USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1949 > Part 18
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301
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
but all the time. People will not stop reading. People will continue to read. The appeal of a well printed book, on beautiful paper, will not pass away.
The use of the Library Halls was extended to 22 different organizations. These organizations represented groups concerned with civics, music, town government; patriotic, educational and social problems. There was also a flower show and an exhibit of the art work of the school children. These groups used the halls 234 times. This does not take count of the many times the hall has been used for meetings under the direction of the library, for use of Story Hours, exhibits and parties for children.
The newest innovation, the recorded concert, was first held on the warmest night of the summer. Since then a recorded concert has been held every two weeks on Tuesday evenings. The extension of activities into the music field has long been in the plans of the Library Board. When they received a proposal from Farrington's Record Store to put on concerts sponsored by the Library, the Board quickly accepted. The record system and many of the records are provided by Mr. Farrington. Since the acoustical treat- ment of the hall the music is now heard under excellent conditions. A group of Arlington music lovers interested in recorded music selected the following to plan programs : John H. Bartlett, who became chairman, Robert Clancy, John Hasson of the Arlington School of Music, Dr. A. C. Hoffman, Leonard Marasco, Americo Chaves, Charles Far- rington and Lucinda Spofford. Each meeting has a differ- ent commentator with Mr. Farrington at the sound equip- ment. The meetings are open to all music lovers. There is a period for discussion and a chance to make suggestions for the coming programs.
What of our Book Stock?
Books added :
By purchase 4,830
By gift and binding 123
Books lost and returned
29
ยท Total 4,982
41 of the books were added to the reference collection.
Books withdrawn
2,428
1949 gain in book stock
2,554
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Total books in the library December 31, 1949 83,375 Vols. added substracted in Library
1929
3,920
2,786
39,803
1934
3,250
1,671
52,817
1939
3,463
1,497
60,605
1944
3,893
2,380
69,371
1949
4,982
2,428
83,375
Bound during 1949
Books
1,566
Periodicals
22
Newspapers
2
Total
1,590
During the summer inventory was taken at the Dallin Branch and fiction inventory at the Main Library.
What Does the Library Do?
Reserve 4,141 books.
Borrowed 86 books through inter-library loan from the following :
Belmont Public Library
Boston Public Library
Brookline Public Library
Cambridge Public Library
Cary Library-Lexington
Division of Public Libraries
Framingham Public Library
Harvard College Library Malden Public Library
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Library
Medford Public Library
Somerville Public Library
Watertown Free Public Library Winchester Public Library
Lent 84 books through inter-library loan to 10 libraries. Borrowed 161 books in six different languages; French, Italian, Armenian, Norwegian, Portuguese and German. From these 161 we had a circulation of 93.
College catalogues, added 69
Pamphlets, added 74
Pamphlets circulated 421
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Maps circulated
6
Maps classified 14
Tello-test answered (by Telephone) 5,069
Mail received and checked 9,853
Mailed postals and letters for overdue books
4,499
Took 15,319 books to Dallin and East Branches. Dis- plays of books and posters planned during the year; vaca- tion folders, books on vocations, Brotherhood Week, Re- ligious Book Week; Lenten Reading, Garden material in the Spring; and Christmas exhibits.
Prepared bibliographies.
Prepared special exhibits for schools, clubs and churches to be shown in their meetings.
An effort is made to keep the list of organizations up to . date. Sixty-five return postals were sent asking for the name of the officers and date of meeting. This file has been used very often.
Answered many questions for students, specialists and casual reader. Spent much time in directing and instruct- ing students in the use of the library and in the choice of books. As usual many of the questions reflect the cur- rent trends in politics and economics.
Registered new borrowers, 2,005.
Total registered borrowers, 19,622.
Gave library service to patients at the Symmes Hospital once a week. Mrs. Ruth Fuller made 52 calls and visited with 1,585 patients and delivered 1,280 books. The Li- brarian reported there were always people who are sur- prised to learn of the library service and there is rarely a week that some one is not anxiously waiting for reading ma- terial. Whether they take books or not patients seem to appreciate having the librarian call.
