USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1956 > Part 20
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Investments
Arlington 5ยข Savings Bank, Book 40412 $ 2,432.37
Cambridge Savings Bank, Book 178038 20,437.75
Cambridgeport Savings Bank, Book 254223 10,054.17
$32,924.29
EDWARD P. CLARK, Chmn. HAROLD A. YEAMES Sinking Fund Commissioners
FRANCIS A. COUGHLIN, Town Treasurer CARMEN T. FORITANO, Town Accountant
266
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Robbins Scholarship Fund 1956
Principal of fund
$10,000.00
Balance Income, December 31, 1955
178.43
10,178.43
Receipts
Interest on:
Arlington Co-operative Bank shares $ 300.00
Arlington Co-operative Bank
Savings Shares account 6.17
306.17
10,484.60
Payments
Tuitions
300.00
10,184.60
Investments
50 Arlington Co-operative Bank Shares .. $10,000.00
Arlington Co-operative Bank Savings
Shares account, #1631 184.60
Fund and Balance Income, December 31, 1956
$10,184.60
ELEANOR J. STRONG, Chmn. CARL F. ALLEN DAVID J. ASHTON
RICHARD W. BAKER
MARY K. BOYD ARTHUR F. COUGHLIN, JR.
JOHN P. MORINE
MARY E. PORTEUS M. NORCROSS STRATTON School Committee
FRANCIS A. COUGHLIN, Town Treasurer CARMEN T. FORITANO, Town Accountant
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF ROBBINS LIBRARY
267
Annual Report of the Trustees of the Robbins Library for the Year 1956
TRUSTEES Robert J. Brosnan - Chairman Mrs. Molly F. Yood - Secretary Hugh A. Mallon, Jr. *Edmund L. Frost ** Robert H. Marsh Mrs. Margaret H. Spengler
LIBRARIAN Miss Judith E. Stromdahl
STAFF
Ruth Sampson - Assistant Librarian Dorothy L. Hart - Reference Librarian Elizabeth L. Phelan - Children's Librarian *Carol Anne DiPesa - Head, Circulation Department ** Margery Gray - Head, Circulation Department Patricia J. Hunter - Cataloger *Norma V. Melvin - Music Librarian ** Alyce L. Davis - Music Librarian Esther McQuaid - Young People's Librarian Helen E. Whiteman - Branch Librarian-Dallin Branch Evelyn Colcord - Branch Librarian-East Branch
Margaret M. Bowser *Anne D. Burke Muriel G. Chandler Dolores V. Cleland Jane M. Coffin ** Anne I. Enquist Angela Hux Marilyn E. Kenney
*** CarolSue Marburg Margaret Morash ** Margaret O'Brien Alice D. Peggs Joan A. Perks *Regina Seltzer *& ** June M. Souther Hazel M. Thurber Louisa Irva Tilton
PART-TIME ASSISTANTS *Vanja Boklund Antoinette W. Brask ** Sara-Margaret DePew Dorothy L. Dodworth Audrey J. Hoeg ** Virginia Rudd ** Ruth Rusden *Eva M. Smith
*Resigned ** Appointed
268
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
CUSTODIANS George A. Capes - Senior Custodian Florey Corelli Normand J. Paradis John Loftus
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
To: Town Manager Edward C. Monahan
Dear Mr. Monahan:
We submit herewith the Report of the Librarian for 1956, which gives in detail an account of the activities of the year.
The Board of Trustees served until July under the able Chairmanship of Mr. Hugh A. Mallon, Jr., when the undersigned was elected Chairman. In June, Mr. Edmund L. Frost resigned from the Board. Mr. Frost brought to the Board an understanding of library problems and needs and through his resignation the library suffered a real loss. He served from 1944-1950, and from 1953-56.
To fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Frost's resignation, Mr. Robert H. Marsh was appointed to a three year term, until July 1, 1959.
The people of Arlington again made increased use of library facilities and services with the result that circulation was the highest in the history of the library.
Several major improvements to the building were carried out during 1956. The slate roof has been completely repaired, the skylights have been removed and eliminated, the north wall of the Children's Library has been covered with copper, concrete capstones on the pilasters of the entrance to the Junior Library have been replaced by new granite capstones.
Small casement windows on the easterly elevation of the Main Library have been replaced with double hung sash windows.
