USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1952 > Part 22
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MUSIC
The Music Department feels that students taking part in the vari- ous musical activities should receive not only sound theoretical instruc- tion but also opportunities of performing before an audience. With this in mind we have tried to maintain a program so that each musical unit will perform before an audience. We hope that this experience will stimulate them to greater efforts.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Two of our musical organizations, composed of 90 students, parti- cipated in the Massachusetts State Music Festival on May 3 in Everett. The combined Junior High orchestra received 96 points for an Honor I (Superior) rating in Class D. The Cutter Elementary School Band re- ceived 100 points for an Honor I (Superior) rating. The Cutter School Band is the first musical organization ever to have received a perfect score at a Massachusetts State Music Festival. On May 23 the Ele- mentary instrumental classes gave their "Ninth Annual Spring Concert" at the High School. Approximately 225 song flute pupils, 100 pupils studying band instruments, 50 string students, and 9 pupils from the piano classes took part in this concert.
REPORT ON SCHOOL CAFETERIAS
When school opened in September our three school cafeterias showed an increase of student participation in the National School Lunch Program. The pattern for this program is set by the Federal Government and is based on the nutritional requirements of the school child. Children of all ages need three good meals a day. The school meal provides one-third to one-half of a child's nutrition needs for the entire day. Breakfast and dinner are the responsibility of the home. A Type A Lunch which we serve in our cafeterias is a complete meal, and must contain one-half pint of whole milk, two ounces of fresh or processed meat, poultry, fish, cheese or eggs, three-fourths of a cup of vegetables, or fruit, one portion of bread, two teaspoons of butter or fortified margarine. We also include a nourishing dessert. In order to serve this lunch for twenty-five cents per student, we receive assist- ance from two sources. First, a Federal subsidy of nine cents for each hot, meal served. and two cents for each half-pint of milk sold apart from the complete meal.
We also receive valuable assistance from the Government in a monthly distribution of surplus commodities. This year we have had orange juice, cheese, canned vegetables, shell eggs, hams and turkeys. Our second source of financial aid is from the Town appropriation. In addition to our own daily receipts, and the Federal help, we have found it necessary to ask for a Town appropriation in order to follow the School Lunch requirements, and to meet food and labor costs. This is especially true where the school enrollment does not allow a volume of business large enough to cover operational costs. The School Lunch Program has become a part of our educational system and its object- ive is to safeguard the health and well-being of the school child by offering and encouraging him to eat more nutritious food.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, may I express to the School Committee, to all fellow workers in the Department and to other officials, my appreciation for your kind help and support.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD R. HALL, Superintendent of Schools
309
TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
Annual Report of the Trustees of the Robbins Library for the Year 1952
Trustees ROSCOE O. ELLIOTT, Chairman FRANCIS KEEFE, Secretary MARK W. BRADFORD ** JOHN B. FOX FREDERICK STANLEY GLYNN, JR. MRS. E. WARREN HEAPS, JR. *LLEWELLYN B. PARSONS
Librarian MISS JUDITH E. STROMDAHL
Staff
RUTH SAMPSON-Assistant Librarian MARY J. MURDOCK-Reference Librarian ELIZABETH L. PHELAN-Children's Librarian JOAN H. BUTLER-Head Circulation HARRIET L. TAYLOR-Cataloguer HELEN E. WHITEMAN-Branch Librarian-Dallin EVELYN COLCORD-Branch Librarian-East SIGNE HYNSON-Young People's Librarian RITA ZAKARIAN-Music Librarian JOAN M. ABBOTT MURIEL G. CHANDLER ANNE DeCAMP RENA FINCH MARILYN E. KENNEY DOLORES T. VARELLO *ELIZABETH EPSTEIN
** appointed *resigned
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Part Time Assistants
MARGARET M. BOWSER ANTOINETTE BRASK AUDREY J. HOEG SHIRLEY Y. MUIR EVA M. SMITH HAZEL M. THURBER EMILY WOO
Custodians GEORGE A. CAPES Senior Custodian EDWARD CATERINO NORMAND J. PARADIS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
The highlight of the Robbins Library year of 1952 was the con- struction of the East Branch. This beautifully appointed building, opened on January 1, 1953, gave the citizens of this section of the town what they themselves wanted and recommended. It is the trustees' understanding that the residents of East Arlington are pleased with the result. Provision for air conditioning will complete the work, if the town meeting appropriates the money for this purpose.
