USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1961 > Part 11
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Helen M. Hart, A.B., A.M. (1957)
Guidance (grade 11)
Wendell W. Hodgkins, B.A., A.M. (1957) English
John A. Hollingsworth, B.S. (1955)
Mathematics and Coach
Doris L. Kelly, B.S., M.B.A. (1956) Business Education
Francis J. Logan, B.A. (1956)
Mathematics
Ernestine H. Macdonald, A.B. (1953)
Librarian
Neta Sue Melton, B.S.Ed. (1959)
Home Economics
James T. Murphy, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1953)
Physics
Joseph V. Nisco, B.A. (1959)
French and Spanish
John B. Pacino, B.S., M.Ed., Adv. Cert. (1945)
Guidance Counselor Grade 10
Robert F. Patterson, B.S.F. (1959)
Industrial Arts
Hazel M. Percy, A.B. (1955) Head of Mathematics Department Jerome H. Pierianowicz, B.S.Ed., Ed.M. (1957) Biology - A and B James L. Roth, A.B., A.M. (1957) Music
E. Jane Reed, B.S.Ed., Ed.M., CAGS (1958) Head of Bus. Ed. Dept.
Geraldine F. Roy, B.S., Ed.M. (1950)
Art
Anthony Salvo, B.S.Ed. (1959) Arthur L. Spencer, A.B., A.M.+30 (1938) Head of Foreign Language Department & Dramatics
English
Marilyn C. Swift, A.B., A.M.T. (1961) Mathematics
Frederick C. Wales, B.S.E. (1942) Head of Industrial Arts Dept.
Gale M. Webber, B.S. (1956) U. S. History, Civics and Coach
Helen R. Zimmerman, B.A., M.S., Ph.D. (1936) Science
Arthur W. Coolidge Junior High School
John S. Copithorne, B.A., Ed.M. (1946)
(1961) Supervising Prin. Science
Joan Broadcorens, B.S., M.S. (1960) Home Economics
Richard G. Chapman, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1958) English
French and English
English
Ruth E. Conti, B.A. (1958) Daniel L. Crotty, B.S. (1961) Ivan H. Curtis, B. Ed. (1961)
Social Studies and English Industrial Arts
Elisabeth A. Dagdigian, A.B., M.Ed. (1953)
English
Mildred R. Day, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1960)
English
Robert B. Dinwoodie, Jr., B.Ed. (1961) Industrial Arts John J. Fasciano, B.S.Ed. (1959) Science
125
Louis A. Adreani, B.S., Ed.M. (1955)
James P. Connolly, B. A. (1961)
Business Education
Sally Stembridge, A.B. (1955)
English Chemistry
Josephine C. Gemmel, B.S.E. (1957) Elizabeth Howell, S.B. (1961)
Hazel W. Hunt, A.B., M.Ed. (1949) Albert W. Kent, B.S. (1961) Albert A. Lahood, B.A., M.S. (1960) Donald J. Lovely, A.B. (1957)
Social Studies Home Economics Social Studies Mathematics Civics and World History Social Studies
D. Bruce MacGregor, B.S. (1961)
Physical Education
Charles E. McGregor, Jr., B.S.Ed., M.A. (1961) Art and Science
Wilma Messina, B. of M.E. (1959) English and Music Leonard W. Scott, B.A. (1961) Head of Mathematics Department M. Phyllis Spencer, B.S., B.S.Ed. (1957) Mathematics and Business Training Mathematics Physical Education Guidance
Frank E. Tuxbury, Jr., A.B. (1961) Mary Wilson, B.S. (1961) James H. Woolaver, Jr., B.S.Ed. (1957)
Walter S. Parker Junior High School
Albert H. Woodward, A.B., Ed.M. (1940)
Clarissa B. Abbott, B.S.Ed. (1953)
Donald F. Adams, B.S.Ed. (1959)
English
Patricia A. Adolph, B.S.Ed. (1961)
Home Economics
Alice C. Allen, B.S.Ed., M. in H.E. (1950)
Head of Home Ec. Dept.
