USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1957 > Part 19
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That the median number of school years completed by Reading resi- dents is 12.3 - higher than the median figure for other towns in the Boston metropolitan area;
That in 1956 more than 50 per cent of the high school graduates went on for additional educational training and of this number 26.5 per cent went to degree-granting colleges;
That the median family income in Reading is much higher than the median income for the Boston metropolitan area and considerably high- er than the state figure.
MORE CHILDREN'S BOOKS :- The book collection is cited as "ade- quate" with the adult reference collection termed "excellent." The spending of about one-third of the appropriation on children's books draws the recommendation that this be extended to 38 or 40 per cent until the juvenile collection approximates about one-fourth of the Li- brary's holdings. It is also recommended that the juvenile book col- lection be extended from 7,800 to 9,000 volumes.
Annual acquisitions should be at the rate of one book per five townspeople, according to the report, and it is recommended that the annual book budget be increased to meet this requirement.
It is also noted that the Reading Public Library has been slow to discard books and recommends a more ruthless weeding in order to con- serve space and keep the collection more alive. The matter of periodi- cals taking up shelf space is also discussed and the suggestion made that no more than three years of back issues be kept and that neigh- boring libraries be contacted in a cooperative arrangement for storing and circulating back copies of more frequently used magazines. It is pointed out that Readingites who want back issues of most magazines can avail themselves of the collection in the Boston Public Library.
NEWSPAPER FILE COMMENDED :- The file of the Reading Chronicle at the Library is commended in that it is the only complete file of the local paper and it is stored in a fire-resistant vault. It is recommended, however, that the microfilming of the newspaper would insure preser- vation of valuable record and help solve a storage problem.
The Library's picture file and pamphlet file are commended for their extent and usefulness and suggestions are given for improvement of such features.
NEW FIELDS EXPLORED :- The newer fields of films and music re- cordings are being recommended to libraries and the report says:
"The Reading Public Library is to be commended for expand- ing its services to include an excellent collection of recordings."
It further recommends that a film-loan service be established where- by educational films could be loaned to civic groups. This could be done by affiliating with a public library film cooperative such as is in operation through the Massachusetts Department of Education.
218
The survey recommends the updating of the cataloguing system with a view to saving space and still not derogating from the aids in book finding and selection.
PERSONNEL PROBLEMS :- Chief among the Library's problems has been the securing of enough competent members for the staff. The survey considers this and the salary question together, pointing out that the American Library Association standards recommend that about 67 per cent of the budget be allocated for salaries but that the 1956 figures show that Reading had only 55 per cent so allocated. And the report says:
"Actually, the salaries paid those on the professional staff are well below the national average and will prove a serious obstacle to the future recruitment of competent staff."
(This the Board of Trustees had already found to be true.)
Continuing, the report says:
"Thus the entire budget for public library service in Reading needs to be increased to the point where 67 per cent of the upwardly revised budget will represent adequate staff salaries."
(This upward adjustment of salaries the board has been attempting for a number of years.)
The survey sees the need for more personnel and for more space in which to house expanding library functions.
TRUSTEES' VIEWS CONFIRMED :- The Trustees have been aware of the needs pointed out in the survey's general conclusions, but the con- sultant team, with a professionally analytical view and selective sta- tistical presentation, gave stronger impact to the expression of those needs. The consultants gave as their opinion:
"The Town of Reading has a type of library service which pre- sents rather startling contrasts. The physical plant and the book collection which serve adults and young people of the community are well above the average. It is Reading's public library service to children which has not kept pace with other aspects of its library program. It is recommended that immediate steps be taken to determine the most practical way in which the building can be en- larged to house an adequate children's room, which can then be stocked with an adequate juvenile collection. Adequate service to children requires a separate room for story-hour activities, book talks, films, and similar programs.
"The Reading Public Library's responsibility to promote, guide, and stimulate the use of its books and related materials has been greatly hampered by an extremely small full-time staff and the com- plete lack of meeting-room facilities for film forums, discussion groups, music appreciation hours, and similar activities for chil- dren, young people, and adults. With a necessary increase in the full-time staff, the library's public relations activities and direct contacts with community groups can be developed to effect maxi- mum use of the Reading Public Library's excellent book resources."
219
THE FORWARD LOOK :- The full report of the consultants has served to encourage the Trustees as well as the librarian and staff to continue efforts already projected.
