USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1871-1872 > Part 2
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" Petition dismissed, with costs."
-
CHARLES TWEED, JAMES A. BANCROFT, Selectmen of Reading.
W. J. WIGHTMAN,
READING, April 1, 1872.
21
Dr. JAMES A. BANCROFT, Treasurer and Collector, in Account with the TOWN OF READING. Cr.
To Balance in Treasury, March 1, 1871 $3,928.21
By Paying Selectmen's orders $32,557.21
Notes of John Batchelder and accrued interest 2,206.59
Town debt
22,870.21
Interest 125.00
Interest . 3,949.65
State aid, 1870
1,700.00
State Tax .
3,500.00
Corporation Tax
512.17
66 County Tax .
1,424.85
National-Bank Tax
373.46
Board of Francis Nichols at State Reform School ... · 26.00
Hired money
30,146.38
Insurance on piano in High School
6.00
Tax-list for collection .
33,426.76
Interest on Taxes .
265.78
County Treasurer on account of dog license .
103.74
Auctioneer's license .
2.00
“ 1871
3,332.97
Rent of Union Hall
24.33
Rent of Office .
40.00
School-books
30.58
Tuition
4.00
. Old iron and lumber
5.00
Stone
12.00
L. G. Smith on account of lamp-post 25.00
Nancy Wakefield's estate, in trust . 100.00
$73,240.43
$73,240.43 JAMES A. BANCROFT,
Treasurer and Collector.
READING, March 1, 1872.
“ 1870
166.01
Notes in Treasury .
2,631.59
Cash
.
2,767,97
8,906.51
School-fund . . 209.43
Balance in Treasury of-
Uncollected Taxes for 1869 . $7.97
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
LIABILITIES.
The town owes notes amounting to
$66,300 00
Interest computed to March 1, 1872
1,285 59
$67,585 59
Amount due Fire Department estimated at
$1,000 00
Miscellaneous debts, say
200 00
1,200 00
$68,785 59
AVAILABLE ASSETS.
S. Harnden's note, balance
$425 00
Interest on same
15 51
Amount due on mortgage, real estate, James and Sarah Bancroft, assigned the town by John Batchelder
2,084 62
Interest on same to March 1, 1872 .
139 87
Balance due from estate George Batchelder
1,771 43
Unpaid taxes
3,506 95
Cash in hands of Treasurer
2,767 97
$10,711 25
Net amount of town debt .
$58,074 24
SCHEDULE OF TOWN PROPERTY.
Town farm, valued at
$4,000 00
Personal property at Alms-house
2,384 80
$6,384 80
Cemetery lots, say
$200 00
Hearse, estimated worth .
200 00
Hearse-house
75 00
475 00
Amount carried forward
$6,850 80
24
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
Amount brought forward
$6,859 80
Eagle Fire Engine .
$1,000 00
66
house
350 00
Washington Fire Engine
200 00
40 00
Union
50 00
Hancock
66
66
.
350 00
66
66
house
150 00
Hook-and-Ladder carriage, &c.
400 00
66
66
66
house
80 00
Furniture in Eagle Engine house
50 00
2,670 00
Iron safe in Selectmen's office
$50 00
Furniture 66
100 00
150 00
School-houses and furniture in same
30,000 00
Public Library, furniture, &c.
2,000 CO
Piano in High-School school-house
400 00
Amount due from State for aid furnished soldiers
3,216 17
$45,295 97
66
house
66
.
We have examined the accounts of the Selectmen and Treasurer for the year ending March 1, 1872, and find the same correct, and satisfac- torily vouched.
FRANCIS H. KNIGHT. W. WALLACE DAVIS. ANDREW HOWES.
READING, March 1, 1872.
BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND MARRIAGES.
26
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN READING IN 1871.
Date.
Names.
Sex.
Names of Parents.
Occupation of Father.
Jan. 4.
Gerry Hill Converse.
66
5.
Almine Vco.
Frank and Delcia.
9.
Winnifred Emerson.
Silas G and Frutilla.
Fcb.
3. Ilenry Fay Page.
M. William R. and Jennie.
Groccr.
3.
Mary Grace Wakefield.
F.
Charles and Mary A.
Farmer.
66
14.
Emma Alice Ballard.
F.
George and Elizabeth.
Machinist.
March 19.