Raymond Anderson, A.B. (1961)
Mathematics Social Studies
Willis E. Anderson, A.B. (1955)
Harriet S. Beattie, B.S.Ed. (1936)
Art
Frank Bergmann, B.S.Ed. (1959)
Social Studies
Stanley E. Butcher, A.B. (1949) Head of Social Studies Department
Ruth B. Carroll, B.S.Ed. (1955)
Mathematics (1961)
Anna M. DeSantis, B.S., M.S. in R. (1956)
Physical Education
Ethel L. Garfield, B.A., SCC (1955)
Special Education
Donald B. Garland, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1956)
Donald G. Green, B. of M. (1958)
Robert T. Hackett, B.A., M.Ed. (1957)
Industrial Arts Mathematics
Elizabeth G. Hardy, B.A. (1954)
Helen R. Knight, B.S.E., M. Ed. (1946) Head of English Department Bernice Lobdell, A.M. (1961) French
Wilburt G. MacGregor, B.A. (1961) Mathematics and Social Studies Edward J. O'Gorman, B.S.Ed. (1957) Industrial Arts
Dorothy B. Rice, A.B. (1949)
Mathematics
Paul J. Sullivan, A.B. (1960)
Science
Forrest L. Troop, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1956)
Guidance
Thais E. Waldron, B.S. (1961)
English and French Social Studies
John W. White, Jr., B.S. (1958)
Physical Education
Birch Meadow School
Dennis F. Murphy, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1953) Supervising Prin. (1960)
Grade 1
Cynthia F. Amberg, B.A. (1961) Judith Backman, B.S.Ed. (1961) A. Josephine Berry, B.S.Ed. (1944)
Grade 1
Grade 1
1.26
Science English
Diane Weygand, B.S.Ed. (1961)
Supervising Prin. (1955) English
John R. Burns, B.S.J. (1960) Donald B. Farnham, B.S., Ed.M. (1955) Jane Gorrie, A.B. (1957) Marion L. Kenison, A.B., M.Ed. (1957)
Marie F. McDonald, B.S.Ed. (1958) Marylyn Mulcahy, B.S.Ed. (1955) Josephine Pardue, B.S. (1957) Priscilla Pierianowicz, A.B., Ed.M. (1957)
E. Lorraine Pulson, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1947) Helen M. Spieler, B.S. (1961)
Dorothy W. Stackpole, B.S.Ed. (1958)
Grade 2
Grade 5
Grades 3-4
Grade 1
Grade 5
Special Education
Highland School
R. Hilda Gaffney, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1941) Jean W. Bennett, Salem Normal (1955) Dorothy Burgess, Leslie School (1926) Daisy Castine, Salem Normal (1956) Mary L. Cawley, B.S.Ed. (1958) Catherine Chipman, Lowell Normal (1943)
Supervising Prin. (1954)
Grade 5
Grade 3
Grade 2
Grade 6
Velma Eastman, B.S.Ed. (1955) Grade 4
Edna E. Hendershot, Plymouth Normal (1957) Grade 1
Rosalind F. Mccullough, A.B. (1961)
Grade 6
Irene Montigny, B.A. (1955)
Grade 5
Louise Spracklin, B.S.Ed. (1957)
Grade 3
Helen M. Thebideau, B.S.Ed. (1955)
Grade 4
Marion Weagle, B.S.E. (1946)
Grade 1
Susan S. Whitney, B.S.Ed. (1961)
Grade 6
Beatrice Stasinopulos, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1952)
Grade 4 and Bldg.
