USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1943 > Part 8
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Our stereoscopic collection is extremely popular with the chil- dren, who ask to look through "those glasses you hold up to your eyes," and frequently take them home. 5 new stereoscopes were purchased as well as 200 views of the World's Fair. A new type of viewer, called the "View-master" is being tried out, and 30 reels of 7 kodachrome pictures each have been added for use with it. These, it would seem, will prove fascinating to adults as well as to children.
174
THE 1943 CIRCULATION
In the year-end survey, the American Library Association has recently asserted that although public library patrons are not read- ing as much as before Pearl Harbor, the quality of their reading is improving, and especially is there a greater popular interest in world activities. That people in Fairhaven are thinking more seri- ously is indicated by the 1943 record of the Millicent Library's cir- culation. In spite of a general decrease in the reading of fiction and most classes of non-fiction, our adult patrons borrowed more books on religious subjects, more books on literature, and for the largest increase of all, more books on the historical background of today's problems. Children, borrowing from the Main Library, took home more scientific and biographical books than a year ago.
The reading of books for recreational purposes has noticeably dropped. But, with little wonder, for in this all out effort to hasten the day of peace, work days are longer and leisure moments few for almost every member of the family, so many of whom have taken on extra tasks in Red Cross work, in Civilian Defense, at USO or other governmental agencies. Even young girls and boys are collecting paper and metal, turning it in to their schools. As, in other communities, young men are fast leaving our town to go into the service of our nation. The opportunity for reading time has been greatly reduced for a large majority of our patrons.
The following chart of the past year's circulation shows distri- bution and percentages, while the table at the end of this report indicates the classes of books borrowed.
175
1943 DISTRIBUTION OF CIRCULATION
Fiction
Non- Fiction
Total
Grand Total
Total Loss Over 1943 Departmental Books
% Contribution to Total Non- Fiction
MAIN LIBRARY
Adult
35,967
14,367
50,334
6,400
Juvenile
9,591
3,802
13,393 2,307
739
Total
66,034
14.6%
58.66%
22.3 %
80.96%
OXFORD BRANCH
Adult
1,964
832
2,796
1,255
Juvenile
756
248
1,004
237
Total
3,800
28.1
3.34
1.3
4.61
ANTHONY SCHOOL Juvenile
3,488
770
3,258
3,258
85
2.5
3.05
.94
3.00
EAST FAIRHAVEN Juvenile
2,592
866
3,458
3,458
494
12.5
3.17
1.06
4.23
OXFORD SCHOOL Juvenile
1,875
850
2,725
2,725
744
21.4
2.3
1.04
3.34
HIGH SCHOOL
Adult
689
1,524
2,213
Juvenile
80
23
103
643 17
94
1.9
2.84
Total
2,316
22.
TOTALS
Adult
40,927
16,723
57,650 23,941
9,037 5,738
9.3% 6.
50.16% 21.3
20.5% 8.04 28.54
70.68% 29.34 100.00
Grand Total
58,309
23,282
81,591
81,591
14,775
15.3
71.46
Percent
71.46%
28.54%
100%
100%
| Percent
Fiction
Total
4,161
Dup. Pay
2,307
176
Juvenile
17,382
6,559
OUR BORROWERS
For the year 1943, 395 borrowers were counted as new, and 547 re-registered, bringing the year's total to 942. For the three-year period, there are 3,133 library borrowers, 60.9% adult, 39.1% juvenile. 248 borrowers, or 7.9% are registered at the Oxford Branch; 335 people, or 10.6% are from out of town.
SERVICE TO THE SCHOOLS
To various schools were furnished 27 classroom libraries, con- sisting of 701 books. On these, teachers reported a partial circula- tion of 323. For professional use, 218 books were borrowed by teachers.
The usual course of instruction in the use of the library was given by the librarian to the 7th grade pupils, from April 9-14.
At a fall meeting of the High School faculty, the librarian out- lined many of the facilities which the Millicent Library has to aid teachers.
SUMMER READING CLUB ACTIVITIES
The reading club for boys and girls is always popular. Using the same background as a year ago, but adapting it to another patriotic theme, the 1943 club, known as the Victory Book Club offered special credits for non-fiction reading, in the form of imag- inary war bonds and war savings stamps. That it appealed to the 34 youngsters who qualified for active membership is proved by a total of 903 books read and orally reported upon. An amazing number of non-fiction books were read, 69%, the highest on our records, against a total of 31% fiction. Should the question be asked "Can non-fiction books be made popular with young people," the librarian's answer would be "Decidedly, YES." Books of Useful Arts, Biography and Travel topped the list in reading interest, Science and History followed, while the other classes held minor places. Credits for reading netted an imaginary $21,150 to the War Bond Drive. On October 27th, when the annual party was held, books and war savings stamps were awarded as prizes.
