USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1951 > Part 23
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Circulation gain in 1951
5,640
1951
Loss
Gain
Main Library
Adult
129,552
8,783
Juvenile
34,991
370
Dallin Branch
Adult
19,955
359
... Juvenile
15,686
2,288
East Branch
Adult
26,983
6,400
Juvenile
21,638
2,466
Schools
Juvenile
17,886
1,945
Hospital
Adult
1,306
595
Total
267,997
8,783
14,423
304
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
What type of books circulated during the year? There was the customary demand for new titles, both fiction and non-fiction, including such titles as THE CAINE MUTINY, THE CRUEL SEA, KON-TIKI, SNOZZOLA, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, THE SEA AROUND US, THE END OF THE AFFAIR, and DIZZY, to mention just a few. Mystery stories are always in demand as are books on the High School and College reading lists. But it was also interesting to note that books on education, the social sciences, history, and "how-to-do-it" books showed a decided gain in popularity.
SERVICE TO ADULTS
1. INTER-LIBRARY LOAN SERVICE.
In order to help borrowers locate material they needed but which was not included in the collection of the Robbins Library, the Library continued to borrow books through the Inter-Library loan service. During 1951, 195 books were secured for the use of Arlington residents from Newton, Waltham, Winchester, Boston, Medford, Lexington, Somerville, Watertown and the Division of Public Libraries, to mention a few of the cooperating libraries. The subjects covered a range of material including Foreign language books, choric reading, books on education, speech correction, guidance, problems of youth, business management, artesian wells, stock market, English poetry, reading improvement, etc.
2. REFERENCE SERVICE.
Reference work is an important part of the work of any public library and requires the services of librarians skilled in the use of books and reference tools and with a wide general knowledge. The reference librarian doesn't have to know the answers, but she must know where to locate them. During the past year several thousand reference questions were answered by the Reference Department; 4,319 were recorded. Unquestionably many more were asked and answered. These questions covered a wide range as can be seen from the following samples:
Diagram of the organization of the United Nations; How to form a partnership or corporation; Teacher certification laws; Description of a housewarming; Criticism of Piers Ploughman; Religion in Latin Amer- ica in colonial times; What is a sea leopard; Information on the "Wo- men's International League for peace and freedom"; Information about reincarnation; Pictures of costumes and hair styles of Japanese women; Traffic management; Bibliography of books about America for a resi- dent of Greece; How to construct an artesian or driven well; Com- position and properties of aluminum; Home of the Arlington author and critic who lived around Pleasant Street and died in 1939; The reason for the name 'Vinegar' Bible which is in the Old North Church.
During the past year the Reference Librarian also located material to help college students prepare term papers, compiled bibliographies for study groups, located material for P. T. A. and Church groups and checked booklists for people on various subjects.
305
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
In order to make the reference service of the Robbins Library as useful as possible to business people and industrialists, several new services were added to the collection during the past year, outstanding of which were the Moody's Investor Service, which covers Industrials, Banks and Finance, Railroads, Public Utilities, Stocks and Bonds. The use made of these volumes shows that they are much appreciated by the borrowers of the Robbins Library. Other features which have been added are the Congressional Quarterly, giving accurate, up-to-date information on Congress and its activities; Barron's Weekly; Kiplinger Washington Letter; the Consumer Reports and Taxes magazine.
Recognizing the need for up-to-date material on a variety of current subjects, the Library has recently subscribed to a Vertical File Service which will help to build up a more adequate pamphlet file.
3. MUSIC COLLECTION.
One of the most satisfying results of the year was the success of the Record Collection which was made available in October. For several years the Library had felt a need for such a collection and in 1951 pro- vision was made in the budget for this purpose. In her report for October the Music Librarian wrote "We have had an overwhelming response to the records . .. everyone has been delighted with the op- portunity to borrow them and countless comments have been made about the pleasure and appreciation of the public towards this new service offered by the Library."
As of December 31st, the Record Library consists of 299 albums, 145 albums of the shellac records and 154 of the LP; all but 7 of the LP's are 33 1/3. These seem more suitable for the Library collection as they are used primarily for classical music.