Prin., (1958) Lowell Street School
Dorothy L. Conron, B.S.Ed. (1953) Grade 2
Jessie L. Goddard, Bridgewater Normal (1955)
Grade 3
Virginia D. Lincoln, Wheelock (1958)
Grade 1
Joshua Eaton School
Eleanor M. Skahill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1943) Doris S. Forbes, Plymouth T.C. (1947) Anne Baker, Connecticut T.C. (1954) Janet R. Bringola, B.S.Ed. (1958) Bertha S. Cox, Salem T. C. (1957) Shirley J. Crompton, B.S.Ed. (1955)
Supervising Prin. (1952) Grade 5 and Asst. Prin. Grade 2
Grade 4
Grade 1
Grade 4
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 4
Grade 1
Grade 6 Grade 5 Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 2
Grade 5 Grade 3
Grade 6 (at Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High)
Grade 6
Grade 2
Patricia L. Stevens, B.A. (1961) Norma L. Taylor, B.A. (1957)
Florence A. Wood, Salem Normal (1956) Ronald L. Wood, B.S.Ed. (1960) Rose Lentini, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1958)
Ellen M. Farrington, B.S. (1961) Marcia Fowler, B. in Ed. (1959) Margaret H. Keene, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1959) Mary L. Leary, B.S.Ed. (1961)
127
Grade 2
Helena A. Markham, Framingham T.C. (1934) George T. Meehan, B.A. (1960)
Helen B. Morgan, Lowell Normal (1949) Charles Papandreou, A.B. (1960) Elaine Papandreou, B.S.Ed. (1960) Patience K. Peale, B.S.Ed. (1961) Edward M. Reynolds, B.S.Ed. (1959) Anne B. Rivchin, B.S.E. (1961)
Grade 3 Grade 5 Grade 1
Grade 6
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 6 at Parker JHS Grade 5
Gloria S. Rosenthal, B.S.Ed. (1955)
Grade 6
Irene Royea, Arrostook County Normal (1928)
Grade 2 Grade 3
Herbert Baron, B.S.Ed., Ed.M (1955)
Grade 4 and Bldg. Principal (1960) Prospect St. School
Frances A. Flaherty, B.S.Ed. (1958)
Grade 3
Grace L. Gifford, Wheelock (1943)
Grade 1
Alberta R. Mathieson, Salem T.C. (1924)
Grade 2
Headquarters at Joshua Eaton School
Marie M. Hagman, B.M., M.C.L. (1954) Music Supervisor, Elem. Sch. William E. O'Keefe, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1954)
Roberta D. Thresher, B.S.Ed., Ed.M. (1959)
Supervisor of Art,
Elementary Schools
Pearl St. School
John F. Morabito, B.S., M.A. (1954)
Supervising Prin. (1959)
Ann Adams, B.A. (1961) Grade 1
Mary M. Chapman, B.S.Ed. (1941)
Grade 5 and Asst. Prin.
Mary Boghossian, B.S.Ed. (1956) Grade 2
Richard R. Burns B.S.Ed. (1959)
Grade 6
Velma Curtin, Perry Kindergarten School (1927)
Grade 2
Maya C. Das, B.A., Ed.M. (1960)
Grade 3
Barbara K. Goodwin, B.S.Ed. (1960)
Grade 3
Frances Haskins, Aroostook Normal (1943)
Grade 4
Ann M. Howe, Framingham Normal (1947)
Grades 4-5 Grade 5
Jean E. Jacob, B.Ed. (1955)
Grade 4
Doris Kent, B.S. (1961)
Grade 1
Dorothy R. Payzant, B.L.I. (1953)
Grade 1
Dorothy L. Soar, Salem Normal (1951)
Grade 1
Helen D. Stockwell, Salem Normal (1930) Frances E. Young, B.S.Ed. (1954)
Grade 5
Grade 3
Headquarters at Pearl Street School
Barbara Hill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949)
Supervisor of Reading
128
Joan Hunnefeld, B.A. (1961)
School Adjustment Counselor (1957)
Marion E. Saylor, A.B. (1960)
SCHOOL SECRETARIES
Jean S. Underhill, Secretary to the Principal
Reading Memorial High School
Ethel M. Gallagher, Guidance Department Secretary
Reading Memorial High School
Pauline McDonough, School Secretary
Reading Memorial High School
Lorraine Anderson
Elizabeth Brush
Isabelle H. Hull
Clarice D. Hynes
Evelyn Lazenby
Edna M. Southard
Dorothy L. Wardrope
Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School Walter S. Parker Jr. High School Pearl St. School Highland School Office of Health Director Birch Meadow School Joshua Eaton School
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
Radio announcement, when possible, over WNAC, WEEI, WBZ and WLAW between 7:00 and 7:45 a. m. Fire alarm 2-2-2 repeated three times at 7:15 a. m., for the high school; 7.30 a. m. for the Junior High Schools, and 7:45 a. m. for elementary schools.
