USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1941 > Part 20
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The circulation of books during the year amounted to 296,254. There has been a steadily increasing demand for technical books during the last few years due to interests and needs developed during the depression and more re- cently occasioned by the many problems confronting people occasioned by the approach of war and by our Nation's actual entry into it. Means must be found to meet these urgent needs.
The annual report of Mrs. Kathryn M. Achuff, the Curator of the Robbins print collection, accompanies this report and tells of the work that has been done during the year in further developing this unique feature of our Library.
During the past year the Board of Trustees has lost, due to resignation, a distinguished member, Mr. Cyrus E. Dallin, who had honored our Board with his membership from 1906 until May 8, 1941.
In May 1941 the Board and the Library suffered a se- vere loss in the death of Mr. William A. Muller, Chairman of the Board. He had been a member of the Board since
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
1913, during the greater portion of which time he had served as Chairman. He was most efficient and tireless in promoting the best interests of the Library and all who have been associated with him know how much this meant.
At a meeting of the Trustees held July 1, 1941 the fol- lowing Resolutions were unanimously adopted :
"RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS: Mr. William A. Muller for twenty-eight years was a valued member of the Board of Trustees of the Robbins Library of Arlington and for twenty of those years was Chairman of the Board.
WHEREAS: To that long service he gave generously of his time and interest and as Chairman of the Board was a very efficient leader and a wise judge of the needs of the Library. -
RESOLVED: That we, the members of the Board of Trustees, do hereby express our heartfelt sorrow at the death of one who was so good a counsellor and friend, and who was always a loyal supporter of the best interests of the Library.
RESOLVED: That a copy of these resolutions be sent to Mrs. Muller and that a copy be appended to the next annual report of the Trustees."
At joint sessions of the Board of Selectmen and the Trustees of the Library, Mr. Edward H. Kittredge was chosen to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Dallin and Mr. Frederick W. Hill was chosen to fill the va- cancy caused by the death of Mr. Muller.
Mrs. Spofford and her most capable band of associates continue to earn the grateful appreciation of the Trustees for their most commendable work in administering the af- fairs of the Library.
For the Trustees ARTHUR J. WELLINGTON Chairman
401
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN FOR THE
YEAR 1941
To the Trustees of the Robbins Library :
I herewith submit the report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1941, this being the fourteenth report of the present Librarian.
During the year 1941 and even earlier, librarians, the country far and wide, have been asking the question, "How can libraries serve?" How are libraries fitted to meet these changes ?
"In normal times, our libraries have been an important agency for disseminating information and culture; in times of crisis, when morale and sound judgment are so vital, their services are extremely essential."
"When people are burning books in other parts of the world, we ought to be distributing them with greater vigor; for books are among our best allies in the fight to make democracy work."
There has been an increased demand for technical books on aviation, welding and scores of other subjects.
CIRCULATION STATISTICS-1941
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Center
161,149
46,869
208,018
Dallin Branch
20,174
25,408
45,582
East Branch
10,556
14,769
25,325
Schools
17,329
17,329
Total
191,879
104,375
296,254
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Fiction Non-Fiction
Total
Adult
106,820
54,329
161,149
Juvenile
23,689
23,180
46,869
Dallin
29,689
15,893
45,582
East
15,785
9,540
25,325
Schools
9,781
7,232
17,013
J. H. W.
69
247
316
Total
185,833
110,421
296,254
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
1941
296,254
1563 Vacation Books
600 Books to Fire Station
15,077 Books Sent Through Interchange
403
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
COMPARING 1940 and 1941
1940
1941
Center Adult
175,996
161,149
Center Juvenile
48,964
46,869
East Branch
27,340
25,325
Dallin Branch
52,996
45,582
Schools
22,495
17,329
Total
327,791
296,254
WHERE MAY IT BE FOUND?
The library has attempted to find whatever could be answered in the books at our command, by the telephone in contacting other sources and borrowing books from other libraries.
Books lists for special reading have been compiled, lists have been checked for various groups and bibliogra- phies have been made for clubs, Parent-Teacher groups and teachers.
By the telephone or mailed notices, our borrowers have been notified of books being reserved for them or books which have been added to the library and may have an especial interest for them. 3,970 books were reserved during 1941.
To remind patrons of overdue books 1,817 overdue postals and letters were sent.