Painting and decorating done at the main library, particularly the Junior Library Hall, and at the Dallin Branch, have done much to make them more attractive. Plans are in the making to improve the lighting in the big reading room at the main library, funds permitting.
Our librarian, Miss Judith Stromdahl, in her report mentions the work done with our school age young people. We are sure that par- ents of teen agers will appreciate this work which supplements school work. The large volume of recorded music handled demonstrates con- clusively that music is a popular department. While these two de- partments are singled out for comment chiefly because they are rel- atively new, we have nothing but good to say for the others.
Dr. Llewellyn B. Parsons, trustee, was and is Director of Research for Lever Brothers Company. When their new laboratories were opened in New Jersey last June, he was compelled to resign. At a joint meet- ing the Board of Selectmen and the remaining library trustees voted to appoint Mr. John B. Fox to Dr. Parsons' place until the next elec- tion. Mr. Fox is Assistant Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
We believe the librarian and her staff are performing a conscien- tious and efficient service to the community. They and the trustees are always ready to receive any suggestions or constructive criticism offered by our fellow townspeople.
Trustees of the Robbins Library
ROSCOE O. ELLIOTT, Chairman
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TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
Report of the Librarian for the Year 1952
Using the only tangible criteria available to libraries in evaluating the success or failure of their work, namely figures, the Robbins Library of Arlington can report 1952 as a highly successful year. Gains have been reported in all department with the exception of the East Branch which was closed from August 21 through December 31 for remodeling; increased interest in the Library has been manifest through the success of the many activities carried on by the Library during the year.
There was an increase of 13,516 volumes in the circulation for the system during the year, in spite of the fact that the East Branch cir- culated many fewer volumes than in 1951. A total of 281,513 books and magazines and 9,875 albums of music were borrowed for home use by the people of Arlington, the largest number since 1941. The following table illustrates this fact.
Table for increase in book circulation from 1942-1952
YEAR
CIRCULATION
1942
280,541
1943
217,402
1944
210,335
1945
211,272
1946
212,313
1947
225,292
1948
239,317
1949
255,967
1950
262,357
1951
266,929
1952
281,513
REGISTRATION
Closely allied with the circulation figures are the registration records. In January, in an effort to establish an accurate account of the number of borrowers using the Library, and with the aim of insti- tuting a method of keeping the registration figures as accurate as pos- sible, reregistration of all borrowers was begun. By December 31 almost 10,000 residents of Arlington had been given new cards including 2,226 issued to new borrowers. This reregistration of borrowers will con- tinue in 1953 until all Library users have been issued new library cards.
SERVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE
One of the most recent services instituted by the Library is the establishment of special reading guidance to young people. Quoting from the report of the Young People's Librarian, "the department's aims are twofold: to supply intelligently and sympathetically, materi- als needed for execution of school assignments and to supply recrea-
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
tional reading of such scope and quality as to appeal to the wide range of readers and encourage them to further and better reading. To find a book that is of high quality, that meets requirements and that in- terests the boy or girl calls for patience, for interest in the individual's reading background and taste, as well as a facility for estimating his reading level. Straight reference work with High School students in- volves everything from simple questions such as 'What are the colors of the United Nations' flag?' to such taxing requests as material for a thesis to be called 'Will man ever conquer the universe?' During the nine school months of 1952 the number of recorded reference questions from these young people amounted to 1515."
During the year, a special effort was made to purchase material of special interest to young people, including teen-age literature as well as adult books suitable and appealing to them. In cooperation with the Principal and teachers of Junior High East. a course in the use of the Library was given to the ninth grade students of that school during the fall months, and a special project, started last spring by the Young People's Department together with the acting Librarian of the Arling- ton High School, was continued during the fall season, namely a book reviewing club for students of the High School.