CAFETERIAS
Lois C. Piper, Supervisor
Obeline Arsenault, Manager
Mary Bacigalupo
Elizabeth Bates, Manager
Birch Meadow School Highland School
Caroline Baxter
Joshua Eaton School
Helen Beaman
Margaret Campbell
Elsiemae Collins. Manager
Dorothy Corliss
Evelyn Davis, Manager
Genevieve Demenkow
Freda Doherty (part time)
Dorothy Erickson Beatrice Flanagan
Edith French, Manager
Helen Harris (part time)
Florence Harvey
Hattie Harvey Mae C. Kimball Alice MacMillan Johnena Matthews
Evelyn Mullen, Manager
Verna Rand, Manager
Anna Vickery (part time)
Esther Williams
Pearl St. School
Reading Memorial High School W. S. Parker Jr. High A. W. Coolidge Jr. High W. S. Parker Jr. High Birch Meadow School Reading Memorial High School Pearl St. School Joshua Eaton School A. W. Coolidge Jr. High Joshua Eaton School Joshua Eaton School Birch Meadow School W. S. Parker Jr. High School Reading Memorial High School Highland School Pearl St. School Reading Memorial High School W. S. Parker Jr. High School Reading Memorial High School A. W. Coolidge Jr. High School
129
RESIGNATIONS FROM CAFETERIA STAFF
Edna Frazier
Hattie Harvey
Reading Memorial High School W. S. Parker Jr. High
APPOINTMENTS
Dorothy Corliss
W. S. Parker Jr. High School
CUSTODIANS AND MATRONS Roderick E. Macdonald, Supervisor of Maintenance
Roy Brogan, Head Custodian
Richard Bailey
Pearl St. School Birch Meadow School
Herman Brown
Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School
William J. Crawford, Custodian & Night Watchman
Reading Memorial High School
Bernard Doucette
Ralph Erickson
Fred B. Gibson
Henry Gromyko
Edward F. Harrison, Head Custodian
Herman Hubbard, Custodian & Night Watchman
Ronan J. Laskey
Frank MacMillan
Theresa M. Meuse, Matron
John Miller. Head Custodian
Frank Mitchell
Reading Memorial High School Highland School Pearl Street School
Stuart Nichols
Reading Memorial High School E. William Pendergast All Schools Joseph Petroni Lowell St. & Prospect St. Schools Fred Riessle, Head Custodian W. S. Parker Jr. High School Vincent Serrentino, Head Custodian Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School Margaret Thornton, Matron
Robert A. Vars, Head Custodian
Daniel J. White
Walter E. White
Elmer E. Young, Head Custodian Louis Young
Highland School Joshua Eaton School Reading Memorial High School W. S. Parker Jr. High School Reading Memorial High School W. S. Parker Jr. High School
APPOINTMENTS
Herman Brown, (February) Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School Ralph Erickson (February) Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School E. William Pendergast (February) Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School
130
Reading Memorial High School Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School W. S. Parker Jr. High School Joshua Eaton School Birch Meadow School
Reading Memorial High School Joshua Eaton School General Maintenance - All Schools
SCHOOL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for admission to Grade 1, a child must have reached the age of five years and eight months on or before August 31st of the entering year. No provision is made for examination.
Upon entering school, each child is required to present a birth certifi- cate and a certificate of vaccination, or in the case of unsuccessful vac- cination, a statement from a physician certifying that three attempts to vacinate have been made all of which have proved to be unsuccessful.
Registration of children entering school in September is held in the different schools during the month of May, announcement of exact time appearing in The Reading Chronicle a week or two before registration.
