USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1940 > Part 35
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the Board, after due investigation, study and consideration, recommended and the Town Meeting acted favorably on changes in zoning as follows: (1) an area in the vicinity of Summer Street, from the Business classification to the Gen- eral Residence classification ; and (2) an area in the vicinity of Bates Road, from the General Residence to the Single Residence classification. These two changes in Zoning fundamentally increase the restrictions to conform to the actual development of the areas involved.
The Board, acting on a petition signed by the requisite number of registered voters, recommended favorable Town Meeting action to change the zoning classification of an area at Burton Street and Massachusetts Avenue from Sin- gle Residence to Business. In this case, restrictions which appeared to penalize the property unduly were removed by the rezoning action voted by the Town Meeting.
In order that the procedure governing appeals might be made more equitable, the Board cooperated with the bodies affected-the Selectmen and the Board of Appeals- by recommending a change in the By-Laws to the end that all appeals resulting from the refusal of a permit would be heard by the Board of Appeals.
A change in zoning to permit the construction of a radio broadcast transmitter station on Turkey Hill was re- ported upon adversely by your Board since, after consid- erable investigation of the factors involved, the Board was convinced that the character of the existing adjacent terri- tory should be protected, that the erection of such a station would not be beneficial to Arlington in the long run, and that the refusal of the petition would in no way hinder the future development of radio.
Chairman Harold C. Knight again represented the Planning Board on the Special Park and Playground Com- mittee which is endeavoring to further benefit the Town by planning better and more adequate playground facilities throughout Arlington.
651
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board's plans of a roadway on the east- erly side of Spy Pond, prepared in connection with pre- vious studies, were turned over to the Joint Board of Se- lectmen and Public Works for their study and such use in connection with their own plans as they may find desirable.
This Board was represented by a majority of its mem- bership at a meeting with the Board of Public Works and others concerning the noise caused by the trolley cars on Massachusetts Avenue. It was also represented at the Bos- ton Elevated meeting at the Statler Hotel to preview the film of the Transit Commission on transportation problems.
It has cooperated with and met with the State Federa- tion of Planning Boards, the State Planning Board, the Metropolitan Division of Planning, State Board of Public Works, the National Resources Commission and local groups in connection with various problems.
The Board wishes to record its appreciation for the cooperation and assistance of Mr. Paul M. White, Town Counsel, Mr. James M. Keane, Town Engineer, and Mr. Paul H. Mossman, Building Inspector; and the Board of Health for the use of its office for Planning Board meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. KNIGHT, Chairman HARTWELL FLEMMING, Sec'y. HERBERT M. DUTCHER CHARLES H. BOWKER SEROVP P. BASMAJIAN
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652
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
FOR THE YEAR 1940
Trustees WILLIAM A. MULLER, Chairman ARTHUR J. WELLINGTON, Secretary MISS M, HELEN TEELE MRS. SARAH R. VAUGHN CYRUS E. DALLIN *DR. CHARLES J. WALSH ¡FRANCIS J. KEEFE
Librarian MRS. LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD
Librarian Emeritus ELIZABETH J. NEWTON
Assistants
RUTH SAMPSON, Cataloguer and Senior Assistant MARGARET WEBSTER ERSKINE, Reference Librarian ESTHER GANNETT, Classifier THELMA BRICTSON MONTAGUE, Children's Librarian RUTH FULLER, Head of Circulation
Branch Librarians JEANNETTE FAVREAU, Dallin Branch EVA M. SMITH, East Branch
General Assistants LOUISE CAMPBELL MARIANNA HEMENWAY HELEN HENRY
* Resigned
¿Appointed to fill vacancy
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY 653
FRANCES MACAULAY RACHEL M. SANTOLIQUIDO
Part-time Workers
HELEN J. BEAUDET
VIRGINIA BEAUMONT
MARION CHAPMAN
ELEANOR DE ROCHE JEANNE DOHERTY NANCY DUNCAN BETTY EVANS
ELIZABETH GRAY
MARILYN HEEGER RUTH HENRICKSON. JACQUELYN HESSION SUSANNE MCGILLVRAY ANGELA H. PHILLIPS JEAN N. YOUNG
Janitors JAMES SULLIVAN, Main Library GEORGE A. CAPES, Dallin Branch JOHN SMITH, East Branch CHARLES L. O'NEILL, Messenger
Curator Robbins Print Collection
MRS. KATHRYN M. ACHUFF
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR 1940
The Trustees of the Robbins Library present this re- port for the year 1940.
