USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1947 > Part 9
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N NEEDS. For the library, they are many. Renovations would greatly improve the appearance of dingy walls and areas from which plaster has fallen. We are in need of equipment, too, such as a new catalog cabinet, a new rug or other covering for the floor in the Children's Room, some chairs, additional shelving, some visual education equipment. The list is too long to continue.
For our workers: A definite Classification and Pay plan to assure the ability to obtain and retain able workers, and con- sideration of some suitable retirement plan, such as almost every public library in the state provides for its workers, who like the teachers, are public servants.
0 OVERDUE NOTICES, 3,578 in number, were sent to remind borrowers of books kept overtime. This reminder is a money-saving service to the borrower and it costs the library a considerable amount each year.
OXFORD BRANCH, in the rear of the Oxford School, is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 7 to 8. In 1947, 1,414 books were available for patrons there; others may be requested from the Main Library at any time.
P PICTURES were increased by a total of 518, and now number 11,467 available for borrowing. Mrs. Sprague revised the art pictures and made and lettered 118 new folders.
PUBLICITY. Through the newspapers, through the schools, through personal contacts, news of the library gets around. It's important.
179
At the library, attractive and seasonal bulletin board and table displays have been made, and changed frequently, chiefly by Miss Steele and Mrs. Sprague who have showed much creative talent.
A bright red mimeographed folder with pertinent facts of the library was prepared in December for mailing with the Water Company bills of January 1st, 1948.
PURCHASES. In October, a new vacuum cleaner was purchased, and an electric clock was acquired for the Children's Room.
Q QUESTIONS - QUESTIONS - QUESTIONS!
Of course we want to answer them. That's what we are here for - to HELP YOU.
=
.
.
H
E RE
ANSWERS
ARE
THE
0
FOR
. MATION?
OUWISH
We may fail sometimes, but it isn't because we don't try.
R READING LISTS have been made for special groups. One on CAREERS was distributed to the High School juniors and seniors in May, in connection with a Career Week program. A list of SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS was made in the fall for the Mother's Club. A twenty-page list of BOOKS OF 1947 FOR FALL READING was mimeographed and distributed during and following BOOK WEEK. A short bibliography of recent material on subjects of interest to members of the High School faculty was prepared in December, and for school work late in the year a reading list was made on "ANIMAL AND NATURE STORIES."
REFERENCE SERVICE is yours for the asking, and is always as near as the nearest phone. The library number is 2-5342.
REPAIRS. A very serious condition, resulting in interior damage seeping through the walls, was remedied by extensive repairs to the stonework. This took many weeks to complete. During the process, new copper gutters were installed and one chimney was rebuilt from the roof up.
Mr. Boucher did a splendid job in refinishing the top of the Loan Desk and the large table in the Trustees Room. After
180
removing a book stack at the rear of the library to provide better working space, he refinished the floor in that section, greatly improving its shabby appearance.
All other repairs were of a minor nature. A clock was cleaned, a chair reseated, a new mercury gauge was needed for the boiler.
RESERVES. 830 cards and phone calls told our borrowers of books held on reserve. On the 88 books displayed on the Millicentiana table, 160 reserves were made.
S SALE OF OLD PAPER, from the weeding of old maga- zines, newspapers and wornout books, has brought in $24.00.
SCHOOL SERVICE. We have had a trying year trying to maintain it. A careful survey showed that the service we give the schools costs the library no less than $1,200 annually. This isn't a set appropriation each year, but an average of the original cost of books used in the schools, their preparation and repair. The labor is no small item.
In April, the Trustees vot- ed that be- cause of the expense and lack of help at the time, this service must be dis- continued.
Resources
to help you
FIND
the
?-
-?
Answers
-
-
?
?
This brought more wrink- les to the li- brarian's brow and the teach- ers protested.
We went into a huddle over the problem, in the meetings already mentioned earlier in this report. The vote was rescinded in the fall. The teachers are giving splendid cooperation, but it is inevitable that the service cannot be continued adequately without more money. Not receiving any appropriation from the town for the library, we are in a different position than are most libraries.
STAFF CHANGES. The beginning of the year found us greatly handicapped. By spring, we secured in Mrs. Sprague, who had been trained in library methods at Simmons College, an able part-
181
time worker, while Miss Sale, with her fine spirit, continued as a part-time desk assistant. Miss Diane Herrick, having graduated from High School, came to our group as a full-time worker, instead of as student assistant, and has been of tremendous help to us, especially in carrying out clerical duties. In September, we were fortunate to add Miss Agnes Rennie, another Simmons College Library School graduate, whose earnest endeavor and efficient work with the young people is helping immeasurably. Ruth Hubbard, a helpful, willing student assistant replaced Barbara Dobson in the fall. Thus our staff, depleted for many months, was a normal one at the end of the year. It's amazing what can be accomplished with a well-trained cooperative staff. It's pathetic what has to be left undone when we haven't the workers. The library suffers and the public suffers when this situation arises. We hope it won't occur often or for long.
