USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1941 > Part 10
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Tour members read a total of 693 books of which 209, or 30.1% were non-fiction. Again, the club appealed to all grades from the 2nd to the 8th, the largest membership being from the 3rd grade, followed by the 5th as a close second, then the 4th, 8th, 7th, 6th and the 2nd. In reading interest, the 8th grade led the group and the 3rd followed, -- then came the 6th, the 4th, 7til, 2nd and 5th.
Recognition came to 9 members (5 boys and 4 girls) whose reading was of high grade, when at the annual party held just. before Book Week, book prizes were awarded, these being given by Mr. Henry Rogers Benjamin and the New England News Company. One of the recipients, an 8th grade boy, earned es- pecially high honor for reading entirely non-fiction books of his- tory, travel and biography. For the first time since the club started in 1929, the boys outnumbered the girls in the awards for first honors.
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Story Hours
"Listen, every one That listen may, unto a tale That's merrier than the nightingale."
-- Longfellow.
Keen interest in the story hour and club period on Wednes- day mornings was maintained throughout the eleven weeks of the summer club season. The average weekly attendance was 85. Each storyteller received an enthusiastic response from the youthful audience waiting to hear the delightful stories that were told through the generosity of Mrs. Arthur O. Dewey, Mrs. Harold E. Kerwin, Miss Mildred Webb, Miss Beatrice Mosgrove, Miss Mary Toledo, Mrs. J. Milton Rex, and Mrs. Linden H. White.
An impromtu feature one morning was a dramatic account of the "Three Bears", told by a little boy just going into the 3rd grade. Motion pictures were also shown by Miss A. Elizabeth Whitney, who represented the Dairy Council of New Bedford. Members of the staff also assisted in the programs on several oc- casions.
Again, the school bus, by special arrangement with the libra- ry, conveyed the children from the north section of town on Story Hour morning's.
WE INFORM THE PUBLIC
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest". -- Benjamin Franklin
In various ways, the library seeks to become better know1l to the residents of Fairhaven, and especially to those who are not numbered among our borrowers.
Our part in the Flower Show
The library took an active part in the exhibit held at the Town Hall on June 12-13. A corner booth was arranged to rep- resent a garden scene, which was made realistic through the generosity of Mr. Allan Howe, who furnished plants and arranged them for us in little gardens on either side of a grassy path, behind a white picket fence. Presiding over the garden, were our staff members, at different times of the day and evening in costumes ranging from very modern to old-fashioned. The
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older costumes were loaned by Mrs. Betsy W. Gifford and Mrs. Gordon Howland, and added much to the quaintness of our dis- play. Mimeographed circulars, listing books available at the li- brary on flower growing and gardens, were distributed, andi many of the books listed were displayed in a Handi-cart which was loaned through the courtesy of Allen Hersom Co. An iron garden bench, loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Whitfield, and decorative articles for the garden, loaned by Cherry & Co. of New Bedford, added much to the attractiveness of our display.
Book Week, November 2-8
This is always an important week, not only at the Millicent Library, but in others, the country over. "Forward with Books" was the national slogan, but for its theme for the week, the Millicent Library added another :- "Forward with Service". The staff cooperated in the making of exhibits to acquaint the adult public with the various services that are carried on or are available at the library. For five nights during the week, stail members were on hand to explain the particular exhibit of the evening, covering in the program, circulation work, reference questions, work with schools, the care of and mending of books, and cataloging.
The library was festive with other displays too, and especial- ly popular were the exhibits of new books, gay and colorful in their new jackets. Adults and children alike browsed around the library, and many books were reserved. As in other years, the new roll for the book movie in the Juvenile Room delighted the boys and girls. A new feature was a Book House, covered with book jackets and electrically lighted to show an interior of bookish interest. Almost resembling a fairy house, it was com- mented upon by many of our patrons.
. An unusually fine Story Hour, on Saturday, November 1. was conducted by Mrs. Harold B. Dutton, as part of the Book Week celebration. She entertained with delightful tales from old and new story books.
Mimeographed invitations in the form of miniature book jackets were sent out to adults to announce the annual tea.