Ruth Augusta Temple.
Auctioneer.
April 13.
Lowetta Delia Howard.
F.
John E. and Hannah. Samuel and Josephine. J. Warren and Mary S.
Farmer.
66
31.
Blanche Vien Cogswell.
F. Charles F. and Maria.
Carpenter. Sea captain. R. R. conductor.
June
14
Florence Annie Amazeen.
F. Harris and Charlotte A. Elbridge D. and Eliza R. F:
Engineer,
66
13. Frank Linden Dinsmoor.
M.
Robert and Nannie.
Clerk.
66
17. Walter Bancroft Nichols.
M.
Moses E. and Emma E.
Painter.
F.
John S. and Mary A.
Salesman.
29.
George Parker Winship.
M
Albert E. and Loella R.
Teacher.
Aug. 66
11.
Nora Abby Batchelder.
F. Edward S. and Ella G
M.
James A. and Harriet M.
Shoe manufacturer.
Oct. 1. Lydia Harriet Baker.
M.
George A. and Mary A.
Shoe cutter.
66
10.
Ada Kendall Putnam.
Cabinet maker.
66
22.
Herbert Augustine Nichols.
M.
Richard B. and Josephine A.
Farmcr.
66
28.
Winthrop Dana Parker.
M.
Clerk.
66
28.
Harry Mortimer Richardson.
M.
Provision dealer.
Nov. 2. Amy Annie Nichols.
F.
Parker, 2d, and Annis A.
Butcher.
F. Frank B. and Harriet E.
Physician.
18.
F. David and Ann.
Laborer.
66
23. Carrie Elizabeth Evans.
F. Thomas A. and Esther A.
Teamster.
24.
Ada Dizer Buck.
F. George F. and R. Aulanda.
Merchant.
Number of Births registered
. 37
66
Males
14
23
NATIVITY OF PARENTS.
Father.
United States
. 34 .
Mother. 33
Foreign
.
3
4
May
2.
Florence Josephinc Brown. Killam.
M.
F. Eliab C. and Clara M.
July 66 11. Earnest Bertram Heselton.
M. Richmond and Lizzie M.
Cabinet maker.
28. Mabel Annette Pike.
Alfred H. and Luella R.
Clerk.
Salesman.
12.
Arthur Gould Bancroft. Krook.
Cabinet maker.
R. R. brakeman.
10. Mabel Thomas.
F.
Charles D. and E. Josephine. Henry E. and Mary E.
Custom House.
24.
Arthur Bradford Stanley.
M.
Clarence E. and Harriet A. Galen A. and Edna S. Loammi G. and Priscilla.
Farmer.
14.
Nellian Greeley Kimball. Whelton.
M. F. F.
Albert F. and Martha.
Shoemaker. Sawyer. Farmer.
66 28. Nellic May Baston.
F. Jefferson H. and Nellie. F. William H. and Ruth A.
Carpenter.
24.
F.
Moulder. Wheelwright.
13 Minnie Louise Jones
1. Edith Eliza Smith.
1. Edith E. Lloyd.
F.
F. M. Lamburtus W. and Sophia F. Adelbert and Harriet E.
28.
5. Charles Etson Stratton.
F.
Females
27
DEATHS REGISTERED IN READING IN 1871.
Date.
Names.
Y. M. D.
Jan. 6. Nancy Lawrence. 29. Susan Lord.
42
8 18 John Lawrence.
4
3 George D. and Sarah A.
Feb. 3. Ephraim Brown.
66
4. Abigail Emerson, wid.
82
David Emerson.
66
6. Albert White.
10. Sidney Batchelder.
1
61 9 7 28 John and S. Lizzie.
Pneumonia. Mortification.
March 4. Thomas T. Greenwood. 8. William Lucy.
55 74
21 David and Elizabeth.
Apoplexy.
20 5 Charles W. Foss.
Vomiting.
66 28. Jonas Evans.
42
3 Amos and Catherine R.
Consumption.
April 12. Jane Butler.
19
7 James and Ann G.
Congestion of lungs.
-
14. Mary W. Leathe. 24. Mary E. Carr. 30. Etta L. Vermill.
33
4 25 John P. and Ruth O.
Consumption.
May
7. Mary N. Briggs.
17. Elias Damon.
74 2
6 Daniel and Dorcas.
Heart disease.
