H. Shurtleff for a collection of many kinds of wood and a few curios made from special woods, ebony and whale bone-to Miss Florence Howland for a collection of remarkable specimens of moths and butterflies collected by her and her sister, and to Miss Ada E. Delano for unusually fine novelties made from sheils hy her brother, Mr. Frederick E. Delano. From the library mate- rial there was exhibited program and music used at the dedica- tory exercises of the Rogers School.
Exhibits serve to bring people to the library and frequently stimulate special reading about the subject of the exhibit.
BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE
Four storm windows were made for windows in the rear of the building and weather strips were put on the large center win- dow to help reduce cold draughts. The library steps were chemi- cally cleaned. Several chairs were recaned, two small rugs were purchased, new brass pipe leading to the boiler and to the faucets replaced the old pipe which had corroded. Minor repairs were made in the plumbing.
14
Mr. Worster built a much needed cupboard which was placed in the hallway leading to the tower. This brought together many library supplies for which there was formerly no adequate place. A lawn mower, a new Hoover vacuum cleaner and an electric polishing machine were purchased during the year to aid in the upkeep of the building and grounds. Mr. Worster is to be com- plimented on his interest in and care of the building. With patience and hard work, he removed the old wax from all the floors and rewaxed them, making them look new again, and spent much energy in resurfacing the top of the loan desk.
GIFTS
Through the courtesy of Mrs. Edgar J. Russell, the library received a splendid collection of some 1,000 art prints represent- ing several schools of painting, sculpture, etc. These are being arranged to supplement our art collection and picture file. Sev- eral books were presented by townspeople, authors and puh- lishers.
NEWS ITEMS The Staff
Credit is due the staff members for their loyal and efficient work. There were no changes except in our pages, Earl Dias who was a page for three years resigning when he entered college. The position was filled by two part time pages, Wallace Baylies and Edward Mikati.
During the summer, Miss Charlotte Nye and Miss Doris Berdard, two high school girls, did a few weeks practice work in the library.
Members of the staff and the librarian attended meetings of the Old Dartmouth and the Cape Cod Library Clubs. The li- brarian gave book talks or talks on bookish subjects before the Saturday Club, the Business and Professional Women's Club, the Young People's Society, United Church, New Bedford, the Old Colony Library Club, etc.
Concerning Trustees
While Miss Sara B. Clarke discontinued her work on the staff at the end of the year 1932, we felt as though she were still a member of it. Serving in this capacity for twelve years, and as a trustee for twenty-one years, she was efficient, enthusiastic
15
and loyal, unfailing to the end in her interest in the welfare of the library. Her passing on June 3rd, 1933, was a loss not only to the library, but to the whole community.
Miss Mabel L. Potter was chosen a trustee to fill the vacancy caused by Miss Clarke's death.
A Distinguished Visitor
In December we were favored with a visit from The Lady Fairhaven, our beloved trustee, as well as the daughter of the town's benefactor, Mr. H. H. Rogers. It was a rare treat to have her with us at a special meeting of the trustees on December 30th. Highly esteemed and always interested in the progress of the town as made possible by the generosity of her father, her two week's visit among us was a joyful occasion for all of her friends.
IN APPRECIATION
In closing the forty-first annual report of the Millicent Li- brary, I wish to express my appreciation to everyone who has cooperated with us during the past year-to the patrons for their patience when the change was made in our charging system -- to the newspapers for their publicity of library events - to the local police who assisted us in collecting long overdue books -- to the teachers, supervisors and pupils for their close coopera- tion, and help in the Book Week exhibit-to those who enter- tained at story hours, Mrs. Harold E. Kerwin, Miss Ellen Meal, Miss Beatrice Mosgrove, Mr. Alton B. Paull, Mrs. C. E. P. Thomp- son, and members of the staff-to those who gave gifts of books and pictures-to all who loaned material for exhibits-to all of the staff members for their support, and to the trustees for their continued confidence in me and for their helpfulness and interest in all of the library's problems. I thank you all.
Respectfully submitted,
AVIS M. PILLSBURY, Librarian.
January 9, 1934
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS. American Library Association Form of Statistics. Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1933.
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
$11.424,990
Total number of agencies Consisting of- Central Library
. 11
1 stations (Oxford Branch, Oxford School Branch, East Fairhaven Branch, High School Library) 6 schools (57 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 30,145
Juvenile 5,867
Total 36,012
Vols. at beginning of year
Vois. added by purchase
734
754
1,488
Vols. added by gift
54
5
59
Vols. added by binding material not other- wise counted
19
19
Total volumes added
807
759
1,566
Volumes lost or withdrawn
101
157
258
Total volumes at end of year
30,851
6,469
37,320
Periodicals currently received (Titles 134, Copies 163).