The Tea
The glow of candles, the brilliancy of fall flowers, the warmth of the open fire on the hearth, the spirit of friendliness
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over cups of steaming tea, and the charm of our young heipers, who as outstanding members of the summer reading club were thus honored, made the annual Book Week Tea a happy occa- sion on Wednesday, November 5th. Mrs. Lothrop Hedge and Miss Anna B. Trowbridge poured and about 65 guests were present.
The spirit of cordiality is one of the outstanding qualities of the Millicent Library, and it was evident in full measure dur- ing Book Week.
This and That of Interest.
Through arrangements made by the library, Mr. Thomas C. Curtis, a "Book Explorer", not selling books directly, but. representing several well-known publishers, came to the library on Thursday afternoon, December 11th, making a display of a few new books for young people, in the Trustees Room, where the. public were invited to inspect them and to hear his comments. Previously in the day, Mr. Curtis talked to four groups of pupils. in different schools, and created a demand for certain books. which the library has been supplying since that time.
In the late Fall, the librarian gave four book talks on adult books, featuring several of the most recent ones of the fall sea- son.
To be found in the 1941 edition of "Manning's New Bed- ford and Fairhaven Directory" is a full page, giving facts about. and a picture of the Millicent Library.
In these ways and others, the library has been given pub- licity. Not least, have been the several mimeographed circulars made at the library, listing books, or announcing forthcoming events to the public. One booklet, unusually attractive, contained 36 pages and featured recent children's books. This was dis- tributed early in the year, and later, in November, in the form of a holiday menu, a list of especially interesting new adult. books was issued.
The quarterly bulletin, maintaining its high standard, has been commented upon by several librarians from distant points, and it continues to acquaint the public with the majority of new books added to the library.
-
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We are grateful to the newspapers, "The Fairhaven Star", "The Morning Mercury" and "The New Bedford Standard Times", all of which have been generous in publishing items. The latter paper has cooperated in still another way by sending their photographer, on several occasions, to take pictures of both events and exhibits of interest to the public.
EXHIBITS
"And I will show you something different." -- T. S. Eliot.
The special exhibits displayed in the glass case, are a con- stant source of interest to many. The first one of the year was a collection of various G. A. R. and World War Medals and badges, loaned by Warren Monk.
Another exhibit which fascinated many was of very beau- tiful and rare valentines loaned by Miss Nancy Stowell and Miss Mary D. Tappan.
Later, Mr. Alfred Poisson loaned a collection of extremely interesting air mail stamps which were exhibited for several weeks.
In the Fall, unusual Russian prints made a colorful display. These came from an out-of-town resident, Mrs. Cora M. D. Wil- son, of Ridgewood, N. J. This display was followed by one containing Japanese stencils of delicate and beautiful design, loaned by Mrs. Elwyn G. Campbell.
The year closed with two old books in the exhibit case. One was on gardening over a century ago, and the other a hand- made arithmetic made by Bartholomew Taber and dated Febru- ary 20, 1794. These books were the property of Mr. Samuel Watterson.
GIFTS
"In the use, not in the bare possession lies the merit." -- Gilbert West.
Gifts represent the thought of the giver, and the library is appreciative of the various books, magazines and local material,
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such as pictures and old newspapers of special interest, which have been received during the year from the following people:
Mr. Henry Rogers Benjamin
Mr. John B. DeGraw
Mrs. Edith Eldridge
Mrs. G. E. Johnson
Mr. Alton Paull
Mrs. Robert Philip
Mr. Clarence A. Pierce
Miss Mabel Potter
Mr. James Reynolds
Mr. Thomas A. Tripp
Miss Anna B. Trowbridge
Several books have been contributed by various authors, among them Miss Edith Guerrier, recently retired from the Bos- ton Public Library. Publishers and book dealers, among whom are the National Home Library and the New England News Com- pany, have also been donors.
BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE
Care and foresight keeps the building up right.
New needs arise from year to year. The major expenditure for 1941 was for a new electric service, to furnish a greater volt- age, and the installation of 25 Holophane lighting fixtures throughout the lower stacks. Considerable re-wiring, which was found old or defective, was necessary. The result has been a much better lighting system over the entire building.
