USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1942 > Part 9
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The circulation of 8.77 books per capita and 28.8 per regis- tered borrower is still a worthy record and above the average for public libraries.
From the foreign collection, 28 French and 56 Portuguese books were borrowed.
The 89 books of non-fiction displayed on the Millicentiana table were popular with 265 reserves being filed for these titles. 1,434 reserves were taken for other books in the library.
To remind people of overdue books, 4,160 first, second and third notices were sent.
We borrowed books on interlibrary loan, and appreciate the cooperation of those libraries which have loaned them.
SERVING OUR PATRONS
"The ideal of service is the basis of all worthy enterprise."
This phrase is the keynote of the attitude of the staff of the Millicent Library toward those who come to it for either the pur- pose of borrowing books, or to read or look up information. Among those who come may be seen the groceryman, sometimes with his white apron, the carpenter, engineer, electrician or plum- ber, the business man and lawyer, the minister and school teacher, the busy housewife and the children, the soldier and sailor.
These people represent a cross section of our community, and they are finding our service of help.
30.3% of the population, registered as borrowers for the three year period, is a good record. Of the total of 3,337 borrow- ers, 301 or 9% are registered from the Oxford Branch, and 405, or 12.1% are out-of-town borrowers. The following table may be of interest :
185
For the three year registration period, 1940-42:
Women borrowers
1319
39.5% 1
59.8 adult
Men borrowers
678
20.3 S
Girls
757
22.7 1 40.2 juv.
Boys
583
17.5% S
We realize that the women usually have more time to read. But perhaps it might not be out of order to stress reading for men and have a sign bearing the slogan: Wanted - Men readers!
For the year 1942, 441 new people registered, while 524 re- newed their cards. The total is 965. 62 temporary cards were issued during the summer season, less than usual, but due proba- bly to the fact that fewer summer visitors came to Fairhaven dur- ing the past summer. 35 of these were issued to men of the Coast Guard Unit stationed at the Tabitha Inn, during the last four months of the year.
THE CONDITION OF OUR REPERTORY
"Books, like proverbs, receive their chief value from the stamp and esteem of ages through which they have passed." -- William Temple.
The addition of books on the more serious subjects has been stressed during 1942, and to help those engaged in the industrial end of winning the peace, there has been added to our stock the advice of experts on Diesel engines, machine shop practice, elec- trical engineering, refrigeration, automobile repair, radio and aviation. For others who wish to keep informed on what goes on, there are stories of facts and opinions of actual experiences, of the history that is in the making. These subjects will be found in the many new books of history, travel and biography. The first group mentioned make up 22% of the non-fiction pur- chases of the year, and the latter 32.5 %.
Once in awhile, a thorough housecleaning of the bookstock becomes necessary. As the following table indicates, more books were discarded than were added. A considerable number of books were also transferred from the regular shelves to shelves in the tower to relieve overcrowded conditions. For the same reason, the magazine stock was thoroughly revised in the spring. Stacks in the basement were moved by the janitor to give more working space and the results have been highly sat-
186
isfying in comparison with the old arrangement. Altogether, over four tons of paper stock were sold in April as the result of this housecleaning.
The table which follows shows the year's changes in stock :
1942
Added
Withdrawn
Adult
%
Juvenile
%
Adult
Juvenile
Fiction
398
25.9
418
27.2
786
560
Non-fiction
558
36.2
165
10.7
50
275
TOTAL
I
956
62.1
583
37.9
!
836
1
835
1539
1671
Of this total of 1539, 1180 were new titles and 359 were re- placements.
GRAND TOTAL OF BOOKS IN LIBRARY
Adult
%
| Juvenile'
%
Total
1
Dec. 31, 1942
| 35,478
1
83.3
7090
16.7
42,568
Book expenditure was as follows:
Adult fiction
35.3% 1
71.6%
Adult non-fiction
36.3
S
Juvenile fiction
21.6
1
28.4
Juvenile non-fiction
6.8
S
1
100%
105 books were added to the Duplicate Pay shelves and 101 transferred. Rebinding restored 127 books to a condition almost as good as new. In addition, a considerable number of books were mended by the staff.
187
COOPERATION WITH THE SCHOOLS
"It's all in the day's work." -- English saying.
The usual services were rendered to the schools. 24 class- room libraries, totalling 681 books were supplied to the various schools requesting them, 1,026 circulations recorded by the teach- ers is only a partial record of their use.