The relighting program continued with the installation of new lights in the Reference Room of the Main Library.
In addition, the Board with the cooperation and assistance of the Town Manager and Finance Committee is setting up a long range plan to continue the program now in effect of making necessary improvements and repairs to library buildings.
Staff shortages continue to be a problem. During the year seven staff members resigned, including two key department heads, the Head of Circulation and the Music Librarian. The board hopes that this problem may be overcome by the reallocat- ing of positions within the Pay and Classification Plan to a point when salary inequities will be correct. This is necessary and desirable, if the present high standard of library service to the Town is to be maintained.
Among the staff resignations was that of Miss Eva Smith, who had served the Town of Arlington as a library employee for more than forty years, as a general assistant, as Branch Librarian of the East Branch, and as a member of the Staff of the Catalogue De- partment of the Main Library. The Board of Trustees herewith recognizes this record of faithful and devoted service.
269
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
The Board hopes during the coming year to complete work on a long range program for the Robbins Print Collection, through the joint efforts of a Committee appointed in 1955 by Mr. Mal- lon and a sub-committee of Trustees appointed in 1956 by the undersigned to work in unison in carrying out this project.
Several special events took place during the year.
On Sunday afternoon, April 29, memorial exercises were held in the Junior Library for the former Librarian, the late Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford who served as Librarian of the Robbins Library from 1928 to 1951. A beautiful painting, executed by Mr. Arthur Herrick, was unveiled, over the mantel in the Junior Library. This memorial was made possible through the gifts of the Board and friends of Mrs. Spofford.
In May, with appropriate ceremonies, a beautiful white dog. wood tree was planted outside the Junior Library as a tribute to the memory of Mrs. Spofford by the Arlington Garden Club.
The most ambitious activity promoted under the sponsorship of the Trustees, with the help of the Parent Teacher Associations of every school and the local newspapers, was the Book Fair, which was held in the Town Hall on November 19-20-21.
The Book Fair was under the able Chairmanship of Mrs. Robert F. Donovan. Working in close unison with her were two members of the Board, Mrs. Molly F. Yood and Mrs. Margaret H. Spengler, the Librarian, Miss Judith E. Stromdahl, the Town Manager, Mr. Edward C. Monahan, the wives of past and present. Trustees, the local newspaper editors, and the heads and appointed delegates of the Parent Teacher Associations; their combined efforts made Arlington's first Book Fair a wonderful success.
Attractive book exhibits were prepared and arranged by the schools, public and parochial; a Tea for local Authors and Artists was arranged; programs for the general public with outstanding Authors and Artists as speakers were held on Monday and Tues- day evenings; and twenty programs reaching into the classrooms of every school, by which all the boys and girls of Arlington were introduced to books in some form, were presented. The Trustees feel that the purpose behind their effort, namely, to stimulate wider reading and appreciation of children's literature, to encourage ownership of books, and to increase the understanding of the contemporary importance of the library as part of the school's cur- riculum, was accomplished to a gratifying degree.
In addition, from a public relations point of view, the Fair was a success. A closer working relationship with the schools of the community has resulted; many new borrowers have been in- troduced to the library through the Book Fair and the boys and girls themselves have discovered the excitement books can provide.
On a long range scale the Board with the School Committee and the Town Manager is working on a program of School Libra- ries. A sub-committee consisting of members from the Board of Library Trustees and the School Committee and the Town Man- ager has been appointed to see how this worthwhile program can best be brought into the Arlington Schools. No stone must be left unturned in the effort to see that the children of Arlington are enabled to make the best possible use of the wonderful tools provided by the proper selection of books.
270
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Trustees wish to thank the Town Manager, Mr. Monahan for his cooperation and assistance throughout the year.
The Trustees are highly grateful to the Librarian, Miss Strom- dahl and the entire Staff of the Library for their faithful service and assistance throughout the year. Arlington can well be proud of its fine Librarian and Staff whose devotion to library service is reflected in the outstanding job and accomplishments rendered by them to the Town of Arlington in the year 1956.
May we call your attention to the detailed report of the Librarian that follows, for specific information about library activities.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT J. BROSNAN, Chairman Board of Library Trustees
Report of the Librarian for the Year 1956
The Robbins Library represents one of the greatest gifts the Town of Arlington can bestow upon and make available to its citizens-the gift of unlimited opportunity for each individual who wishes to take advantage of this gift, to grow educationally and culturally, irrespective of race, color, religion, wealth or social status. The library represents many things "It is
A treasure house of information covering man's heritage of facts and wisdom.