Minor repairs have been made on the gutters, on the front door, to the heating plant and plumbing. A considerable expend- iture in the early summer was for the cleaning and repairing of ten rugs. The floors were revarnished by the janitor.
To our working equipment was added a new typewriter to replace a very old one; and, on a landing half-way to the tower, book shelves, with a capacity of approximately 1500 books, have been built in. Already, about 1100 books of fiction, mostly dup- licate copies, have been removed from the stacks to relieve a crowded condition of the shelves. These shelves were built by the janitor.
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PERSONNEL OF THE LIBRARY
By united effort is much attained, And success is merely the sum of all.
Trustees
It is with a sense of loss that the passing of Mr. William D. Gardner is recorded - the loss of one whose sane judgement was esteemed by those who knew him, and whose years of faithful service as a Trustee of the library covered from November 3, 1917 until his death on December 15, 1941.
The Staff
Miss Helen E. Beals resigned on February Ist to be mar- ried, and Miss Jessie Kitching resigned in June to go to summer school and a new position in the Vassar College Library in the Fall.
On February 17th, Miss Roberta Tripp joined our staff as an apprentice; and on April 16th, Miss Gertrude A. Gibbons of Amesbury was appointed to succeed Miss Beals.
Miss Nathalina Enos worked temporarily for a few weeks in late summer mending books. Mr. William Matthewson substitu- ted for two weeks during the janitor's vacation.
The staff members have been congenial and cooperative. working together in harmonious endeavor. in an attitude of gen- uine willingness and helpful service, for the good of the library and the public they service.
It was a rare privilege for each member of the staff to at- tend one or more sessions of the American Library Association convention in June, this opportunity being possible because of the fact that the meeting was held close by, in Boston. Several local library club meetings have been attended by the librarian and staff members, as the schedule permitted.
The staff and Mr. Thomas A. Tripp, Chairman of the House Committee of the Board of Trustees, greeted a group of members of the American Library Association, who honored the library with a visit on a post-conference tour which included this vi- cinity.
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AS THE YEAR CLOSES
"Go forth to meet the shadowy Future without fear and with a manly heart." -- Longfellow
A report of the year 1941 would not be complete without a word of appreciation to all those who have contributed toward the success of the many activities of the library. Some have been mentioned in the fore-going report. Others also have manifested their interest, among them the town officials, and those who have brought flowers in season, and out. During the fall months, even until the New Year, pansies from Mr. Henry G. Thurston's garden were often on the circulation desk.
The staff have done splendid team-work. The Trustees have given unfailing counsel, and have helped in countless ways. This is deeply appreciated by the librarian.
As the year closes, the library looks back over 49 years of service, and ahead to the new challenge of an uncertain era. What changes the year will bring forth cannot yet be foretold, but there is certainty in the fact that whatever demands are made, in the national scheme of planning for this great emergency which our country faces, the Millicent Library and its staff will stand ready to do their part, as another cog in the wheel that turns without hesitation to preserve those ideals which make for a bet- ter American way of life, and to bring peace to a world gone mad with war.
Respectfully submitted,
AVIS M. PILLSBURY,
January 13, 1942.
Librarian.
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
American Library Association Form of Statistics. Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1941.
Name of library-The Millicent Library.
Town-Fairhaven, Mass.
Librarian-Avis M. Pillsbury.
Date of founding-1893.
Population served (Census 1940) .10,985
Assessed valuation of town $10,843,670
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 (32 classroom collections)
Number of days open during year (Central Library)
365
Hours open each week for lending
84
Hours open each week for reading
81
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. at beginning of year
34,534
6,992
41,526
Vols. added by purchase
878
423
1,301
Vols. added by gift
64
5
69
Vols. added by binding material not other-
wise counted
35
35
Total volumes added
977
428
1,405
Volumes lost or withdrawn
153
78
231
Total volumes at end of year
35,358
7,342
42,700
Periodicals currently received (Titles 142, Copies 152)
Publications issued (+ bulletins, 1 annual report)
21
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. of fiction loaned
52,938
21,313
74,249
Total volumes loaned
76,390
30,236
106,626
Percentage of fiction of total vol. loaned
69.64%
70.4%
69.2%
Circulation per capita .