As the year closed, the Record Library had been in operation for three months. During this time 1828 albums and 4254 records have been borrowed by the townspeople. On the albums there has been a 626 percent circulation. Quoting again, the Music Librarian says "This response to the Music Library has been especially gratifying and al- though there is need for many more albums, at least a beginning has been made to give the public of Arlington the kind of service it has wanted for some time."
This record collection is housed in the Art and Music Room on the mezzanine floor and is in charge of a Librarian whose training well qualifies her for her work. In addition to the records, the Art and Music Room is equipped with a record machine with two sets of ear phones for the use of the listening public. The department also con- tains a music and art file as well as a great many scores. Since it opened in October, 163 scores have been circulated, 58 pamphlets, 83 librettos and 133 pieces of sheet music, while 464 reference questions have been answered.
4. HOSPITAL SERVICE.
Once each week during the past year a member of the Library Staff has visited the patients at the Symmes Arlington Hospital offering
306
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
those who are convalescent a choice of reading materials, books or magazines. This is not a new service, but was begun in 1942 and since that time 8,865 books and magazines have been read by the patients. During the year 1951, 50 calls were made; 1,279 patients were visited and 1,316 books and magazines were circulated. In her yearly report the Hospital Librarian wrote "At the present time our circulation is increasing and we find we are accommodating more and more people. The patients as well as the Staff seem pleased with our service, and we have had every courtesy extended us. Many of the Staff members have gone out of their way to be helpful."
WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
One of the most important groups which the Library should serve is the Young People's group, often made up of boys and girls too old for the Children's Room but not ready to use the Adult Department without some guidance. "It is a group that is full of vitality, interest and a spirit of doing, and, if ignored, will drift away seeking less worth- while interests. The possibility for service to this group has no limits and is full of challenge." In working with them, the Library can do a great deal to develop a thinking group of citizens and can provide a worthy use of leisure for them.
Recognizing these facts the Robbins Library made a number of innovations in the interests of this age group during 1951. First of all the services of a competent Librarian who understands Young People was secured to devote her full time to this group. Under her leadership a live collection of books for reading pleasure as well as books to help with school work has been selected and placed in the Young People's Alcove. Into this group of Young People have been welcomed the 9th graders, who until June 1951 have been expected to use the Junior Library exclusively.
The response to this effort has been most heartwarming. More and more the Young People are turning to the Young People's Librarian for suggestions and guidance and she is helping them to find their way around the Library and make best use of its facilities.
WORK WITH CHILDREN
The work with children has been a bright spot during the past year. In spite of television and all other forms of amusement and activity which today fill the lives of the young, the boys and girls of Arlington are still reading as the gain of 5,124 in children's circulation over 1950 indicates.
Among the activities carried on in the interests of the children by the Junior Library and the Branches during the past year were the most successful Everyland Clubs which held meetings during the summer months with an attendance of 895 children. Pre-school and kinder- garten children were introduced to the Library in a series of 4 Picture Story Book Hours at the Main Library with 97 little ones and 56 adults attending, and story hours were held at both Junior Library and the Branches with a total attendance of 1,638.
307
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
An outstanding event which took place during the Massachusetts Public Library Week Celebration in May, was a Radio Quiz Party for the 45 Young Librarians who help the Children's Librarian care for the Library books loaned to the elementary school libraries. Each school was represented by 3 members in the quizdown which was transcribed for presentation over a local Radio Station and the three winners each received a copy of a prize book.
During Book Week special programs and story hours were arranged, the highlight being a Puppet Show presented in the Junior Library Hall by Miss Edna Boutwell, Children's Librarian from Woburn, to a capacity audience.
Work with the Schools was carried on as usual. As in the past the school libraries were served by books from the Junior Library Book Col- lection, a total of 3,110 volumes being on permanent deposit in five school libraries. These collections, cared for by the student librarians under the supervision of the Children's Librarian, were supplemented by deposits throughout the year to 19 different classrooms in the school system. These books in the Schools realized a circulation of 17,886 a gain of 1,945 over the previous year.
