USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1934 > Part 10
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old two figure table in use. In spare time, it would have meant years to complete this task, now being done by the E. R. A. workers under our supervision.
It is with a sense of gratification that we see work that would otherwise have been put aside being thus accomplished.
COOPERATION WITH THE SCHOOLS
The deposit station opened in March 1933 at the Oxford School for the use of the boys and girls from the third to the sixth grade proved so successful that another small collection for the first and second graders was added in September 1934.
1,770 books, the total of 57 classroom libraries, were loaned to the schools during the year. These books are used rather con- stantly, some teachers allowing the pupils to take home the books, others permitting only classroom use. The records kept by the teachers are not uniform, and accurate statistics on their use can- not be recorded. It is probable that many children, probably an increasing number each year, borrow books from these classroom libraries instead of coming to the main library. This situation would naturally have a tendency to reduce our juvenile circulation during the school year. New collections for the classrooms are- greeted joyfully by the boys and girls.
Prior to the opening of the summer reading club and again before Book Week, the librarian visited the classrooms from the first through the seventh grades, telling stories and announcing activities at the library. Children frequently ask the librarian when the next visit will be made.
The seventh grade pupils came to the library in March for the usual lessons.
WORK WITH THE BOYS AND GIRLS
The children responded enthusiastically to the summer read- ing club. Each year the new club seems to be more popular than the one of the preceding year. The 1934 Storyland Club was no exception and 61 boys and girls became members. Of these, 44 joined the procession to the Storyland Castle and took great de- light in plucking blossoms from the Storyland Tree which grew in the Storyland Garden. No small part of the fun was decorating the Storyland Castle with gayly colored candles about which were hung miniature books earned for reading various kinds of books. 119 rainbow colored candles in cellophane wrapped candle holders glistened and towered above one another looking much like a huge birthday cake at the end of the summer.
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Passing through the portal guarded by the frog and the fish footmen and advancing toward Queen Alice who stood between the White King and Queen, 23 boys and girls were ushered into the Royal Court where the honor of curtsying to these rulers of the Fairy Kingdom was accorded to those whose diligence had been made manifest by the number of books read.
In all, 509 books were read, of which 163 were non fiction, the interest in the latter being in the following order: travel books, poetry and drama, fairy tales, history, biography, nature and science.
All active members of the club were invited to a party on Saturday of Book Week and several book awards were given to those deserving the distinction.
Story hours were held each week during the summer at which the children were delightfully entertained by Mrs. Harold E. Ker- win, Miss Beatrice Mosgrove, Miss M. Louise Norris, Miss Mildred Webb and members of the staff. The special doll's story hour proved a splendid success as did the hour during which the boys and girls themselves told stories. The attendance averaged above 60 as against about half that number in 1933.
Recently our major story hours have been held in the Ban- quet Hall at the Town Hall, since it is no longer possible to- crowd so many children into the Juvenile Room, there being as inany as 175 on some occasions.
There is no doubt but that the work with the children is worthwhile as evidenced by the increased reading interest fronr year to year and the reports from the teachers that interest main- tained during the summer months reflects upon reading in school the following year.
BOOK WEEK
Again in 1934, another splendid exhibit was contributed by the pupils of the Fairhaven Schools. The projects were especially well done, and in keeping with the spirit of the week. Only those who came to the library to see these, can appreciate the tremen- dous amount of work that the pupils did in preparing them. Credit is due to both pupils and teachers who spent so much time and' thought in their preparation, and it was satisfying to hear the en- thusiastic comments of both children and adult visitors who came to the library to see the products of the talent and ingenuity of the school boys and girls.
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Advance advertising, perfect fall weather, interest in the ex- hibits on display must have been factors which contributed to the unusually successful Book Week Tea held in the trustees room where the fire on the hearth and the flickering of candles lent an atmosphere of cheer to all who came. 118 people, nearly 50 more than in any previous year, enjoyed this hospitality. Mrs. Z. W. Pease and Miss Edith Dana poured, and were assisted by ten members of the Storyland Club.
LAWLESSNESS
The lawlessness of youth is one of the major problems that confronts the world to-day. And yet, youth has probably never before had so many advantages as the past decade has provided in the way of amusement, education and culture. The spirit of unrest seems to have found an outlet in law breaking, destruction of property and disrespect. Boys and girls have been thoughtless about keeping order in the library, and we have found it necessary to resort to disciplinary measures.