Story Hours
11 story hours were held during the summer, with an average attendance of 87. The school bus conveyed children to and from
177
the library from the north section of town, on each Wednesday morning. For their willing co-operation and splendid stories, we owe a debt of thanks to Miss Beatrice Mosgrove, Miss Mildred Webb, Mrs. Harold E. Kerwin, Mrs. Carey Hood and Mrs. Harold Dutton.
OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
A Highlight Event
The Library celebrated the Fiftieth Anniversary of its opening on January 31, 1943. That was a happy occasion as trustees and staff greeted some 250 to 300 patrons and friends at Open House during the afternoon. The details of this very sociable affair are purposely omitted, since a complete account may be found, along with other interesting data, in the attractive 41 page booklet en- titled "Anniversary of the Opening of the Millicent Library, Fair- haven, Mass." This, prepared with much labor and in detail, to serve as a fitting souvenir to mark the Library's fifty years of service, has been printed and is now ready for distribution. Patrons wishing a copy may obtain the same at a price far below the cost, the charge being made since printing prices are so high, and our supply of booklets limited. It might be mentioned that splendid photographs of the library are contained in the booklet, and of appeal to those statistically minded is a detailed chart of library growth, showing what its title indicates "Books plus Read- ers equals Circulation at the Millicent Library, 1893-1942." The chart is a graphic picture, showing the affect upon circulation and registration of economic upheavals, most noticeable of which are recorded as the First World War, the local strike of 1928, the de- pression years, and the war now in progress.
Lending a Hand: The Fairhaven Boys' Club Gets a Start
In early February an idea of long standing developed into activity. It has long been evident that for the boys of Fairhaven, a . boys' club was a real need. The library has been in a particular position to realize this, for boys have for years frequented the library without any intention of reading; they have congregated on street corners much to the annoyance of townspeople and the police-all for lack of a better place to go where they could expend that surplus energy so typical of youth.
178
This fact has on several occasions been mentioned in the library trustees meetings, and recognized by others in town. In February, as an experiment, the librarian, without making any promises as to the possible outcome, urged the boys to register at the library, if interested in forming a club. The response was gratifying, and within two months the interest was sufficient to justify planning a meeting. With the approval of the trustees, the librarian invited the boys to meet on May 25th in the Trustees Room. This was a momentous occasion, and only a few of the boys who had signed up failed to appear at that initial meeting. Their interest was evident. They listened eagerly and discussed the possibility with Mr. Augustus Xavier, Mr. Richard H. Dun- woodie, Mr. Harry L. Pope, and the librarian, who were present to talk over the matter with the boys. No one who witnessed that meeting could fail to appreciate that the idea was worth working for. In seven subsequent meetings after May 25th, until October 25th, the librarian met with a courteous, enthusiastic, responsive group of boys, and arranged for each meeting as speakers, one or two men who were interested in the project. Ideas were exchanged, the club known as the Fairhaven Boys' Club was organized by the boys themselves, temporary officers were chosen, and Mr. Xavier was selected as their adult leader.
The librarian arranged for an adult group, representative of various civic organizations in town, to meet on June 14th to con- sider the project with three boys selected to represent the club. The idea became talked about. On September 21st, the subject was brought up at a meeting of the Fairhaven Association of Business Men, and it was there that the already organized Boys' Club received its first real support when the men voted to back it up financially and help to make it a success. Then, the town kindly permitted the use of the old Washington Street School, which is now being equipped as fast as possible for an opening in the near future.
The librarian is proud of the part the library has played in helping this movement to get underway. We may well feel that we have fanned a spark into a flame which, with the support of the townspeople, will burn steadily for the good of the boys of Fairhaven.
Book Week
Book Week was celebrated simply in 1943, the usual library tea being omitted. Mimeographed book marks served as the
179
publicity medium to announce the exhibits of the week. These, the librarian distributed just before Book Week when she made the annual visit to the schools, showing new books and telling stories from them. The spirit of the national 1943 Book Week slogan "Build the Future with Books" was carried out effectively in well arranged exhibits for old and young. An especially at- tractive one centered about a map of the world around which were the flags of allied nations and a display of fitting new books.
Exhibits
Several exhibits, chiefly of articles of use in by-gone days, were displayed in the special case during the year, and have been enjoyed by our patrons.
Service to the Report Center
Throughout the year, a collection of books with occasional changes was maintained at the Report Center in the Town Hall, for the use of those on duty there.
