USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1960 > Part 25
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A brief summary of some of the tangible results of the year's work and of the program carried on by the Robbins Library follows. The intangibles, which are many, cannot be measured. For every person who enters the library and asks for help, another comes in and helps himself. Still another approaches the Readers' Adviser's Desk and says, in effect, "three years ago the librarian let me use a book which was just what I needed. I have a new problem and I must have that book again. Can you find it for me?" Until that moment, the librarian had been unaware of the important service she had rendered three years before. Yet another comes accompanied by her
256
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
children and asks, "do you still have story hours for the children? In my childhood they were my introduction to books and are the source of many happy memories." A research worker, writing a book, working on a problem, preparing a paper, finds the material he needs, uses it in his work which often reaches out to influence or benefit many. How can such services be assayed? The tangible ones must suffice.
DIRECT SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC
"The key to a broader world is the posession of books, but if the door stands wide open, there is no need of a key. It is the business of the public librarian, to keep the door open.
CIRCULATION OF MATERIALS
1960 1959
Books and Periodicals
Main Library
Adult Dept.
145,075
148,900
Y. P. Dept.
37,431
34,321
Junior Library
73,914
65,002
Dallin Branch
72,349
61,698
East Branch
90,508
86,107
School Deposits
10,090
13,217
Hospital Dept.
2,268
2,711
Total
431,635
411,956
Gain 19,679
Other Materials
Phonorecords
19,464
16,026
Films
339
290
Pictures
1,271
1,883
Total
21,074
18,199
Gain
2,875
Total Circulation - 1960 .. 452,709
Total Circulation - 1959
. 430,155
GAIN
22,554
REFERENCE and READERS' ADVISORY SERVICES
"Will you tell me?" "Can you give me ?" "Do you know?"
"Nothing's so hard, but search will find it out."
Questions were asked and questions were answered.
Main Library
Reference Room and Readers' Adviser
7,457
Music Department .
2,133
Young People's Department 2,450
Junior Library .
2,579
Dallin Branch
2,111
East Branch
3,256
Total 19,986
257
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
A sampling of the questions is herewith included:
How to raise and train falcons - Use of solar energy to run a motor - Massachu- setts law concerning a lunch period for teachers - The patron saint of singers - Information about Papal flag - Proportion of ingredients in manufacture of Nitro- cellulose - Flags of 12 tribes of ancient Israel - Bone structure of a turkey - Article on Beatnik psychology - Material on imagery in Shakespeare - Picture of snow crystals - Information on ultrasonic whistles for dogs - Who cast 19th vote of "not guilty" in impeachment of Andrew Johnson - Picture of earliest calendar - Anti-biotic effect of saliva - How to place inventions - History of the electoral college - Method of forming crystals from coal - Psychological phenomena - Earthworms for profit - Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs - Siberian meteorite- Criticism of Faust - Social satire in Britain - History of Radio Free Europe - Deaf and dumb language - Material on superstition and science - Material on period before 1 500 B. C. - Medicinal flowers.
PROGRAMS and ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG AND OLD
The Summer Reading Activity promoted by the Junior Library and the Branches in the form of a Wonder Tree Reading Club featuring classics new and old, attracted a total of 767 boys and girls, 250 at the Junior Library, 303 at Dallin, and 214 at East Branch.
Story Hours, Movies and Special Programs planned for Saturday mornings during the winter months were held in the Junior Library Hall and the auditorium at the Dallin Branch. 64 such programs attracted an attendance of 2,585 children. "Spec- cials" were presented by girl scouts of Troop 4, Mrs. Rita Skinner and the Hilltop Players, Brownies of Troop 102 and pupils of the Doris Hackett School of Drama and Speech. Unfortunately no Saturday morning programs could be planned at the East Branch due to lack of proper facilities.
National Library Week and Book Week were observed. The special features of National Library Week were an evening of Book Reviews presented by Miss Edna Peck of the Boston Public Library and the special book exhibits and displays placed in strategic store windows throughout the town through the courtesy of store owners. Displays of new books, a puppet show for children, school visitation, and visits by school classes to the Junior Library and the branches highlighted the Book Week Program.
