USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1949 > Part 10
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As of December 31
400 books were available at East Fairhaven School
141 at the Job C. Tripp School 540 at the Fairhaven High School
in addition to classroom libraries At the East Fairhaven School, these are used in place of classroom libraries. At the Tripp School, they serve to furnish reading material for those staying during the noon recess and for those waiting at the Dental Clinic.
At the High School, they supplement the school's collection.
WHO'S WHO and WHAT'S DOING!
A delight to behold were the treasures loaned for display.
Early in the year, Mrs. Elwyn G. Campbell loaned a fascinating collec- tion of old silver dating from 1790 to the late '80's.
Sparkling Sandwich glass, collected from several people, was displayed, the interest growing out of Harriot B. Barbour's book "Sandwich, the town that glass built," reviewed by Mrs. Harold B. Dutton at a Book Circle meeting.
Salt and pepper shakers, in shapes and sizes amazing to behold, were loaned by Mrs. Minnie Hughes.
Of interest was children's literature in 9 languages, a collection of books and pamphlets loaned by Mrs. Alice How- land Macomber.
On exhibit for some time was a gift from Lord Fairhaven, a copy of the limited edition of "Windsor Castle
187
through three centuries : a description and catalogue of the Windsor collec- tion formed by the Lord Fairhaven," by Cyril G. E. Bunt.
On exhibit, as the year ended was an attractive and interesting group of original oil paintings done by Miss Mary C. Enos.
Book reviews. The Book Circle of the Fairhaven Mothers Club, meeting in the Trustees Room, as usual, held entertaining Book Review programs.
Thoughtfulness. Gifts of books from local people in both Fairhaven and New Bedford and from publishers (the list numbers thirty) have been recorded in our accession records.
A tiny gift, 25 miniature photographic pictures of Fairhaven in a carved wooden shell about the size of an egg, was a gift from Mrs. M. Wight Taylor of Metuchen, N. J.
These evidences of thoughtfulness are appreciated.
Never daunted, even by rain,-tea and book lovers gave evidence of enjoying themselves on the afternoon of Novem- ber 18th. While Miss Edith Dana, one of our Trustees, poured tea, guests had an opportunity to sip, and browse through the new books, about 200 of which were on display for Book Week. Gaiety prevailed as these shiny new book friends vied with the candle glow, with the firelight, and with the gorgeous centerpiece of flowers sent to us by Mrs. Arthur Boucher, to make up, it seemed, for the dismal weather outside.
At 4 o'clock, tea cups put aside for awhile, guests were delighted with the talk given on reading for young people by Miss Mary E. Silva, Consultant, School Libraries and Work with Chil- dren and Young People for the Massa- chusetts Division of Public Libraries.
Special Guests.
Our old-time friend, Mrs. Clifford A. Shaw, who told many a story at our
Story Hours, brought from Provi- dence, where she is now living, a group of women that they might see some of the interesting buildings in Fair- haven. She included the library and fairly beamed as she told them about us.
On two occasions, Mrs. Alfred Belli- veau brought to the library her Brownie Troop from St. Joseph School. On the latter occasion the Standard- Times took a splendid picture of the group with their leader reading stories to them.
A troop of "Cubs", Pack 56 from St. Joseph's School, dropped in unex- pectedly.
Visiting teachers attending a meeting at the Fairhaven High School, came to the library one afternoon in late De- cember, being piloted by Mr. Chester M. Downing, principal.
On another occasion, ministers' wives of this area, meeting together, dropped in for a short tour of inspection to see our "highlights."
A helping hand. To facilitate distribu- tion of the splendid folders and maps prepared by the Fairhaven Improve- ment Association, the library became one of the several distributing centers for these, which may be purchased for the small charge of 10c set by the Association.
We "showed-off," too! Well-we tried to! We arranged a table at the Flower Show held in the Town Hall in June, using attractive garden books and Kodachrome slides showing flowers grown in Fairhaven gardens.
Helping out. Talks have been given in response to calls for help on programs.