Another aspect of the work with the schools was the cooperation given in the matter of book reports. 348 certificates were issued to chil- dren for the reading of selected library books in connection with their school work.
Throughout the year children were given individual attention in selecting their books, reference questions were answered by the hun- dreds, advice was given to parents on their children's reading and on the selection of reference materials for the children in the homes. Booklets were compiled and book talks were given by the Children's and Branch Librarians. In truth, the Junior Library and the Children's Departments of the Branches have been busy spots. The growth of the work with children clearly indicates another assistant, trained in chil- dren's works, s imperative to carry on this important work.
BRANCH SERVICE
Each Branch Library reported a gain in circulation for the year in both juvenile and adult books. At the Dallin Branch, according to the Branch Librarian, the figures for the year show that 1951 was the most active year since 1942. 35,641 volumes were circulated, 2,647 more than in 1950. An interesting event took place at the Branch during Massachusetts Public Library Week when the Dallin Branch held a most enjoyable Open House with a program presented by the Division of Public Libraries and a display of paintings by local artists.
The East Branch Library, too, had a busy year with the largest circulation in its history. A total of 8,666 more volumes were distributed in 1951 than in 1950, the total circulation geing 48,621, of which 21,638 volumes were juvenile books.
308
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that this Branch has outgrown its present quarters and needs more space to carry on its work. It needs additional staff as well. According to American Library Association Standards the Library Staff should include one professional assistant for every 20,000 books circulated. In the light of this, the East Branch is absolutely understaffed.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. During the year several changes have been made in the arrange- ment of books at the Main Library. During the summer months, the stacks were completely rearranged in numerical sequence so that today any stranger or new borrower can easily locate any book he needs. This was done at a considerable inconvenience to the public, but the Staff hopes the borrowers feel the results more than recompense them for the discomfort experienced.
The Town Histories and vital statistics, as well as the bound vol- umes of newspapers were transferred to the Basement where they are available for use by anyone who wishes to use them. The music books were transferred to the room on the mezzanine leivel to form the Art and Music Room.
2. As in the past, the Library Halls have been much in demand by civic and community organizations. The Junior Library Hall was used on 127 occasions, the Small Hall or Committee Room 140 times and 22 meetings were held in other rooms of the Library. These fig- ures do not include the use which the Library made of the halls for story hours and other purposes.
3. In November a Greater Books Discussion Group was organized which has met in the Junior Library every other Wednesday evening, under the leadership of Mr. Klaus Epstein of Harvard University.
4. A number of Art Exhibits have been shown, notably those of the Public School Art Classes, the Menotomy Art Center, and the series of showings by local artists arranged by the Woman's Club.
5. On Sunday afternoon, November 4th, the Arlington Woman's Club held its Fine Arts Tea which attracted a large group of interested people from Arlington and the surrounding towns. Most attractive ex- hibits including hand weaving, hooked rugs, decorated trays, and painted china as well as a display of paintings by local artists, high- lighted the affair. Of special interest too, was the exhibit of musical instruments and the shellcraft hobby display, both of which were loaned by Arlington citizens.
6. During the year the Library received a number of gifts of books, many of which have not yet been processed, due to lack of sufficient Staff help. The Library is always grateful for gifts of usable books. Other gifts have been received as well, including flowers, pictures and pamphlets, gifts which have been most welcome.
309
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
PERSONNEL
Many changes in Personnel have taken place during the year. Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford, after 23 years of devoted service during which time the Library grew to its present size and influence in the commun- ity, retired on February 9th and was succeeded by the present Libra- rian, Miss Judith E. Stromdahl.
The resignations of the following Staff members became effective at various times during the year: Mrs. Arpine L. Baghdoyan, Mrs. Ruth Fuller Webb, Miss Shirley Hession, Mrs. Suzanne Molloy and Mrs. Marianna Rowe. To fill the vacancies incurred by these resignations the following Staff members were appointed: Mrs. Joan H. Butler, School of Library Science, Syracuse University; Mrs. Signe Hynson, Goucher College; Mrs. Evelyn Colcord, Library School, New Jersey Col- lege for Women; Miss Rita Zakarian, Tufts College and graduate work at Harvard University; Miss Dolores T. Varello.