STATISTICS. They give facts! If you're interested, complete figures of the year's activities may be found in the charts at the end of this alphabet.
T
TRUSTEES. It was greatly regretted that because of his permanent change in residence to Mashpee, Mr. Edward L. Besse, a member of the Board since the opening of the library, submitted his resignation in July. However, we are glad to welcome in his place his son, Mr. Eldred E. Besse, appointed on December 5th.
U V
USE YOUR LIBRARY. It's a good habit to acquire.
VISITS were made to the schools twice during 1947, at which time, the librarian told stories, and made an- nouncements about Story Hours, Summer Reading Club, and Book Week.
VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE is an important subject to many.
The library can and does give help.
We have up- to-date mater- ial for young people.
-
And - good books on jobs for older people.
182
W WILLING STAFF, and efficient, too. All are eager to serve the public well. Each has a specialized task, doing it with pride, while adapting to changes in program which often arise at rush seasons or during staff shortages.
X "X" for the unknown possibilities for greater service in 1948 and through the coming years, given a budget adequate to serve the needs of the town. The librarian sees both need and opportunity for extension of service.
Y YOUR LIBRARY is always at YOUR SERVICE.
Z ZEAL in filling your requests.
ZEST for our work.
Respectfully submitted, AVIS M. PILLSBURY, Librarian
January 13, 1948
1947 Now
you know
our
ABC's
and
What we bo
from
A's to Z's
MILLICENT
THE
BRARY
· FAIRE RAWEN
15%
183
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
American Library Association Form of Statistics
Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1946
Name of Library-The Millicent Library.
Town-Fairhaven, Mass.
Librarian-Avis M. Pillsbury
Date of Founding-1893.
Population served (Census 1945)
12,072
Assessed valuation of town
$12,680,800
Terms of Use-Free for lending and reference.
Total number of agencies
13
Consisting of-
Central Library
7 Stations (Oxford Branch, Oxford School Deposit, East Fair- haven School Deposit, Edmund Anthony School Deposit, High School Library, King's Daughters Home, Our Lady's Haven) 6 Schools (43 classroom collections)
Number of days open during year (Central Library)
303
Hours open each week for lending
63
Hours open each week for reading
63
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes at beginning of year
36,589
7,134
43,723
Volumes added by purchase
819
402
1,221
Volumes added by gift
108
2
110
Volumes added by binding material not otherwise counted
10
10
Total volumes added
937
404
1,341
Volumes lost or withdrawn
1,082
250
1,332
Total volumes at end of year
36,444
7,288
43,732
Periodicals currently received (Titles 143, Copies 161)
Publication issued (1 annual report)
184
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes of fiction loaned
28,104
14,044
42,148
Total volumes loaned
42,203
17,554
59,757
Percentage of fiction of total volumes loaned
66.5%
80%
70.53%
Circulation per capita
4.95
Circulation per registered borrower
21.49
Pictures, photographs, clippings, etc., loaned
406
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year.
624
277
901
Total of registered borrowers
1,988
792
2,780
Percent registered borrowers of population served
23.28%
Volumes placed in classroom collections are counted in circulation on the day they are moved from Central Library, and no compiete record of use at the school is recorded.
185
Table 1
CLASSIFIED BOOK STOCK
BOOK STOCK CHANGES IN 1947
TOTAL BOOK STOCK
ACCESSIONS
WITHDRAWALS
CLASS
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
*General works 000 Philosophy 100
31
2
33
2
2,602
117
2,719
Religion
200
30
5
35
3
10
13
1.141
90
1,234
Sociology
300
68
14
82
17
28
45
2.930
328
3,258
Language
400
10)
29
39
-
15
16
236
162
398
Science
500
21
12
33
10
18
20
1.116
315
1.431
Useful arts
600
61
6
67
59
3
62
2.726
2.15
2.971
Fine arts
700
62