Our Librarian, Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford, gives in her report printed herewith, a detailed account of the activities of the year.
Our expenses for the year amounted to $33,589.87 of which $32,620.00 was appropriated by the Town and the balance was income from Trust Funds.
654
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The circulation of books is an index of the growth and activity of the Library. This year the number of books cir- culated amounts to 327,791. Again the Trustees call at- tention to the comparatively small number of our books and the need of an increased appropriation for the purchase of a more adequate supply. There is a growing demand for technical books. This demand is met to some extent by the privilege of the inter-library loan, but the value of our own library would be greatly increased by the ownership of these books.
The Library has become a civic center through the use of its facilities by clubs of varied interest-art, civic, gar- den, Girl Scout and Red Cross classes. All these activities indicate its growing influence in the community.
The Trustees gratefully acknowledge the generous gifts of flowers, Christmas decorations and books to both the Dallin Branch and the Central Library.
The Trustees regret to announce the resignation of Dr. Charles J. Walsh. As a member of the Building Com- mittee since February 2, 1925, he has given efficient service and untiring interest to the needs of this building. Francis Keefe, Esq., was chosen by the Selectmen and Trustees to fill the vacancy until the Town Meeting.
Attention is again called to the valuable collection of prints which is under the charge of the able curator, Mrs. Kathryn Achuff. The collection has been represented in the Gallery of the Library and its value and meaning will be demonstrated by Mrs. Achuff to anyone who is interested.
The Trustees express their keen appreciation of the ex- cellent cooperation of Mrs. Spofford and the members of her staff. Their splendid service has given the Robbins Library an outstanding character.
For the Trustees WILLIAM A. MULLER
Chairman
655
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN FOR THE
YEAR 1940
To the Trustees of the Robbins Library :
I herewith submit the report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1940, this being the thirteenth report of the present Librarian.
As we review the work of the library year after year we find people asking why the Library? Why read? Aside from the value of the library to children, a value which none would question, the late George H. Evans, former librarian at the Somerville Public Library, in a paper de- livered at the Old Colony Library Club at Kingston, Mass., June 11, 1931 and entitled "Why Read?" has set forth the reasons for reading very succintly. I take the liberty of quoting from the bare frame work of a beautifully written "Little sermon about books."
"Why Read ?
People read because they are in search of something First, is the quest for power. Men read for profitable in- formation.
The second quest is the pursuit of culture.
Read to enrich and perfect your lives.
A third reason why people read is the quest for escape. Read to escape for a little from the cares that fret you.
One of our primitive urges is the quest of discovery. Read that your liberated spirit may take the wings of the morning and fly into the uttermost parts of the earth.
656
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The seeker of an emotional outlet finds in books a valuable resource.
Read to liberate your appreciations and aspirations, and to cultivate human understanding.
The sixth of the reader's quests is to engage in the search of companionship.
Read to find friendly companionship that will endure the test of time."
To have brought books to people, that in itself is a great mission.
HOW MUCH HAS ARLINGTON READ?
That the people of Arlington has availed themselves of the use of the library is evident by the fact that 327,791 books were loaned for home use in 1940.
1943 new borrowers were registered in 1940. We have a population of 39,939.
The Town appropriated $32,620.00
Income from funds 2,041.70
Total income $34,661.70
The library returned to the Town $2,337.13 received from fines and other sources.
4,226 books were added to the Library by purchase and 122 by gift; a total of 4,348 books.
This number is larger by 885 than the previous year.
2,386 volumes were discarded.
Total book collection 62,567.
2,892 books were bound by commercial binders and 476 periodicals and small books by W. P. A.
657
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
CIRCULATION STATISTICS-1940
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Center
175,996
48,964
224,960
Dallin Branch
30,077
22,919
52,996
East Branch
12,254
15,086
27,340
Schools
22,495
22,495
Total
...
218,327
109,464
327,791
Fiction
Non-fiction
Total
Adult
117,634
58,362
175,996
Juvenile
25,176
23,788
48,964
Dallin
34,705
18,291
52,996
East
18,084
9,256
27,340
Schools
8,944
7,700
16,644
J. H. W.
3,145
2,706
5,851
Total
207,688
120,103
327,791
CIRCULATION BY YEARS
Year
Total
1928
169,619
1929
193,665
1930
210,692
1931
256,610
1932
308,433
1933
328,924
1934
323,993
1935
321,515
1936
310,300
1937
305,915
1938
348,994
1939
329,355
1940
327,791
658
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
CIRCULATION BY STATIONS
Comparison with 1939
1939
1940
Loss
Gain
Center, Adult
177,683
175,996
1,687
Center, Juvenile
48,225
48,964
739
East Branch
27,702
27,340
362
Dallin Branch
52,376
52,996
620
Schools
23,369
22,495
874
Total
329,355
327,791
2,923
1,359
Total loss
..
