USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1939 > Part 10
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work must be carried on, and the duty of the staff is not to read during working hours, but to help those seeking aid through books. Probably no one ever enters library work who does not enjoy reading. However, most of the reading of librarians must be done outside of working hours-a fact probably not generally realized by the public.
The chart below gives more complete information of addi- tions and withdrawals during 1939.
Added
Withdrawn
Adult
%
Juvenile
%
Adult
Juvenile
Fiction
465
40.3
229
19.85
21
9
Non-Fiction
401
34.75
59
5.1
7
9
TOTAL
866
75.05
288
24.95
28
18
1154
46
The expenditure during 1939 for adult fiction was 46%, for non-fiction 31.1%. 18.5% was spent for juvenile fiction and 4.4% for non-fiction.
104 duplicate pay books were added and 127 withdrawn. 25 books were rebound.
BRANCH AND SCHOOL WORK
Strangely coincident is the fact that the patrons of the Oxford Branch, representing 3.5% of the population, con- tributed 10% to our total registration in force, and 10.2% to our circulation for the year. Another interesting fact is that of this 10% registration, 33.24% adult borrowers con- tributed 68.8% of the Oxford circulation while 66.76% juvenile readers contributed 31.2%.
Although several attempts have been made to interest adults of the East Fairhaven section in the service available at the branch at the East Fairhaven school, so little use has
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been made of it over a period of several years, that it seemed unwise to continue this branch as one available to the gen- eral public. With the opening of school in September, it was changed to conform to the school deposit system used in several of the schools. Service to the children has not been curtailed in any way, due to the willingness of Mr. Arthur Bixby and his group of teachers at the school. It is unfortunate that adequate service could not be provided for this section. Perhaps bookmobile service is what the com- munity needs; but that means more funds than are available from our library budget.
The deposit of books loaned to the Rogers School was withdrawn in May, reports indicating that the circulation was not sufficient to justify maintaining the collection. This may have been due partly to the fact that the school is sit- uated so close to the library, and partly because the school has a fair-sized collection of its own.
The Oxford school deposits for younger and older pupils continues its usefulness; and from the Edmund Anthony school, where deposits were placed for the first time in the fall of 1938, has come a demand for more books, which we have freely supplied. At the close of the year, their collec- tion numbered 507, and their interesting experiment in giv- ing every child an opportunity to read the library books, with the resultant circulation, has more than justified the number of books loaned.
In April, the annual instruction in the use of the library was given to all seventh grade pupils.
Classroom libraries have been sent as requested, 49 col- lections containing 1,536 books being issued during 1939. For the period, September 1938 to June 1939, teachers re- ported 2,493 circulations on 1,476 books. In an endeavor to have a more accurate count and to stimulate more inter- est, the library began the first of March, to send out mimeo- graphed report forms on which the pupils could record what books they had read. 1,541 of these were sent in by the children during the Spring, and in some of the grades, at least, the fact that they could report on books read seemed to serve as a stimulant to reading.
As usual, there has been good cooperation between the schools and the library, and we have endeavored to fill all possible requests.
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WPA AND NYA ASSISTANCE
Our shelves are in better order because of the help given us by these government workers. The rapid accumulation of mending, due to the ordinary wear and tear on books, has been kept up, and records show that during 1939 the WPA workers mended 3,795 books, rebacked 2,235, recased 863 and relettered 4,555. Miscellaneous tasks, incidental to book repair and recuttering, have occupied 1,367 hours.
NYA helpers have assisted in keeping books on the shelves in order, have mounted pictures, done occasional typing, simple statistical work, some splendid poster work, and odd tasks.
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
For many years, probably since the opening of the library, there have been stored away, as they came into the pos- session of the library, many odd items and data of local in- terest. The indexing and cataloguing of this material had never been attempted by the present librarian because of lack of time, and presumably for the same reason by former librarians. When Miss Edith D. Gibson came in May to assist temporarily on our staff, the time seemed opportune to begin this detailed task-demanding knowledge of how to treat it-accuracy and consistency in cataloging it-and, not least, extreme carefulness in handling this old material, some of which has been subjected to the wear and tear of a century. Having had previous experience along this line, Miss Gibson was unusually well qualified for and thorough- ly competent to undertake this task. She made a well- indexed, scholarly catalog of local and some extraneous material of value, which she arranged in special paper and cardboard folders, carefully cut to measurements to fit the material. Her accurate and precise work cannot be praised too highly.
