USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1931 > Part 24
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SPY POND
The annual Town Meeting, upon the recommenda- tion of the Planning Board, voted to acquire two additional
432
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REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
pieces of property on the shore of Spy Pond, consisting of about two acres at the foot of Linwood Street and a small parcel at the foot of Lakehill Avenue.
The importance of the acquirement of the shores of the pond for the use and enjoyment of the public has been stressed by the Board in previous reports, and there is no change in its attitude on this question. As desirable shore property comes on the market from time to time, its purchase by the Town will be recommended.
BATHING FACILITIES
Preliminary studies have been made of the develop- ment of bathing beaches at Spy Pond and at the Arlington Heights Reservoir, and of a swimming pool on the land near Mill Brook, easterly from the Warren A. Peirce Play- ground. It is the expectation and hope of the Board to be able to recommend suitable developments of this character at a later date.
BOSTON ELEVATED RAILWAY SERVICE
At the suggestion of the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works, the Planning Board has studied the problem of finding a suitable location in the vicinity of Arlington Center for a loop track to permit the Boston Elevated Railway to run an increased number of cars between Harvard Square and such loop, and has sub- mitted to you a report with recommendations. The scheme proposed is now being studied by your expert.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT ARLINGTON CENTER
The most vital problem confronting the Town from the standpoint of planning is the traffic situation in Arlington Center, one of the most congested points in the Metropolitan District. The installation of traffic lights and the establishment of certain entering streets as one-
434
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
way thoroughfares has somewhat simplified and facilitated the movement of vehicles, but no radical improvement can be accomplished except by the diversion of a considerable portion of the traffic itself from Massachusetts Avenue. To accomplish this highways must be furnished, by- passing the Center, which will be sufficiently direct and attractive to draw motorists from the present route. Two such alternate routes appear practicable, one lying to the north, the other to the south, of Massachusetts Avenue.
By the construction of a proposed State highway on the north side from Mystic Street in Arlington to Bedford Street in Lexington, referred to in our previous reports as. "Summer Street Boulevard", with a proper extension toward Boston through an improvement of the Mystic Valley Parkway, or the widening of Mystic Street and the extension of Warren Street, or both, a substantial diver -. sion of traffic from the Center will be accomplished.
The southerly route is the project referred to in our previous reports under the heading "Spring Street." This- scheme has now developed into a major State highway project, calling for the construction of about 12 miles of new State highway from Cambridge to Concord extending from the Alewife Brook Parkway in North Cambridge, near the Lexington Branch of the Boston & Maine Rail- road, across the Alewife Brook Meadows to Lake Street near the outlet of Spy Pond, across Lake Street and along the shore of Spy Pond, to and under Pleasant Street at its. junction with Lake Street; thence over the shoulder of. Arlington Heights following rather closely the boundary line between Arlington and Belmont, to Concord Avenue- in Lexington; and thence along the general location of the present Concord Avenue to Concord. The Legislature in 1931 passed a resolve, prepared by this Board and intro -- duced by Senator Charles C. Warren, calling for a study and report upon this project by the Massachusetts De-
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REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
partment of Public Works. This report has been sub- mitted. It is favorable to the project and includes a draft of legislation for its accomplishment.
Of the two foregoing schemes or projects for the relief of Massachusetts Avenue, the Planning Board believes the latter or southerly route to be the more effective. The' report upon the Summer Street or northerly route, sub- mitted by the Division of Metropolitan Planning about a year ago with draft of legislation, is still pending in legis- lative committees. That Division now also recommends the proposed southerly highway to Concord.
The personnel of the Board remains unchanged. Mr. Walton H. Sears has continued to serve as Chairman, and Mr. Herbert M. Dutcher as Secretary.
WALTON H. SEARS, LESTER W. COLLINS, CAROLYN B. REED, HERBERT M. DUTCHER, CHARLES M. MACMILLIN.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1931
Trustees WILLIAM A. MULLER, Chairman ARTHUR J. WELLINGTON, Secretary and Treasurer MISS M. HELEN TEELE MRS. THERESE N. TURNER CYRUS E. DALLIN DR. CHARLES J. WALSH
Librarian MRS. LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD
Librarian Emeritus ELIZABETH J. NEWTON
Reference *MRS. ANTOINETTE W. BRASK
Cataloguing RUTH SAMPSON
MRS. KATHERINE McG. ACHUFF Special work on prints
Junior Department THELMA BRICTSON
Circulation EDITH A. WHITTEMORE
*Resigned
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
General Assistants ESTHER D. GANNETT LOUISE M. MUIR ALICE NELSON MARGARET WEBSTER
Part-Time Assistants PAULINE BENNETT RUTH FULLER
Part-Time Workers ANNE CODY BETTY CREECH MARJORIE GARDNER EDNA KELLAR ELIZABETH TISDALE
Janitor JAMES SULLIVAN
Heights Branch JEANNETTE FAVREAU
Janitor JOHN HERON
East Branch EVA M. SMITH
Janitor PATRICK REDDAN
Messenger ROBERT EVANS AUSTIN MADDEN
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN
The Trustees present herewith the report of the Rob- bins Library for the year 1931.