A source of recreation via the stories of novelists and dramatists.
A storehouse of music and art by the world's great orchestras and painters.
A child's window on the world opening new horizons to mold his future.
A cornerstone of democracy by providing the tools of self- education.
Is there any other institution man has ever created that offers SO MUCH
TO SO MANY
FOR SO LITTLE COST?"
In Arlington, in 1956, these library resources were made available to all its citizens for the sum of $4.10 per individual, the approximate cost of one book.
But, just as an unread book is of no value, and can convey no message, so a library is useless unless the people make use of its well selected books, its up-to-date encyclopedias and refer-
271
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
ence books, its recordings and films, its trained staff which is ready to give reading and research assistance, in the case of the Robbins Library, for sixty-nine hours each week. In Arlington, as of December 31, 1956, 19,928 citizens had recognized its value and had become registered borrowers.
THE BORROWERS USED THE LIBRARY'S RESOURCES
They borrowed books and periodicals, 356,672 of them, as well as 12,436 albums, 1,480 pictures and 86 films, a grand total of 370,674 items. If this material were placed, item by item, one on top of the other, the resulting pile would rise to a height twenty-one times that of the Empire State Building of New York, which is 1,472 feet high, or, if they were arranged as on a library shelf, this material would cover a distance of over six miles in length. This figure represents the largest circulation ever realized in the history of the Robbins Library and is an increase of 7,061 books, and 2,507 albums over the number of books and albums circulated in 1955. Of the books and periodicals borrowed, 188,239 were Adult, 40,074 were Young People's, and 128,359 were Juvenile.
The books were borrowed from the various library depart- ments as follows:
Books & Periodicals
Adult
Young People
Juvenile
Total
Main Library
126,113
27,939
53,289
207,341
Dallin Branch
21,406
6,142
23,792
51,340
East Branch
38,016
5,993
31,631
75,640
Hospital
2,704
2,704
Schools
19,647
19,647
Totals
188,239
40,074
128,359
356,672
CIRCULATION OF OTHER MATERIAL
Record Albums
12,436
Pictures
1,480
Films
86
GRAND TOTAL.
370,674
THE BORROWERS ALSO USED THE SPECIAL SERVICES OFFERED BY THE LIBRARY
"They"-the public- asked 11,649 questions of the Reference Librarian and Reader's Advisers.
"They"-the borrowers-placed 5,524 reserves for specific books and made 250 requests for books for special study to be borrowed from outside library sources.
"They"-civic, cultural and community groups-used the Junior Library Hall on 330 occasions, the Dallin Library Audi- torium 50 times and the Story Hour Room at East Branch for 64 group gatherings.
"They"-1964 children-attended 34 film showings.
"They"-674 boys and girls-were present at 15 concerts.
"They"-1568 children-attended 45 story hours.
"They"-the children-882 of them participated in the Johnny Appleseed Reading Club, the Summer Reading Activity which was voted by the Children's and Branch Librarians to have been one of the most successful summer club programs ever held.
272
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
"They"-398 of the boys and girls of the elementary grades -- participated in the School-Library Reading Program and were presented reading certificates for their reading efforts.
"They"- the Young People of the Read, View, Talk Club-met with the Young People's Librarian on 12 occasions for book reviewing, film and discussion periods.
"They"-the music lovers by the score-used the earphones to enjoy the records available in the Music Room.
LIBRARY BORROWERS AND FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY PARTICIPATED IN SEVERAL SPECIAL EVENTS
On April 29, 1956 a beautiful painting in memory of the former librarian, Mrs. Lucinda Spofford, was unveiled in the Junior Library. This memorial was made possible through the contributions of friends of the former librarian and the Library Trustees.
In May the Garden Club planted a white dogwood tree out- side the Junior Library in memory of Mrs. Spofford.
The cooperation of many groups and individuals made pos- sible the successful Town Wide Book Fair. Held in Town Hall Hall on November 19, 20, and 21, this activity included a most successful Local Authors' and Artists' Tea given at the Robbins Library.
THE CITIZENS SUPPORTED THE LIBRARY
The Library is a two way project; it serves the people in the measure that the people support its program and supply the need- ed funds. In 1956, the Town appropriated $190,965.53 for the Library Program as follows.