It is hoped that people having material of local interest will pass it on to the library when they have no further use for it, to serve not only as an addition to our collection, but also that it may be preserved for the benefit of later genera- tions. Certainly, no more fitting place could be found than the library for the preservation of such material.
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WORK WITH THE YOUNG PEOPLE
Again, enthusiastic young people entered into the activi- ties of the summer reading club with keen enjoyment. Fifty-five boys and girls from the second grade through the eighth registered in the Silver Book and read a total of 973 books, which carried them far along the highway to the Magic Land of Adventure. Lured by the fairies, these happy travelers wended their way through the magic forest to the shore of the lake, where many set sail for the Magic Island of Surprise-there to dance with the fairies around a wishing well, built out of their dreams come true through the magic power of books.
More interest than usual was shown by youngsters of the upper grades, who apparently enjoyed the activities as much as those joining from the lower ones. The 8th grade fol- lowed the 3rd in interest, the 6th and the 7th tied, followed by the 4th, 2nd and 5th. The reading done was good read- ing, and represented 49.1% non-fiction books, travel books coming first in popularity, followed by books of useful arts, and almost a tie between fairy tales, books of science and biography.
The annual party at which book awards are given to those deserving the honor was held in November prior to Book Week.
THE STORY HOURS
The story hours are always enjoyed. Again the school bus was engaged to convey the children from the north end of the town to the story hours held each Wednesday morn- ing throughout the summer season. Kindly giving their time for this purpose, Mrs. Carey Hood, Mrs. Harold E. Ker- win, Miss Ellen Meal, Miss Beatrice Mosgrove, Mrs. Sheldon Rogers, Mrs. Arthur Stearns, Miss Mary Toledo, Miss Mil- dred Webb, and members of our staff told stories that were enthusiastically received by their audiences. The average weekly attendance was 77.5.
BOOK WEEK
"Books around the world" was the theme of the annual Book Week celebration. The library was gay with its dis- play of new books for young and old, and on the afternoon
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of the tea, the cheer from the fire on the hearth, and the soft light that glowing candles shed upon a centerpiece of red, orange and yellow chrysanthemums extended a wel- come to nearly one hundred people who dropped in to en- joy the library's hospitality and a cup of tea. Miss Edith Dana and Mrs. George B. Luther poured and fairy helpers and one brownie, who had earned the honor as members of the summer reading club, fitted here and there officiating as charming helpers.
In the Juvenile Room was to be seen a booth, its roof shingled with jackets of new books chiefly of interest to the young people who delighted in reading the titles. Flying from the roof were flags of a dozen countries and a good- will flag, symbolical of peace around the world through books. A poster, emphasizing the same theme, was featured on the main bulletin board.
Announcements of Book Week activities were made in all grades from the first to the seventh in the public schools, and the children were given suitcase circulars including a ticket good for book trips around the world during the week. Each passenger was registered by a duly appointed agent and much interest was noted.
The usual Book Week story hour held on Saturday morn- ing brought the activities of the week to a close.
GIFTS
A letter, bearing ex-President Hoover's signature, was a gift from Mr. Charles Mitchell, and is a fine addition to our autograph collection. In accordance with a wish of the late Mrs. Mary A. Baker, her collection of miniature elephants was given to the library. A series of pictorial booklets on the Civil War came as a gift from Mr. Bertram Stowell, some sheet music was donated by Mr. Henry D. Waldron, a few movie films came from Miss Mary Sylvia, and various books were the gift of Mrs. Eric Johnson, Mr. Charles Mitchell, Mr. Harry L. Pope, Mr. James Reynolds, Mr. Henry D. Waldron, several authors, publishers, state and government departments, and the estate of Miss Anne Watson, from which source came also a picture of Mr. Henry H. Rogers, and a genealogy entitled "The Rogers Family History".