1,564
HOW MUCH DID IT COST?
Total amount spent in 1940 including Town appro- priation and income from Funds :
Salaries
$19,933.58
Books
5,746.32
Periodicals
534.83
Bindery
2,289.37
Fuel
1,761.03
Light
983.94
Buildings and Grounds
1,054.09
Telephone
150.07
Other Expenses
1,136.64
Total
$33,589.87
The work of indexing local papers by the W. P. A. was terminated in June. At the present time the indexes to the Arlington Advocate, 1871-1938; and Arlington News, 1932- 1938; and the Arlington Enterprise, 1898-1903 are com- pleted and bound. Indexing of the Arlington Advocate and Arlington News for the year 1939 has been done and is waiting to be typed.
659
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Selected collections of books have been made use of by people for study and pleasure.
Books were sent to the playground during the summer season. In this same manner Church, Parent-Teacher Study groups as well as the Arlington firemen have enjoyed the resources of the library. During the summer 311 children's books and 990 adult books traveled on vacations privilege to many places to be enjoyed by our patrons at the moun- tains or seashore.
16,168 books were sent to the Branches.
Portions of the report of the Reference Librarian fol- lows :
"The Reference Department of the Library has had many requests during the year 1940 for information on the industries and trades. With the definite trend to trade and industrial work which the National Defense program has brought about, our books on such subjects have been in con- stant use. Definite need for this type of book can be judged from the following typical requests :
Gas Analysis Illuminating Engineering Dies and Diemaking Tool-making Foundry Work Shipbuilding
Book lists compiled here at the library on world affairs and those taken from the American Library Association Booklists were made the basis of a "World Affairs" table in the Reference Room. "Headline Books" published by the Foreign Policy Association, and other timely pamphlets were placed in this exhibit. During the 1940 Presidential campaign, biographies of the candidates, history of the poli- tical parties, voting privileges for citizens of the United States were used constantly from this table. Books on Gov-
660
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ernment and Citizenship have been in demand since the drive for citizenship papers. Several have come to the Li- brary for information on the alien registration law, the selective service bill and the draft law. Certainly the times are reflected in the types of requests which come to a Public Library.
Both parents and students have availed themselves of the opportunity to look through our collection of college, junior college and vocational school catalogs. Programs of courses and lectures for the current year are on file in the Reference Room. As much as possible notices of events of current interest, maps and pictures are placed on the bulle- tin boards.
Helpful lists were compiled, printed, and distributed among our borrowers. Two of the most popular were:
Keeping up with Photography
Books help make Gardens Grow
Five bibliographies were made for the Arlington Clubs.
An interesting exhibit which attracted wide interest was that of Mutilated books and magazines. Among the lists of books around which exhibits of books were arranged were:
The Business Executive's Model Office Library
Four New England Authors
Robert Frost, Kenneth Roberts, Robert Hillyer, Gladys Hasty Carroll Personalities at the Book Fair
Modern Decorative Art
Your Country in Fiction Books Make Gardens Grow
Now more than ever before, the High School student needs help and guidance along the paths of reading. Teach- ers have made special requests for collections of books to
661
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
be placed on reserve for the students. Such collections have included books on Art, English Literature, History and Vocations.
A special section was set aside for books and pamphlets on vocations. To attract the interest of a student to these books, reading lists were made and exhibits arranged. Special exhibits on display during the year were on Radio, Aviation and Secretarial work. Pictures and text described types of occupations and showed the persons at work. Vo- cational material has been much used. The Radio is com- ing more and more into its own as an educational aid for world peace. Groups as well as individuals are finding broadcasts on World Affairs a valuable basis for study and discussion. These radio programs stimulate reading among our borrowers to a great degree. We have numerous re- quests resulting definitely from a certain program heard on the radio.