JUNIOR LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
The Children's Librarian reports "the total circulation for the Jun- ior Library for 1952 was 42,952, a gain of 7,961 over last year. Every month except August showed a substantial gain. ... Perhaps the novel- ty of television has worn rather thin and children are again turning to books. Some of the new books which are being published are so well written and beautifully illustrated that it is no wonder that chil- dren seek them. The number of good biographies is increasing. . . . It is encouraging that there is a return to books."
In addition to working directly with the children, the Junior Libra- ry has sent books to the schools for class room and school library use; classes have visited the Library for Library instruction; the Children's Librarian has given book talks to 77 classes; story hours for both the pre-school age group and those of school age have been held; and summer reading activities have been planned and executed, the aim always being to help the child develop through reading.
REFERENCE WORK
In 1952, 7,889 reference questions were answered. According to the Reference Librarian "many new reference books have been added during the year which we feel will help us to give better and broader reference service to the public. ... Some of the more important ones are as follows: INDEX TO PLAYS IN COLLECTIONS, DIRECTORY OF NEW ENGLAND MANUFACTURERS, 1952, ANNUAL SURVEY OF AMERICAN LAW, STATISTICAL ABSTRACT OF THE U.S. 1951. THOMAS' REGISTER OF MANUFACTURERS, 1952, ESSAY AND GENERAL LITERATURE INDEX, COLUMBIA-LIPPINCOTT GAZET- TEER OF THE WORLD, SHAKESPEARE COMPANION, BOOK ABOUT AMERICAN POLITICS, AMERICAN CATHOLIC 'WHO'S
313
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
WHO, HARPER'S BIBLE DICTIONARY, PROTESTANT DICTION- ARY, CONTEST PICTURE ENCYCLOPEDIA, THE YEARBOOKS FOR THE MOODY'S INVESTOR SERVICE." In all, 103 reference titles and 580 pamphlets for reference use were added to the collection.
SERVICE TO SYMMES ARLINGTON HOSPITAL
Once a week during 1952 with the wholehearted cooperation of the hospital staff, a member of the Robbins Library Staff has visited pa- tients at Symmes Arlington Hospital with her book wagon filled with books and magazines offering those ill or convalescent an opportunity to borrow books. During the year, 2,852 patients were contacted and 4,724 books and periodicals were circulated. These figures represent the best year since the service began ten years ago. The following table will show the growth of this hospital service.
Table for increase in book and periodical circulation per year from 1943-52.
YEAR
CIRCULATION
1943
1,587
1944
1,244
1945
969
1946
812
1947
819
1948
924
1949
1,280
1950
711
1951
1,306
1952
4,724
MUSIC
The growth and use of the Record Collection has been gratifying. During the past year 9,875 albums have been circulated; 7,856 of these were LP and the rest were 78. Translated into terms of records, there were 16,611 circulated during the year, 9,384 of them LP. The follow- ing tables will show the use of the record collection since the depart- ment opened in October, 1951, and the popularity of the various types of records.
Table showing entire album circulation per month from October 1951 through December 1952.
Month
LP
78
Both
Oct.
227
338
565
Nov
324
265
589
Dec
447
227
674
Jan
482
200
682
Feb
578
225
803
Mar
758
270
1028
Apr
688
221
909
May
747
215
962
Je
423
86
509
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Jy
404
71
475
Aug
476
95
571
Sep
560
132
692
Oct
766
162
928
Nov
1017
190
1207
Dec
957
152
1109
KIND OF MUSIC Table for entire album circulation in 1952 according to the kind of music.
KIND OF MUSIC
ALBUM CIRCULATION
KIND OF MUSIC
ALBUM CIRCULATION
Language
43
Bolero
9
Dance
124
Concerto
1,156
Opera
726
Chamber
167
Musica]
941
Suite
705
Sacred
1,164
Piano
739
Song
373
Harp
71
Orchestra
541
Children
1,207
Symphony
1,589
Poetry
60
Overture
141
Drama
76
History
43
In addition to records, 791 scores, 239 librettos, 167 pamphlets and 552 pieces of sheet music and 306 periodicals have circulated from the department.