15
EXHIBITS
Special exhibits often attract people to the library. Loaned early in the year by Mr. William T. Wood, a case containing ten, stuffed, red squirrels, each ready to perform a part in a miniature squirrel orchestra, has and still continues to at- tract much comment and attention, especially from little children who are fascinated by it.
Between spring and fall, displayed in the exhibit case, were the miniature elephants belonging to the late Mrs. Mary A. Baker, a caricature doll belonging to Miss Ellen Meal, stones of various kinds from many places, and old fashioned book marks.
A December display, collected by Mrs. Hannah Martin, featured a colorful collection of beautiful glass paper- weights which were the property of Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Eugene Chapman, Dr. Merrill Gardner, Mrs. G. Warren McKee, Mrs. James Parkinson, Mrs. Edward Rogers, Miss Evelyn Smith, Mrs. Alfred Wilbor and Miss Patricia Wilbor.
THE CHRISTMAS DISPLAY
The library was unusually festive during the Christmas season. Lighted candles in the windows of the Reading Room and Trustees Room sent out their welcoming beams to passers-by. Inside, a large Christmas tree, an unusual Christmas poster, made by Miss Eileen Davis, and decora- tions under the light over the main desk created an atmos- phere of Christmas cheer. The fireplace in the Children's Room was decked with laurel and pine cones, two huge red candles, made by the janitor, added color, the fire was light- ed for several nights and many a group of young people gathered around it. Seated before it early one evening, a group of children between the ages of five and ten years were ardently discussing the problem of whether there was a Santa Claus, and asked the librarian for her opinion. Need- less to say, there are some reference questions the answers to which cannot be found in books.
16
THE BUILDING AND ITS CARE
An office hardly to be recognized was the result of con- siderable renovating done during the early spring. The dark brown walls were painted a warm buff tone; a much needed cupboard, replaced an unused door, being fitted into the recessed opening, blue curtains at cupboard doors re- placed old tattered ones, the cushion for the window seat was renewed, a radiator was installed under the window seat, and the arrangement of the furniture was considerably changed, resulting in an office that looks much more spacious and is decidedly more cheerful in appearance. In late De- cember, an old radiator was moved to a position in front of the safe door.
During the Christmas season, a makeshift rearrangement of some of the stacks in the Juvenile Room to permit a better view of the fireplace made the room appear so much larger and more attractive that the arrangement is being continued.
During the year, the janitor has revarnished most of the floor surface of the main floor of the library. A fireplace screen was purchased early in the year, an Eldred etching of a New Bedford waterfront scene in the fall. Seven boiler tubes were renewed in the boiler and two sill cocks were re- placed.
It was a happy surprise to learn that the library would benefit from a reduction in light rates, and had $137.02 due as a refund. An insurance reduction resulting in a $175.73 return premium to the library was also a considerable item -and the new insurance was written to include explosion and wind damage.
17
TRUSTEES
The passing of Lady Fairhaven on March 18, 1939 was a loss keenly felt. Her interest in the welfare of the library was always an active one, and the following tribute was spread upon the records of the library, on April 7th.
A Tribute to the Memory of Lady Fairhaven
"The Lady Fairhaven, third President of the Board of Trustees of The Millicent Library, succeeding her father and her brother in that office, passed away on March 18, 1939.
It is with a deep sense of loss, and in appreciation of her interest through the years and in affectionate remembrance as well that this tribute is recorded and spread upon the records of this library.
She had intimate associations with it for over forty-six years. She was bound to it by ties that could not be broken. One of the donors, through the public-spirited generosity of her father, she must have had tender memories of the sister for whom The Millicent Library was named. She was a Trustee from its beginning. Her interest in all of its activities was deep rooted. She was concerned about any work in the community that would help the young people to become better citizens. She was enthusiastic about the library's development of that work with the youth and she helped to foster it.
On her visits to America, she made many trips to the library, showing in word and action her deep affection for it. On several occa- sions she made gifts that added both to its usefulness and attractive- ness. She was proud of its record of service to the townspeople of Fairhaven.
Lady Fairhaven's memory will be cherished in the years to come. She possessed an alert mind, a keen memory as well as a charming personality, and a radiant spirit. She was truly beloved by the many who knew her in her native town."
Lord Fairhaven was appointed a Trustee and succeeded his mother as president of the Board on April 7th.