June 2. Florence P. Dean.
5 16 George W. and F. Maria.
Convulsions.
66 6. Charles H. Gowing.
11 6
1 21 Ames and Emma G. 3 |Ames and Emma G.
Diphtheria. Diphtheria.
16. Selina Bancroft, wid.
54 75
6 22 Jonathan and Pearn (Baldwin). Consumption. 1 9 David Pratt.
Dropsy.
July 6
66 18. Betsey Pratt, wid. 7. John Batchelder. 25. Ann Parker. Katie Goodenow Wilcox. 26. Rose Sullivan.
10
9 25 Theron and Anna.
Aug. 66
45 73
3 William and Annie G. James Sullivan. Kendall and Abigail (Flint). Joseph and Patience.
Heart disease. Old age.
66 16. Charles G. Crosby.
Consumption.
66 24. Clarris Nichols, wid.
28. C. Katie Haag.
Diphtheria.
66 28. Ida M. Beard.
18
Chloris.
Oct.
30. Ruth E. Damon, wid. 3. Anna F. Morse.
62
6 20 William H. and Ruth A. 4 6 Thomas R. and Ruth.
Mammary cancer.
66 16. Ann Burt, wid.
75 1
9 14 Charles and Mary A.
Diphtheria.
22. William Badger.
Apoplexy.
Nov. 4. Elizabeth S. Parker. 7. Isaac Robey.
.
23 Thomas and
Paralysis.
66 8. Chester B. Cook.
Membranous croup.
Accidental.
Congestion of lungs.
Spina bifida.
Bright's disease.
Dec. 5. Eliza Gardner. 8. Louisa R. Finch.
82 36
Consumption.
18. Cephas Parker.
74
66 11 16 Amos and Molly.
27. Susan Nichols.
67
1 22 David Nichols.
81
4 Hiram and Maria.
Inflammation of Kidneys.
Whole number of Deaths registered in 1871
52
Males . 21
Females
. 31
NATIVITY.
United States
51
Foreign
1
Pneumonia. Putrid sore throat. Old age. Lung fever.
" 19. Horatio N. Cate.
59
5 28 Daniel and Mary.
46 2 1 Miles and Sarah.
Paralysis.
.
24. Sadie Foss.
78
9
20 Ephraim and Molly (Weston).
Old age.
21 William and Carrie F.
Pneumonia.
Consumption.
14. Helen G. Gowing.
80
2 12 John and Sally.
Pneumonia.
Sept. 10. Abigail Eames.
15. Jonas Damon.
78 40 74
1'23 8 John and Jerusha.
Old age.
4
6 20 Charles and Mary A. 6 Henry and Ellen. William and Ruth (Eames). 11 8 Moses Morse.
Inflammation of bowels.
66 10. Lydia Upton.
88
8 7 Benjamin and Mary (Saunders).
Bright's disease.
17. Jacob A. Haag.
60 61 81 8 54
4 27 Jeremiah C. and Adaline M. James Baker. John and Elizabeth.
20. Ira Grav. 30. Ada D. Buck.
67
6 George F. and R. Aulanda.
Andrew and Mary (Monroe). Richard and Hannah.
19. David Nichols.
Apoplexy. Pleuro-pneumonia. Paralysis.
30. Hiram Randall.
Age.
Names of Parents or Husbands.
Cause.
17. Daniel Pratt.
3 16 6 9 Henry and
Cholera infantunı.
78 5
Old age.
7. Ruth Augusta Temple.
5 7 William and Abigail. Cephas Parker.
19. Lydia L. Baker.
79 11 25
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN 1870.
Datc.
Nanic of Groom and Bridc.
Age. Occupation of Groom.
Residence.
Place of Birtlı.
Names of Parents.
By whom Marricd.
Jan. 1.
George F. Cook. Augusta A. Pierce.
23
Blacksmith.
Brooklinc, N. II. Reading.
.
"
3.
John R. Norwood.
Organpipe maker.
Carpenter.
Lowell Wilmington.
Hill, N. II.
Ilugh and Elcy A.
Rev. William Barrows.
11.
James W. Murray.
Alice J. Perry. James W. Hunt.
Druggist.
Reading. 66
Andover.
Moscs and Rebecca. Asaph and Lucinda.
Rev. J. Edwards Bell.