GIFTS
From various sources, 81 books were donated, some coming from interested Fairhaven people. The names of donors are re- corded in the library's accession record of books.
An unusual gift was the manuscript of Cecil Roberts's poem about Winston Churchill, entitled "A man arose." This was won at the New Bedford Books and Authors War Bond Rally on May 27, 1943, by the Quota Club of New Bedford, who very generously gave it to the Millicent Library.
In the summer, Mrs. Aubrey Cartwright, granddaughter of Mr. Henry H. Rogers, expressed a desire to complete the library's framed collection of presidential autographs. In August and Sep- tember, we received from Mrs. Cartwright nine very fine auto- graphs framed with interesting portraits, thus completing the group, with the exception of the autograph of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is to be sent later.
Mrs. Z. W. Pease gave to the library a beautiful specimen of petrified wood, and Mrs. Samuel Bumpus contributed a bone awl,
180
and a rolling pin made in whaling days from unusual wood and bone.
An interesting early Cape Cod map was presented by Mr. Merton W. Swift, and small items of local interest have been con- tributed by several people for the local history file.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Early in the year, further defects appeared in the electric wiring, and repairs were made to the fixtures in the Trustees Room, office, and in the upper and basement stacks.
The vestibule ceiling, staff room ceiling and walls, and the stairway leading to it were painted. The janitor should be espe- cially commended for the excellent painting he did, which has greatly improved the appearance of the staff room.
Minor repairs were made to the boiler and steam pipes.
The mimeograph was overhauled thoroughly in January.
THE LIBRARY PERSONNEL
Trustees
It was with real regret that we lost Mrs. Z. W. Pease, a trustee since 1919, when she changed her residence to Philadelphia in May. Mrs. Genevieve Pratt Marston (Mrs. James H. C.) was elected on December 3rd as a trustee to fill her place.
Mr. George H. Tripp, one of the original trustees appointed by Mr. Rogers, passed away on September 3rd, after over fifty years of loyal interest in the library. This vacancy is as yet unfilled.
Staff
Staff changes are inevitable in these days of economic up- heaval. Miss Hanford resigned October Ist after twelve and a half years of service as cataloger, and for several years of that time as first assistant to the librarian as well. Her faithful and conscientious work, her willingness and helpful ideas will always be remembered, and it was with great reluctance that we lost her to a position in Boston.
Our best wishes followed Miss Gibbons, a willing and loyal member of the staff for two years, as she took up new duties at the Wakefield, Mass., Public Library in April.
181
Paul Ganley, our page, accepted more gainful employment and Harry Barteau was appointed in his place.
Two full-time appointments were made during the year. In April, Mrs. Ethel Doran Griffin, a member of the staff some years ago, returned to assist, and on August 1st, Miss M. Winifred Knapp, an experienced cataloger for many years at the Baker Library, Harvard School of Business Administration, joined the staff. Since the middle of November, Mrs. Blanche Beardsworth has been assisting part-time.
IN APPRECIATION
The librarian expresses her appreciation to all who have contributed in any way to the well-being of the library during the past year. Special thanks should be extended to the newspapers of both Fairhaven and New Bedford, and to those in the School Department.
The effectiveness of the year's work has been due to the co-operation of the staff in carrying out faithfully the duties as- signed them, and doing at times beyond the call of duty. It requires more than books to make a library function adequately. An equally important factor is the personal attitude and the intellectual ability of the staff who serve the patrons. From the latter have come complimentary reports to the librarian on the service rendered by the staff during the year.
To the Trustees, the librarian is exceedingly grateful for their quick response to, their guidance and practical assistance in prob- lems that have arisen.
As the report of this history-making year of 1943 draws to a close, a critical one in the history of mankind, and the fifty-first of the Millicent Library's service to Fairhaven, we look forward to a time, we hope not far distant, when normal activities will be resumed and the library will again play its role in an enduring peace-time world.
Respectfully submitted,
AVIS M. PILLSBURY, Librarian.
January 26, 1944.
182
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
American Library Association Form of Statistics.
Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1943.
Name of Library-The Millicent Library.
Town-Faihraven, Mass.
Librarian-Avis M. Pillsbury.
Date of Founding-1893.
Population served (Census 1940)
10,985
Assessed valuation of town
$10,993.830
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
Volumes at beginning of year
35,478
7,090
42,568
Volumes added by purchase
698
312
1,010
Volumes added by gift
71
10
81
Volumes added by binding material not otherwise wise counted
2
2
Total volumes added
771
322
1,093
Volumes lost or withdrawn
194
90
284
Total volumes at end of year
36,055
7,322
43,377
Periodicals currently received (Titles 128, Copies 149)
Publications issued (4 bulletins, 1 annual report)
183
Use
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes of fiction loaned
40,927
17,382
58,309
Total volumes loaned
57,650
23,941
81,591
Percentage of fiction of total volumes loaned
70.9%
72.6%
71.4%
Circulation per capita
7.42
Circulation per registered borrower
26
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc., loaned
515
Registration
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
579
363
942
Total of registered borrowers
1,906
1,227
3,133
Percent registered borrowers of population served
28.5%
Volumes 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.