SCHOOL CLINICS
Dental Clinic - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Joshua Eaton School - 9 a. m. to 1 p. m. Immunization Clinic - Annually by appointment
READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
June 14, 1961
PROCESSIONAL MARCH High School Band
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Led by Class President, Richard Horton
STAR SPANGLED BANNER Key-Smith
Audience, Senior Class, and Band
PRAYER
Reverend Frederick V. Hanley
SALUTATORY "The True Test of Civilization" Beverly Gregorio
ESSAY - "Sine qua non" D. Henry Buckley SPECIAL ESSAY - by Exchange Student from, Japan Takeshi Nakazato ESSAY - "The Challenge of Communism" Svea Carlson
PRINCIPAL'S REMARKS Mr. Ara A. Karakashian
VALEDICTORY Barbara Youtz "A Piece of My Mind"
SCHOLASTIC HONORS Announced by Mr. Karakashian, Principal Presented by Dr. Henry M. Paynter, School Committee Member
CONFERRING DIPLOMAS
Mr. Newell H. Morton, Chairman of the School Committee
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL MARCH
Reverend Frederick V. Hanley High School Band
131
CANDIDATES FOR DIPLOMAS
Jeffrey H. Ahlin Charlotte R. Anderson Ruth Anderson Richard H. Austin
Francis X. Cunningham
David F. Currier
Robert V. Dall
David J. Darby
Lois A. Baker
Stephen J. Day
Brenda J. Bailey
Virginia R. Day
Donald C. Bailey
Anne H. deBrigard
Charles E. Bangs
Roberta deMasellis
Betsy C. Barnes
James W. Demenkow
Paul D. Bassett
Joan A. Denbow
Donna L. Bauld
Lucretia Dennison
Cheryl M. Beaton
Paul G. D'Entremont
Earl J. Beighley
Michael L. Desmond
Barbara L. Bell
Richard R. DiBerto
Deirdre M. Bell
John W. Dolan
Trina H. Belzer
Charles P. Dondero
Carl B. Bertelsen
Bruce K. Donnelly
William R. Bliss
Sharon F. Dooley
Richard W. Bordeau
Barbara J. Downs
William Bowker
Richard C. Duarte
Patricia K. Brackett
Paul E. Dubois
Philip E. Broeg II
Judith A. Ducker
Thomas J. Brogan
Muriel L. Duff
William J. Broussard
Robert A. Dunlea, Jr.
James S. Brown
Daniel R. Dunn
Suzanne E. Brush
Arthur E. Dyment
D. Henry Buckley
Judith A. Elliott
Rosemarie Buckley
Edward A. Ellis, Jr.
Marsha D. Burley
Jean E. Ellis
William F. Burnham III
Pamela A. Emerson
Donna M. Butt
Richard F. Etling
Linda A. Cagnola
Dorothea V. Faucette
Arthur J. Carlow
William A. Faulkner
Svea J. Carlson
Virginia A. Ferrari
Mary E. Fitzpatrick
Mary L. Carroll Ralph E. Carter
Richard D. Flynn
Suzanne T. Casey
Robert E. Foster
Margaret A. Castine
Karen R. Frazier
Thomas F. Cavanaugh
Larry E. Frederick
Richard B. Chesley, Jr.
Elaine G. French
Sebastian P. Chiaramida
Jeffrey S. French
Susan E. Clark William A. Clay
Joan F. Galante Mary L. Gannon
Glee R. Coleman
Sterling H. Gibson
Donald D. Cotreau
Donna M. Gillette
Dick Crabbendam
Susan M. Gissler
Jean E. Crowell
Robert A. Giurleo
132
Walter F. Emerson
June Butler Betty J. Butt
Barbara J. Engel
Russell W. Gonnam Norman L. Goodwin Deborah L. Gourd James H. Greene, Jr. Beverly A. Gregorio
Dianne M. MacMillan
Douglas C. Mader David F. Mahoney
Harold S. Mallock
Linda E. Manchester
Thomas D. Guy Mary E. Hagerty
Donald M. Manson Lois A. Marden Ralph C. Marden
Karen L. Hansen
Marlene E. Hanson
William J. Marden
David V. Harrington
Philip J. Mason
Susan J. Harvey
Wendell I. Hawe, Jr.
Carolyn A. Haynes
Gail H. McEnroe
Susan M. Healy
Warren McFarland
Donald E. Herrick
Carol A. McHardy
Nathalie Heselton
Jeremy B. McRell
Ann Higgins Judith W. Hill
Mary L. Melanson
Judith A. Holbrook
Natalie J. Melhorn
Eleanor L. Holtsberg
Paul T. Mello
Richard W. Horton
Sandra M. Mercer
Elizabeth A. Hovey
Christine M. Meurer
Phyllis M. Howarth
Clarence J. Meuse, Jr.