The mutilation of books is a serious offense and one punish- able by state law. Yet it is necessary to report upon making a check on this that many of the volumes of encyclopedias used by the boys and girls for school work have been mutilated, sup- posedly to satisfy a momentary desire or as a short-cut in com- pleting lessons. Whatever the reason, others are deprived of the use of this material and the motive is a selfish one that seems not to be in keeping with the rare privileges afforded the boys and girls of Fairhaven by the schools and the library. This re- grettable condition exists not only in Fairhaven. Similar reports have been noted elsewhere. Otherwise the situation would be extremely discouraging.
To put a check on some of these activities, close cooperation with the police seems to be the answer, and it will be a matter of regret if it becomes necessary to make an example of someone.
Beginning on December 17th, school monitors, ten from the Rogers School and six from the High School undertook to assist at the library in maintaining order. The plan is for two or three monitors to be on duty five nights each week to report offenders. While the experiment is as yet too new to report accomplishments, the boys assisting are to be complimented on their interest, will- ingness and spirit of good citizenship.
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ODD ITEMS OF INTEREST "Millicentiana"
Each week since February 21st, 1934, a column called "Milli- centiana" has appeared in the Fairhaven Star. In this, reviews of from one to five new non-fiction books have been listed each week, with occasionally a list of recent acquisitions of fiction and non- fiction. 127 books featured thus in special reviews have been displayed on a special table for one week following the news- paper item. Patrons have thus had the privilege of examining the books and leaving reserves for later reading. As many as ten reserves have been received on some of the books displayed. The results indicate that the plan has brought some of the new books to the attention of many who otherwise would have missed them. In the writing of reviews, the librarian has been assisted by Miss Hanford and Miss Paull.
Our library's history
An interesting article, well illustrated with photographs, on the history of the Millicent Library appeared in the New Bedford Standard-Times on February 11, 1934. This was written by the newspaper reporter from data supplied from the library files.
A second history, a supplementary one, was written by the librarian. This divided into sections and appearing in the Fair- haven Star over a period of several weeks from October 25th to December 6th was written to comply with a special request from the State Library Planning Board that library histories be featured in the local newspapers in observance of Library Week, set aside as such from October 21st to 27th, by proclamation of the Gover- nor of Massachusetts.
Special exhibit of first facts
Another way in which the library observed this week was with an exhibit of "First Facts about the Library", including the display of the first book issued to a patron, the first book acces- sioned, the names of the members of the first Board of Trustees, the first librarian, assistants, etc.
A lecture at the library
In April, Miss Edith A. Sawyer, a visitor in town, and an authority on Japan because of books written on, her interest in and visits to that country, offered to give a lecture at the library. This proved to be a very happy occasion, and even with the limited space available, we managed to seat comfortably in the Trustees Room, fifty people who gathered to hear Miss Sawyer tell about Japan.
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EXHIBITS
Several unusually fine exhibits were on display during the year 1934.
To Mrs. James G. Baker, we are indebted for the loan of minature elephants, big and little, red, green and black, from her collection of some three hundred or more.
Mr. Ralph Syvertsen, a sailor residing in Fairhaven last win- ier, loaned an exact reproduction in miniature of the 10 meter Sloop Thoroughbred. This model, made by Mr. Syvertsen, a Norwegian by birth, received much comment and considerable praise for its detailed and exquisite workmanship.
Civil War papers, namely war orders issued to Ansel A. Delano and to W. H. Delano, his father, were loaned by the late William H. Delano, and displayed on Memorial Day and for several weeks following.
In June, two splendid exhibits of work done by high school pupils were displayed at the library. Eleven model yachts, made by boys in manual training classes under direction of Mr. James Parkinson, and ten mural paintings done under the direction of Miss Anna Salice, Art Supervisor, merited the praise accorded them.
An excellent collection of paintings and drawings, the work of Mr. Harold Kenworthy, a New Bedford architect and instructor at the Vocational School, was on display in the Trustees Room for about three weeks in July.
During the same month, seven year old Dorothy Millette of New Bedford loaned her lovely collection of foreign dolls which delighted the children for several weeks.