Personal Services $112,117.38
Expenses 45,710.00
Capital Outlay 32,838.15
Out of State Travel 300.00
Total Appropriation $190,965.53
Of this amount $22,000. was appropriated for the purchase of the library's stock in trade, books. As a result 8,833 items were added to the library book collection, which now totals 113,865 volumes. Of these additions, 3,830 were new titles, 2,805 were branch copies and 2,198 were duplicate copies or replacements for the Main Library. A further breakdown reveals that 2,507 of the total number of books were added to the collection of juvenile books, 736 to the Young People's collection and 376 were volumes of reference.
The number of books added in 1956 was considerably less than that added in 1955 as the purchasing power for books has not been maintained over the past few years. No increase in the book budget has been granted while the cost of books has con- stantly increased.
273
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
THE LIBRARY HAS MANY FRIENDS
Many individuals and groups have presented gifts to the library mainly in the form of books and magazine subscriptions. One gift which perhaps should receive special mention was a generous gift of children's films from Theta Epsilon, for the Ceiling Projector, which was presented to the library by this group in 1954. This projector is available to any citizen of Arl- ington, adult or juvenile, who though confined to his back through illness or accident, yet wants to read with ease.
Individual citizens have also loaned educational and cultural exhibits of many kinds to the Junior Library, the Reference De- partment and the Dallin and East Branches.
The Garden Club has continued its long standing practice of supplying the libraries with lovely flower arrangements.
Local artists kept the Art Corridor attractive with their paintings for ten months of the year.
THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WERE SERVED BY THE LIBRARY
"In this period of television, cinerama and spectacular forms of entertainment, it is encouraging to note that books are holding their own."
These words from the Children's Librarian's report indicate the interest the boys and girls have shown in the library program during the past year and the attraction books and reading apparently have for them. In 1956, the circulation of children's books for the system reached an all time high. In addition to the work with the boys and girls themselves, book collections were maintained in five elementary schools, book deposits were sent to fifty-eight (58) classrooms, school classes were given orientation at the libraries, schools were visited by the Children's and Branch Librarians, book talks were given, story hours, music concerts and film programs presented, books were sent to camps, book lists compiled, and new books were examined and read for the juvenile book collection.
"The Young People's Department is the actual bridge between the Junior Library and the Adult Library. In this department," according to the Young People's Librarian, "the teen-agers begill to develop their adult reading tastes." A total of 40,032 books were borrowed from the Young People's Departments of the Main Library and the Branches during 1956. The Young People's and Branch Librarians guided the individual high school students in their recreational reading, helped them locate needed reference materials, suggested books for their outside reading assignments, instructed Junior High School classes in the use of the Library, prepared reading lists for both individual and group use, and selected books for the Young People's book collection.
THE LIBRARY AND THE FUTURE
The Robbins Library has concluded the busiest year in its history. But present indications foreshadow an even increasing demand on library facilities. As the population of the town in- creases, as the schools, both public and private, expand in enrol-
274
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ment and program, as more high school graduates turn to college. as the range of the public's interests is stimulated and broadened by the radio, television and other media, as recognition of the library as an educational and informational center increases, so the use of the library will grow. To properly meet the demands, library facilities will necessarily have to be expanded, personnel added to the staff, and the purchasing power of books maintained and increased.
A WORD OF APPRECIATION
In the old legend of the "Palace Made by Music", it was by the combined efforts of all the players making music together. rather than through the skill of one musician, that the new Palace was raised out of the ruins of the old. So, the success of the library program for 1956 is due to the cooperation of many people;
To the Board of Library Trustees, an alert, forward looking group of women and men who are vitally interested in providing the citizens of Arlington with good library service by trained personnel.
To the members of the library staff who are eager to have the public use the many facilities offered by the Town and who have cooperated so wholeheartedly in the serious staff shortages resulting from the many changes on the staff during the past year.
To the custodians upon whom so many demands are made over and above those of a routine nature.
To the Town Manager for his sympathetic interest in, and understanding of, Library problems.
To the local newspapers for their cooperation in making library news available to the public. And finally,
To all the borrowers of the Robbins Library without whose patronage this report could not have been possible.