Ronald P. Hubbard
Edward J. Michalosky, Jr.
Susan E. Hull
Barbara J. Mick
Howard W. Hutchinson
Beatrice E. Miller
Barbara R. Hynes
Beverly L. Milligan
Eileen A. Jasinski
Albert J. Minotti
Charles F. Jennings
Marion Moodie
Kenneth R. Johnson, Jr.
Cynthia J. Moody
Patricia Johnston
Nancy A. Moore
Elaine H. Jones
John Morand
Walter E. Kaminsky
John S. Morse
Judith A. Kay
Frederick L. Moulton, Jr.
June A. Keene
Virginia M. Muise
Richard F. Kennedy
Robert K. Murray
Thomas G. Kerr
Robert J. Muse
Shirley A. Kilroy
Takeshi Nakazato
L. Gray Kramer
Roberta M. Nash
Eric C. Kullberg
William J. Nason
Thomas A. Lane
Laurence J. O'Keefe, Jr.
Leatrice J. Laschi
Kenneth D. Olson
Rose M. Lehr
Evelyn J. Opland
Robert D. Lincoln
Thomas J. Paulson, Jr.
Diane S. Livingston Elizabeth A. Look Joanne LoRusso
Guy M. Penta
George H. Lufkin
Judith F. Phillips
Nancy C. Lundberg
Pamela D. Phillips
Richard J. MacHugh
Marie T. Pellegrino
Muriel M. Peterson
Margaret E. Pierce
133
Judith E. Maxwell
Judith A. McClellan
Kathleen L. Meehan
Richard J. Pinkham Susan D. Pinto Richard C. Powell
Peter A. Strassell John J. Sullivan Ronald E. Sullivan
James W. Rawlings, Jr.
Beatrice M. Surette
Donna M. Record Steven A. Rhodes
Barry N. Sutherland William F. Swift, Jr. Robert G. Taber Katherine F. Talbot Allan R. Taylor
Dorothy M. Riopelle
John E. Thompson
Edward G. Rogers
Barbara A. Thomson
Ernest C. Rogers
Mary E. Thornton
Lois D. Rogers
Richard D. Tompkins
Susan M. Romano
Edward F. Toomey, Jr.
William J. Rooney
Joseph E. Tuscher
Richard R. Rosenkrans
Lois A. Vacca
Martha Russell
Alberta M. Vail
Donald D. Sanborn
Stuart L. Vant
Robert J. Sargent
Linda C. Wallin
Susan Senecal
Walter R. Walsh, Jr.
Leo J. Sheehan
Donald J. Watters, Jr.
David D. Sias
Robert B. Weaver
Jeffrey C. Smith
Robert L. Webster, Jr.
Rodger A. Smith
Sharon R. Weed
Carol J. Snelling
Kathleen M. Widell
Linda Snow
Martha Willson
Ralph E. Snyder, Jr.
George A. Wiseman
Winifred A. Spurr
Greta W. Young
Linda M. Stewart
Barbara L. Youtz
Maureen Stewart
Gary E. Ziegler
Jane M. Stone
134
Dorothy R. Riccio Judith M. Richardson Paul V. Riley
94th Annual Report
Growth Brings Challenge
Board of Trustees
Reading Public Library
The year 1961 has been marked by growth and new peak loads at the Reading Public Library. In the broad field of library service, the Board of Trustees views the future as a definite challenge.
Statistics compiled by the librarian show a strengthened trend in the public's use of the library, accenting sharply the demand for close administrative attention to the task of upgrading library stand- ards and prompts the public at large to afford the essential support which is vital to the library's role in the phalanx of public service units.
The Trustees feel it their duty to keep the Library in pace with improving standards. They can do so only with the consent of the taxpayers who register their agreement by ratifying the expense as reflected in their tax bills.
PEAK LOADS RECORDED
In scanning the annual statistical table it can be noted that the appropriation at the annual March meeting was the largest on record and that the total funds made available for the year set a new high. This reflects a record for annual expenditures.
Courtesy Reading Chronicle
Peter D Peters
135
The amount received from fines is the highest in the Library's history.