8
70
2
6
2.635
223
2,858
Literature
800
80
82
11
11
25
3.420
179
3,899
History
900
19
6
55
I
10
11
2,601
226
2.827
Travel
910-919
60
14
74
7
8
15
2,529
440
2,969
Biography
B-920
56
20
76
8
15
23
3,498
296
3,794
Total non-fiction
5.12 (10.4%) 395 (29.5%)
119 (8.9%) 285 (21.2%)
661 (49.3%) 680 (50.7%)
120
125
245
26.166 (59.8%) 10.278 (23.5%)
2,930 (6.7%) 1,358 (10%)
29,096 (66.5%) 14,636 (33.5%)
GRAND TOTAL
937 (69.9%)
404 (30.1%)
1,341 (100%)
1,082
250
1,332
36.444 (83.3%)
7.288 (16.7%)
43,732 (100%)
1
15
5
7
729
9
738
*Includes bound magazines
186
Total fiction
962
125
1.087
Table 2 1947 DISTRIBUTION OF CIRCULATION
Fiction
Non- Fiction
Total
Grand Total
Total gain or loss over 1946
% Contribution to 'Total
Fiction
Non- Fiction
Total
MAIN LIBRARY
Adult
Juvenile
24,693 9,401 1,004
12,304 2,5.42
36,997 11,943 1,004
- 6,456 578
- 752
49,944
58.73%
24.84%
83.57%
OXFORD BRANCH
AAdult
1,854 1.058
576
2,430 1,295
- 394
Total
3,725
4.87
1.36
6.23
ANTHONY SCHOOL Juvenile
1,212
186
1,398
1,398
1,386
2.03
.31
2.34
EAST FAIRHAVEN SCHOOL Juvenile
1,219
183
1,402
1,402
132
2.04
.31
2.35
OXFORD SCHOOL Juvenile
1,023
284
1,307
1,307
- 1,650
1.71
.48
2.19
HIGH SCHOOL
Adult
553
1,219
1,772 209
+
130
Juvenile
131
78
137
Total
1,981
1.15
2.17
3.32
TOTALS
Adult
28,104 14,044 42,148
14,099 3,510 17,609
42,203 17,554 59,757
7,906
Juvenile
3,973
Grand Total
59,757
-11,879
47.03% 23.50 70.53
23.59% 5.88 29.47
70.62% 29.38 100.
Percent
70.53%
29.47%
100%
100%
-
828
Juvenile
237
Dup. Pay Total
187
Table 3
CIRCULATION 1947
Main Library
Oxford Branch
Ān- thony School
E. Fair- haven School
Oxford School
High School
Dupli- cate Pay
Total Adult
Total Juvenile
Total
CLASS
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
1-Periodicals
3,244
138
516
1
3,760
139
3,899
2-General works 000
88
8
4
4
92
12
104
Philosophy
100
374
16
377
19
396
Religion
200
266
61
3
4
1
267
68
335
Sociology
300
459
340
6
32
27
28
39
38
503
466
969
Language
400
168
554
41
14
64
22
1
169
695
864
Science
500
336
215
1 -
37
42
12
58
29
366
364
730
Useful arts
600
1,268
182
9
25
23
24
22
32
4
1,309
280
1,589
Fine arts
700
1,377
164
9
5
4
11
5
23
1,409
189
1,598
Literature
800
1,273
226
2
22
39
17
46
459
16
1,734
366
2,100
History
900
807
166
1 -
15
12
18
5
47
855
216
1,071
Travel
910-919
1,255
182
19
16
10
6
87
197
7
1,471
308
1,779
Biography
B-920
1,341
234
9
36
11
389
51
1,739
332
2,071
Pamphlets
48
56
48
56
104
Total non-fiction
12,304
2,542
576
237
186
183
284
1,219
78
14,099
3,510
17,609
Fiction
24,693
9,401
1,854
1,058
1,212
1,219
1,023
553
131
1,004
28,104
14,044
42,148
GRAND TOTAL
36,997
11,943
2,430
1,295
1,398
1,402
1,307
1,772
209
1,004
42,203
17,554
59,757
48,940
3,725
1,981
1. Not accessioned
2. Includes bound magazines
Pictures, clippings, etc. Stereoscopes
397
9
Total
406
3
3
188
Index
Page
Accounting Officer
Analysis of Appropriation Accounts 34
Balance Sheet 10
Cash Receipts and Payments
14
Assessors' Department
53
Auditor's Report
44
Building Inspector
74
Fire Department
63
Fire Alarm Superintendent
64
Health Department 65
Animal Inspector 67
Health Nursing Service 69
Inspector of Slaughtering
67
Milk Inspector
68
Highway Department
71
Information About the Town
3
Millicent Library ....... 169
Park Department
81
Planning Board
62
Police Department
83
Public Welfare Department
Aid to Dependent Children 60
Old Age Assistance
61
Public Welfare 59
Retirement Board 79
Safety Council
80
School Department 93
School Committee Report 96
Superintendent's Report 101
High School Principal 105
School Nurse 111
Expenditures
121
Sealer of Weights and Measures
75
Selectmen
8
Sewer Department 70
Shellfish Inspector
77
State Audit
45
Tax Collector 49
Town Clerk
Births
131
Marriages
137
Deaths
142
Town Meeting Members
162
Town Meetings 1947
146
Town Officers
4
Treasurer
Cash Account 38
Debt and Interest 1948 40
39
Tax Titles 43
Trust Funds 1947 41
Tree Warden
82
Trust Fund Commissioners
44
Water Commissioners 78
.
Outstanding Debt 1947
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