REFERENCE LIBRARIAN'S REPORT IN PART
"Looking back on the fifty-two weeks of the year 1941, we wonder if all that has transpired this year could pos- sibly have occurred in so short a space of time. Looking both eastward and westward, we have seen war. The effect of all this on the reading public is seen by the increase in
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
interest in books and magazines which might throw light on this series of events. An exhibit of books on world af- fairs has been arranged in the Reference Room for the past two years. This year we find this collection of greater val- ue than before. Magazines and pamphlets of timely interest such as Foreign Policy Reports and Bulletin and World Affairs pamphlets are in constant use.
The magazine collection is an ever increasing source of interest both to those who just browse and those who are in search of information.
One can never tell what will be the next question to puzzle the Reference Librarian. Here are some that might be worthy of a place on a quiz program :
What is the inscription on the Statue of Liberty?
What is the history of the Boston Elevated Railway?
What is the meaning of the symbol of the three Chinese monkeys ?
Where are the lines drawn around the Neutrality Zone ?
What is the equivalent of the Supreme Court in France and Britain ?
1 Are the Japanese allowed to own property in California ?
Enrollment in the nation's vocational education courses having reached an all-time high, a definite effect is noticed. Interest of course is centered on books bearing directly on the defense industries. Many requests have come to the Reference Desk for material on the metal, iron, steel, aviation and shipbuilding industries. Books on these subjects have been circulated over and over again.
60 books were borrowed through Inter-Library Loan. Among the books requested were those on:
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Electrical illumination Rifles Lip Reading Cafeteria work Antiques Electro-plating
Coppersmithing in relation to shipbuilding Jiu-jitsu X-ray and its use in commerce
235 foreign books were borrowed representing nine languages, Swedish, German, Polish, Armenian, French, Italian, Portuguese, Greek and Dutch.
167 books were added to the Reference collection.
Pamphlets are more and more an important source of information in view of the changing world in which we live. The pamphlet file contains approximately 3,533 pam- phlets. 567 were added and 181 discarded in 1941.
There have been many questions on the Fine Arts : Design of fruit and flowers for stenciling a tray Pictures of early American desks Picture of an early American mill Indian weaving with colored pictures
Embroidery, stitches
Plans for making reproductions of antique furniture Old English glass
Many have been the requests for information by tele- phone, some of which were answered immediately while others necessitated calling the person by telephone when work was completed.
Notices of coming events, radio programs, art ex- hibitions and extension courses are displayed.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
A large collection of college catalogs are kept on file. These are consulted by parents and students. A complete, up-to-date file of day and evening courses held in Boston and surrounding communities is available in the Reference Room."
This year beginning in January the Advocate has been indexed every week as it has been issued, thus making ยท Arlington material available at once.
The library has endeavored to become a bureau of ready information : of coming events in Arlington; what courses are being given, when and where?
Technical informative, inspirational and entertaining books have been included in the books selected for the library. An effort has been made through bulletins and booklists to emphasize toleration for other races and creeds, vocational guidance, adequate vocational training, knowledge of democratic procedure.
STATEMENT OF BOOK STOCK
Books added :
1939
1940
1941
Adult
2,319
2,739
2,953
Juvenile
1,141
1,609
1,712
Total
3,460
4,348
4,665
Books withdrawn :
Adult
907
1,290
2,457
Juvenile
579
1,096
1,408
Total
1,486
2,386
3,865
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
BOOKS ADDED 1941
Fiction Non-Fiction
Total
Main Library Adult
1,338
1,539
2,877
Main Library Juvenile
602
694
1,296
Dallin Branch Adult
9
52
61
Dallin Branch Juvenile
76
1.62
238
East Branch Adult
..
..
15
15
East Branch Juvenile
61
117
178
Total
2,086
2,579
4,665
Gain in number of books in 1941: 800.
Number of books in library December 31, 1941 : 63,367. 4,595 were added by purchase 59 were added by gift 11 were added by binding
Total
4,665
Total number of cards filed at Center Library : 11,992.
Inventory was taken at the Dallin and East Branches, Junior Library and the fiction in the Adult collection.
1,880 new borrowers registered in 1941: 1,097, adult, and 783, juvenile. 2,094 re-registered and 321 cards were surrendered. Total borrowers, December 31, 1941: 16,126.
BRANCH LIBRARIES
The Dallin Branch has completed its fourth year.