INTER-LIBRARY LOAN
In 1952, 259 books were borrowed from other libraries for the use of Arlington citizens who needed material not included in the Robbins Library collection. This service has been increasing with the years as the following table will show.
Table showing increase in the number of books borrowed on Inter- library loan from 1942-52.
YEAR
NUMBER OF BOOKS
1942
60
1943
50
1944
60
1945
57
1946
40
1947
62
1948
71
1949
86
1950
103
1951
195
1952
259
315
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
BRANCHES
Both Branches reported a busy, active year. Many new borrowers were registered, activity with the schools increased, story hours were held for the younger boys and girls, and summer reading projects were conducted.
According to the Dallin Branch Librarian, "there has been an up- ward trend in circulation for several years at the Dallin Branch and 1952 has been the best since 1942. And the Librarian of the East Branch writes, "during the closing days of 1952, East Branch was literally trans- formed from the 'Ugly Duckling' to the 'Beautiful Swan' of the Robbins Library system. From one small store we are now a beautiful, spacious, modern library. East Branch closed August 21 for the purpose of re- building; on December 31 East Branch was again ready to serve the public of East Arlington."
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES OF 1952 IN BRIEF REVIEW
Seven monthly recorded concerts have been held with the cooper- ation of Mr. John Hasson, Mr. John Bartlett, Mr. Leonard Murasco and Mr. America Chaves.
The Great Books Discussion Group met regularly every other Mon- day evening from January to June under the leadership of Mr. Klaus Epstein.
A course in Music Appreciation was sponsored by the Library during the month of October with Mr. John Hasson as lecturer.
During Book Week in November, a "get acquainted Tea" for teach- ers of all Public Schools of Arlington was held in the Junior Library Hall with Mr. Floyd Rinker of Newton as the speaker. Displays of books and other materials useful to teachers in their classroom work were exhibited.
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the gift of the Robbins Library Building to the Town of Arlington by Mrs. Maria Robbins in memory of her husband Eli, a well attended Open House was held on Sunday afternoon, December 7.
Dcring 1952, the Arlington Advocate from 1871 through 1901, and for the year 1951 was microfilmed. This work will continue until all the newspaper records owned by the Library including the Arlington Advocate, Arlington News, and the Arlington Press have been trans- ferred to this new medium. This change will result in providing valu- able shelf space, to say nothing of the convenience to the borrower having occasion to consult the newspaper files.
Two Library groups met in the Robbins Library during the year, one in April when a group of Children's Librarians held a morning meeting to discuss the new Spring Children's books and the other in November when the Robbins Library was host to the Charles River
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Library Club comprising Librarians from about 20 surrounding libraries.
Members of the Library Staff attended and took part in a number of Library meetings and also gave talks to many local groups.
For greater efficiency and more accuracy, a time-saving, mechanical charging machine was put into use early in the year in both the Main Library and its Branches.
Much use has been made of the Library Halls by community groups during the past year. 423 meetings were scheduled in the Main and Dallin Branch Auditoriums and conference rooms. This figure does not include the use of the Halls made by the Library for story telling purposes.
NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED
One of the departments with which the Public is usually unfamiliar is the Cataloging Department. As the Head Cataloguer explains it, "the essential objective of any cataloging department is to provide read- ers with keys to the use of the Library's collection-by the information provided in the card catalog, and by a convenient subject arrange- ment of books on the shelves. The work of the Cataloger is thus bas- ic to the usefulness of the Library . .. good cataloging involves anti- cipating what information and arrangement of books will best serve the reader, and requires sound judgment as well as knowledge of cataloging procedures.'
1952 has been a year of reorganization in the Catalog Department. New, and it is hoped, more efficient techniques have been put into practice with the aim of making the catalog more useful to the Libra- ry's patrons.
During the past year the Cataloging Department processed 6,818 volumes which were added to the Library collection and withdrew 901 books. Of the titles added, 3074 were new to the Library collection which, at the end of the year included 95,959 volumes.
A WORD OF APPRECIATION
TO
The Arlington newspapers, the Advocate, News and Press which have been generous with their space for Library publicity.