This year, as is clearly shown by the following report of the librarian, has been one of great activity in all de- partments. Not only has the circulation increased to 256,610, but the number of our citizens taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the library is now more than 6,373. A careful tabulation was made by our librarian during the months of April to December, in- clusive, of Arlington people who came to the main library and its branches, and statistics were thus secured that few librarians are able to furnish. Our circulation per capita during the year was 7 9/10ths, the highest in our history.
Too great appreciation cannot be expressed over the added facilities that have come to us in the completion of our Junior Library, which was opened on Saturday, February 28, 1931. This was made possible by the generous appropriation of $90,000 by the Town in April, 1930. The cut published herewith gives an excellent idea of the original library with the new addition.
Now that our main plant seems adequate, we are looking forward to the construction of very necessary Branch Library buildings in both the Heights district and East Arlington. At the Annual Town Meeting this year, a committee was appointed to secure plans and estimates for the construction of a branch library at the Heights. This is the first step in a desirable direction, and the trustees look forward to the successful completion of the project as soon as the present unfortunate financial condition has passed.
The Trustees are most appreciative of all the gifts that have come to the library during the year, and again
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
particularly express their thanks to the "Friend of the Children" who has so generously given us $5,000, the in- come from which is to be used for the purchase of children's books.
1
During this year the librarian and staff have met with the greatest difficulties in the conduct of their work be- cause of the reconstruction work in the main library and the work in building the Junior Library. Because of their spendid co-operation and cheerfulness under very trying conditions, the Trustees wish to express their commenda- tion and thanks.
For the Trustees, WILLIAM A. MULLER, Chairman.
1
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN FOR THE YEAR 1931
To the Board of Trustees:
I respectfully submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1931 :
The past year was one of growth and progress in every department of the library. Among the high lights of the year was the opening of the new addition in March. This addition gave us a Junior Library of adequate size, a catalogue room, a small gallery, staff quarters, and a small hall for library and community activities.
As one reviews all of the activities of the past year one cannot but realize what a poor measuring stick we have in circulation figures. These, however, tell at least a part of the truth and for the less imaginative justify the expenditure of the Town money.
We have circulated 256,610 books during the year 1931. A gain of over 20% or a gain of 45,918, and 530 pictures.
The gain was made at the following stations:
Central desk .
30,192
Junior Library
9,093
East Branch .
2,775
Heights Branch
2,455
Schools.
1,403
Total
45,918
440
441
COMPARATIVE CIRCULATION
Central
East
Heights
Schools
Total
Gain
1923
50,481
7,408
4,139
62,028
Loss of 501
1924 .
75,348
9,098
5,139
89,585
27,557
1925
88,392
8,516
5,248
102,156
12,571
1926
101,610
11,601
6,563
119,774
17,618
1927 .
118,954
12,359
9,208
140,521
20,747
1928 .
137,121
17,353
15,145
169,619
29,098
1929
149,050
22,889
21,064
662
193,665
24,046
1930
158,079
25,931
21,618
5,064
210,692
17,027
1931 .
197,364
28,706
24,073
6,467
256,610
45,918
-
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GRAND TOTAL CIRCULATION FOR THE YEAR-1931 BY CLASSES CENTRAL, BRANCHES, AND SCHOOLS
Month
Gen.
Phil.
Rel.
Soc.
Lang
Sc.
Useful Arts
Fine Arts
Lit.
Hist.
Trav.
Biog.
Non- Fict.
Fict.
Total
January .
800
194
131
1,988
14
362
358
409
954
475
709
654
7,048
15,839
22,887
February .
674
184
99
1,613
13
186
352
393
749
338
523
711
5,835
14,259
20,094
March .
864
178
127
2,327
14
253
426
473
882
501
661
675
7,381
15,997
23,378
April .