Many too are the questions dealing with local history. Some of these requests were more difficult to find than others :
Trace course of Middlesex Canal History of the Industries of Arlington Pictures of the old mills of Arlington
One of the most useful tools of the library especially now, when up to the minute material is so much needed is our pamphlet material. 650 pamphlets were added and 310 discarded. Our pamphlet file now contains 3,147 pieces of material.
The pamphlet file has served us well during the year. Here one may find the latest changes listed in the various governments of the world, up to date information on the present war besides other important things too numerous to mention. Many pamphlets on Military Training have been added to the collection which are worthy of note:
662
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Universal Training for National Defense
Bill for Selective Compulsory Military Training and Service
Military Training and Jobs
Conscription Bill
Selective Service Regulations including the organiza- tion and administration; registration; classifiica- tion ; physical standards.
Many interesting requests came to the Reference Desk during 1940 some of which were:
History of the fishing net
Marine battles
Plan E of Cambridge Jewelry making Sign for the English pound Diagram of canal locks Picture of dry docks Glass fibres
749 pamphlets were circulated in 1940. Over 300 Ref- erence questions were received and answered by telephone. 49 Reference books and 24 bound periodicals were added to the Reference Collection.
In 1940, 176 books were borrowed from other libraries including books on town and city planning; Criminology; Perfumes and Cosmetics; Highway engineering; Com- munity organizations; Textile design; Pumps and Lathes, 90 of this number were borrowed from Harvard-Boston University Extension Course for the teachers of Arlington. 36 books were loaned by the Robbins Library to other Libraries.
234 books in 7 different languages have been borrowed from the Division of Public Libraries."
The use of the Library Hall has been a great satisfac-
663
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
tion to the Trustees. It was used 296 times by clubs of many interests, art lectures, civic and patriotic. The gallery has at all times contained exhibits of interest. The summer months a showing of prints from the Robbins Print Collec- tion drew much attention. At other times during the year, the exhibits were for the most part arranged by the Art Committee of the Woman's Club. The following exhibits were on view :
Water colors by Marion E. Daugherty
Pencil sketches, oils and water colors by H. Lee Shum- way.
Colored costume designs. Architectural exhibit.
Decorative arts, work of Mrs. John Wallen and pupils. Art work of school children.
Exhibit of pictures by Camera Club.
Madonnas, Medici prints, loaned by Hale, Cushman & Flint.
At Christmas, three windows by High School pupils to represent stained glass, with designs suitable to the season.
The Library is endeavoring to fill its place in this dis- turbed world. To quote,
"This is not a time for hysteria but for clear, calm thinking, not a time for waste motions but for effi- ciency, not a time for blame and cynicism but for con- tinued trust in our institutions, in our friends, our neighbors, and in our own ideals. In books can be studied the backgrounds of this world situation; in books are things we need to know about all people and all countries ; in books are our best, though imperfect analyses of economic, racial, and social problems; in books is still the best expression of the best thinking of mankind."
Therefore books must be selected with much care. They
664
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
must have value and interest. "As far as material permits, all sides of questions on which differences of opinion exist should be presented fairly and adequately."
The seventh season of Sunday Readings with three meetings continued to bring together an interested assem- bly. The speakers were Rev. George Butters, Rev. John Nicol Mark, Mr. Joseph Keating, Supt. of Schools, Mrs. Robert Rice and Mrs. John K. Berry, Jr. Talks on current books and a survey of Southern Literature made up a pro- gram that was of much appeal.
For the twelfth summer season the Everyland Club was active. Good Book Week was the occasion of the visit of over four hundred school children as well as an evening of enjoyment about the open fire with parents and teachers. Story hours were attended by 1,275 at the Main Library and 728 at Dallin Branch. A Hobby Show in April gave much pleasure to the children and brought parents with their children to the Library.
The amount of work done at the Dallin Branch has in its third year in the new building justified the amount spent for the building. More and more the Hall is being used by literary and civic groups. A new addition is a Well-baby clinic each Friday afternoon.
Of the East Branch the same needs are felt, as have been stated each year: A Branch building to serve East Arlington. Here more hours of opening and more books would count for much. Youth should here be served more adequately and the adult should find a place of rest and pleasure among books. The Branch Librarian continues to serve faithfully and well under many handicaps.