311 books were borrowed by teachers for professional use.
Pupils from the seventh grade were instructed in the use of the library in March, and were given problems to work out in the way of application. This course is a popular one, and at its close, en- thusiasm abounds, and many young hopefuls return to the lib- rary just to look up information in the catalog and on the shelves.
VACATION TIME NOVELTIES
"I will capture your minds with sweet novelty." -- Ovid
More than ever, a reading club for boys and girls was a necessity in 1942. More mothers were working, - more children stayed in town during the summer. In keeping with the spirit of the times, it seemed as if a Victory Garden Project would make an appeal to the youngsters. It did. Of that, there could be no question. It surpassed all other clubs in popularity. Opening on June 24th, gardens soon blossomed with many potatoes (the re- ward for fiction reading), and in a short time carrots and peas, spinach and tomatoes among other vegetables (credit for non- fiction reading) were soon being grown to supply the proper vita- mins for a healthy diet. Young gardeners, given miniature garden plots were soon supplied with rakes and hoes, while later, there appeared on the scene Victory Garden bags and wheelbarrows for harvesting along with a dozen or so scarecrows. Flags were proudly raised over the gardens, while aeroplanes were seen over- head. Uncle Sam, standing in back of the garden gate, nodded in approval.
Altogether 1,660 books were read by 70 youthful enthusiasts, and almost 40% of the reading was non-fiction. In membership interest, the 4th graders held first place, - then came the 6th and 5th, 3rd, 7th, 2nd, 9th and 8th. In books read, the 4th graders led
188
the procession, followed by the 5th and 6th, the 2nd, 7th, 3rd, 9th and 8th.
On November 14th, the party, always a happy occasion, was held in Grange Hall, the use of which was loaned to us for the afternoon through the kindness of Mr. Harry H. Browne.
Victory V bookmarks and arm bands, as well as 9 book awards were given to deserving members. These books were contributed through the generosity of the New England News Co., for whom Mr. John Dillon is the representative in this area.
Story Hours
Story Hours are an essential part of the club, for weekly an- nouncements are combined with the stories. On the twelve Wed- nesday mornings during the school vacation, the children came with a record breaking, average attendance of 110. This proves that delightful stories held their interest. We are indebted to the following people who generously contributed their time and tal- ent: Mrs. Albert Bennett, Mrs. Eldred E. Besse, Mrs. Harold Dutton, Mrs. Harold E. Kerwin, Miss Beatrice Mosgrove, Mrs. Helen Porter, Mrs. Sheldon S. Rogers, Miss Mildred Webb, Miss Elizabeth Whitney and members of the staff. Raymond O'Leary, a club member, also helped to entertain one morning, and, with a puppet show of his own making, fascinated the children.
SPECIAL FEATURES
"Variety is the soul of pleasure." -- Aphra Behn
Extra activities might be called the highlights of the year. Apart from the daily routine work, they serve to make the library better known in the community.
Service to the Fairhaven Report Center
The library has rendered unique 24 hour daily service at the Report Center. A small collection of books, changed when need- ed, has been maintained there for the use of people on duty. Furthermore, beginning in January 1942, we loaned for the use of those on night duty, two to five copies of new magazines, send-
189
ing these at 9 P. M. until 9 A. M. the next morning. Thus our 12 hours of daily service has been extended to 24 to this particular unit.
Victory Book Campaign Collection
As in the first World War, books for the soldiers and sailors are needed, and librarians all over the country have been cooper- ating in this project. Some small communities have sent in their collections to a larger central point. Fairhaven has, however, been an independent unit, collecting and distributing according to instructions received from New York headquarters. Many hours have been spent on sorting and record keeping. The appeal has been made for modern, up-to-date books. A considerable number of these have been splendid new books, but the majority have been mediocre, - limited in appeal, or too poor in subject or con- dition to be included at all. Many women's and even children's books have been turned in for our men in the armed forces. Such unsuitable books are either passed on to the New England Depository Library for placement elsewhere, or are sold for pa- per, the money going to the fund.
Collections for the year totaled 2,117 books of which 1,344 have been placed in various centers, 565 were sent to the Deposi- tory as books of possible value or suitable for other organizations, and 208 were discarded as junk. Fortunately we have been able to place many of the books and recent magazines at the Fort Rod- man Post Library, a few were sent to the U. S. O. in New Bed- ford, and a considerable number were deposited at the Tabitha Inn for The Coast Guard Unit.