Publications issued (4 bulletins, 1 annual report)
Terms of use, Free for lending and reference.
17
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Totai
Vols. of fiction loaned
78,589
24,150
102,739
Total volumes loaned
99,036
35,790
134,826 .
Per cent of fiction of total vol. loaned
79%
67%
76%
Circulation per capita
12.3
Circulation per registered borrower
29.3
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc. loaned
815
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
1,034
511
1,545
Total of registered borrowers
2,980
1,616
4,596
Registration period, three years.
Per cent registered borrowers of population served
12%
Vols. placed in collections in school rooms are counted in circulation on the day they are moved from Central Library, and no complete record of use at the school is recorded.
Classified Accessions, Withdrawals and Circulation, 1933
ACCESSIONS
WITHDRAWALS
CIRCULATION
Main Library
Oxford Branch
Oxford School Branch
East Branch
High School
Dupli- cate Pay
Total
Class
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Fiction
418
448
866
87
99
186
63,578
17,602
9,918
3,769
1,156
1,587
844
36
4,249
102,739
1 Periodicals
4,622
541
1,218
2 General Works 000
30
3
33
208
60
2
2
272
Philosophy Religion
100
11
0
11
653
Sociology
300
62
41
103
7
8
15
1,000
1,029
17
351
90
146
16
2,649
Language
400
8
62
70
20
20
114
1,083
4
423
136
190
4
1,954
Science
500
13
33
16
3
3
472
679
11
120
56
88
17
1,443
Useful Arts
600
33
21
54
1
1
2
1,428
447
24
96
59
22
17
2,093
Fine Arts
700
30
26
56
1
3
4
1,777
20
131
13
35
16
2,685
Literature
800|
28
56
84
3
12
15
2,187
1,375
24
458
182
170
525
4,921
Travel
910-919
48
26
74
4
4
2,330
1,021
64
210
88
76
176
3,965
History
900
52
19
71
1
4
897
578
32
124
66
51
56
1,814
Biography
B-920
58
22
80
3
1,912
485
39
71
19
36
171
17
2,750
Pamphlets
126
2
1
-
81,555 |
25,681
11,378 |
5,770
Total
807
759
1566
101
157
258
107,236
17,148
1,872
2.414
1,907
4,24
1. Not accessioned
Pictures, clippings, etc.
815
2. Includes bound magazines
Total
135,641
1
261
85
3
17
5
3
5
379
200
16
2
18
1
643
1
2
7
1,854
1
53
134,826
128
6,381
693
INDEX
Page
Town Officers, 1933-1934
Town Meeting Members 8
Report of Selectmen and Board of Public Welfare 13
Report of the Infirmary 14
General Revenue 16
Commercial Revenue 17
Payments General Government 20
Protection of Persons and Property 23
Health and Sanitation 25
Highways 27
Charities 28
Schools
30
Recreation and Unclassified
32
Public Service Enterprise
33
Interest and Maturing Debt
33
Agency, Trust and Investment 33
Refunds and Transfers 33
Analysis of Appropriation Account-1933 34
Balance Sheet -- 1933 37
Treasurer's Report 40
Report of Outstanding Debt 41
Debt and Interest to be Paid 42
Trust Funds 42
Report of the Collector of Taxes 44
Report of the Police Department 45
Page
Town Clerk's Report 56
Births -- 1933 56
Marriages -- 1933 60 Deaths-1933 63
Report of the Assessors 67
Report of the Auditors 70
Report of the Highway Department 71
Report of the Planning Board 73
Report of the Board of Appeals 74
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers 75
Annual Report of the Chief of the Fire Department .
77
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm 81
Report of the Park Commissioners 82
Report of the Building Inspector 84
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures 85
Report of Inspector of Slaughtering 87
Report of the Tree Warden 88
Report of the Board of Health 88
Report of the Board of Sewer Commissioners. 89
Report of Fairhaven Com. on Street and Highway Safety. 91
State Auditor 93
School Reports-1933.
School Committee (Officers) 2
School Calendar 3
Report of the School Committee 4
Report of the Superintendent
10
Report of the Principal of the High School 23
Report of School Nurse 26
28
Present Corps of Teachers-1933-1934
31
Age and Grade Table
Tabulated Grades, Teachers, Attendance, etc. 32
School Expenditures 33
Library Reports 1-18
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