GIFTS
The Library was the recipient of many gifts and kindly attentions. Books were received from the following :
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Edward Allen Company Miss Leslie Allen Arlington Garden Club
Arlington Heights Study Club Arlington Rotary Club
Miss Anna and Mabel Barnes
Mrs. Leroy Brown P. Bunau-Varilla
Mrs. E. P. Capes
Chrysler Corporation Commissioner of Brazil to The Golden Gate Interna- tional Exposition
Cork Institute
Dennison Manufacturing Company
Mr. James A. Doherty
Mr. Horace Everett
Fidelis Class of Arlington Heights Baptist Church
Mr. William A. Forbes
Mr. J. Fred Frost
Mrs. Chester Noyes Greenough
Mrs. G. F. Gruber
Mrs. Fred H. Hortter
Helen L. Kelley
Bliss Knapp
Junior Literary Guild
Junior Woman's Club
Miss Julia Maynard Mrs. A. L. Mearkle
National Soap Sculpture Committee
New York University School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance Estate of Judge Parmenter Red Cross The Misses Robbins Ryerson and Clements B. D. Sampson Mrs. Geneva Smith
Standard Oil Company Southern Combed Yarn Spinners
666
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Miss Beryl Sullivan Windemere Press Mrs. Grace S. Woodbridge
Subscriptions to several magazines have been grate- fully received from religious, civic, and patriotic organizations.
To Mr. Henry A. Jenks, Vice-President of the Arling- ton Stamp Club we are indebted for the gift of a complete series of American authors and artists, uncancelled stamps and for the loan each month of frames filled with stamps of unusual interest.
Again the Library is much indebted to the Arlington Garden Club for much of beauty and cheer.
STAFF
The continuance of service throughout the year by the same staff members has added much to the easy running and the efficiency of the service.
Various members of the staff have taken courses both of a technical and cultural nature.
The Librarian and several staff members have an- swered the requests from clubs for speakers on subjects pertinent to library work.
In closing this survey of the year 1940, I wish to ex- press to the staff my sincere appreciation for their helpful- ness and their desire to carry out the policies of the library. I am mindful of the continued help and confidence of the Trustees. Your cooperation has been a sustaining aid and for this I wish to express my grateful thanks.
Respectfully submitted, LUCINDA FIELD SPOFFORD,
Librarian.
667
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE ROBBINS PRINT COLLECTION FOR THE YEAR 1940
To the Trustees of the Robbins Print Fund :
The year 1940, though a quiet one, has seen the Robbins Collection becoming better known among museum people and researchers in the field of portraiture. Numerous in- quiries, particularly for obscure portrait subjects, have been answered; and in two recent books, portraits from the Rob- bins Collection have been reproduced : "Enchanted Wand- erer," the life of Carl Maria von Weber, by Lucy and Rich- ard Poate Stebbins; and a supplement to text books on American history by Melville Freeman, of the High School of Practical Arts, Boston. Since our collection is almost unique in its wide range of portrait subjects, the possibil- ities for research are great.
The bulk of the prints has been considerably increased by mounting, and there will soon be need for more storage cases. In order not to have too great congestion in the meantime, the work of matting is being temporarily slowed down. But the volume of prints to be catalogued is still so large that the card-indexing can be carried on indefinitely. The large exhibition of portraits is still on view in the print room; and during the summer there was a special showing in the library gallery of drypoints by Walter Tittle-por- traits of delegates to the Conference on the Limitation of Armaments, in Washington, D. C., 1921-22. All but two of the twenty-five subjects in this Arms Memorial Portfolio are now in the Robbins Collection.
The following prints have been added to the collection in 1940:
Drypoints from the Arms Conference set by Walter Tittle :
668
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Admiral Ferdinand de Bon Sir Ernle Chatfield Hon. John W. Garrett M. Fournier Sarlovèze Marquis Visconti Venosta
Miscellaneous :
Oliver Wendell Holmes-Wood engraving by Timothy Cole
Chauncey F. Ryder-Etching by Keith Shaw Williams Stow Wengenroth-Etching by Keith Shaw Williams
KATHRYN M. ACHUFF,
Curator.
ROBBINS ART FUND
Statement of Robbins Art Fund Expenditures :
Expenditures :
Salaries
$1,011.20
Prints
128.95
All others
13.97
Total
$1,154.12
669
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1940. Name of Library: Robbins Library.
City: Arlington. State: Massachusetts.
Name of Librarian : Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford.
Date of founding
1835
Population served
39,939
Assessed Valuation of Town $59,274,700.00
FREE FOR REFERENCE
Total number of agencies 3
Consisting of Central Library
1
Branches
Number of days open during year
(Central Library) 295
Library closed Wednesdays during July and August
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library) 66
Hours open each week for reading
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