On November 3rd, Mrs. Lothrop Hedge was appointed a member of the Board.
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THE STAFF
The staff serves the public, who in turn judge the library by the kind of service it receives. That the kind of service rendered has made friends for the library is evident by the attitude of our public in general. Some have personally ex- pressed their gratitude for assistance received from various members. The staff spirit is good, its cooperative endeavor to be highly praised.
Two resignations took effect during the year-Miss Emma Janowsky's on May 1st and Miss Florence Wilkinson's fol- lowing her leave of absence which expired November 30th. Both had contributed much to the welfare of the library. Miss Helen Beals of Saxtons River, Vermont, was appointed to succeed Miss Janowsky. From May 10th through June, Miss Edith D. Gibson, of Barnstable, Mass., assisted tempor- arily, while Miss Olive Batchelder of Danvers, Mass., was on our substitute staff for full time work from June 26th to October 6th, sharing efficiently with Miss Hanford the re- sponsibility of keeping the wheels of the library running smoothly during the time the librarian was away on an ex- tended vacation. Miss Gertrude A. Stiles has continued as substitute and Mrs. Arthur C. Underwood has rendered oc- casional service. Mr. Frank Lopes substituted during Mr. Worster's vacation.
When the East Fairhaven Branch was discontinued, Mr. Arthur Bixby's services automatically ceased as librarian of the branch. His care of the collection while acting in that capacity is much to be commended and his records show an exceedingly small loss of books from that branch.
Several library meetings have been attended by some of the Trustees, and by the librarian and members of the staff, as the schedule permitted.
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IN APPRECIATION
During 1939, the growth of the library has been a steady- going, healthy one. Much of the service rendered was made possible only because of cooperation from others. The li- brarian is grateful for the courtesy shown by the news- papers, "The Fairhaven Star," "The New Bedford Standard- Times," "The Morning Mercury"-for the willing coopera- tion of teachers and principals in the school system-and for privileges extended by several libraries in allowing us to borrow books for the use of our borrowers. Apprecia- tion is extended to the town officials for their help on several occasions-to all who told stories for the enjoyment of the children-to those who gave gifts or loaned material for exhibits.
The staff deserves praise for their loyal support in help- ing to make the year a successful one.
The librarian appreciates sincerely the never-failing sup- port of the Trustees, and the arrangements made by them which permitted her to be away for an extended vacation during the summer. Each passing year brings a greater as- surance of kindly consideration and the reassurance that the Trustees of the Millicent Library are always vitally in- terested in its welfare.
With the passing of 1939, there comes new hopes and aspirations for the year that is ahead. 1940 beckons us with its challenge.
Respectfully submitted,
January 9, 1940.
AVIS M. PILLSBURY,
Librarian.
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
American Library Association Form of Statistics.
Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1939.
Name of library-The Millicent Library.
Town-Fairhaven, Mass.
Librarian-Avis M. Pillsbury.
Date of founding-1893.
Population served (Census 1935) 11,003
Assessed valuation of town
$10,621,910
Terms of use-Free for lending and reference.
Total number of agencies 12
Consisting of-Central Library.