At the Flower Show
The Victory V theme made the library display at the Flower Show on June 11th - 12th a very attractive one. Against a blue background, on which were suitable captions in white letters, a white V studded with lovely red roses from Mr. T. A. Tripp's garden, was impressive. In front, was a globe of the world loaned through the courtesy of the Days Electric Shop, and on the sides new books on defense or world events. A few additional red, white and blue flowers completed the simple but effective arrangement and we felt repaid for the effort, in thus representing the library, and bringing to the attention of the public some of our newest war books.
190
Book Week
Book Week, with the national theme "Forward with Books," took on a more serious note in 1942. "V" Bookmarks, mimeo- graphed at the library, announced the activities for young and old and were distributed through the schools.
Our major book exhibits for adults featured current events, or subjects relating to war problems. From a large map of the world, red white and blue streamers led to books representing va- rious countries. Books on world leaders, on preparation for in- dustrial jobs, on the trades and nursing were displayed with fine posters made by High School pupils under the direction of the Art Supervisor, Miss Elfreda Samuels. A poster of "GUESS WHO" for the High School age group featured people in the news. For the children, the Book House of a year ago reappeared and ad- ded to it was a garden in which were book characters. For two or three afternoons after school, the juvenile room resembled a bee hive while the children swarmed and buzzed to each other, guessing who this or that book character was. And on Saturday morning of that week, although it was a very rainy one, about 40 boys and girls came to the special Story Hour at the library to hear delightful stories told by Mrs. Helen Porter.
The Tea
About 75 people attended the annual tea -- a happy occa- sion, with Miss Mabel L. Potter and Mrs. George B. Luther pour- ing and summer reading club members assisting in the serving.
A cheery fire on the hearth, mellow light shed from red candles in crystal candlesticks, good companions and new books lent congeniality to the occasion. Much commented upon was the makeshift centerpiece for the tea table, - holly, artemesia, snowberries, alderberries and evergreen sprays, odds and ends of what was left after the frost had robbed the fall gardens.
EXTRA DIVIDENDS
Let observation with extended observation observe extensively." -- Tennyson
A variety of exhibits were displayed as follows: Postal cards bearing postmarks of odd and unusual names, loaned by
191
-
Miss Pearl Greenwood; miniature bunnies of glass, wood, ivory, cloth, rubber, and what have you, loaned by Mrs. Gilbert Tuell; Marine Corps first day covers, stamps of royal families and ma- donnas, mounted beautifully on mounts decorated and loaned by Mrs. Charles Long; grotesque tree roots, calling and Christmas cards of a by-gone era, loaned by Mrs. Z. W. Pease, Miss Mabel L. Potter, Miss Anna B. Trowbridge and the librarian. There is no doubt whatever that our patrons enjoy these various displays. placed in the glass case from time to time.
PRESENTATIONS
"Who shuts his hand, hath lost his gold: Who opens it, hath it twice told." -- George Herbert.
The library book stock was increased by 226 books from va- rious donors. 123 of these, mostly juvenile, were sent by Mr. Henry Rogers Benjamin. Others who contributed books, maga- zines or material of local interest were: Miss Gertrude Corrie, Mrs. S. Bates Coy, Miss Edith Dana, Mr. William Emery, Miss Audrey Hedge, Mrs. M. S. Peckham, Mrs. Robert Philip, Mr. Harry L. Pope, Miss Alice Sturtevant, Miss Anna B. Trowbridge and Mrs. Henry Waldron. Several authors, publishers, booksellers and as- sociations also contributed books and pamphlets.
KEEPING UP APPEARANCES!
"A good exterior is a silent recommendation." -- Publilius Syrus
After fifty years, much is to be desired in the way of renova- tions to the building, but the essential needs have been cared for as they have arisen.
During the year, the paint on the window sills and sash was discovered to be in very poor condition. These were repainted in July. The office floor was revarnished in October; the ceiling in the vestibule was redecorated in December.
Minor repairs were made to the front door, to the roof and heating plant. Two new sturdy bicycle racks were built and put into service. A typewriter was added to office equipment.
192
In July, War Damage Insurance was placed on the Library and contents. The outside light was dimmed to conform to black- out regulations, and a section of the basement has been planned to provide for any emergency blackout.