774
199
82
2,086
15
201
354
456
845
417
527
565
6,521
14,492
21,013
May. .
719
164
78
1,771
5
234
291
399
773
347
460
450
5,691
12,558
18,249
June .
604
181
74
2,181
11
329
321
365
700
459
728
558
6,511
14,999
21,510
July . .
548
144
54
1,515
11
138
211
332
592
259
416
413
4,633
13,401
18,034
August
577
138
38
1,614
12
155
261
319
517
272
420
455
4,778
13,119
17,897
September.
734
173
57
1,386
19
200
350
403
743
390
509
591
5,555
13,773
19,328
October .
939
241
113
2,204
20
234
444
519
1,030
525
569
660
7,498
16,767
24,265
November
801
270
105
2,685
17
254
423
540
1,130
509
658
679
8,071
17,351
25,422
December
699
189
106
2,981
10
261
441
513
1,167
489
594
751
8,201
16,332
24,533
Total .
8,733
2,255
1,064|24,351
161
2,807
4,232
5,12]
10,082 4,981
6,774 7,162
77,723
178,887 256,610
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
TOTAL CIRCULATION-1931
Gain over
Adult Juvenile
Total
1930
Central.
147,765
49,599
197,364
39,285
East Branch .
11,539
17,167.
28,706
2,775
Heights Branch.
11,412
12,661
24,073
2,455
Schools.
6,467
6,467
1,403
Total
170,716
85,894 256,610
45,918
An increase of books for vacation use was shown, 1,501 being taken. The type of book used for vacation reading was not largely of the hammock variety but showed a desire for self improvement and serious study.
The work in the reference room has continued to in- crease. Members of clubs come for help in making pro- grams, the business man and student have received help. Material for the curious inquirer and serious minded alike have received careful attention.
The pamphlet file has been an ever-increasing source of supply of up-to-date facts.
Very inadequate figures tell us that there was an attendance of 30,729 persons using the reading room.
WORK WITH CHILDREN
The extent of the library's service to the boys and girls of Arlington may be evidenced by the fact that a total of 85,894 books were borrowed from the Junior Library of the main library, the children's shelves of the branches and from the class-room libraries sent to the schools.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
THE CHILDREN'S CIRCULATION
1
1930
1931
Gain
Junior Library
40,506
49,599
9,093
Heights Branch
13,163
12,661
-502
East Branch
15,746
17,167
1,421
Schools.
5,064
6,467
1,403
Total
74,479
85,894
11,415
This is an increase of 11,415 circulation over the year 1930.
Outside of the issuing of books, much time is given by the Children's librarian in answering questions, finding books for children and in assisting parents and teachers in book selection, and the preparation of the class-room libraries, for which 6,467 books were sent out.
This is a gain of 1,403 books over the previous year.
1,658 books were charged to teachers for use in their classes. A gain of 263.
Each year gives further evidence of the value of the story hour as an introduction to books. It has become an indispensable part of our service to children.
Since we have had the use of the Junior Library Hall in March, we have been able to much more successfully carry on the story hour. We now have a well-ventilated room, suited to our needs, which seats 104. 1,489 children attended the story hours with an average attendance of 70. During the summer months the Everyland Club held meetings with an average attendance of 87. The giving of puppet shows was a new feature of the season. The children made the puppets, arranged the stage and put on the plays.
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
At the request of some older boys a stamp club was formed in July. A most interesting group of boys from different sections of the Town have been brought to- gether and several men who have been stamp collectors have offered to help in the club meetings.
The opening of the new room has brought visitors and readers, numbering many grown persons, whose object for coming differs from that of the children, since they were seeking material on the development of children's books, play producing, and the proper book for "my boy."
Good Book Week was observed by an exhibit of children's books in the Junior Library, with the Junior Library open to adults until 9 P.M. A program of special activities was scheduled for several afternoons and a lecture one evening by Mrs. Hazel Mitchell McCann, "Books as Gateways," was attended by scouts, teachers, and parents.
Having a small hall and a gallery enabled the library to more vitally touch different groups in the community.
The trustees extended to the Art Committee of the Women's Club the use of the hall and gallery for a series of five lectures and exhibits for the Club year. Two very successful exhibits have been held in the gallery with lec- tures and teas on the opening days in the hall. The first exhibit was Cape Cod paintings by Gerrit Beneker and the second by Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Murphy with a lecture by A. J. Philpott, art critic of the Boston Globe. The same courtesy was extended to the Garden Club.