Miss Alice Lee Wheatley gave one talk before a local church group and the librarian gave programs to six clubs during the year.
188
Perking up. This is more or less of a constant process as old equipnient wears out, is repaired or replaced.
Two electric fans and a lawn mower were acquired.
Two footstools for use in the stacks were purchased.
A telephone jack was installed at the main desk, and is a great time saver and step saver.
The library's front door was refinished, the window frames around the build- ing. the porch, and the ornamental metal work were painted.
A minor roof repair was made.
In December a major plaster repair job was done on the interior of the building, and included spots in every room on the main floor.
Thank you! Thank you very much!
A special "Thank you" is due the Town Fathers who so graciously gave unexpected praise and publicity to our 1948 annual report for the recognition it received when, in the contest spon- sored by the Massachusetts Select- men's Association, it was adjudged the best library report in town reports from towns of 5,000 population or over.
Of course, we felt rather "puffed up" especially since this was the third suc- cessive ycar we have held this rating.
Keeping up with the Joneses ! The staff tries to keep up with "What's New" in the library profession. There is no better way to do this than to attend meetings where librarians get together and discuss relevant matters.
By taking turns, all of the full-time staff members were able to attend one or more of the meetings representing local library clubs and the state and national library associations . The lat- ter, held in October at Swampscott, Mass., as a New England regional meeting, was extremely important and especially so to those in the public library field.
Among ourselves. Time brings changes and 1949 brought more than a normal share of resignations. Joining the staff in April, May, and July, new as- sistants, Miss Ruth Barnes, Mrs. Mona W. Staples, Miss Alice Lee Wheatley, 011 full-time schedule, and Mrs. Agnes F. Hewitt, on a part-time schedule, have adapted well to an en- vironment and methods new to them, doing creditable work. Our three student helpers have proved to be "mighty fine" workers, as have our old part-time standbys, Miss Mary A. Sale and Mrs. Carol L. Anderson, the latter helping for the past two summer seasons.
11
HOW
In
RELAX
189
THE SEARCH IS ON.
We. like many other libraries, have searched far and wide for a cataloger. The position here has been vacant since May 1, when Mrs. Levering was forced to return to California because of her husband's health. There is a scarcity of people liking this kind of work-and the salaries asked usually run higher than our budget allows.
Since, however, new books must be cataloged if they are to be circulated, your librarian has attempted to add the cataloging routine to an already full schedule, accomplishing it only by working many extra hours and of necessity neglecting other work that is also important.
PULLING TOGETHER
Credit, however, for what has been ac- complished belongs to the entire staff, who with a cooperative spirit have enthusiastically served the public, and for it have been commended by them. Cooperation and loyalty are so im-
portant to the smooth running of an organization that their value cannot be overestimated.
The librarian wishes her present staff to know that she feels greatly indebted to them for these special qualities which have brought about a greater accomplishment of work than could have been achieved otherwise, As the year closes, an unusually congenial staff pull, work and play together.
With real appreciation. There are times when words are inadequate as a means of expression. The librarian's "Thank You" to the Trustees is not enough to convey her appreciation of their attitude toward and help in solv- ing some of the problems that have arisen in 1949. The problems have been many, concerning the library's financial standing, vacancies to be filled, building needs. The librarian has found in the Trustees sterling qualities of loyalty, understanding and consideration, and is deeply grateful.
Millicent Library
Phone - 2-5342
190
WE LOOK FORWARD
Thus ends the report of the year's accomplishments. It is the Fifty-Seventh in the Library's history. One hun- dred years ago, this town, a fair haven on the shores of the Acushnet River and Buzzards Bay, was one of the centers of the whaling industry. Now, at the dawning of another mid-century year, we look back over the long way we have come,-we face a world of different, of fast changing values, where everything is topsy-turvy from sky- rocketing taxes to the uncertainty of what new develop- ments the atom bomb will bring. Yet old values remain. With a New England heritage which is ours, with the back- ground of Pilgrim Fathers who faced the hardships in this territory which was wilderness 350 years ago,-with the background of whaling ship sea captains who braved the high seas, we, too, go forward to meet and accept with courage whatever new challenge the year 1950 presents.