Feb. 12.
Thomas A. Evans. Esther A. Kay.
Teamster.
Wheelwright.
Lowell. Reading. 66
Reading.
Charles and Almeda A. Edwin P. and Lucinda A. Stephen T. and Martha.
Rev. Samuel II. Tolman.
March 2.
20 25
Cabinct maker.
Wilmington. Reading. 66
Wilmington. Lyman, Me. Reading.
George and Hannah. Prentiss M. and Martha.
Rev. William Barrows.
Rev. William Barrows.
April 6.
6.
u 29.
May 16. “ 21.
June 15. “ 22.
“ 23.
4 27.
24
Cabinet maker.
Clerk.
Boston.
Scotland. Boston. Freedom, Me. Reading. 66
Homer and Mary J. Henry and Priscilla. Henry F. and Luthera. James and Emma.
Rev. John N. Short.
Sept. 12.
21
Shoemaker.
22
Clerk.
Reading. Wakefield.
Newton. Stoncham. Reading. Salem, N. H. Wakefield. 66
Edward and Margarct. Ezra V. and Sarah. Franklin and Sarah. Samuel and Lydia. Gustave F. D. and Ann M. Israel and Meribah S.
Rev. Richard Tolman.
4 19.
20.
Frederick E. Cogswell. Josie Nichols. John S. Pike. Abbie M. Walker. Charles II. Hill. Fannie I. McKay. Ezra K. Manning. Mary L. Besscy. George W. Holbrook. Sarah A. Crowther. Charles W. Kelley. Emma J. Meads. Gilman P. Burnham. Mary Norcross. Franklin E. Richardson. Fannie M. Clark. Hiram G. Randall. Eliza Galbraith. Hezekiah Means. Lilla M. Hill. Charles HI. Swain. Emma M. Sanborn. Michael Doherty. Mary McIntire. Ilenry S. Foster. Susan V. Thurston. Frederick II. Parker. Alice E. Gibson. Frank Hayes. Adaline Sprague. Willie F. Fletcher. Ida A. Faulkner. Minor A. Skinncr. Lydia A. Gray. .
18 24
Carpenter.
Newton. Watertown. Reading.
Watertown .. Woburn. Plaistow, N. II. Berwick, Me. Canada.
Elijah and Eliza. Jason and Caroline M. Isaac M. and Mary A. IIfram and Maria.
Rev. William S. Barnes.
Poultercr.
Trader.
Freeport, Me. Reading.
Freeport, Mc. Woonsocket, R. I. Reading. East Lexington. Ireland.
Luther D. and Eliza S. Oliver A. and Sophia B. Ivory and Ilarriet M. Peter and Bridget. - - Rosanna.
Rev. W. H. Fitzpatrick.
Rev. John N. Short.
July 4. Aug. 16.
19 23 22 22 19
Carpenter
Wakefield. Reading. Stoneham.
21 17
Teamster.
20 18
Reading. Stoneham. Medford. Peterboro', N. H.
James D. and Rebecca W.
Rev. William II. Willcox.
20 23
John and Agnes. John and Mary A.
Rev. Frank R. Morse.
Eliza F. Carter.
Charles B. and Phebe A.
Wilnington.
John S. and Martha G.
North Andover.
Isaac and Beulah.
Rev. Luther G. Barrett.
" 30.
Ada A. Mears.
" 25.
“ 27.
18 23 18 27 25 22
Farmer.
66
R. R. conductor.
East Boston. Fall River.
James and Rebceca L. Ezra C. and Frances. Scth and Martha. Samuel and Hannah. William and Sarah. Augustus S. and Mary C. Leonard and Olivia. Asa and Sarah.
Rev. Luther D. Hill.
Shoe cutter.
Boston. Reading. 66
Dover, N. H.
Weston, Vt. Edgecomb, Mc.
Rev. Luther D. Hill.
Rev. Lucien M. Tracy.
26 22 23 30
Shoe manufacturer.
29 25 22 21 23
Shoe laster.
. IIczekiah B. and Deborah L.
Rev. Luther D. Ilill.
Rev. Luther D. Ilill.
Rev. John N. Short.
Rev. William II. Willcox.
23 23 27 21 20 38 31 30 23 20
Salesman.
Wakefield. Lisbon, N. H. Lowell.