More extensive facilities for the juvenile department were effected this past year by converting a section of the stack room into a reference department for junior high pupils. They still must do their studying in the children's room. The plan to break a door through from the stacks to the children's room did not prove structurally feasible.
In her report to the Trustees, Miss Anna R. Turner, librarian, points out that there is no need yet for a full-time worker for the junior high group but the need is definitely growing. With many duties in the juvenile department being undertaken by the children's librarian, it appears that a full-time assistant could be utilized. Mrs. Georgianna Merrill has complete charge of the children's room and the librarian's report points out:
"That means all the book selection, with studying of catalogues; all of the cataloguing, discarding, and reference work. She super- vises all the desk work, shelving and reading of shelves, and the work of those who do the typing and manual preparation of new books. She has a continuous job of checking for repairs. Her time is fully occupied."
With a full-time assistant there would be time gained for Mrs. Merrill to take on closer school contact, for assisting parents whose chil- dren have reading problems, and time for promotional work.
KEY STAFF POST FILLED :- Considerable time was given during the past year to find a trained worker who could take over some of the administrative details. Prospects for the post were not plentiful and the search at one point required correspondence to Florida where a likely aspirant seemed available. In cases where possible candidates were found they accepted positions with other libraries at salaries larger than was being offered in Reading.
In November the board hired Joseph J. Schmuch for the position. Mr. Schmuch is a graduate of Bowdoin College and has a Master of Arts degree from Brown University as well as having completed graduate courses at Harvard. At present he is studying for his degree at the Simmons College Library School.
He had three years in the Army and spent two years teaching. For eight months he was employed on the staff of the Stoneham Public Library and for part of that period was the acting head librarian.
SERVICES EXPAND :- This past year's statistical table shows that cir- culation and registration of new borrowers continue to grow. The suc- cess of the music recordings is interesting and, while this department received prominent publicity, there are some patrons who are just dis- covering this activity.
Despite the lack of a convenient meeting room, the Library has been able to foster discussion groups by using the children's room during evening hours.
220
The matter of more rooms for library facilities has been considered and a proposal made that the Library be given consideration when the town takes on the building of additional executive office space. It would seem possible that quarters could then be arranged that would house a children's library, music appreciation division, an audio-visual department, or other specialized sections that would have full-time supervision. While now in the long-range planning stage, this may become a needed venture sooner than the Town anticipates. .
STATISTICAL REPORT :-- Some idea of the growth of patronage at the Library can be seen in the figures from the librarian's reports of the past three years. (See the accountant's report for a breakdown of Library expenses and a statement of trust funds.)
Books Purchased
1955
1956
1957
Adult
Juvenile
634
729
768
Gifts
336
155
147
Withdrawn
1,268
344
831
Total books and hand
36,346
38,118
39,485
Circulation
Adult
67,848
77,106
82,748
Juvenile
32,150
37,563
42,829
Miscellaneous
4,256
2,162
2,857
Total
104,254
116,831
128,434
New Borrowers
987
1,183
1,105
1,093
1,222
1,283
RISING SALARIES AND COSTS :- As the consultant's survey and the librarian's report point out, and as the Trustees are constantly aware through their monthly contact with expenditures, the vital point is in the financing of library services.
The cost of periodicals and books continues to rise and this coming year sees a considerable advance in the price of recordings. Materials and labor for maintenance of the physical plant bring items of added expense. These are all necessary to the Library's program.
Competent employees are becoming more difficult to obtain as li- brary work gains firmer footing in the professional field. The call is for trained professionals and the salary scale has long since gone be- yond that which the Town of Reading has been offering. The Trustees have attempted, over the past few years to lift the scale and place the Library in a competitive position. This year they are asking for a salary budget that more nearly approaches the facts of existence in the field of library service. The consultants' report did not prompt this move but it does strengthen the board's conviction that the request is proper.
The day has apparently gone when a local resident can be asked to assume responsibility of a library position with no prospect of any- thing beyond moderate pay. The post of librarian is recognized as a career and professional standards have been set. There has even been talk of legislation to require libraries to hire in executive posts only persons meeting stated professional requirements.
221
This personnel problem has long been apparent to the Trustees of the Reading Public Library as it has been discussed at meetings of the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association. It is not inadvisedly, therefore, that the board is asking the town for a substantial improve- ment in the salary scale.