Mr. Normand J. Paradis was appointed Junior Custodian to fill the position made vacant by the death of Mr. Herbert Freeman, a loyal employee for a number of years.
During the year a number of Staff members have taken graduate courses and have thereby increased their value to the Robbins Library. For 7 weeks during the summer, Miss Harriet L. Taylor, a graduate of Boston University, studied at the School of Library Science at Simmons College and has continued with her studies during the past fall, while Mrs. Signe Hynson, Goucher College, has been enrolled for a course at the same school during the fall semester.
A WORD OF APPRECIATION
1. Newspapers.
To the editors of the local newspapers the Librarian wishes to ex- press her appreciation for the excellent publicity given the Robbins Lib- rary during the past year. This cooperation is much valued.
2. A word of appreciation to Mr. John N. Loud, 28 Draper Avenue, for his generosity in keeping the Library supplied with envelope bags for use on rainy days. These bags serve to protect books from damage in stormy weather.
3. Staff.
The success of the work of any institution depends, in large part, upon the Staff. During the past year, in spite of extra demands made on them because of Staff shortages, the members have given cooper- ative and willing service, and deserve much credit for the success of the work. The Librarian is most grateful for their help and kindnesses.
310
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
4. Trustees.
Every library reflects its Board of Trustees, for in the final analy- sis, the success or failure of the Library is due to the efforts of the Board members in furthering the development of library resources in the community. The Town of Arlington can look with pride on its Board of Library Trustees, the members of which give freely of their time and energy and are vitally interested in the educational and so- cial welfare of the Town. The Librarian is grateful to the members who served during the past year for their interest and invaluable help. It has been a pleasure for her to work with this group of alert and forward looking citizens and she herewith expresses her appreciation of their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
JUDITH E. STROMDAHL
January 10, 1952.
Librarian
311
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
STATISTICAL REPORT
Population served
43,984
Number of days open in 1951
287
1950
1951
Number of volumes beginning of year
83,375
86,928
Numebr of volumes purchased
5,739
5,358
Number of volumes donated
236
141
Number of volumes bound, etc.
17
9
Number of volumes lost and returned
28
12
Total books added
6,020
5,520
Number of volumes lost and withdrawn
2,467
2,406
Net amount of volumes added
3,553
3,114
Number of volumes at end of year
86,928
90,042
REGISTRATION
Number of registered borrowers December 31
20,186
21,529
Number of borrowers registered during year
2,338
2,266
Registration period 3 years
LOANED FOR USE
Number of volumes of fiction
160,097
163,357
Number of volumes of non-fiction
102,260
104,640
Number of volumes loaned
262,357
267,997
PERIODICALS
Number of Periodicals and Newsvapers received
Titles
222
226
Copies
306
307
RECORDS
Number of Albums circulated
1,828
Number of Records circulated
4,254
APPROPRIATION BY THE TOWN
88,428.55 $
Personal Services
$
60,428.55
Expenses
28,000.00
EXPENDITURES
Salaries - Librarians
50,925.37
Salaries - Custodians
8,898.06
Total
59,823.43
312
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Expenses
Books
11,449.42
Periodicals
1,178.27
Bindery
2,562.89
Records
500.48
Building & Grounds
2,097.77
Fuel
2,812.63
Light
1,824.53
Telephone
618.58
Other
expenses
3,551.22
Rent
525.00
Total
27,120.79
TOTAL APPROPRIATION SPENT
86,944.22
Balance from Town Appropriation returned
1,484.33
Salaries
605.12
Expenses
879.21
1,484.33
Moneys received from Fines, etc., returned to Town 3,353.86
TOTAL COST OF MAINTENANCE 1951
Town Appropriation
Funds
Capital Outlay
Total
Salaries
59,823.43
59,823.43
Books
11,449.42
7.48
11,456.90
Periodicals
1,178.27
1,178.27
Bindery
2,562.89
2,562.89
Records
500.48
477.29
977.77
Building & Grounds
2,097.77
4,719.13
2,260.60
9,077.50
Fuel
2,812.63
2,812.63
Light
1,824.53
1,824.53
Telephone
618.58
618.58
All others
3,551.22
341.95
3,893.17
Rent
525.00
525.00
Microfilm
350.00
350.00
Total
86,944.22
5,545.85
2,610.00
95,100.67
313
TREE WARDEN, MOTH, AND TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
Report of the Tree Warden and Superintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Department
January 10, 1952
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden and Superintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Departments for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Tree Warden Department
During the year 411 trees were planted on new streets that were constructed in 1950 and also in various sections of the Town to re- place trees that had died or for some other reason had to be removed.