In the late fall, these were replaced by a collection of ex- quisite old fashioned lady dolls dressed in the Parisian fashion of the time, loaned by the Misses Edith and Grace Dana. These have been the objects of many enthusiastic comments.
The Library Week exhibit displayed in October has been 'mentioned elsewhere.
GIFTS
The library added the latest presidential autograph to its collection with the receipt of one from President Roosevelt on January 30th.
Several autographs, including one of Henry Cabot Lodge were presented by Mr. John Sidebottom, who gave also a number of hooks and pictures.
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Miss Mary E. Bradford presented to the library a rare volume, a book written and illustrated by her father, William Bradford, entitled "The Arctic regions", published in 1873.
Miss Edith A. Sawyer of Fryeburg, Maine, presented a copy of her own book "The way of Ume".
Mr. Howard Crowell, presented a delicately executed land- scape painting, the work of the New Bedford artist, Charles S. Baylies.
Gifts of books and magazines have been received from Miss M. L. Chauvelot, Miss Dorothea R. Paull, Mr. John Palmer, Mrs. John H. Seaman and Mr. T. A. Tripp of Fairhaven, from Mr. William Wing of New Bedford, and from several publishers.
BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE
A number of minor repairs were made around the building. Two rugs were cleaned and mended, several chairs were partially upholstered, new linoleum replaced that worn out in back of the loan desk, the clock and door check were repaired, the light fixtures in the Reading Room and those on the mantle in the Children's Room were relacquered, two tables were resurfaced by the janitor, new conductor pipes were installed on the roof over the office and drain pipes under the front lawn were repaired. To our working equipment was added a thirty-drawer card catalog unit for a shelf list and an electric eraser.
PERSONNEL
Except for the resignation of Edward Mikati, a part time page, there were no changes on the staff.
Three members attended a course given early in the year in New Bedford on Children's Literature.
All the members of the staff co-operated efficiently and with painstaking care in making several special exhibits for the bulle- tin board displays. Miss Hanford and Miss Paull should be com- plimented on the splendid reviews of books they have written from time to time for the weekly Millicentiana column. Miss Gidley and Miss Paull delighted the children with stories at two or three story hours during the summer. Miss Wilkinson gave admirable instruction on mending books to the E. R. A. workers.
At least one member of the staff and the librarian represented the library at meetings of the Old Dartmouth, Cape Cod and Massachusetts Library Clubs, as well as at the American Library Association Conference which met in Montreal in June.
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The librarian served the Cape Cod Library Club as its presi- dent and has continued in the office of recording secretary for the Massachusetts Library Club. As usual, the librarian gave book- ish talks before various organizations: the Massachusetts Library Club; the D. A. R .; New Bedford Women's Club; Alcott Club; Round the World Club, etc.
IN APPRECIATION
The work of the forty-second year of the library has become a part of its history. If not noteworthy as a record year, it has been an extremely busy year. We look forward to more busy years, to bigger and even better years.
A large amount of the work accomplished could not have been possible without close co-operation with others. To close without a word of appreciation would be unfair to those who have helped us to give a larger and better service.
I would express my deep appreciation to all who have helped in any way-to the newspapers for publicity items, to the select- men for permission to use the Banquet Hall, to the policemen for their part in collecting long overdue books and in maintaining order-to those who told stories to the boys and girls-to the pupils, teachers and supervisors for splendid exhibits submitted- to those who contributed exhibits of any kind-to others who gave autographs, books, magazines and pictures.
I would also extend my gratitude to each member of the staff for their constant endeavor and willingness to meet the demands placed upon them, and to the Trustees for their always manifest interest in and consideration of the problems that arise, and their help in solving them.
Respectfully submitted :
AVIS M. PILLSBURY, Librarian
January 8, 1935
STATISTICAL SUMMARIES ON PAGES 18 - 20
0
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS. American Library Association Form of Statistics. Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1934.
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
$11,339,150
Terms of use, Free for lending and reference.
Total number of agencies 11
Consisting of-Central Library
4 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 30,851
Juvenile
Total
Vols. at beginning of year
6,469
37,320
Vols. added by purchase
891
702
1,593
Vols. added by gift
50
54
Vols. added by binding material not other- wise counted
16
16
Total volumes added
957
706
1,663
Volumes lost or withdrawn
479
566
1,045
Total Volumes at end of year
31,329
6,609
37,938
Periodicals currently received (Titles 134, Copies 162).