Schools, as usual, played an important part in the program of the library during the year. Instruction in the uses and resources of the library was given to all soph- more classes of the Vocational High School by the Young People's Librarian, to 24 seventh grade classes at the Junior High East by the Supervisor of Children's Library Activities, to 38 classes by the Librarian of the East Branch and to 16 classes by the Dallin Branch Librarian. Book Talks were also presented to many classes by various members of the staff. Collections of books to help students with their assignments were assembled in all departments and held on reserve for use by the pupils. Sets of books were sent to the schools. Although the number of collections sent from the Junior Library decreased during the year, due to the establishment of elementary school libraries, requests for sets for Junior and Senior High School use increased. The Arlington High School, Vocational High School, and both Junior High West and Junior High East received books. Booklists were prepared for the fourth, fifth, sixth grades, and the Junior High Schools; these lists were mimeographed by the School Department and distributed to all pupils. Through the R. V. T. (Read, View, Talk) group, a club sponsored jointly by the Young People's Department and the High School, the young people were given opportunity to give book reviews, watch films, participate in discussions and listen to speakers. "Astronomy", "the Philip- pines", and "Costume Make-up", were the subjects of three speakers in 1960. Another cooperative effort is the reading program which is carried on during the school year with the elementary grades. Certificates for each five books read and reported are issued and Honor Certificates are given for twenty books read. 1,110 certificates were issued in 1960.
258
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
A most important program now in effect is also a cooperative one with the schools, namely the elementary School Library Program. Nine basic libraries are in operation. Rooms, equipment and money for books for these libraries are furnished by the School Department; the purchasing and processing of books and the professional librarians to carry on the program are supplied by the Robbins Library, one librarian shared by two schools. In most instances each class visits the school library for one period each week and at this time the boys and girls, after class instruction, may each select one book to take home. Circulation figures for the various schools are as follows: (comparison with 1959 statistics is not possible inasmuch as only seven libraries were then in operation)
1960
Bishop
7,278
Hardy 8,107
Brackett .
1,343
Locke
5,725
Crosby
5,820
Parmenter
787
Cutter
1,587
Thompson 8,268
Dallin
6,026
Total 44,941
SERVICES IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC
"A library's strength lies in the wealth of ideas, the thousands and millions of thoughts in the pages of all the books."
In 1960, over 15,000 new titles were published in the United States alone, not including reprint titles, paper bound editions or titles imported from other countries. Out of this number, the Book Selection Committee, made up of the Professional Staff members, selected as many of the best, the most useful, interesting titles, and those of most lasting importance, as the library book budget would allow, keeping in mind that this same book budget must also cover replacements of old titles, purchase of new editions, reference books and duplicate copies for the branches. After selection has been made, the work of cataloging and processing becomes that of the Technical Services Department, which controls the book collection. During 1960 this department cataloged and processed 8,537 volumes, and withdrew 4,983. Included in the with- drawal figure are titles which were discarded as out of date or worn out, books missing in inventory and books not returned by borrowers. According to the Technical Services Department, the number of volumes included in the Robbins Library collec- tion on December 31, 1960 was 130,849. This figure does not include the books pur- chased for the elementary School Libraries which are in effect the property of the School Department. 2,500 school library books were also processed by the Technical Services Department in 1960.
Just as books must be selected, so must phonorecordings for the Music Room. New records must be purchased, gaps in the collection must be recognized and filled, and decisions made in replacement of worn-out records, all within the limitations of the budget. This important work, as well as that of cataloging and processing has been the duty of the Music Librarian. In 1960, 444 new albums were purchased, catalogued and processed and 284 discarded. On December 31, 1960 the collection included 2,483 albums.
The Music Librarian also handles request for films. "During 1960", she stated, "the use of films by the public slowly but steadily gained. The increase over 1959 was 45. The source of the films has been the Massachusetts Department of Education, and since last September, Canadian Travel Films, Ford Films, Association Films and Radiant Films have been available."
Other services in the interests of the public are itemized below:
5,1 71 books were reserved for borrowers.
132 titles were borrowed by special request through the Inter-Library Loan. 19,374 notices were sent to borrowers reminding them of overdue books.
45 visits were made to homes for books not returned.
78 visits were made to the hospital by the hospital librarian.
259
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
324 groups were given the use of the Junior Library Hall and 81 groups used the Dallin Branch Auditorium.
3,511 new borrowers were registered - 2,113 at the Main Library, 653 at Dallin, 745 at East Branch.