To each one, the Librarian herewith expresses her grateful thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
JUDITH E. STROMDAHL Librarian
3
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Brown, Dee Alexander . Conspiracy of knaves / by Dee Brown. -- 1st ed. -- New York : Holt, c1987. p. cm. 3 4860 00191 9791
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275
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Annual Report of the Department of Public Works
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Mass.
Dear Mr. Monahan:
herewith submit the Annual Report of the Department of I Public Works for the year ending December 31, 1956.
During the year the Department constructed Edgehill Road from Richfield Road to Ridge Street.
Under the provisions of Article 35 of the Warrant of 1956 a Storm Drain System was installed through Private Lands between Wollaston Avenue and Williams Street.
In accordance with Article 37 of the Warrant a Surface Drain was installed in Private Lands from Sunnyside Avenue to Alewife Brook.
In accordance with Article 40 of the Warrant "Sidewalks and Edgestones" all Sidewalks and Edgestone Installations were com- pleted prior to December 31, 1956. This, incidentally, is the first time that this program has been completed within the year of the specific appropriation.
Regular maintenance work was performed in the Water System, Sewerage System and Storm Drain System.
Water mains, sewer mains, and storm drain mains with all appur- tenances such as manholes, catch basins, hydrants and gate valves were installed in various locations throughout the Town. In the par- ticular case of Storm Drains, many mains have been increased in size to more successfully cope with flood conditions.
Rubbish was collected from business and residential areas on a weekly collection basis. During 1956 it was necessary to utilize the Sanitary Fill Method in that area immediately adjacent to Browning Road and Concord Turnpike. Every effort was expended to keep this area from becoming unsightly, and thousands of tons of clean fill were used to cover it daily. It was extremely encouraging to learn that those residents immediately adjacent to the area feel that this fill will do much to improve what was formerly a mosquito breeding swamp.
Effective June 18, 1956 persons using the dumping area for the disposal of rubbish were charged for dumping permits on the basis of Fifty Cents for a small truck load and One Dollar for a large truck load. A total of Eight hundred nineteen ($819.00) Dollars was received from the issuance of these permits.
Public roadways and sidewalks were maintained with approx1- mately twenty-six roadways receiving a much needed seal-coat treat- ment. This program must be continued to prevent our older road- ways from disintegrating. During 1957 it is the intent to replace and repair many sidewalks which have been raised due to tree roots, or are in many instances in need of replacement.
276
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Department with the aid of outside equipment procured for that specific purpose was able to cope with the extremely heavy storms during March of 1956. I believe the work was done well thereby keeping all streets open for emergencies such as Fire, Police, etcetera. Thousands of tons of sand and salt were spread throughout the hilly areas which are approximately sixty percent of the entire Town.
We have continued under the provisions of Article 33 of the War- rant to clean the water mains at strategic locations. The program of replacing obsolete hydrants has continued along with the installation of gate valves where necessary. A pressure regulating valve was installed on Hutchinson Road north of Old Mystic Street. An eight- inch water main was installed on Emerson Road and Mystic Bank from Glen Avenue to Draper Avenue.
It was necessary during 1956 to perform many repairs at various locations on the Mill Brook. Culverts at Brattle Street and Grove Street were completely rebuilt. Culvert at Mystic Street received ex- tensive repairs. This work was completed by Contract and compen- sated for by the State and Federal Government. This department cleaned the entire length of Mill Brook including culvert which runs under the Warren A. Peirce Field, rear of the High School. It was necessary to deepen the Brook at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and repair riprap walls at this location. Riprapping the entire length of Mill Brook Drive was removed and reset. The great proportion of expense for this work was recovered from the State and Federal Government.
The Department as heretofore performed numerous jobs for other Town Departments.
For the School Department: grading and installation of parking area rear of the Administration Building on Maple Street; grading and installation of play areas at Parmenter School; surfacing of park- ing area at Bishop School; installation of bituminous concrete play- ground at Cutter School.
For Dallin School Building Committee: installation of all walks and necessary grading.
For Thompson School Building Committee: installation of all walks and necessary grading.
For Elections and Town Meetings: Delivery and pick-up of all election equipment. All repairs to Precinct Boxes, etcetera.
For Park Department: grading and construction of basketball court and tennis court at Warren A. Peirce Field; the construction of basketball court at Summer Street Playground; extensive bituminous concrete patching at Spy Pond Field.
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