"The reference work with the high school students has increased yearly. The junior high and grade school stu- dents also are learning to make use of the reference col- lection. A major discipline problem with an older group of young men has been greatly aided by the opening of social groups at the Heights which takes care of some of the ex- cess energy.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Story Hour has attracted a larger number than previously. The yearly total has climbed to 1,005. In the summer there were 44 children enrolled in the Summer Reading Club, a most enthusiastic and cooperative group, interested in reading and taking part in the programs.
The exhibits featured throughout the year covered a variety of interests and hobbies, such as handicraft by the Cub Scouts of the Locke and Peirce Schools, soap sculpture by Mr. and Mrs. Rietzel, wooden plaques made by the Girl Scouts, figurines by Preston Baston, a Polish collection loaned by Mrs. Kolodziej, and a fine showing of book bind- ing processes, loaned by F. J. Barnard & Co.
The hall has been used by a greater number of organi- zations : Heights Study Club, Locke and Peirce P. T. A., Tower Mother's Club, Campfire Girls Association, Red Cross course in First Aid, a weekly Baby Clinic and an all day Red Cross sewing project."
The trim of the building was painted and dry wells put in by the W. P. A. A substantial fence has been placed at the back and side of the lot and new shrubs added.
At the East Branch, but for the faithfulness and will- ingness of Miss Eva Smith, the Branch Librarian, in mak- ing use of very inadequate equipment and doing what she can with it, the results would be much less satisfactory.
Here is a real need, a Branch Library with about the same facilities for library work as at the Heights. Even in these times one cannot refrain from stating needs that are for moral and cultural betterment.
JUNIOR LIBRARY
Nineteen story hours were held, with an attendance of 1983. Summer Club, Book Week with visits of pupils from all grade schools make the Junior Library a busy place ..
1
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Visits were made by the Children's Librarian to many class rooms.
The exhibition case has always been a center of inter- est. These exhibits often are the work of local persons, or a life-time hobby.
Gifts of books were received from the following:
Arlington Heights Study Club
B. M. Baruch
C. W. Cell
Mr. and Mrs. Colin Clements
Cork Institute of America
Mrs. Joseph P. Day DeWolfe and Fiske
D. H. Elliott
Rev. Matthew J. Flaherty
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford
Friday Social Club
Mrs. Franklin Gruber
Dorothy Hastings
Foster Hope Co.
Mr. Frank Hubbard
H. B. McArdle Theodore Marburg
Miss Beatrice Proctor
Mrs. Arthur Sampson
Mr. Albert Sarkisian
Charles Scribner's Sons
A. P. Sloan, Jr.
H. V. Smith
South Bend Lathe Works
Other gifts have been received from Miss Helen Teele, Mrs. Othilie Lawson, Prescott Baston, the Junior Woman's Club and the Garden Club.
With the cooperation of the Art Committee of the Woman's Club the gallery was used continuously.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Sculpture, stained glass, oils, miniatures and water colors by Arlington Artists.
The work of Margaret Powell Setchell : Illustrations of books of children's songs and caricatures of musicians.
Camera Club: An exhibit of pictures of the library and library grounds.
Art Department of Public Schools : Grades one through High School.
History of the Robbins Library told by pictures, cata- logues and old children's books.
Prints from the Robbins Print collection were shown during July and August.
Display of Godey's fashion magazines.
Paintings by Harold J. Cue, well-known local artist, illustrator and painter of murals, noted for illustrations and covers of leading magazines and book publishers.
Christmas decoration of sprays of greens with cones, wreaths, mantle and table decoration.
USE OF BUILDING
The building has been used more than ever for classes and club meetings. The regular meetings of the Camera Club, Fortnightly Club, Delphian Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Garden Club, Junior Garden Club, Junior Woman's Club, have been held in the Library Hall, while the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Visiting Nursing Association and Arlington Community Fund have enjoyed the hospitality of the library. Three hundred meet- ings of civic and cultural aims were held in the main libra- ry building.
411
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Following our custom, four Sunday readings were held. Appreciation is due Miss Virginia Wellington, Mr. and Mrs. John K. Berry, Mrs. Miriam H. Cahalin, Rev. John Nichol Mark and Mr. Percy Brigham for very pleas- urable afternoons.