Those citizens and groups of Arlington who have presented the Library with gifts of books, magazines, music and other materials.
The Art Committee of the Arlington Woman's Club for its interest in providing the Library with exhibits of paintings by local artists.
Those residents of Arlington who have loaned exhibits of one kind or another to the Main Library as well as to the Branches.
To the Staff for its support and cooperation in carrying out the Library Program.
317
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
A TRIBUTE
An unusually alert group of citizens form the Library Board of Trustees. These citizens are vitally interested in the educational and social welfare of the community; they recognize the importance of books to education, information, recreation and morale. To supply adequate and good library service to the Town is their goal. For their help during 1952 we thank them.
STATISTICAL REPORT
Population served
43,984
Volumes in Book Collection December 31, 1952
95,959
Books added during the year
6,818
Book Circulation
Main Library
207,980
Dallin Branch
39,039
East Branch
34,494
Record Circulation
9,875
Total Circulation-Books and Records
291,388
Registration
New borrowers registered
Borrowers reregistered
2,226 7,356
Appropriation by the Town
$102,351.90
Capital Outlay
$1,665.00
East Branch
$35,000.00
Expenditures
Personal Services
$67,851.90
Books, Bindery and Periodicals
19,196.97
Records
999.71
All other
14,276.29
$102,324.87
Balance returned to Town
$ 27.03
Respectfully submitted,
JUDITH E. STROMDAHL
Librarian
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Tree Warden and Superintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Department
January 12, 1953
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 end- ing December 31, 1952.
During the year 222 trees were planted on new streets that were recently constructed by the Public Works Department and also in vari- ous sections of the Town to replace 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 twelve trees for various reasons; all twelve petitions, due to
the fact that there were no objections were granted. The Joint Board of Selectmen and Public Works ordered out nineteen trees due to construction 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. An ex- tensive project of trimming and pruning the trees in the Hillside and Claremont Avenue section of Arlington Heights was undertaken this year with much more to be done before it is completed.
During the course of the year many severe windstorms did serious damage to our trees which required surgical work. The ice storm of December 23rd caused very heavy damage throughout the Town espe- cially in the Heights.
Trees were trimmed and removed for the Cemetery, School and Park Departments at the request of the respective Boards and De- partment Heads.
The motor equipment of the Department was used by the Public
319
TREE WARDEN, MOTH, AND TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
Works Department during the winter months for snow plowing and snow removal whenever requested by the Superintendent.
GYPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTH DEPARTMENT
The regular spraying schedule of this department was carried on as usual with an extra dormant spray given to the Elms to combat the Scolytus Beetles which is the carrier of the Dutch Elm Disease. During the year seventeen cases of this disease were found in the Town mak- ing a total of thirty-two that has been found to date. Even though this figure is relatively small compared to 16,522 trees that have been afflicted in the state as of August 21, 1952, 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 removing the trees and burning them up or burying them. Spraying at the proper time and a continua- tion 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 still making a concen- trated effort to control them.
An infestation of Tent Caterpillars was found in the Arlmont Vil- lage section this year, the first time we have had any for about eight years. Due to this fact, I look for a heavier invasion in 1953.
All main streets and many side streets were sprayed in the early morning hours because of traffic conditions in the middle of the day.
There were 882 private estates sprayed on request of property own- ers; 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. These men also take care of the lawn and hedges at Police Head Quarters and the grass area adjoining the parking lot on Mystic Street.
The regular maintenance of the grounds and shrubbery was at- tended to as usual. Replacements of some of the plants had to be made in the Spring because of Winter killing.
The parking area in the rear of the Town Hall which was enlarged a year ago left quite a bit of grading and seeding to be done this year.
Due to the Patriot's Day celebration, which again attracted an enormous crowd of adults and children, the men of the Department
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
had to rope off the entrance to the Town Hall and police the grounds.
A permanent watchman was again employed during the summer months to patrol the grounds every evening as well as all day Satur- days, Sundays and Holidays.
The bases of the fountains on the front platform of the Town Hall were planted with flowers again this year and as usual, many favorable comments were received about them.
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