Maintained school libraries in four school buldings. Each library has a deposit of 600 books. Selected boys and girls act as Young Librarians with the help of the teachers and the Children's Librarian who visits the schools at least once a month. Sent Class Room libraries to all schools wishing the service. 763 books were sent this way. Pictures are loaned to schools and artists. Books are sent to the three fire stations. 400 books have been used at the stations.
Shown many interesting exhibits at Main and Branch Libraries. There have been exhibts of Christmas cards, many of them over sixty years old; Christmas seals, postal cards loaned by Mrs. Mary Cheney, a member of the Arling- ton Postal Card Club ; the craft work of Mr. Webb in wood;
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Mr. Wm. B. Fleming in Sea Shells; Valentines, rare books, Camp Fire Girl's displays; Easter Eggs and Conch Shells loaned by Mrs. Charles Morton.
At the Dallin Branch there has been a good gain in circulation. Story Hours have been held during the fall and winter months and during the summer months the Everyland Club was carried on. During Book Week many teachers from the Locke School with 248 pupils came to view the Book exhibit. Each Branch was equally busy. The fifth grade girls from this school have visited the library each week to exchange their books for recreational reading and do whatever they had of reference assignments. Chil- dren of the sixth grade from St. Anne's came to enjoy the new books.
An added number of Story Hours, more special exhibits, larger exchange of books with the main library have, I feel, had much to do with the increase in circulation at the East Branch. Care also has been taken to have books sent for Junior and Senior High School. Here the Summer Club was a success when children came to do their reading on hot summer afternoons. Book Week with new books for all ages couldn't help but draw many children to the room. Several teachers came with their pupils at this time.
The Junior Library has seen a decided gain in circula- ion for the year. 38,105 books were circulated from the Junior Library desk. This is 2,759 more than last year. The school work has taken up a good part of the Librarian's time, with visits to the schools and the selection of books for the school libraries.
During Book Week the Children's Room was a busy place; visits from teachers and their pupils for two weeks, morning and afternoon. The Audubon Society in April presented a movie "Adventure with wild life" which was well received. Notes on the day say a 'Full House'. The summer Everyland Club was a worthwhile effort. Christ- mas holidays saw the room attractively decorated, special books and special plans carried out. Miss Elizabeth Phelan, new Children's Librarian, has made some interesting sug- gestions which are taken from her report; "The following suggestions require a great deal of careful planning, and it is hoped that at some future date they may be put into effect. Some activity for older boys and girls should be planned and a discussion club would satisfy this need. A series of Picture Book Story Hours would be enjoyed by Pre-school children and would also develop a very worth- while relationship with their parents. If some type of
305
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
newssheet could develop about the activities at the school libraries with book reviews and news contributed by the Young Librarians, I think the use of the libraries would increase. Boys and girls of today present a challenge to the Children's Librarian. She has to compete with num- erous influences that exert a strong attraction to the chil- dren and it is her privilege to guide them to worth while lit- erature".
Staff
There have been several changes in the assignment of positions due to changes in the Staff Personnel.
Miss Ruth Sampson, Reference Librarian, was appointed Assistant Librarian as of May 1, 1949. Miss Mary J. Mur- dock, Assistant Cataloguer, was made Reference Librarian as of May 1, 1949. On June 30 the Trustees accepted the resignation of Mrs. Thelma Brictson Montague who had served the Robbins Library as Children's Librarian most successfully for twenty years. Mrs. Montague was ex- tremely fortunate in her professional relation with par- ents, teachers and children. With her fellow workers she was always popular. Mrs. Montague came to the libarary when the Children's Room was a small upstairs room in the main library and when very little work was done with schools. She left a well developed Children's Department and a fine selection of books. The children were always a very appreciative audience at her Story Hours. Miss Mar- ilyn Kenney and Miss Ethel Hawkins were made Assistants, Non-Professional in May. Miss Helen Whiteman, a gradu- ate of Miami University who began work in January was made a Staff member as of May 1, 1949. The following college graduates without library training began work in the summer : Miss Shirley Hession, a graduate of Regis Col- lege, Miss Jacqueline Miller, a graduate of Regis College and Miss Harriet Taylor, a graduate of Boston University. Mrs. Muriel G. Chandler began work in March as Assistant, Non-Professional and Miss Joan Abbott, who had worked at the library as a part-time worker during High School, after graduation began work full time as Assistant, Non- Professional. Miss Eva Smith has been on leave for a greater part of the year. Miss Suzanne MacGillivray has for the year carried on the work at the East Branch with poise and satisfaction to the patrons. Miss Elizabeth Phelan began work August 1, as Children's Librarian. She gradu- ated from Simmons College Library School. After finish- ing college she did field work for a time at the Brooklyn
306
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Public Library, Brooklyn, New York, and later became Children's Librarian in the Providence Library where she was very successful in her work with school and story telling. Later she held the position of Assistant Librarian at the Public Library in Needham. Already Miss Phelan has made fine contacts with the teachers and pupils. Her Story Hours are consistently well attended. Book Week she told stories to large groups of children at the Brackett School. During the fall and winter Miss Marilyn Kenney and Miss Helen Hovanesian took a course in cataloguing. As the Trustees are able to obtain professional librarians to fill the several professional positions which are unfilled, the Staff should be well able to carry on the present work, catch up on some that has not been completed due to lack of personnel, and carry forward new projects.