The Garden Club held a very interesting lecture and tea in December. The subject of the lecture, given by Mrs. Grace Mansfield, was "Christmas decorations out- side and in."
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The hall was used weekly by a group of Senior Girl Scouts, for our story hour and Stamp Club.
It has been let for lectures and has been used by Boy Scout executives.
In April the Trustees of the library were hosts to the Charles River Library Club.
Mrs. Katherine Achuff has continued to work on the classifying of the print collection. The upstairs gallery has been rehung with prints in frames of gumwood, with removable backs. It is the intent to change them from time to time as interest demands.
We borrowed from the Massachusetts Library Com- mission 172 books, in nine different languages. The largest number borrowed were in Swedish, with Portuguese second, and Armenian, third.
One hundred and twelve books were obtained from other libraries upon the request of individual readers. The Boston Public Library loaned 83, the Somerville Public Library 16, with others from Medford and Newton. We were able to answer 42 requests for books from Everett, Lexington, Medford, and other nearby towns.
Through the main library and the branches there have been added 2,026 new registrations and 328 renewals, making a total of 2,354 for the year.
The Branches have continued to do an increasing amount of work under the same handicaps; namely, lack of proper housing and more books.
In buying books the question arises of the proper division of income between temporarily popular books and those of permanent value. No hard and fast rule can be laid down. Both kinds must be bought. Much of the book appropriation must be spent on books of not
447
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
merely ephemeral interest if the library collection is to have lasting value.
Gifts and bequests for the purchase of books of im- portance are of great use and persons may here find a fruitful field for benefaction which would contribute to the higher interests of the community.
The total number of volumes added to the library collection in 1931 was 5,474, compared with 4,765 added in 1930, a gain of 709.
The volumes were acquired as follows: 5,163 by pur- chase, 322 by gift, 94 were recatalogued, 963 were with- drawn, making the total number of volumes, 46,929. Pamphlets 1,611.
10,618 catalogue cards were filed.
2,995 books and 52 periodicals were rebound.
GIFTS
We wish to acknowledge the following gifts:
The Clover Lend-a-hand presented handwrought andirons and an ornamental fork for the Junior Library fireplace, in memory of Miss Vida Damon, who was for many years a member of the club.
This gift to the Junior Library was particularly appro- priate as Miss Damon was for some time a kindergarten teacher and was always much interested in the activities of children.
The andirons beautifully wrought in the Italian
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Renaissance style were designed by Mr. William Proctor of the firm of Gay, & Proctor, architects of the library wing.
A gift appreciated by many was the necessary funds to meet the expense of engraving "Robbins Library" on the Massachusetts Avenue front of the Library. This was given by Miss Elizabeth J. Newton.
Christmas season was made apparent in the Junior Library by a seven-foot tree which was placed and decorated by the Garden Club members.
During the summer and fall the library was made attractive with choice flowers from the gardens of the club members.
Five thousand dollars was received from a person who wishes to remain anonymous, for a fund, the income to be used for the purchase of children's books.
Over 1,300 books, unmounted pictures and pamphlets were received from the Misses Ida and Caira Robbins. The art committee of the Women's Club presented a placque executed by Mr. Cyrus Dallin, which was won by them for achievement in art from the State Federation of Clubs.
We wish to acknowledge the gift of books from the following:
Mrs. E. E. Dann Mrs. W. H. Francis
Miss Marie L. Gray Mr. C. A. Hardy Mrs. F. Hubbard
Mr. H. G. Kimball Mr. Samuel Lanza Mrs. E. S. Martin
Opened February 28, 1931 ROBBINS LIBRARY SHOWING NEW ADDITION
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JUNIOR LIBRARY READING ROOM Opened February 28, 1931
JUNIOR LIBRARY LECTURE HALL Opened February 28, 1931
ROBBINS LIBRARY SHOWING NEW ADDITION Opened February 28, 1931
449
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission Mr. E. S. Montgomery Mr. R. F. Needham Mr. F. G. Rawson
Dr. Barbara Ring Misses Ida and Caira Robbins
Mr. E. H. Thompson
Mrs. O. W. Underwood
A portrait, painted by Marion Boyd Allen, of Mr. John T. Trowbridge, one time Trustee and author, was presented to the library by Mrs. Edith Vom Baur.
STAFF
There was one resignation in 1931, that of the Refer- ence Librarian, Mrs. Antoinette White Brask, which be- came effective in September. Miss Edith Whittemore was away from the library for four months on account of ill health.