In their desire to keep abreast of the times and to give Arlington the benefit of modern library procedures, several staff members took library courses at Simmons College, many attended Massachusetts Library Association and New England Library meetings, as well as other professional and educational conferences. The Librarian attended the Joint Conference of the American Library Association and the Canadian Library Association held in Montreal in June.
In addition to attending meetings, several of the Staff members held offices in these professional associations and on committees.
THE PUBLIC'S SERVICE TO THE LIBRARY
The Robbins Library has benefited in many ways during the past year through the kindness of both individuals and groups, many in number. Gifts of flowers, books, and magazines have been received, exhibits of many kinds loaned to the Branches as well as to the Main Library. To these friends, the library is most grateful.
The newspapers, too, have been generous in the coverage of library news and have presented stories accurately and fairly. Tothese, too, the Library gives thanks.
AN APPRECIATION OF SERVICE RENDERED
In the face of ever increasing work loads and a shortage of personnel, the staff has given loyal support to the library program during 1960. Each member has con- tributed to the success of the year's work; the willing cooperation and assistance is appreciated by the Librarian. The custodians also deserve a word of merit for their work in keeping the buildings attractively neat and clean and in maintaining the grounds in such good condition. To each member the Librarian is grateful.
The Librarian is indebted to the members of the Board of Library Trustees for their leadership during the past year. The wole program of a library hinges on the attitudes, interest, and vision of the Trustees. Arlington is fortunate in having a Board composed of alert, forward looking citizens who have recognized the importance of the library in the world of today.
Most vital in the overall program of the Library, however, is the support of the Town Manager. This the Robbins Library experienced during 1960. His understanding of library problems and his help in solving them are appreciated by both the Librarian and the Staff.
In conclusion, during 1960, each department and branch of the library played its vital role in the overall pattern. The Staff as a whole has been concerned with pro- viding the best service possible to the citizens and from the record, the citizens have made good use of the total resources. As the Chairman of the Board has already noted, alterations to provide more space are currently being made and it is with anticipation that the Library Staff looks forward to meeting the increasing demands made upon it with improved facilities.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith E. Stromdahl Librarian
260
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
STATISTICAL REPORT
Population served (1960 census)
50,745
Total Volumes in Book Collection, December 31, 1960
130,849
Total Circulation
452,709
Books & Periodicals 431,635
Phonorecords 19,464
Pictures 1,271
339
Films
Total Circulation - Elementary School Libraries 44,941
Total Registered Borrowers, December 31, 1960 .
22,037
APPROPRIATION
Personal Services
$ 162,490.54
Books, Periodicals and Bindery
33,200.00
Record Albums
1,500.00
All Other
21,602.92
Capital Outlay .
7,024.00
Out of State Travel
225.00
Total $ 226,042.46
EXPENDITURES
Personal Services
$ 157,271.49
Books, Periodicals and Bindery
33,640.34
Record Albums
1,504.80
All Other
18,864.80
*Capital Outlay
1,396.63
Out of State Travel
187.32
Total $ 212,865.38
*Balance Capital Outlay carried over from previous year.
261
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Annual Report of the Department of Public Works
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ending December 31, 1960:
During 1960 the Department constructed Lansdowne Road, Kipling Road and Pheasant Avenue. Columbia Road, Charlton Street, two sections, Alpine Terrace, Decatur Street and Longmeadow Road were constructed by private contractors.
Under the provisions of Article 63 of the 1960 Warrant known as "Construction of Ways" the following streets which had originally been constructed by developers were completed: Lantern Lane, Country Club Drive, Pawnee Drive, Apache Trail, Nicod Street, two sections, Hadley Court, Tower Road and Greeley Circle.
Construction of new concrete and bituminous sidewalks and installation of new curbstone under the provisions of Warrant Article #39 was undertaken and completed in 1960.
The Department has already partially installed underground structures in con- nection with the Construction of Service Roadway from Pond Lane to Wellington Street. This roadway should be fully completed by late Spring of 1961.
We are also in the process of completing alteration of westerly corner of Park Avenue Extension at Summer Street under Article #42. Alteration to corner of Bow Street and Oakledge Street under Article 89 will be completed in early 1961 when weather permits.