Gifts
Appreciation is felt for the flowers that have been re- ceived from many of the library patrons. Several persons have given books to the library in memory of friends. Some names have been omitted from the list by request. The following have given books :
Arlington Garden Club Arlington Heights Study Club
Hermon F. Bell
Mrs. Beatrice Bennett
Mr. Julian Bennett
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Cheyne and Family
The Christophers
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Mrs. Louise Gruber
H. F. Guggenheim
Cora J. Hanchett
Mrs. Robert L. Hawkins
Mrs. Esther G. Henderson
Miss Harriet Holt
Mr. Charles E. Howe
Mr. H. L. Hutchinson
Mrs. Herbert M. Knight
Mr. Harry E. Koch
Mr. A. C. Loveys
Mrs. Mary F. McCarthy
Mrs. Helen F. Osbourne
Mrs. Mary F. Parrott
Mrs. Ezekiel Pratt
307
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Mr. J. C. Prescott
Caira Robbins Estate
Ida Robbins Estate
Mrs. Henry Tuttle
Mrs. Charles Ward
Mr. Leonard Wood
Mrs. W. H. Williams
Other gifts have added much to the pleasure of our pa- trons.
Although many of these plans have been discussed and some are under consideration, the Librarian wishes to state again some projects and plans that may be undertaken in the near future, others to be worked for in order that they may be brought forward at the proper time.
1. With the increase of added book collections more shelving space is needed.
2. Microfilming of newspapers.
3. Taking of the present cataloguing room for a fine arts room. This would give much needed seating capacity. Then all the books on fine arts, music, architecture, painting, decoration and music scores would be together.
4. Plans for the basement, added stacks and catalogu- ing room.
5. Elevator so that the third floor rooms would be available for committee meetings and lectures.
6. Record collection as soon as money is obtainable and the physical handicaps are overcome for its storage and care and sufficient assistants are avail- able to insure its maximum use.
7. A modern Branch building for East Arlington.
In closing I wish to thank the Arlington papers, The Ad- vocate, News and Press for library publicity.
To my assistants who have graciously made adjustments, who have given faithful service and have made an effort to increase the usefulness of the Library I express my ap- preciation.
To the Trustees I wish to express my thanks for the co- operation and support given me in directing Library affairs.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD,
Head Librarian
308
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1949:
Name of Library; Robbins Library
Town: Arlington. State: Massachusetts.
Name of Librarian : Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford.
Date of Founding 1835
Population served (estimated)
46,000
Assessed valuation of town
$60,819,400.
Terms of use-Free for lending, Free for reference.
Agencies
Central Library 1
Branches 2
In Library Building 1
In School Building 1
Others :
School (Class-room) 24
School Library Deposit
4
Fire Stations
3
Symmes Hospital 1
1
Church
Total 33
Number days open during year 302
(Central Library)
66
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library)
Hours open each week for reading (Central Library) 66
Library closed Saturdays during July and August Hours open each week 55
INCREASE
Number of volumes beginning of year
80,821
Number of volumes added during the year by purchase 4,830
Number of volumes added by gift
105
Number of volumes added by binding, etc.