Because of difficulties caused by dogs coming into the libra- ry, a ruling was made in October to exclude all dogs unless on leash. An unusual visitor decided to visit us one Sunday after- noon in the spring, and made himself known by his frantic cooing, The much frightened pigeon had to be extricated from the cold air shaft near the Reading Room Fireplace.
THE DIRECTORS AND STAGE HANDS
"The reward of one duty is the power to fulfill another." -- George Eliot
Trustees
On April 3rd, Mr. Elwyn G. Campbell was unanimously elected a member of the Board of Trustees, to fill the vacancy caused late in 1941 by the passing of Mr. William Gardner.
The Staff
Mrs. Julia Benson joined the staff on July Ist. It was our loss when she decided to return on November Ist to her former work of accounting, for the duration.
Richard Burke resigned as the Oxford Branch assistant, and Paul Ganley was appointed to take his place.
Mr. Worster, janitor for over 13 years was drafted into the army in late September. Mr. Arthur Boucher was secured to take over his duties.
Fewer library meetings have been held this year, so only two were attended by staff representatives: The Massachusetts Lib- rary Association meeting in February and the Cape Cod Library Club in September.
Each member of the Main library staff, anxious to do her share in serving in some useful capacity in this war of ideals, has taken on her own time, one or more outside courses in Red Cross,
193
Civilian Defense Motor Convoy, or some other work, thus con- tributing her bit in the way of preparation for any emergency along the lines of Civilian Defense.
AS THE CURTAIN DROPS
"Who keeps one end in view makes all things serve."
-- Robert Browning
The work of the year has been carried on in the spirit of service. It is immaterial that the year has not been a record breaker from the standpoint of circulation. The cause is no fault of the library. The high quality of service and ideals for which the library has always stood has been maintained. And that is what counts most. Even this could not have been accomplished without teamwork. The local Newspapers, teachers, principals and Superintendent of Schools, many others who have contri- buted time or thought, or gifts or exhibits, have helped in the work of the year. To all of these the librarian gratefully ac- knowledges the aid given her. The staff has worked loyally, faith- fully, cooperatively. The Trustees have continued their support. This the librarian appreciates sincerely.
As this report is brought to a close, it is with pride that we look back over a half century of service rendered to the commun- ity. Its high quality could not have been maintained without the unflagging interest of those who have had its welfare at heart ov- er all the years. Trustees and staff members have striven to ful- fill the responsibility placed upon them to render the kind of ser- vice which it was the wish of the donors should be rendered.
As far as the librarian has as yet ascertained, no other library in the country is open for such complete service from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. every day of the year. Allowing for extra days during leap years and time out for the enforced intermissions, the 3,751,161 books circulated since the opening of the library have gone out on an average of one book in about every 31/2 minutes. We look forward to more and greater service as we face the un- certainty of the future.
194
President Roosevelt has recently said, "In this war, we know books are weapons." Elmer Davis, Chief of the Office of War Administration has voiced his opinion, saying "The librarian has around him the books in which the facts are presented, the prob- lems are posed, and the facts are made evident. In the present war, as never before, this duty of the librarian assumes a pressing importance and librarians carry a responsibility such as they have never carried in our history."
The Millicent Library, along with other libraries will meet the test of critical times. We shall go forward, continuing to car- ry the torch that was lighted on February 1st, 1893.
Respectfully submitted, AVIS M. PILLSBURY,
January 12, 1943
Librarian.
195
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
American Library Association Form of Statistics. Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1942.
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
$10,972,060
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 (24 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
Juvenile
Total
Vols. at beginning of year
35,358
7,342
42,700
Vols. added by purchase
844
468
1,312
Vols added by gift
111
115
226
Vole. added by binding material not other- wise counted
1
1
Total volumes added
956
583
1,539
Volumes lost or withdrawn
836
835
1,671
Total volumes at end of year
35,478
7,090
42,568
Periodicals currently received (Titles 135, Copies 144)
Publications Issued (4 bulletins, 1 annual report)
196
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Vols. of fiction loaned
46,594
21,061
67,655
Total volumes loaned
66,687
29,679
96,366
Percentage of fiction of total vol. loaned
69.8%
70.9%
70.2%
Circulation per capita
8.77
Circulation per registered borrower
28.8
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc., loaned
473
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowere registered during year
573
392
965
Total of registered borrowers
1,995
1,342
3,337
Percent registered borrowers of population served
30.3%
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.
197.