Rev. William II. Willcox.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
“ 20.
Oct. 1. 4.
66
11.
14.
6
15.
18.
66
18.
6 24. 25. 26.
“ 20. James E. Tuffts. Sarah J. Swain. Joseph B. Burnham. Mary S. Brown. 27. John C. Zappy. Mary E. Murray. Thomas Appleton, 2d. Mary Louise Burnham, Everett B. Richardson. Emma M. Richardson. 7. Charles C. Wheldone. Clara I. Coffren. Henry Walter Brown. Ella HI. Robinson. Francis A. Brown. Sarah W. Ballard. Willis Sargent Mason. Hattie O. Fuller. Elijah Brownell. Sarah Chatman. Henry Robinson. Mary HI. Howes. Frank M. Smith. Ann Louisa Appleton.
Nov. 16.
“ 22.
.
66
29.
Francis H. Dewey. Augusta T. Hawes. William J. Laron. Ruth A. White. Marcellus B. Goodwin. Hattie H. Briggs. Thomas Barber. Mary Wiley. William B. Jeffrey. Mary P. Deadman. Horace E. Stone. Eva S. Lewis.
23 22 23 38 30 21 21 27 19
.
Cabinet maker.
Reading.
Haverhill.
Rev. William C. Reed.
Salesman.
Clerk.
26 25 22 Painter.
Carpenter.
Boston. Reading. 66
Nova Scotia.
Ezra and Sabrina. -- Matilda.
. 43
United States . Foreign
NATIVITY OF PERSONS MARRIED.
Males. 39 4
Females. 38
.
5
Rev. Luther D. Hill. Rev. N. R. Wright. Rev. William H. Willcox.
Rev. W. H. Pierson.
Rev. S. R. Denner. Rev. Luther D. Hill. Rev. E. B. Fairchild. Rev. Luther D. Hill.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
25
28
Carpenter.
Wakefield. Reading.
. Reading.
Ezra B. and Sarah A.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
Rev. William Barrows.
Salesman.
Essex. Lowell. Waterville, Me.
Andrew and Mary S. James C. and Abby. Edward and Frances A. Francis O. and Elizabeth A.
Rev. William H. Willcox.
Clerk.
Brighton. Wellfleet.
William and Temperance.
Rev. Luther D. Hill.
Hostler.
Stoneham.
Enfield, N. H.
Robert and Rebecca.
Rev. John N. Short.
Cabinet maker.
Reading.
White River Junction, Vt. Reading. Plymouth North Kingston, R. I. England.
Lewis and Sarah- Benjamin B. and Fanny T. Henry and -. Abel and Nancy. John and Jane. Thomas and - Henry and Sarah A. John C. and Sarah A. Wendell and Sylvia. John W. and Velina. John B. and Lucy L. Moscs B. and Lydia B. E. W. W. and Diantha.
Rev. Thomas J. Greenwood.
Rev. William Barrows.
" 25.
29. John C. Gleason. Harrict L. Weston. Lyman L. Garfield. 20 Maria L. Hawes. Ezra W. Wentworth. 25 Matilda C Montgomery. 20
22 | Shoemaker.
Machinist.
Cabinet maker.
Civil engineer.
Shoe manufacturer.
Essex. Reading. Woburn. Providence, R. I. Reading.
Mariner.
Clerk.
Carpenter.
Book-keeper.
Wakefield. Reading.
Reading. Belfast, Me. Boston. Wakefield. Norwich, Conn.
Henry G. and Harriet A. Oliver A. and Sophia B. Thonias M. and Elizabeth H. Horatio G. and Abbie. John C. and Alida. John and Elizabeth. Edward and Francis A. Abijah W. and Eliza W. George and Harriet. Kendall and Delia. Isaiah and Elizabeth. Frederick and Abby. Newell and Mary J.
John A. and Harriet C. Henry and Priscilla. George and Elizabeth. Andrew A. and Sarah S. Enoch and Lydia. Silas and Sarah.
Rev. J. F. Powers.
Boston. Newmarket, N. H.
Merchant.
29 24 21 23
23 21 21 24
“ 27.
26 26 21 20 25 26 23 23 35 21 22 21 30 27 22
Lynn. Reading. Wakefield. Reading.