The program of maintaining public sidewalks originally constructed of concrete continued during 1960 and it is to be hoped that funds will be provided in 1961 for the continuance of this vitally needed project.
A reinforced concrete island was constructed in the center of Massachusetts Avenue running easterly from Pleasant Street. The Department also performed many miscellaneous jobs in conjunction with the newly located Mystic Street.
On November 1, 1960 after the Town of Arlington had legally taken possession of property at #51 Grove Street, formerly owned by the Mystic Valley Gas Company, the department immediately started the project of making this area and buildings suitable for a Public Works operation. There is still much work to be done but it is hoped that by the summer of 1961 we can move all functions of Public Works to this new Town Yard.
Our Storm Drain System was extended in various locations as follows: Brattle Place and through Private Lands to Hemlock Street; Homer Road and vicinity; Cemetery Street; Day Street Culvert; Grove Street Place westerly; Massachusetts Avenue at Marion Road and construction of catch basins in many locations.
We continued our policy of systematically cleaning storm drain mains with their appurtenant manholes and catch basins.
All of our public roadways were swept many times during the year of 1960 by means of our power operated sweepers. Every effort has been expended to make Arlington a clean Town to live in.
Sewer mains and Water mains were installed in various locations throughout the Town. Private developers installed many sewer, water and storm drain mains and connections in which instances we provided all inspection.
262
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Maintenance was performed on our entire water system which has grown tre- mendously in the last decade. This system is presently functioning in a most efficient manner. Tests of hydrant pressures are carried out periodically by the Fire Depart- ment and any defects which are noted are immediately repaired by our Water System Maintenance Craftsmen. The cooperation of the Fire Department in this program has aided greatly in keeping our Water System efficient.
The Sewerage System was flushed and cleaned in that area from Medford Street to the Somerville Line, north side of Massachusetts Avenue. We also cleaned other mains throughout the Town which require more constant attention due to the minimum of gravity flow in some instances. With our Seweroder machine we are able to service a much greater area and in a more efficient manner. We continued to provide service to those property owners whose particular sewer service became clogged and once again feel that this service which oftentimes is performed during the night, Saturday or Sunday is greatly appreciated by those in distress.
Public roads and sidewalks were maintained, and 31,568 linear feet of roadways received a sealcoat treatment. This is a means of continuing the life of a roadway surface thereby deferring the costly expense of reconstructing the roadway. This program must of necessity be continued.
Rubbish was collected from all dwellings and most business establishments throughout the Town. A new Route Collection System was inaugurated and it is proving to be considerably more efficient than the old system. The Public acceptance of this new Route System has been extremely good. We are still using the area on Summer Street just east of Reed Street as a Land Reclamation Area. This area should care for our rubbish disposal program for several years. The modernizing of our Rubbish Fleet has aided greatly in the speeding up of this collection. In spite of the steady increase of new dwellings each year we are still using the same number of trucks for this function.
Hurricane "Donna" struck on September 12, 1960 with its gale winds and heavy rainfall. There was considerable flooding in many areas and the Department aided many residents in pumping out basements, etc. We hired five (5) pumps in addition to those pumps owned by the Town. The power failure caused our sewer pump chambers to fill up, necessitating their being pumped out, with some damage to the electrical systems. Catch basins became overloaded and it was necessary to clean the roadways of debris.
Under the provisions of Article 38 of the Warrant, "Improvement of Volume and Pressure - Water System" we continued to improve our Water System in various ways. We cleaned 18,613 feet of Water Mains throughout the Town; eliminated dead ends between Brattle Park and Brattle Street; and from Boulevard Road into Massa- chusetts Avenue. We constructed and put into operation Calgon chambers at Park Avenue and Paul Revere Road; Park Circle and Cedar Avenue; Eastern Avenue at Highland Avenue; Broadway at Palmer Street; Forest Street at Aerial Street; and Park Avenue at Prospect Avenue. Pitometer manholes were constructed at #13 Brattle Street, Forest Street at Pierce Street and Prospect Avenue at Park Avenue.