184
Classified Accessions and Withdrawals of Books
ACCESSIONS
WITHDRAWALS
CLASS
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile| Total
1-Periodicals
2-General work
000
9
9
1
1
Philosophy
100
12
12
Religion
200
10
6
16
Sociology
300
63
14
67
Language
400
5
5
1
1
Science
500
20
6
26
3
1
4
Fine Arts
700
27
9
36
3
3
6
History
900
95
4
99
2
2
Travel
910-919
36
7
43
1
2
3
Biography
B-920
59
6
65
1
1
Pamphlets
Total Non-Fiction
453
68
521
10
10
20
Fiction
318
254
572
184
80
264
GRAND TOTAL
771
322
1,093
194
90
284
1
1
Useful Arts
600
73
11
84
Literature
800
44
5
49
1
1
1. Not accessioned.
2. Includes bound magazines.
185
CIRCULATION, 1943
Main Library
Oxford Branch
.An-
East Oxford thony Branch; School School
School High
Dupli- cate Pay
Total Adult
Total Juve- nile
Total
Class
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
1-Periodicals
3,847
146
740
8
4,587
154
4,741
2-General works 000
48
4
1
2
1
49
7
56
Philosophy
100
323
33
2
2
10
15
10
2
259
141
400
Sociology
300
840
422
3
5
155
60
118
31
874
760
1,634
Language
400
73
479
1
52
192
292
284
2
76
1,299
1,375
Science
500
357
337
2
24
101
87
76
53
412
625
1,037
Useful Arts
600
1,444
552
5
49
93
91
59
136
1,585
844
2,429
Fine Arts
700
923
313
5
23
9
31
51
37
965
427
1,392
Literature
800
1,326
426
10
40
46
155
129
482
1,818
796
2,614
History
900
1,666
187
25
14
43
49
49
75
4
1,766
346
2,112
Travel
910-919
1,479
468
24
15
87
67
59
224
8
1,727
704
2,431
Biography
B-920
1,739
335
14
12
34
18
12
476
11
2,229
422
2,651
Pamphlets
46
14,367
3,802
832
248
770
866
850
1,524
23
16,723
6,559
23,282
Total Non-Fiction Fiction
35,967
9,591
1,964
756
2,488
2,592
1,875
689
80
2,307
40,927
17,382
58,309
GRAND TOTAL
50,334
13,393
2,796
1,004
3,258
3,458
2,725
2,213 103
2,307
57,650
23,941
81,591
Pictures, clippings, etc.
418
1. Not accessioned.
2. Includes bound magazines.
Total
82,106
1
5
330
34
364
Religion
200
256
104
1
46
46
97
Stereoscopes
186
INDEX
Page
Accounting Officer
Analysis of Appropriation Accounts
95
Balance Sheet 100
Cash Receipts and Payments.
76
Animal Inspector.
60
Assessors' Department
64
Auditors
112
Building Inspector
49
Civilian Defense Appropriation Committee
57
Fire Department.
53
Fire Alarm Superintendent.
55
Forest Committee.
44
Health Department
46
Animal Inspector.
60
Slaughter Inspector
45
Health Nursing Service.
50
Highway Department 110
Millicent Library
170
Moth Superintendent
61
Old Age Assistance
87
Park Department
56
Playground Supervisor
56
Planning Board
52
Police Department.
104
Public Welfare Department
Aid to Dependent Children 28
Old Age Assistance
27
Public Welfare
25
Retirement Board
43
Safety Council
41
School Department.
125
School Committee
128
Superintendent's Report
134
High School Principal 139
School Nurse
146
School Physician
143
Expenditures
156
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Selectmen
16
Sewer Department.
63
Shellfish Inspector
35
Slaughter Inspector
45
Tax Collector.
31
Town Clerk
113
Births
113
Marriages
118
Deaths
121
Town Meeting Members
8
Town Officers
4
Treasurer
18
Debt and Interest 1943
21
Outstanding Debt 1942
20
Tax Titles
19
Trust Funds 1942
22
Tree Warden
62
Trust Fund Commissioners
24
Water Commissioners.
40
THE AMERICAN PRESS - PRINTERS
1944
37
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