Miss Turner's retirement in 1958 complicates the personnel prob- lem. She has given many years of loyal service, and has made a host of friends for the Reading Public Library. She will be missed by bor- rowers, staff, and Trustees. Her retirement has been well earned along with the deep gratitude of citizens and town officials.
TAXPAYERS AND THE BUDGET :- The members of the Board of Trus- tees are taxpayers and appreciate the meaning of a frugal budget. There is a reasonable argument, however, that a fully adequate budget be pre- sented in order that the Town may have the opportunity to provide it- self with truly all-around adequate library facilities. The town cannot have that privilege if constantly pared budgets are presented year after year.
But whatever funds may be alloted through the Finance Commit- tee and by vote of Town Meeting, the Board of Trustees will continue its practice of endeavoring to get the best possible use from the money at hand.
The Board of Library Trustees
KATHERINE C. PIERCE Chairman
H. IRENE LATHAM Secretary
C. NELSON BISHOP ROBERT E. STEWART
SYDNEY M. HODSON WILLIAM H. DIAMOND
Because of removal from town Neil C. Robinson, former chair- man, resigned from the board after several years of valuable, constructive service. The vacancy was filled with the appointment of Mr. Diamond who is seeking endorsement of the voters at the 1958 Town Election.
222
BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
Edouard N. Dube, Chairman
Term Expires 1960
"
"
1959
William P. Pierpont
"
1958
Ernest E. Brown
"
1960
Stanley F. Maxwell
1958
Lawrence A. Partelow
= 1959
Superintendent HAROLD F. DAVIS Office Room 5, Municipal Building
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To The Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Superintendent's Report on the operation of the two Town Ceme- teries, Laurel Hill and Forest Glen, for the fiscal year ending Decem- ber 31, 1957, and the Department's 220th year of operation, (first burial Dec. 7, 1737), is herewith submitted.
Our records show 97 interments and 1 disinterment for the year. The statistics for the calendar year 1957 are as follows:
Laurel Hill Forest Glen Total
Interments
39
55
94
Cremation Interments
1
2
3
Disinterments
0
1
1
Foundations:
Monuments
2
31
33
Markers
22
7
29
Graves Repaired
21
5
26
Lots Sold:
4 Grave
0
10
10
3 Grave
0
10
10
2 Grave
0
17
17
Single Graves
0
5
5
Baby Graves
0
4
4
Baby Graves to Veteran Agent, gratis
0
2
2
Veteran Graves, gratis
0
1
1
Six old lots had perpetual care put on them and five old lots had additional care put on, in Laurel Hill Cemetery, and one lot in Forest Glen had additional care put on it, during 1957.
223
M. Russell Meikle, Secretary
The total number of lots and graves sold and interments made to date are as follows:
Cemetery
Lots Single Graves Interments
Laurel Hill
1415
1142
7046
Forest Glen
438
135
595
Total
1853
1277
7641
At Laurel Hill, Cedar Path was filled in and turfed. Due to the drought, extensive repairs were not attempted.
VANDALISM at Laurel Hill made its appearance twice during the year. A total of 46 monuments were toppled over and some were broken. Those guilty in one incident were apprehended. The Court not demanding restitution to the Town, caused the resetting of these monuments to be paid from Cemetery Funds.
At Forest Glen, four stone bounds were set to permanently mark the exchanges of Lots of land between the Reading Acres, Inc. and the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading. The Forest Glen Road entrance was further widened this year five feet to the East.
At this time appreciation is expressed to the other Departments of the Town for their cooperation.
The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Ac- countant.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD F. DAVIS Superintendent
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
The Report of the Superintendent as submitted by him is hereby approved by the the Board of Cemetery Trustees and constitutes its Re- port to the Town.
EDOUARD N. DUBE, Chairman M. RUSSELL MEIKLE, Secretary WILLIAM P. PIERPONT ERNEST E. BROWN STANLEY F. MAXWELL LAWRENCE A. PARTELOW
Board of Cemetery Trustees
224
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
January 2, 1958
To The Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves for the year ending December 31, 1957. This report is predicated upon the requirements of Sec. 9, Chapter 115 of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
Where Veterans of the armed services have served in more than one war, insurrection or conflict, the following listing gives the Veteran credit for only one:
Veterans
Credited Service
41
Revolutionary War
12
War of 1812
2
Mexican War
291
Civil War
1
Indian War
27
Spanish War
122
World War I
27
Mass. State Guard Service in W. W. I.