Water Mains Cleaned - 1960
Cedar Avenue - Oakland Avenue to Perkins Street Hawthorne Avenue - Coolidge Road to Park Avenue Coolidge Road - Gray Street to Hawthorne Avenue Perkins Street - Cedar Avenue to Grandview Road Grandview Road - Gray Street to Eastern Avenue Pine Ridge Road - Gray Street to Hawthorne Avenue Kenilworth Road - Gray Street to Hawthorne Avenue Robbins Road - Gray Street to Hawthorne Avenue Fountain Road - Gray Street to Hawthorne Avenue Buena Vista Road - Gray Street to #32 Buena Vista Road Eastern Avenue - Highland Avenue to Park Circle Park Avenue - Massachusetts Avenue to Oakland Avenue Westminster Avenue - Lowell Street to Lexington Line
1,140 feet
1,778 feet
1,208 feet
488 feet
1,812 feet
1,196 feet
1,130 feet
1,142 feet
1,154 feet
446 feet
2,520 feet
2,339 feet
2,260 feet
263
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
We continued our program of keeping all streets plowed, salted and sanded during the Winter season. Every effort was expended to make this operation adequate and efficient. It is quite clear that the residents of Arlington are accustomed to and expect good service.
Skating areas were flooded and maintained in many areas throughout the Town.
We performed many services for other Departments:
Board of Selectmen -
Maintained, delivered and set up voting equipment in all Voting Precincts in the Town.
Committee on Swimming Conditions - Arlington Heights Reservoir -
The Department supervised and installed sand for swimming area.
Fire Department -
Constructed new black-top parking area at Central Station. Repaired interior walls at Highland Fire Station.
Maintenance of Public Buildings -
Installed bituminous concrete walk from Robbins House to Maple Street.
Renovated old Center Railroad Station which is to be used as Headquarters for Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Park Department -
Constructed bituminous concrete walk at North Union Street Playground.
Library Department -
Installed additions to bookcases and installed new shelving at East Arlington Branch.
Performed extensive woodworking renovations in Main Branch, Arlington Center.
School Department -
Installed bituminous concrete walk at Hardy School.
Constructed bituminous concrete playground area at Junior High East.
Constructed bituminous concrete playground area at Junior High West. Installed new drain and bituminous concrete area at Bishop School. Removed curbing and extended concrete driveway at Brackett School.
The Department continued to maintain and service the vehicles and equipment for all Departments other than Fire and Police. With our own fleet which consists of Walter's Snow Fighters, large trucks, small trucks, tractors, power shovels, cranes, road graders, front end loaders, compressors, diaphragm and centrifugal pumps, road rollers, etc., we are maintaining approximately 135 pieces of equipment. Our operation has become almost entirely mechanized. As previously, other Depart- ments are allowed to draw upon our items which are purchased in quantity.
The following are the net expenditures made by the Department of Public Works.
General Administration .
$ 93,170.11
Highway, Maintenance and General, including Snow and Ice 392,454.81
Capital Outlay 49,784.29
Maintenance of Public Sidewalks 14,447.87
Construction of Ways (1960)
178,898.44
Construction of Ways (1960) 7,163.59
Construction of Ways (1959) 8,298.94
Construction of Ways (1959)
24,516.75
264
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Reconstruction of Certain Streets (1960).
$ 632.36
Service Roadway, Spy Pond Field (1960)
3,092.83
Alteration of Park Avenue Extension (1960)
876.26
Reconstruction of Roadway at corner of Oakledge and Bow Streets (1960)
1,054.78
Relocation and Construction of Mystic Street (1959)
77,464.13
Reconstruction of Certain Streets (1959)
5,721.06
Reconstruction of Certain Streets (1957)
797.00
Reconstruction of Streets (1953)
425.00
Storm Drains
36,766.02
Culvert Day Street
500.00
Sanitation .
188,152.96
Sewer Extensions
30,598.44
Sanitary Sewer - Churchill Avenue
1,038.96
Sewer Maintenance .
34.396.87
Water Maintenance
146,393.75
Water-House Connections
19,234.74
Water Maintenance-Capital Outlay Water Extensions . .
23,215.29
Improvement of Volume & Pressure Water System
26,464.38
Sidewalks and edgestones
20,956.36
Alterations, Improvement, etc. of Buildings in New Yard
2,377.56
Removal of Building - Robbins Farm Playground .
1,170.87
Removal of Old Town Hall .
3,363.30
Offstreet Parking Area, Russell Common
4,263.55
Construction of Ways (1958)
365.44
Construction of Ways (1957).
11.54
$1,400,470.92
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