Nova Scotia. Woburn. Boston. Reading. Holland. Nova Scotia. Reading. Charlestown. Reading. Woburn. Providence, R. I. Claremont, N. H. Wakefield.
Worcester. Centreville. Reading. יי Concord. Boston.
Rev. E. B. Fairchild.
Dec. 14.
Whole number of Marriages Registered 1871
.
Rev. William H. Willcox.
Wakefield.
Rev. Luther D. Hill.
West Dennis. Reading. 66
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
Since the last annual town meeting, we have completed that portion of the wall upon Main Street which had then been com- menced, and have laid heavy foundations for a wall extending from the original Main-street entrance to the southeasterly cor- ner of the cemetery. As will be seen by the statement herein. contained, we have not exhausted the appropriation made last March. We are of the opinion that the balance of that appro- priation, with the amount which will probably be realized from sales of lots, will be sufficient to complete the wall which we have commenced.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Balance in hands of Committee at commencement
of the year $96 83
Drawn from town appropriation
850 00
Received from sales of lots
153 00
66 66
" wood and fence 73 98
-$1,173 81
Paid for labor in the Cemetery $302 87
66 finishing wall which was commenced last year
133 00
laying faced wall south of Main St. gate 600 00
28 days labor 56 00
66 removing ledge 10 00
Balance in hands of Committee
$1,101 87
$71 94
F. O. DEWEY. F. H. KNIGHT. THOMAS B. PRATT. GILMAN C. GLEASON. WILLIAM PROCTOR. SOLON BANCROFT.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
FOR 1871-72.
REPORT.
ANOTHER year has been numbered with the past since our last Report, and we again set before the town an account of our doings as Trustees of the Reading Public Library.
The demand for books is steadily increasing; the public interest in the Library continues unabated ; and, as heretofore, on Saturday evenings especially, our rooms are thronged with our people, whose constant cry is, More ! More !
We have not been able to purchase as many new books as we would have liked, for the constant wear incident to a general circulation of books, obliges us to devote a large proportion of our appropriation to binding.
This is likely to continue as a necessary consequence. We have had the past year to devote quite a sum to paying our indebtedness for catalogues ; this we shall be exempt from the coming year.
We were fortunate the past year in having the legacy of T. Ward Hartshorn of one hundred dollars, to expend for books, which in part was an offset to the amount we had to pay of past indebtedness. We know of no legacies or individual donations, the coming year, to depend on, consequently we must look to the town for means of continuing the usefulness of the Library.
The formation of the "Natural-History Society " in town made a call for works on different branches of that science ; and we have responded, as far as we were able, by purchasing several standard works by authors of acknowledged ability in their respective branches. In this way the Library has become, to some extent, a valuable adjunct to our High School.
4
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
At the same time there is a large call for works of a lighter character ; and we have added some works of this description, though not nearly as many as we would have liked had our means been sufficient.
By reference to our Librarian's Report, it will be seen that this department is the one which most engages the attention of the general public. While we could wish more attention could be drawn to the more useful and substantial reading, still we must take things as we find them, and content ourselves with the thought, that this reading is better than more questionable occupations, and that the town is much the gainer even from this ; for evenings spent by our young people at home, in the company of books, are much better than at stores and saloons.
We are aware that the sum of five hundred dollars appropri- ated for the Library seems to some a large one ; but when we consider it is but about fifty cents to each person taking books from the Library, and that, as the books are frequently used by several members of a family, the amount is certainly not excess- ive : we therefore recommend that amount to be appropriated for the use of the Library the coming year.
The Board received with regret the resignation of Dr. Ephraim Hunt as Trustee of Reading Public Library, April 20, 1871; and at the regular meeting of the Board, May 6th, Mr. F. O. Dewey was chosen to fill the vacancy for the balance of the year. It will be necessary for the town to choose two Trustees at the annual town meeting to fill vacancies caused by term expiring of E. Appleton and Ephraim Hunt; the last tem- porarily filled by F. O. Dewey, Esq.
We are pleased to be able to report that no person has been suspended from the privileges of the Library for disorderly con- duct the past year. The Librarian was sometime since annoyed by persons, not patrons of the Library, congregating on the steps at the entrance to the building, and making rude and ungentle- manly remarks and uncouth noises. This has, however, of late been discontinued, much to our satisfaction.