5 stations (Oxford Branch, Oxford School Deposit, East Fairhaven School Deposit, Edmund Anthony School Deposit, High School Library) 6 schools (49 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
ยท
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. at beginning of year
32,808
7,282
40,090
Vols. added by purchase
731
285
916
Vols. added by gift
129
3
132
Vols. added by binding material not other- wise counted
6
6
Total volumes added
866
288
1,154
Volumes lost or withdrawn
28
18
46
Total volumes at end of year
33,646
7,552
41,198
Periodicals currently received (Titles 147, Copies 160)
Publications issued (4 bulletins, 1 annual report)
21
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. of fiction loaned
61,874
24,322
86,196
Total volumes loaned
87,829
34,747
122,576
Percent of fiction of total vol. loaned
70.4%
69.9%
70.32%
Circulation per capita
11.14
Circulation per registered borrower
31.6
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc., loaned
698
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
665
512
1,177
Total of registered borrowers
2,500
1,374
3,874
Percent registered borrowers of population served
35.2%
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, 1939
CIRCULATION
ACCESSIONS
WITHDRAWALS
Main Library
Oxford Branch
Oxford School
Anthony School
Rogers School
East Branch
High School
Dupli- cate Pay
Total
Cla88
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
1 Periodicals
7
1
8
119
10
5
2
4
3
7
17
497
Religion
200
13
2
15
6
61
2
2
1,162
612
28
162
217
193
169
62
2,605
Language
400
1
10
11
4
4
136
1,064
1
573
97
185
236
2,292
Science
500
10
3
13
1
1
2,582
665
43
91
47
93
44
45
1
3,611
Fine Arts
700
49
4
53
1
1
1,767
400
15
59
26
66
55
10
2,398
Literature
800
31
13
44
2,128
815
26
219
136
167
143
797
2
4,433
History
900
36
1
37
1
1
872
263
51
50
69
65
33
66
1,469
Travel
910-919
55
8
63
4
2,676
698
44
73
109
130
50
358
4,138
Biography Pamphlets
B-920
63
5
68
2
2
2,079
33
24
37
49
2
43
387
28
3,001
Total non-fiction
401
59
460
7
9
16
21,639
5,903
2,481
1,653
860
1,104
2
872
1,835
31
36,380
Fiction
465
229
694
21
9
30
51,436
15,597
6,123
2,252
2,344
2,484
59
1,501
1,043
85
3,272
86,196
GRAND TOTAL
866
288
| 1,154
28
18
46
73,075 | 21,500 94,575
8,604
3,905
3,204
3,588
61
2,373
2,878
116
3,272
2,994
122,576
1. Not accessioned
Pictures, clippings, etc. Stereoscopes
588
110
2. Includes bound magazines
Total
123,274
7
12
541
Sociology
100
10
1
11
464
331
126
10
40
15
300
81
1,541
Useful Arts
600
71
5
76
495
516
8
142
78
129
92
9,588
6,702
411
2,223
247
5
4
138
2 General Works Philosophy
000
128
126
319 2
-
I
12,509
55
INDEX
Page
Agency, Trust and Investment
47
Aid to Dependent Children
22
Analysis of Appropriation Account-1939
48
Balance Sheet-1939
53
Charities
41
Health and Sanitation
37 39
Interest and Maturing Debt
46
Jury List
17
Old Age Assistance
23
Payments General Government
29
Protection of Persons and Property
33
Public Service Enterprise
46
Public Welfare
21
Receipts
General Revenue
25
Commercial Revenue
26
Recreation and Uuclassified
45
Refunds and Transfers
47
Report of Assessors
87
Report of Auditors
91
Report of the Board of Appeals
96
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
97
Report of the Board of Health
116
Report of the Board of Sewer Commissioners
120
Report of the Building Inspector
105
Report of the Collector of Taxes
64
Report of the Dog Warrant Officer 86
Report of Emergency Relief
123
Report of Fairhaven Board of Retirement
110
Report of Fairhaven Com. on Street and Highway Safety 122
Highways
Page
Report of Health Nursing Service
118
Report of the Highway Department 92
Report of Inspector of Animals 107
Report of the Moth Superintendent 114
Report of Park Commissioners 137
Report of the Planning Board 94
Report of the Police Department
80
Report of Selectmen 15
Report of the Sealer of Weights & Measures 111
108
Report of State Audit
134
Report of Supt. of Fire Alarm
103
Report of Town Physician
140
Report of the Tree Warden
115
Report of the Trust Fund Commissioners
63
Schools
43
Town Clerk's Report
69
Births-1939
69
Marriages-1939
73
Deaths-1939
76
Town Meeting Members
8
Town Officers for 1939
4
Treasurer's Report
58
Report of Outstanding Debt
59
Debt and Interest to be Paid
60
Trust Funds 61
Library Report 1-22
School Reports-1939
Age and Grade Table 26
Elementary School Expenditures 28
High School Expenditures 38
Present Corp of Teachers-1939-1940 23
16
Report of School Committee 4
Report of School Nurse
21
Report of the Superintendent 10
2
School Calendar
School Committee (Officers)
3
Report of the Principal of the High School
Tabulated Grades, Teachers, Attendance, etc. 27
Report of Shellfish Inspector
1
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