Public Hearings were held on petitions of property owners for the removal of fifteen trees for various reasons; of these, thirteen were removed and two petitions were denied. The Joint Board of Selectmen and Public Works ordered out twelve trees due to construc- tion of new streets and sidewalks.
A continuation of our program of trimming and raising trees to alleviate obstruction from high delivery trucks and buses traveling along our highways is still in progress. We still continue to get re- quests each year for trimming and cutting back trees that are growing close to houses and overhanging roofs and porches; so it seems that we must make this a part of our program from year to year.
During the course of the year many severe windstorms did serious damage to our trees which required surgical work.
Trees were trimmed and removed for the Cemetery, School and Park Departments at the request of the respective Boards and De- partment Heads.
A new Dodge Truck, equipped with a Winch and Pole Derrick, was purchased this year to replace a 1946 Truck. This equipment has proved to be very valuable, especially in the removal of heavy logs and stumps of trees.
The motor equipment of the Department was used by the Public Works Department during the winter months for snow plowing, snow removal and sanding whenever requested by the Superintendent.
314
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth Departments
The regular spraying schedule of this Department was carried on as usual with extra special efforts being made to combat the Dutch Elm Disease. During the year twelve cases of this disease were found in Arlington, making a total of fifteen that has been found to date. Even though this figure is relatively small compared to 11,517 trees that have been afflicted in the state, every precaution must be taken so it will not spread further. At the present writing there is no known cure for the disease outside of removal of the trees and burning them up. Spraying at the proper time and a continuation of our sanitation program will still be adhered to in the future.
The Japanese Beetle continues to be a major problem as it is in every community surrounding us, and we are making a concentrated effort to control them.
A very heavy infestation of Aphis again invaded the Town this year and in sections where it was the heaviest, the trees were sprayed with Nicotine.
Many requests were received at this office for Poison Ivy spraying and where it was possible it was taken care of. There are many loca- tions were spraying is impossible because of certain vegetation.
All main streets and many of the side streets had to be sprayed in the early morning hours because of heavy traffic conditions in the middle of the day.
There were 801 private estates sprayed on request of property owners; who in turn, made a remittance to the Town for the cost of the work.
Menotomy Rocks Park was again sprayed this year by airplane and very favorable results were obtained from it.
Town House Grounds
As has been the custom in past years, the personnel of the Tree Warden and Moth Departments maintain the grounds bordering the Town Hall and Robbins House.
The regular maintenance of the grounds and shrubbery was attended to as usual. Replacements of some of the plants and trees had to be made in the Spring because of Winter killing.
Due to the Patriot's Day celebration, which attracted an enormous crowd of adults and children, the men of the Department had to rope off the entrance to the Town Hall and police the grounds.
A permanent watchman was employed during the summer months to patrol the grounds every evening as well as all day Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
315
TREE WARDEN, MOTH, AND TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
The bases of the fountains on the front platform of the Hall were planted with flowers again this year and as usual, many favorable comments were received about them.
Snow removal from the front platform of the Hall, the walks through the grounds, also the parking areas at the Town Hall and Robbins House comes under the jurisdiction of this Department.
The parking area in the rear of the Town Hall was enlarged this year to accomodate more cars. This project was let out on contract to R. W. Balam Co. of Brighton, Mass.
In conclusion, I wish to gratefully acknowledge the cooperation given me by the Board of Selectmen and its staff, the personnel of this Department and all other Departments of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE M. DOLAN
Tree Warden & Superintendent of Moth & Town House Grounds Departments
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