37
World War II
4
Korean Conflict
1
U. S. Air Force
Total
565
Appropriation for 1957
$ 1,300.00
Pay Roll
$ 1,282.80
Two American Flags
11.46
$ 1,294.26
Balance
$ 5.74
There were seven Veterans interred during 1957 in the Town Ceme- teries as follows:
Spanish War
John N. Robertson, Lot No. 1012, Laurel Hill, died Sept. 6, 1957, buried Sept. 10, 1957.
World War I
Charles A. Wickens, Lot No. 1066, Laurel Hill, died Mar. 24, 1957, buried Mar. 27, 1957.
Joseph M. Warren, Lot No. 278, Forest Glen, died Mar. 31, 1957, buried Apr. 3, 1957.
225
Edward H. Malzahn, Lot No. 331, Forest Glen, died Apr. 1, 1957, buried Apr. 4, 1957.
Reuben LeFave, Grave No. 132, Veteran Plot, Forest Glen, died May 19, 1957, buried May 22, 1957.
Norman P. Charles, Lot No. 875, Laurel Hill, died June 26, 1957, buried July 1, 1957.
Harold E. Danforth, Lot No. 578, Laurel Hill, died Oct. 10, 1957, buried Oct. 14, 1957.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD F. DAVIS Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
AGENT OF VETERANS' BENEFITS
January 7, 1958
Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my annual report as Veterans' Agent and Director of Veterans' Services for the year 1957.
The past year we have aided fifty-one cases varying from an in- dividual to a family of nine, and we carry a monthly load of fourteen cases.
Medical expenses for dependents of veterans has increased greatly and indications seem to point to a further increase.
Employment has been good the past year and cash aid has been largely to the older dependents of the veterans.
The increasing number of veterans who have moved into Reading but have not yet acquired a settlement here, may make a greater de- mand for Veterans' Benefits as they gain a settlement. We base this prediction on the number of veterans who have applied for aid but whom we are obliged to refer to nearby cities and towns where their settlement still holds.
The demand for Veterans' Services, that which gives advice, refer- ence and contacts without financial aid continues to be of great help to veterans and their dependents.
We make thousands of photo copies in the course of their seeking benefits due from the Federal Government, this without expense to them and with prompt service.
Pensioners are required by the Veterans' Administration to file an- nual statements of income each year and may come for help and ad- vice in this matter.
We take this opportunity to thank those in the employ of the town who have been of service to us and the veterans and their dependents.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES W. H. SMITH
226
REPORT OF WELFARE AGENT
To the members of the Board of Public Welfare, Bureau of Old Age Assistance and Citizens of the Town of Reading. The following report of activities, changes, expenditures and reimbursements for the year ending December 31, 1957 is respectfully submitted:
Members of the Board of Public Welfare and Bureau of Old Age Assistance:
Newell H. Morton, Chairman
Daniel L. Chamberlain, Secretary Board of Public Welfare
Donald C. McKie, Secretary Bureau of Old Age Assistance Staff Members of the Welfare Office:
Quincy B. Park, Agent
Gladys M. Wilson, Social Worker
Virginia C. Smith, Social Worker
Anne A. Bleau, Senior Clerk
Elsie M. Kriehn, Junior Clerk-Typist
Members of the Board of Public Welfare and Bureau of Old Age As- sistance have met weekly throughout the past year to approve admin- istrative and assistance payrolls. Meetings by the Members have also been held each month to act upon applications for assistance, review increases, decreases for monthly payments.
During the year a total of 67 applications were received. After thorough investigation by Social Workers or Agent, 55 applications were approved, seven were denied due to ineligiblity, and five were volun- tarily withdrawn.
Effective from August 1, 1957 a change in the method of payment for medical expenses was made mandatory by the State Dept. of Public Welfare, in all categories of assistance in which the Federal and State participated by way of reimbursements. As a result of this change some medical expenses are paid directly to client by cash, who in turn pay the doctors, dentists, and others for services rendered. There are also some medical payments which are paid directly to the vendor by the Welfare Office.
Another change was an increase of 5.7% for all clients in cash pay- ments to allow some compensation to offset rising prices in food, fuel, rentals, etc. These changes will be shown in comparison figures and detail of expenditures for each category as shown in this report.