Sunday afternoon, the opening day of Book Week, was celebrated as open house. The entire building was open for inspection. A delightful atmosphere was created with music by the Philharmonic Society.
WHAT DID THIS COST IN MONEY?
Total amount spent in 1941 including Town appropria- tion and income from Funds :
Salaries
$20,040.49
Books
6,501.27
Periodicals
594.74
Bindery
2,203.22
Fuel
1,664.49
Light
913.89
Building and Grounds
933.19
Telephone
204.23
Other Expenses
1
1,350.29
Total
$34,405.81
Library turned back to the Town $2,224.40 from fines, $120.08 from other sources. Total $2,344.48.
STAFF
Two resignations became effective in 1941, that of Mrs. Marianna Hemenway Rowe and Miss Helen Henry. These positions were filled by Miss Susanne McGillivary, a
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
graduate of Mt. Ida Junior College, and Miss Jeannette Andersen, a graduate of Simmons College, class of 1941.
Members of the staff have been represented at many professional meetings and members have served on com- mittees of professional organizations. Several have pur- sued cultural courses, and others, courses that fitted them for the present emergency.
Mrs. Montague, as Children's Librarian, has been a frequent speaker at Parent-Teacher gatherings. The Libra- rian has served on committees of civic and professional or- ganizations as well as speaking on many occasions.
The staff of the library during the coming year, will, I feel sure, be ready to meet whatever emergency they may be called upon to meet. They have ideals, they know what place they wish the library to fill in the community. They know that books are not dead things. They have served the public in those days of depression. They know that :
"Books are a source of comfort and strength in hours of gloom and frustration, and in health and sickness, in loneliness and sorrow, they are an ever-present help to us all. Books are the daily bread of the spirit."
They know that they must themselves become active and not passive agents of the democratic process.
The Librarian is grateful to all the many citizens who have proved themselves good friends of the library. Many have helped, the policemen of Arlington have given service; the School Department and teachers have been most co- operative; the two newspapers: The Arlington News and The Arlington Advocate have been generous in publishing information about library activities.
The Librarian expresses thanks to all these, to the staff who have at all times endeavored to maintain one of
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
the most valuable features of library service, that of friendly relations between members of the staff and the reading public, and to the Trustees for their never failing interest.
Whatever progress there has been this year is due to the kindness and splendid cooperation of the Trustees and ' to an interested and loyal staff.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCINDA FIELD SPOFFORD, Librarian.
-
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE ROBBINS PRINT COLLECTION FOR THE YEAR 1941
In 1941 there were few interruptions to the routine of cataloguing, research among obscure subjects and ar- tists, and a certain amount of rehabilitation of prints and of rematting. As in years past there were numerous in- quiries about portraits, usually obscure, by authors or others bent on research. The collection is becoming increas- ingly known for its wide scope in the field of portraiture, and frequently portraits are to be found here which cannot be found elsewhere in Boston.
The large exhibition-eighty miscellaneous portraits- is still on view in the print gallery. In August a group of portraits of artists was hung in the main floor gallery, remaining until November 2, the day of the Library's Open House. A gratifyingly large number of interested visitors came to the print gallery that day, many of them for the first time.
Only a few new accessions can be recorded this year. Portraits of Sir Maurice Hankey and Lord Riddell complete the Arms Memorial Portfolio, a collection of twenty-five portraits of delegates to the Limitation of Armaments con- ference in Washington, D. C., 1921-22. In the light of re- cent happenings this group will have especial historical in- terest in the future. Another set of subjects by Walter Tit- tle is now being acquired: twelve lithographs of English writers. Five of these are now in the collection.
The following portraits were purchased in 1941 :
Arms Conference set :
Sir Maurice Hankey-Drypoint by Walter Tittle Lord George Riddell-Drypoint by Walter Tittle, 1921
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
English Writers Series-Lithographs by Walter Tittle: William Archer Algernon Blackwood (1922) Sir Hall Caine (1922) Joseph Conrad (1922)
Miscellaneous:
Paul Robeson-Color lithograph by Mabel Dwight Ernest Roth in His Studio-Etching by Keith Shaw Williams (1941)
James Wilkinson-Mezzotint by. Max Rosenthal after C. W. Peale
KATHRYN M. ACHUFF,
Curator.
December 31, 1941.