Publications issued (4 bulletins, 1 annual report)
5
19
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. of fiction loaned
70,865
20,585
91,450
Total volumes loaned
92,837
30,988
123,825
Per cent of fiction of total vol. loaned
76%
66%
73.8%
Circulation per capita
11.3
Circulation per registered borrower
27.2
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc., loaned
1,040
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
941
464
1,405
Total of registered borrowers
2,987
1,550
4,537
Registration period, three years.
Per cent registered borrowers of population served
41.5%
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, 1934
ACCESSIONS
WITHDRAWALS
CIRCULATION
Main Library
Oxford Branch
Oxford School Branch
East Branch
High School
Dupli- cate Pay
Total
Class
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Fiction
509
451
960
424
341
765
57.018
15,251
9,184 |
2,787
1,086
1,446
654
1
15
4,009
91,450
1 Periodicals
5,321
508
1,532
2 General Works 000
52
16
68
180
75
13
Philosophy
100
12
12
570
1
1
1
573
Religion
200
21
4
25
1
1
324
98
4
300
56
31
87
6
26
32
1,048
763
8
225
131
170
13
2,358
Language
400
1
58
59
40
40
74
1,204
433
197
166
1
2,075
Science
500
4
21
25
3
11
14
470
468
16
157
57
87
15
1,270
Useful Arts
600
54
24
78
10
16
26
1,546
406
51
65
50
39
18
2
2,177
Fine Arts
700
63
13
76
26
28
1,691
38
116
14
39
18
2,514
Literature
800
35
44
79
4
39
43
2,405 |
1,419
27
320
115
163
623
5,072
Travel
910-919
58
27
85
6
31
37
2,544
844
72
96
64
68
128
3
3,819
History
900
24
10
34
23
23
931
447
14
141
53
80
30
1,696
Biography
B-920
68
7
75
10
10
1,908
303
17
112
25
35
170
17
2,587
Pamphlets
133
2
1
76,163 |
22,387
4,472
Total
957
706
1 3663
479
566
1045
98.550
10,977 | 15,449
1,792
2,300
1,688 1 1 1,725
4,009
123,825
1. Not accessioned
Pictures, Clippings, etc.
1,040
2. Includes bound magazines
Total
124,865
4
7,365
268
20
13
466
Sociology
135
--
1
-
37
598
Total
INDEX
Page
Town Officers for 1934. 4
Town Meeting Members 8
Report of Selectmen and Board of Public Welfare. 13
Report of the Infirmary 14
General Revenue 15
Commercial Revenue 16
Payments General Government 19
Protection of Persons and Property .
22
Health and Sanitation 25
Highways 27
Civil Works Administration 28
Charities 29
Schools 31
Recreation and Unclassified 32
Public Service Enterprise 33
Interest and Maturing Debt 33
Agency, Trust and Investment
34
Refunds and Transfers 34
Analysis of Appropriation Account- 1934 35
Balance Sheet-1934 38
Treasurer's Report
41
Report of Outstanding Debt
42
Debt and Interest to be Paid
43
Trust Funds 43
Town Clerk's Report 45
Births-1934 45
Marriages-1934 49
Deaths-1934
52
Page
Report of the Collector of Taxes 56
Report of the Police Department 58
Report of the Assessors 72
Report of the Auditors 75
Report of the Highway Department 75
Report of the Planning Board. 77
Report of the Board of Appeals. 78
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers. 79
Annual Report of the Chief of the Fire Department. 86
Report of the Park Commissioners 90
Report of the Building Inspector 91
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures. 92
Report of the Tree Warden. 94
Report of Moth Superintendent 94 Report of the Board of Health. 95
Report of the Board of Sewer Commissioners. 96
Report of Fairhaven Com. on Street and Highway Safety 97
Emergency Relief Administration 102
State Auditor 105
School Reports-1934.
School Committee (Officers) 2
School Calendar 3
Report of the School Committee 4
Report of the Superintendent 9
Report of the Principal of the High School 25
Report of School Nurse 29
Present Corps of Teachers-1934-1935 30
Age and Grade Table. 33
Tabulated Grades, Teachers, Attendance, etc. 34
School Expenditures
35
Library Report
1-16
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