Miss Alice Nelson attended the American Library Association at New Haven. Miss Esther Gannett took a summer course at Simmons College. Of the assistants, four are taking educational courses in Boston. State meetings and group meetings have been attended by all at various times during the year.
Whatever of success there has been in the operation of the library has depended on the efficiency and loyalty of the staff.
To you as Trustees, I wish to express my sincere thanks for your sympathetic co-operation in the adminis- tration of the library affairs.
Respectfully submitted,
(MRS.) LUCINDA FIELD SPOFFORD, Librarian.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for year ended December 31, 1931
Name of library: Robbins Library
City: Arlington. State: Massachusetts
Name of Librarian: Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford
Date of founding 1835
Population served.
35,089
Assessed valuation of Town
$63,226,650.00
Terms of use: Free for lending
FREE FOR REFERENCE
Total number of agencies . 3
Consisting of Central Library
1
Branches . 2
Number of days open during year
(Central Library) 302
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library) 66
Hours open each week for reading
(Central Library) 66
INCREASE
Number of volumes at beginning of year. .
42,418
Number of volumes added during year by purchase . 5,163
Number of volumes added during year by gift or exchange 322
Number of volumes lost or withdrawn during year. . 963
Total number at end of year
46,929
USE
Adult Juvenile Total
Number of volumes of fiction
lent for home use . 127,548 51,339 178,887
Total number of volumes lent for home use .. 170,716 85,894 256,610 530
Pictures circulated
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
REGISTRATION
Number of borrowers registered during year. . 2,354
Registration period, years. 5
Number of periodicals and newspapers cur- rently received : Titles . 134
Copies . 182
Number of publications issued during year :
Book lists . 12
Number of staff, library service (including part- time) 14
Number of staff, janitor service
3
FINANCE
Receipts from :
Trust Fund Income Balance Jan. 1, 1931 . $1,912.70
Appropriation by Town . . 30,543.34
Income from Trust Funds
3,125.34
Robbins Art Fund-Special . $1,000.00
Robbins Art Fund-Care of
Art Collection 589.70
Gift for Children's books. 501.62
2,091.32
$37,672.70
Expenditures .
34,233.52
Trust Fund Balance, December 31, 1931 $3,439.18
Payment for:
Salaries, library service
$15,938.37
Salaries, janitor service
1,693.16
Books and periodicals.
8,270.49
Bindery
2,145.75
Fuel . .
1,306.21
Light
933.62
Building and Grounds.
1,747.90
Telephone
144.09
Other Expenses .
1,464.23
Care of Robbins Art Collection
589.70
$34,233.52
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Arlington, January, 1932.
During the past year your committee has been faced with many problems of major importance, chief among them the necessity for securing a superintendent to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Chester A. Moody, which took effect on July 1, 1931, after nine years of service in Arlington as Executive Officer of the School Committee.
The committee began its task early last year. Many meetings were held, many candidates interviewed and several superintendents were invited to become candi- dates. We were fortunate in finally securing an out- standing educator and school administrator in the person of Clarence H. Dempsey, formerly Commissioner of Edu- cation for the State of Vermont. Mr. Dempsey had previously been a successful superintendent in several Massachusetts cities and comes to us with a background and a wealth of experience seldom found in candidates for such positions. He has already demonstrated the wisdom of our choice.
The committee has made many changes in organiza- tion and management, both to reduce school expenses and to secure maximum efficiency in school administra- tion. The offices of primary supervisor and business agent have been discontinued. The work done by the primary supervisor has been taken over by the principals under the direct supervision of the superintendent. The superintendent has been made solely responsible for the
452
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
purchase of supplies. The maintenance of school build- ings has been put under the direction of a Supervisor of Maintenance responsible to the superintendent.
The entering age has been changed and the sub- primary classes have been discontinued, both resulting in economy of administration and in relieving crowded buildings.
Your committee has realized the extreme necessity for economy and will turn back unexpended balances amounting to $24,958.95. We were able to transfer, with the approval of the voters, $3,000. to provide work to help the unemployed. By careful study we have planned our program so that we shall request practically no increase in school appropriations this year in spite of a larger enrolment and the addition of two new buildings. We cannot stand further cuts, however, if the town ex- pects to maintain the high standing of Arlington's educa- tional system and to keep the school property in satis- factory condition.
Your attention is directed to the superintendent's detailed report, particularly regarding school finances, the needs in the high school, and future building require- ments.
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