18
Number of volumes lost and returned
29
Number of volumes lost and withdrawn 2,428
Total number at end of year
83,375
309
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Number of volumes of fiction lent for home
use 155,501
Number of volumes of non-fiction lend for home use 100,466
Total number of volumes lent for home
use 255,967
(Books issued for 7 days and 4 weeks with no renewals)
REGISTRATION
Number of registered borrowers December 31, 1949
19,622
Number of borrowers registered during 1949 . 2,005
Registration period, years
3
Number of periodicals and newspapers received : Titles 226
Copies 291
Number of staff, library service (Including part-time) 16
Number of staff, Janitor service (Including
part-time)
3
Full-time
2
Part-time
1
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation by Town
$69,832.00
Personal Services
$48,407.00
Expenses
21,425.00
Expenditures :
Salaries-Librarians
35,980.22
Jr. Custodians
5,451.96
Total
41,432.18
Expenses
Books
9,226.54
Periodicals
971,13
Bindery
2,295.77
Building and Grounds
1,708.84
Fuel
2,080.53
Light
1,465.35
Telephone
401.00
Other Expenses
2,333.53
Total 20,482.69
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Total Appropriation Spent
61,914.87
Balance from Town Appropriation : Salaries
6,974.82
Expenses
942.31
Total
7,917.13
Trust Fund Balance :
January 1, 1950
14,841.58
Income during 1949
2,790.32
Total
17,631.90
17,631.90
Expended during 1949 :
Books
171.86
Building
3,417.41
All Others
465.86
Total
4,055.13
Balance December 31, 1949
13,576.77
Capital Outlay Appropriation. Balance Dec. 31, 1948
6,713.59
Expended during 1949 : Building
1,855.02
Total
1,855.02
Balance December 31, 1949
4,858.57
TOTAL COST OF MAINTENANCE 1949
Appropriation Library
Funds
Outlay
Total
Salaries
$41,432.18
$41,432.18
Books
9,226.54 $
171.86
9,398.40
Periodicals
971.13
971.13
Bindery
2,295.77
2,295.77
Building ,
Grounds
1,708.84
3,417.41 $1,855.02
6,981.27
Fuel
2,080.53
2,080.53
Light
1,465.35
1,465.35
Telephone
401.00
401.00
All others
2,333.53
465.86
2,799.39
Total
$61,914.87 $4,055.13 $1,855.02 $67,825.02
Returned to the town received from fines, etc.
$3,304.55
ROBBINS ART FUND EXPENDITURES, 1949 All others $12.85
Capital
311
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Annual Report of the School Department REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1949
To the Citizens of Arlington :
Of grave concern to the School Committee is the mount- ing school budget. Our budget has doubled form $650,000. in 1940 to $1,300,000. in 1950. This increase represents $10. per thousand on the tax rate. Salaries and wages represent 80% of our budget. The Town vote for equal pay and the modernization of the salary schedule are mainly responsible for this increase. Your committee adopted this schedule in order to secure the best possible teachers and to hold others. The salary maxima for teachers in Arlington are $3800. without a degree, $4000. with a bach- elor's degree, and $4300. with a master's degree. Few teachers have reached their maximum, so an increase in the school budget can be expected for the next years. In- creases for other employees were recommended by the Town Salary Committee and granted by the Town Meeting.
During the war the upkeep of our buildings was neglected due to the inability to obtain manpower and supplies. Many of our buildings are old and need renovating. Much of the lighting is antiquated causing pupil eye strain. In addition to these conditions our plant has expanded. The Hardy School addition, the new gymnasium and lunch room at the Junior High School West, and the new Bishop School will increase our plant and its upkeep. When we add to this picture the increase in costs of materials, most of which have doubled or nearly doubled, it would appear that despite the most rigid economies the budget will continue to rise.
The custodians and maintenance men in the School Department work a forty-eight-hour week. Increased evening use of our schools and weekend activities necessitate increased coverage of the schools. The adoption of a forty- hour week by the Town Meeting would appear to require additional custodial and maintenance help. Your committee will attempt to meet this change, if it is voted, with few, if any, additions to our staff. The majority of our new
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
employees on civil service are disabled veterans. Without doubt these veterans will be eligible for retirement in ten years and the cost to the Town will be alarming.