Respectfully submitted,
AVIS M. PILLSBURY LIBRARIAN
January 17, 1950
191
Statistical Report
THE MILLICENT LIBRARY, FAIRHAVEN, MASS.
American Library Association Form of Statistics
Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 1949
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
$12,806,780
Terms of Use-Free for lending and reference.
Total number of agencies 11
Consisting of-
Central Library
6 Stations (Oxford Branch, East Fairhaven School Deposit, Job C. Tripp School Deposit, High School Library, King's Daughters Home, Our Lady's Haven)
5 Schools (68 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
36,577
7.049
43,626
Volumes added by purchase
791
954
1,745
Volumes added by gift
70
2
72
Volumes added by binding material not otherwise counted
1
1
Total volumes added
862
956
1,818
Volumes lost or withdrawn
264
322
586
Total volumes at end of year
37,175
7,683
44,858
Periodicals currently received (Titles 147, Copies 168)
Publication issued (1 annual report)
192
USE
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes of fiction loaned
28,851
15,874
44,725
Total volumes loaned
45,625
20,416
66,041
Percentage of fiction of total volumes loaned
63.2%
77.7%
67.72%
Circulation per capita
5.47
Circulation per registered borrower
23.76
Pictures, photographs clippings, etc., loaned
183
REGISTRATION
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Borrowers registered during year
680
242
922
Total of registered borrowers
1,945
834
2,779
Percent registered borrowers of population served
23%
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.
193
Table 1 CLASSIFIED BOOK STOCK
BOOK STOCK CHANGES IN 1949
TOTAL BOOK STOCK
ACCESSIONS
WITHDRAWALS
CLASS
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Adult
Juvenile
Total
*General works 000 Philosophy 100
26
0
26
4
0
4
2,651
133
2,784
Religion
200
35
18
53
11
1
12
1,199
110
1,309
Sociology
300
70
39
109
8
8
16
2,979
351
3,330
Language
400
6
33
39
3
7
10
241
192
433
Science
500
30
20
50
0
4
4
1,107
311
1,418
Useful arts
600
93
23
116
14
9
23
2,638
241
2,879
Fine arts
700
85
13
98
33
2
35
2,698
234
2,932
Literature
800
50
11
61
89
7
96
3,431
475
3,906
History
900
38
6
44
13
13
26
2,658
212
2,870
Travel
910-919
63
30
93
8
16
24
2,580
412
2,992
Biography
B-920
67
44
111
10
11
21
3,588
327
3,915
Total non-fiction Total fiction
583 (32.1%) 279 (15.3%)
238 (13.1%) 718 (39.5%)
821 (45.2%) 997 (54.8%)
69
242
311
26,524 (59.1%) 10,651 (23.8%)
3,006 (6.7%) 4,677 (10.4%)
29,530 (65.8%) 15,328 (34.2%)
GRAND TOTAL
862 (47.4%)
956 (52.6%)
1,818 (100%)
264
322
586
37,175 (82.9%)
7,683 (17.1%)
44,858 (100%)
1
21
2
2
4
754
8
762
20
* Includes bound magazines
194
195
80
275
Table 2 1949 DISTRIBUTION OF CIRCULATION
Fiction
Non- Fiction
Total
Grand Total
Total gain or loss over 1948
% Contribution to Total
Non- Fiction | Fiction | Total
MAIN LIBRARY
Adult
Juvenile
26,312 13,228 824
15,247 4,128 17
41,559 17,356 841
+ 2,070 + 1,953 + 57
Dup. Pay Total
59,756
61.1%
29.4%
90.5%
OXFORD BRANCH
Adult
1,051
424
1,475 1,676
805
Total
3,151
268
3.72
1.05
4.77
ANTHONY SCHOOL Juvenile
- 463
EAST FAIRHAVEN SCHOOL Juvenile
1,152
111
1,263
1,263
- 374
1.75
15
1.9
HIGH SCHOOL
Adult
664
1,086 31
1,750 121
- 61
Total
1.13
1.7
2.83
TOTALS
Adult
28,851 15,874
16,774 4,542 21,316
45,625 20,416 66,041
66,041
+ 1,531 + 1,860 + 3,391
43.7 24. 67.7
25.4 6.9 32.3
69.1
Juvenile
30.9
Grand Total
44,725
Percent
67.72%
32.28%
100%
100%
1
537
Juvenile
1,404
272
..