It has been found necessary to revise our Regulations and By-Laws, and the following were adopted in place of those pre- viously in force : -
5
TRUSTEE'S REPORT.
GENERAL REGULATIONS.
1. Any inhabitant of the town of Reading, over the age of 14 years, who has resided in said town for three months, may take books from this Library.
2. Any member of the Reading High School, who is under the age of 14, or who is not a resident of Reading, may take out books by obtaining permission in writing from any one of the Trustees, and presenting the same to the Librarian.
3. Any person over the age of 14, who has resided in said town less than three months, may take out books by depositing with the Librarian the sum of $2; said sum to be refunded to them at the expiration of three months (or at any previous time, on their return- ing the Library Card), deducting such fine or damages as they may owe at that time.
4. No person shall take out more than one book at a time for his own use.
5. The time for which each book may be kept out (i. e., 14 or 7 days), and the fine per day for retaining it beyond that time (i. e., 1 or 5 cents), are marked on the outside labels. 14-day books have drab labels ; 7-day books, red labels : 14-day books can be renewed once ; 7-day books cannot be renewed. It is not necessary to bring in a book to be renewed ; but the card on which it is charged must be presented.
6. All books must be returned for the Annual Examination, on or before the first Saturday in July, under penalty of a fine of $1 for each book retained beyond that time.
7. No books can be taken out or returned without the Library Card. Cards can be obtained, by a personal or· written application to the Librarian, at the Library. Applicants must give their full name and residence. (Married ladies will give their own Christian names, with the prefix Mrs.) If the card is lost, a fine of 10 cents will be charged for replacing it by a new one, or for returning a book without a card.
8. All damage to books, beyond the wear consistent with careful usage, will be reported to the Trustees ; and the person to whom the book is charged will be liable to pay for repairs or renewal such sum as they may decree.
9. No person who is in arrears for fines or damages will be allowed to take books from the Library.
6
TRUSTEES' REPORT.
LIBRARY-ROOM REGULATIONS.
1. The Library is open every Wednesday from 2 to 5 P. M., and every Saturday from 2 to 5, and from 6 to 9 P. M., except during the Annual Examination in July.
2. All persons desiring to take out or return books, will pass in at once ; as all loitering on the steps or in the entry is strictly forbidden.
3. Pass up in single file to the left of the table, state distinctly the name of the book wanted, and present the card you wish it charged on.
4. No person will be allowed to present more than four cards at one time ; and no book can be returned on the same day it is taken out.
5. Those who have obtained their books will pass out at once, as the Library-room is too small to be used as a waiting or reading room.
6. All loud talking or other noise, or disorderly conduct, is forbid- den. All such offences are reported to the Trustees, and subject the offender to a suspension from the privileges of the Library for such time as they may prescribe.
We append the Librarian's Annual Report, showing a good list of donations, which we hope may be continued ; also showing, to some extent, the amount of labor performed in receiving and delivering books. And in this connection we would suggest that all the patrons of the Library supply themselves with catalogues, and come prepared with a list of books wanted, which will very much facilitate the delivery of books, and be a great convenience to both Librarian and patron. They may be had of the Librarian for the trifling sum of twenty-five cents each, which barely covers the cost of publication.
Thanking all who have in any way contributed to the success of the Library, we remain
Respectfully,
E. APPLETON, F. O. DEWEY, HIRAM BARRUS, STEPHEN FOSTER, WM. PROCTOR, F. H. KNIGHT,
Trustees.
E. APPLETON, President.
F. H. KNIGHT, Secretary.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
7
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
FEB. 20, 1871, TO FEB. 20, 1872.
Number of volumes February 20, 1871 (duplicates, 391) . 2,487
DONATIONS SINCE, IN ORDER OF DATE.
VOLS.
Mrs. Jane Coney
4
F. H. Knight
15
E. Hunt .
1
George C. Coney
2
Clinton Emerson 2
Wm. H. Willcox
4
Thos. B. Pratt
1
State of Massachusetts
9
Curtis Guild, Esq.
1
City of Boston . 1
Anna E. Appleton .
10
Daniel F. Pratt
ɔ̃
Alfred P. Massey
2
Mrs. Jane E. Jeffrey
2
E. Appleton
4
Thos. Appleton, 2d
. 1
Miss Harriet N. Pinkham
4
T. Ward Hartshorne 47 1
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