The following editorial appeared in the Arlington Ad- vocate last spring :
A gratifying report has been made public by the Guidance Department of the High School. It shows our local boys and girls obtained "higher than average" rankings in the College Board ex- aminations held in April in all subjects. To us this seems a tribute not only to our young people but the School Department itself in which province lies the guidance of our children's efforts. Not to be forgotten, too, are the parents (few, we fear) who have burned the proverbial midnight oil help- ing their progeny over the rough spots.
It hardly needs to be pointed out that the pace in the scholastic field today is truly terrific. Thousands upon thousands are seeking advanced education in all phases. With the help of the G.I. Bill and bulging pay envelopes during the war, college education has become available to the sons and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Average America. Thus the results shown in the report are the more significant.
The Guidance Report, too, is a pretty powerful rebuttal to the frequent complaints voiced by parents that our school system is below par. Often these complaints arise from a purely personal problem or individual case, rather than the system as a whole.
Mr. John O. Matthews retired in June after twenty-six years of active service as principal of Junior High School Center. The Committee is grateful to him for his devoted service.
Mrs. Therese N. Turner and Mr. Clement J. Beaudet retired from the School Committee in 1949 after nineteen years and eighteen years respectively as members. Mrs. Turner served most efficiently as secretary of the committee for eighteen years. Her educational background was the source of many progressive innovations during her tenure.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Beaudet's contribution from a wealth of experience in the business world materially affected the growth of our system. Mrs. Mary E. Porteus and Mr. Carl F. Allen were elected to the committee in March.
The committee expresses its appreciation to the school officials, teachers, and employees for their loyal and con- scientious efforts. We thank the Town officials, members of boards and departments, and the citizens of the Town for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) JOHN P. MORINE, Chairman.
314
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1949
To the School Committee of Arlington,
Ladies and Gentlemen :
It is my privilege to submit for your consideration the following report of the schools for the year 1949. I am including in my report excerpts from the annual reports submitted to me by various principals and supervisors. State Aid to Schools:
Through the enactment of Chapter 643, General Laws of 1948, State aid to public education in Arlington was in- creased from approximately $48,000. to approximately $150,000. The Massachusetts Council for Public Schools has initiated legislation, the provisions of which would approximately double this amount of aid. It is evident also, that aid is to be available for school construction, with funds from the State treasury payable annually at a time when the town must meet its notes for our present building program.
Federal Lunch Program:
The cafeteria at the Senior High School has operated under this program for several years. Federal aid has made it possible for us to serve substantial meals to the students at very low cost. With the remodeling of the building at the Junior High School West, the so-called gymnasium was utilized for lunch room space and was equipped with tables, chairs and modern kitchen and cafe- teria equipment. This is a welcome improvement and is very essential to a one-session program. Pupils purchasing milk in the elementary schools have the benefit of Federal aid to the amount of one and one-half cents per half pint bottle.
Housing and Building Problems:
The services of Dr. Walter MacCornack, nationally known architect and consulting engineer, have been engaged to provide the School Committee with advice relative to various problems now confronting the department. His study will include provision for cafeteria facilities at the Junior High School East, future use of the Junior High School Center, the Junior High Industrial Arts building which is in need of extensive repairs, the Russell School,
315
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
additional facilities at the Crosby School, the district where the veterans' housing project is located, the remodeling of the Lowe Auditorium that it may serve a more useful purpose, and provision for a gymnasium and additional facilities for the Senior High and Trade Schools.
Health and Physical Education :
The services of Mr. Russell E. Peterson, formerly assist- ant professor of physical education at Boston University, were engaged before the opening of the present school year to develop a department of health and physical education. During the brief time he has had to work, much has been accomplished. An intramural program is under way, limited of course by the lack of adequate gymnasium areas. This program is for the non-varsity boy and will in time be available to all boys from the upper elementary grades through the high school. Remedial work and physical fitness will also be emphasized. The following from the director's report outlines his plans in greater detail.
The initial step taken was a survey of the facil- ities, equipment, supplies, personnel and program concerned with health and physical education. After this information was obtained the physical education staff held several meetings at which time the aims and general objectives were agreed upon.
I. Aim:
The general aim of physical education is the optimum development of the indi- vidual.
II. Objectives :
a. Physical Objectives :
1. To provide for the development of neuromuscular skills.
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