·
...
. ·
1,871
-
59
Juvenile
90
100.
.
.
+ ++
·
195
Table 3 CIRCULATION 1949
Main Library
Oxford Branch
E. Fair- haven School
High School
Dupli- cate Pay
Total Adult
Total Juvenile
GRAND TOTAL
CLASS
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Juvenile
Adult
Juvenile
Adult
1-Periodicals
4,888
129
332
5,220
129
5,349
2-General works
000
68
7
1
8
69
15
84
Philosophy
100
381
25
8
389
25
414
Religion
200
457
131
12
457
143
600
Sociology
300
733
566
2
60
22
19
754
648
1,402
Language
400
136
925
5
136
930
1,066
Science
500
450
408
82
25
28
478
515
993
Useful arts
600
1,866
354
7
16
28
75
1,948
398
2,346
Fine arts
700
1,507
252
11
7
1
16
1,534
260
1,794
Literature
800
1,301
286
2
40
11
459
5
13
1,775
342
2,117
History
900
781
201
6
17
18
37
2
2
826
238
1,064
Travel
910-919
1,312
391
5
18
1
214
3
1,531
413
1,944
Biography
B-920
1,264
447
58
12
230
21
2
1,554
480
2,034
Pamphlets
103
6
103
6
109
Total non-fiction
15,247
4,128
424
272
111
1,086
31
17
16,774
4,542
21,316
Fiction
26,312
13,228
1,051
1,404
1,152
664
90
824
28,851
15,874
44,725
GRAND TOTAL
41,559
17,356
1,475
1,676
1,263
1,750
121
841
45,625
20,416
66,041
58,915
3,151
1,871
1. Not accessioned
Pictures, clippings, etc.
183
2. Includes bound periodicals
Stereoscopes
9
Total
192
196
Index
Page
Accounting Officer
Analysis of Appropriation Accounts 34
Balance Sheet 10
Cash Receipts and Payments 14
Assessors' Department 52
Auditor's Report
44
Building Inspector
76
Fire Alarm Superintendent 66
Fire Department 64
Health Department 67
Animal Inspector 70
Health Nursing Service 72
Inspector of Slaughtering
69
Milk Inspector 71
Highway Department 74
Information About the Town
3
Inserts
William D. Champlin between pages 132 & 133
Millicent Library
176 & 177
Edward G. Spooner, Jr. 66 66 & 67
Victor O. B. Slater 66 66 62 & 63
.
Millicent Library 177
Park Department 83
Planning Board 63
Police Department 86
Public Welfare Department 57
Aid to Dependent Children 60
Old Age Assistance 61
Old Age Assistance Comparison-Graph 62
Public Welfare 59
Page Retirement Board 82 Revenue Dollar Came From and Spent-Chart 13
School Department 95
School Committee Report
98
Superintendent's Report 103
High School Principal
107
School Nurse 111
Expenditures 122
Sealer of Weights and Measures
77
Selectmen
8
Sewer and Water Commissioners 73
Shellfish Inspector
79
State Audit
44
Tax Collector
49
Town Clerk
Births 133
Mariages
138
Deaths
142
Town Meeting Members
169
Town Meetings 1949
146
Town Officers
4
Treasurer
Cash Account 38
Debt and Interest 1950 40
Outstanding Debt 1949 39
Trust Funds 1949
41
Tree Warden 85
Trust Fund Commissioners 43
Water Commissioners 81
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