Total circulation this year passed the 200,000 mark, going over that figure on December 27. The largest circulation in a single day was registered early in the fall and the largest total results in the highest average daily circulation. The record total reflects quite natu- rally in records set by both adult and children's departments.
But a notable record is in the increased use of non-fiction. It is up 12 per cent over the previous year, so that the rate of increase as well as the numerical total is an all-time high for that category.
The percentage increase over 1960 was 7.9, slightly up from the previous 7.45. The per capita reading index is up from 9.7 to 10.45.
A possible indication of the extent of local service is the fact that for the first time since the inter-library loan went into operation the Reading Public Library has loaned more books to other libraries than it borrowed.
The total number of registered borrowers is 9,847 bringing in a new high percentage of Reading resident borrowers of 51.18.
Comparison of annual statistics shows that during 1961 there were 61 fewer books added to the shelves than by purchase during the pre- vious year and yet there was a larger appropriation for the purpose. It is indicative of rising prices in the book trade.
PERSONNEL AND SALARIES
The problem of maintaining an adequate staff for a library is tightly tied to the salary schedule and the whole is sharply affected by standards arising within the profession and in some measure by directives promulgated by state agencies.
The Board of Library Trustees has tried during the past year to revise the salary schedule with a view to placing the town's library on a level with those in communities of approximate size and similar eco- nomic standing. It was felt that new minimum and maximum limits should be established so that the maximums available to staff mem- bers could be held in view for a more lengthy period and not subject to frequent upward joggings because of emergency personnel situations. For certain policy reasons the boards in fiscal control could not agree to the change at the time it was offered but the Trustees are hoping to have the salary range improved during 1962.
The Board's contention that the Reading Public Library was not in a good competitive position on the salary question was underscored when the librarian, Joseph J. Schmuch, resigned early in the summer to take a position with a considerably larger salary in Belmont.
When it came to filling the vacancy, it was found that the Library's starting salary was out of date and that the maximum in view was, and still is, below the point to offer the proper attraction and holding power.
136
Policy Statement
for
American Library Trustee Association
America's fight for survival is on three fronts: Military, economic, and ideological. Ideas are as important in the current defense of the United States of America as missiles. The American Library Trustee Association recognizes that public libraries stand at the third front where the battle is being fought for men's minds and loyalties.
Charged by law with the responsibility for policy in the public libraries of the United States of America, we pro- pose to arm the American people through their public li- braries with greater knowledge and understanding of the political, economic, and ideological forces lined up on both sides of our battleline between freedom and international communism.
The United States today is leader of the free nations, determined to remain free and to help obtain freedom and self-determination for all the people in the world. The Ameri- can Library Trustee Association will place increased em- phasis on the reading and discussion of books and periodi- cals, and the use of visual and audio aids, for a greater knowledge and understanding of world affairs and world people.
We will sponsor projects which encourage use of the basic informational materials in our public libraries to make us a nation more informed and more understanding.
We will urge all Americans to join with us in using the public library as an institution that has a distinctive and basic contribution to make in man's development to- wards freedom.
Adopted by The American Library Trustee Association at General Membership Meeting, Cleveland, Ohio July 10, 1961.
This same situation is faced in the other staff positions, both full- and part time.
The Library feels exceptionally fortunate in securing the services of Theodore C. Johnson as librarian. His desire to locate near Boston had much to do with his application for the Reading vacancy and his previous training in general library work, particularly in the young- adult field, attracted the approval of the Trustees.
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Late in the year the retirement of Ruth W. Currier from the post of assistant librarian and the resignation of Lois Lee called for a re- alignment of staff duties when new persons were secured to fill the vacancies. The Board is well satisfied with the new personnel since they show the needed aptitude for the work and measure up to the Library's policy of maintaining a friendly approach to the public. The Board continues to press its policy of seeking salaries for more full- time staff members in order to decrease the part-time staff. It is the feeling that more efficiency can be obtained with more full-time work- ers. At the same time it is hoped that a higher salary scale can be established for the part-time group in order to continue to attract and hold the more accomplished type of worker since it is from this group that we hope to fill vacancies in the full-time staff.
There are frequent reminders before the Board that certain stand- ards must be maintained in order for the town to qualify for library state aid and that these standards may be raised from time to time.
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