ROBBINS ART FUND
1941
Robbins Art Fund
$42,974.42
Expenditures :
Salaries
$1,011.75
Prints
132.69
All others
25.20
Total
$1,169.64
416
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1941. Name of Library : Robbins Library.
City: Arlington. State: Massachusetts.
Name of Librarian : Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford.
Date of founding
1835
Population served
40,103
Assessed Valuation of Town
$54,684,200.00
FREE FOR REFERENCE
Total number of agencies 3
Consisting of Central Library
1
Branches 2
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
(Central Library) 66
INCREASE
Number of volumes at beginning of year .. 62,567
Number of volumes added during year by purchase 4,595
Number of volumes added during year by gift or exchange 70
Number of volumes lost or withdrawn dur- ing year 3,865
Total number at end of year
63,367
Number of volumes of fiction lent for home use 185,833
417
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Number of volumes of non-fiction lent for home use 110,421
Total number of volumes lent for home use
296,254
Pictures circulated 462
REGISTRATION
Number of registered borrowers December 31, 1941
16,126
Number of borrowers registered during 1941
1,880
Registration period, years
3
Number of periodicals and newspapers re-
ceived :
Titles
206
Copies
271
Number of staff, library service (including part-time)
25
Number of staff, janitor service (including
part-time)
3
Full-time
1
Part-time
2
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation by Town
$33,120.00
Expenditures :
Salaries-Library Service ..
$17,485.86
Salaries-Janitor Service .... 2,554.63
Supplies and Expenses :
Books
5,907.44
Periodicals
562.83
Bindery
2,042.07
Fuel
1,362.60
Light
796.60
Building and Grounds
619.39
Telephone
185.30
Other Expenses
1,271.41
$32,788.13
418
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Unexpended Balance-
Salaries
329.51
All others
2.36
Reverts to Town Surplus $331.87
Library Trust Funds Income Balance January 1, 1941 .... 3,030.50
Expenditures :
Books
$ 593.83
Periodicals
31.91
Bindery
161.15
Other Expenses
830.79
$1,617.68
Library Trust Funds Income Balance December 31, 1941 Carried Forward to 1942 Balance for books $ .64
Balance for general use .. 1,412.27
$1,412.91
Income during 1941
Carried Forward to 1942
$2,047.37
419
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Arlington :
This report is submitted with our country at war, call- ing upon us to face new situations, the total of which we have never before experienced. There is a part for all and new demands are being made upon the school department, which we are endeavoring to meet and will continue to do so.
The personnel of the School Committee for 1941 was unchanged. This is the third successive year that the same nine members have functioned as a Committee. This is unique when one considers the size of the Town and of the Committee.
The cost of education is of vital interest to the citizens and we submit the following facts with reference to our expenditures for the calendar year 1941. The total budget was $670,032. and the total payments were $661,389.42, re- turning to the Town Treasury an unexpended balance of $8,642.58.
The receipts on account of education during the year were as follows:
General School Fund $50,902.00
Tuition of State Wards
2,801.94
Other Tuition 745.34
Rentals 771.00
Americanization
726.87
Miscellaneous
557.25
$56,504.40
Deducting the receipts and the unexpended balance from the total budget, the actual amount for school pur-
420
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
poses from our Real Estate Tax levy was $604,885.02. The figure for 1940 was $598,812.36, an increase of $6,072.66 or slightly more than 1% of the entire budget. In this con- nection we would like to call your attention to the fact that the school budget for 1931 was $736,399.00.
We should also like you to know that a summary of the costs of use of buildings by outside organizations was made for 1941 and it was found to be $5,047.47. Only $771. of this amount was returned to the Town Treasury in rental fees. We do not object to this procedure, but as it is included in our school costs, our per capita cost is over- stated by a proportionate amount.
There are many good reasons for the establishment of a Vocational School in Arlington. This type of school has been advocated for several years and there are some of us who feel that the Town has been shortsighted in refusing to recognize it. In addition to the above receipts on account of education, $5,122.13 was received on account of Voca- tional Education. This amount was not included in our re- ceipts because the appropriation for Vocational Education is not included in our total budget, but in a separate item. When one considers the increasing number of surrounding communities that are providing this type of education with liberal help from the State and Federal Government, it is hoped that Arlington will begin steps this year to acquire such a school. An article will appear in the Town Warrant enabling us to apply to the State and Federal authorities for help in establishing this type of school.
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