9.7
Circulation per registered borrower
30.4
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc., loaned
60+
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
754
472
1,226
Total of registered borrowers
2,087
1,462
3,549
Percent registered borrowers of population served
32.3%
Vols. placed in classroom collections 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, 1941
Circulation
Accessions
Withdrawals
Main Library
Oxford Branch
Oxford Anthony School
East Branch
High School
Dupli- ente Pay
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juven le
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
1 - Periodicals
5,805
275
1,749
163
6
2
15 |
673
Religion
200
10
2
12
1
1
308
105
7
18
124
119
161
100
2,076
language
100
7
1
16
17
88
1,303
93
199
206
239
2.128
Science
500
14
10
24
2
1
3
495
330
13
128
136
94
162
70
1.42S
Useful Arts
600)
83
8
91
23
3
26
2,234
451
39 |
266
101
123
97
108
3,419
Fine Arts
700
61
3
64
3
1
3
1,759
276
11
135
44
51
40
28
2,344
Literature
800
41
17
38
6
9
15
1,911
578
18
164
100
100
181
844
1
13
3,910
History
900
55
5
60
1
1
1,246
191
17
34
64
76
70
101
3
10
1.812
Travel
910-919
72
20
02
2
1
3
1,777 |
397
31
19
59
95
107
273
1
2,759
Pamphlets
71
10
84
1
1
2,056
302
10
31
38
16
126
422
14
17
3,032
Biography
B-920
95
Total non-fiction
563
142
705
42
34
76
19,542 |
4,802
1,901
1,096
881
904
1,221
1,969
19
40
32,375
Fiction
414
286
700
111
44
155
14,605 |
12,801
4,162
1,739
2,796
2,096
1,750
1,142
131
3,029
74,251
GRAND TOTAL
977
428
| 1,405
153
78
231
64,147 | 17,603 81,750
6,063
2,835
3,677
3,000
2,97]
3,111 |
150
3,069
106,626
8,898
1
1
1
1. Not accessioned
Pictures, clippings, etc. Stereoscopes
536
2. Includes bound magazines
Total
107,230
1
10
64.1
6
6
13
18
31
8
486
Sociology
300
71
13
84
2
4
6
984
563
2-General works
000
65
21
86
153
12
45
3
221
Philosophy
100
10
7.
1
82
13
1
1
1
3.261
68
33
40
7,992
School
INDEX
Page
Accounting Officer
Analysis of Appropriation Accounts 51
Balance Sheet
57
Cash Receipts and Payments 26
Aid to Dependent Children
21
Animal Inspector
112
Assessors Department
93
Auditors
97
Building Inspector
110
Civilian Defense
142
Emergency Relief
129
Fire Department
10.4
Fire Alarm Superintendent
109
Health Department
122
Animal Inspector
112
Slaughter Inspector
113
Health Nursing Service
124
Highway Department
98
Millicent Library
1-22
Moth Superintendent
120
Old Age Assistance
22
Park Department
137
Flanning Board
101
Police Department
86
Public Welfare Department
Aid to Dependent Children
21
Old Age Assistance
22
Public Welfare
19
Town Physician
140
Retirement Board
116
Safety Council
127
School Department
5
Superintendent's Report
12
High School Principal
17
School Nurse
21
Expenditures
31
Scaler of Weights and Measures
117
School Committee
Page
Selectmen
15
Sewer Department
126
Shellfish Inspector
114
Slaughter Inspector
113
State Audit
133
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
109
Tax Collector
68
Town Clerk
73
Births
73
Marriages
78
Deaths
83
Town Meeting Members
8
Town Officers
4
Town Physician
140
Treasurer
62
Outstanding Debt 1941
63
Trust Funds 1941
65
Tree Warden
120
Trust Fund Commissioners
67
Works Projects Administration
129
Debt and Interest 1942
64
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