Old Age Assistance
1956
1957
Case Load (monthly average)
.........
185.3
179.8
Expenditures
Cash Grants
$112,960.48
$135,486.31
Material Grants (medical)
80,923.36
61,175.08
Payments to other Cities and Towns
4,511.29
4,053.26
Totals
$196,395.13
$200,714.65
It will be noted, expenditures for cash payments made in 1957 are $22,525.83 in excess of the cash payments made in 1956. Medical pay-
227
ments are $19,748.28 less than was expended in 1956. These differences in cash and medical payments are explained as due to the changes in method of payment as described in this report.
The case load in Old Age Assistance was decreased by 5.5% in 1957. Average monthly payments were increased from $87.13 as paid in 1956 to $91.15 in 1957.
In estimating financial needs for Old Age Assistance in 1958, we are requesting $5500 less than was appropriated in 1957, due to the de- crease in case load.
Aid to Dependent Children
Case Load for 1956 (monthly average)
18 for 62 persons
Case Load for 1957 (monthly average) 18.9 for 66.3 persons
Expenditures
1956
Cash payments
$ 23,611.88
1957 $ 28,760.47
Material Grants (medical)
2,362.57
2,271.21
Total
$ 25,974.45
$ 31,031.68
During the past year six applications for assistance in this category were received. Three of these applicants were being aided with funds from General Relief and as eligibility requirements were met, these cases were transferred to Aid to Dependent Children. Two applications were approved and one was voluntarily withdrawn. Due to closings of existing cases for various reasons, total monthly case load increased only .09%. Average monthly payments per case decreased slightly from $188.66 paid in 1956 to $187.60 in 1957.
Disability Assistance
Case Load 1956 (monthly average)
12.8 cases
Case Load 1957 (monthly average)
10.3 cases
Expenditures
1956
Cash Grants
$ 9,513.27
1957 $ 10,182.03
Material Grants (medical)
3,774.03
6,308.83
Total
$ 13,287.30
$ 16,490.86 Seven applications for assistance from this category were received. Five applications were approved, one denied due to ineligibility and one voluntarily withdrawn.
Due to several cases on Disability Assistance being transferred to Old Age Assistance rolls and some to other communities, the average monthly case load decreased from 12.8 cases assisted in 1956 to 10.3 cases aided in 1957. Average monthly cost per case increased from $103.88 in 1956 to $133.42. paid in 1957.
General Relief
Case load for 1956 (monthly average)
10 for 16 persons Case load for 1957 (monthly average) 11.3 for 19.9 persons
228
Expenditures
Cash payments
$ 8,153.40
$ 8,381.42
Material Grants and Burials
1,025.83
3,137.64
Nursing Homes
882.45
448.00
State Institutions
596.83
None
Payments to other Cities and Towns
3,330.03
3,502.25
Total
$ 13,988.54
$ 15,469.31
Reimbursements to Town Treasurer Old Age Assistance
Source
Amount
Accounted Credited
State Reimbursement
$ 81,864.18
Estimated Receipts
Other Cities and Towns
1,986.37
Estimated Receipts
Federal Grants
80,610.75
Aid Account
Balance from Appropriation
not expended
4,194.52
Estimated Receipts
Aid to Dependent Children
State Reimbursement
$ 9,729.89
Estimated Receipts
Federal Grants
14,365.89
Aid Account
Balance from Appropriation
not expended
1,802.67
Estimated Receipts
Disability Assistance
State Reimbursement
$ 8,021.47
Estimated Receipts
Federal Grants
4,694.58
Aid Account
Balance from Appropriation not expended
2,478.73
Estimated Receipts
General Relief
State unsettled cases
$ 3,178.51
Estimated Receipts
Other Cities and Towns
937.03
Estimated Receipts
Balance from Appropriation not expended (Aid)
456.32
Estimated Receipts
Balance from Appropriation Not expended (Adm.)
337.16
Estimated Receipts
Summary
State Reimbursements for all categories of Assistance credited to Surplus Reve- nue Account
$102,794.05
Reimbursements from other Cities and Towns credited to Surplus Revenue Ac- count
2,923.40
Reimbursements from balances of appro- priations in all categories not expended
9,269.40
Total
Federal Reimbursements credited to vari- ous assistance accounts
$114,986.85
$ 99,671.22
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REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
February 17, 1958
To the Law Committee of the Town of Reading:
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