Classified Accessions and Withdrawals of Books
Accessions
Withdrawals
Class
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
1-Periodicals
000
12
1
13
2
2
2-General works Philosophy
100
20
1
21
2
2
Religion
200
13
1
4
17
3
3
Sociology
300
82
21
103
3
36
39
Language Science
500
23
24
47
27
27
Useful Arta
600
92
20
112
14
20
34
Fine Arts
700
41
10
51
4
14
18
Literature
800
61
20
81
4
49
53
History
900
88
4
92
4
31
35
Travel
910-919
48
19
67
13
21
34
Biography Pamphlets
B-920
70
6
76
4
6
10
Total non-fiction
558
165
723
50
275
325
Fiction
398
418
816
786
560
1346
GRAND TOTAL
956
583
1539
836
835
| 1671
S
35
43
68
68
400
----
1. Not accessioned
2. Includes bound magazines
198
CIRCULATION, 1942
Circulation
Main Library
Oxford Branch
Oxford School
Anthony School
East Branch
High School
Dupli- cate Pay
Total Adult
Total Juvenile
Total
Class
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juven le
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Adult
5,973
271
6,244
2-General works
000
72
2
4
28
8
8
5
2
438
10
448
Religion
200
204
106
28
1
30
1
205
165
370
Sociology
300
998
646
10
1
103
107
105
67
1
1
1,441
28
249
238
325
492
735
1,227
Science
500
417
7 1
44
92
96
192
68
2,126
969
3,095
Useful Arts
600
1,981
480
10
123
112
119
135
135
1,302
418
1,720
Literature
800
1,281
472
6
88
121
88
244
482
1
1,770
1,014
2,784
History
900
1,480
163
16
20
44
82
108
137
3
13
1,646
420
2,066
Travel
910-919
1,767
610
22
2
80
35
103
306
1
5
2,095
835
2,930
Biography Pamphlets
B-920
1
275
16
5
34
6
146
560
21
9
2,697
487
3,184
78
78
Total non-fiction
17,014 |
4,948
1,278
484
913
810
1,433
1,778
30
23
20,093
1
8,618
28,711
Fiction
-
GRAND TOTAL
56,734 | 17,554
- 4,051 | 1,241
3,469
3,343
3,952
2,856
120
3,046
66,687
29,679
96,366
74,288
5,292
2,976
1. Not accessioned
Pictures, clippings, Stereoscopes
etc. 473 72
1. Includes bound magazines
Total
96,911
199
1,278 |
236
4
73
40
30
39
20
Fine Arts
700
433
1
7
3 1
2
1
1,075
962
2,037
120
1
2,281
2,401
Language
400
120
199
1. 180
72
1-Periodicals
4,793
76
51
127
Philosophy
100
1
39,720 |
12,606
2,773
757
2,556
2,533
2,519
1,078
90
3,023
46,594
21,061
67,655
2,112
78
311
1
- 1
Juvenile
INDEX
Page
Accounting Officer
Analysis of Appropriation Accounts
127
Balance Sheet
132
Cash Receips and Payments 105
Aid to Dependent Children
19
Animal Inspector
73
Assessors' Department
59
Auditors
63
Building Inspector
71
Civilian Defense Appropriation Committee
98
Fire Department
67
Fire Alarm Superintendent
69
Health Department
86 73
Animal Inspector
74
Health Nursing Service
88
Highway Department
64
Jury List
23
Millicent Library
177
Moth Superintendent
84
Old Age Assistance
20
Park Department
95
Playground Supervisor
97
Planning Board
103
Police Department
52 -
Public Welfare Department
19
Old Age Assistance
20
Public Welfare
18
Retirement Board
80
Safety Council
101
School Department
135
School Committee
138
Superintendent's Report
143
High School Principal
146
School Nurse
152
School Physician
151
Expenditures
162
Sealer of Weights and Measures
81
Slaughter Inspector
Aid to Dependent Children
Selectmen
15
Sewer Department
90
Shellfish Inspector Shellfish Committee
75
Slaughter Inspector
State Audit
69
Tax Collector
34
Town Clerk
39
Births
39
Marriages
44
Deaths
49 8
Town Meeting Members
4
Treasurer
26
Debt and Interest 1943
28
Outstanding Debt 1942
27
Tax Titles
32
Trust Funds 1942
29
Tree Warden
84
Trust Fund Commissioners
31
THE FAIRHAVEN STAR - PRINTERS
1943
77 74 92
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
Town Officers
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