USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1932-1936 > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
27
29
213
Nabnassett
13
4
9
8
9
6
49
86
64
75
63
73
84
81
91
59
51
31
24
1
783
REPORT OF SCHOOL CENSUS October 1, 1935
41/2-51/2
51/2-7
7-14
14-16
Tot.
Girls
24
35
281
69
409
Boys
23
34
264
63
384
47
69
545
132
793
OVER 16
Girls
46
Boys
35
81
Cripples
7
881
97
81
7 .
.
98
TEACHERS IN SERVICE, DECEMBER 31, 1935
School
Teachers
Where Educated
Date of Appointment
WM. E. FROST
Paul Ford, B. S. E. (Principal)
.Bridgewater Teachers' College
.Sept. 1933
Florence Blodgett
Lowell Normal
Sept. 1931
Ruth Tuttle
Lowell Normal
Sept. 1903 Sept. 1922
Madeline Stone
Keene Normal
Oct.
1930
SARGENT SCHOOL .... James Fitzgibbons (Principal)
Salem Normal
Sept. 1923
Lillian Wright
Lowell Normal
Sept. 1914
Gertrude Provost
Lowell Normal Sept. 1923
Lottie Blodgett, (Mrs.)
Farmington State Normal
Sept. 1921
Emma Goucher
Lowell Normal
Sept. 1931
Jean Bell
Fitchburg Normal
Apr. 1930
Ann Harrington
Lowell Normal
.Sept. 1926
Ruth Lord
.Plymouth Normal
Sept. 1931
CAMERON SCHOOL ... Peter Perry, B. S. (Principal)
Hyannis Normal, Boston University
Sept. 1921
Josephine Mardas
Boston University
Sept. 1934
Ava Swett
Farmington Normal .Sept. 1931
Olga A. Remis
. Lowell Normal
Sept. 1928
Margaret Carney
Lowell Normal
Sept. 1925
L. W. O'Clair, (Mrs.)
Hyannis Normal
.Sept. 1908
Ruth Walker
Lowell Normal
Sept. 1922
Louise Thompson
Lowell Normal
.Sept. 1922
NABNASSETT
Gertrude Donahoe (Principal) Lowell Normal
.Sept. 1927
Mary Reynolds Lowell Normal
.Sept. 1922
ACADEMY
.Wm. C. Roudenbush, A. B. (Principal) .... Williams College Frederick Delaney
Sept. 1912
Boston College Sept. 1935
John Timon Holy Cross ..
Sept. 1935
Mary L. Robinson, (Mrs.) Ph. B.
University of Chicago Sept. 1927
Ethel N. Caldwell, A. B.
Boston University
.Sept. 1930
Ethel T. Tewksbury
Chandler Normal, Simmons College .Jan. 1936
Dorothy D. Vincent
.Boston University .Sept. 1934
Lloyd S. Turner
University of Vermont Sept. 1934
Chester V. Sweatt, B. S. University of Maine Sept. 1931
MUSIC SUPERVISOR Lilley Mae Moran Nov. 1935
SCHOOL NURSE ........ C. Veronica Meagher, (Mrs.)
St. John's Hospital .Sept. 1927
SUPT. OF SCHOOLS .. Robert W. Barclay, B. S., M. A. . Norwich University, Boston University .... Sept. 1932 99
100
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADUATES June, 1935
William E. Frost School
Ernest Benkoski Robert Chandler Bryce Collier Herbert Decato
George Douglas Vincent Gerace Dorothy Gould Roland Hughes
Robert Leonard
Amelia Moreno
Francis O'Connell
Muriel Regnier
Edward Ripley
Margaret Rogers
Laura Scott
Cameron School
Maryang Brule Alice Chudack
Henry Corey, Jr.
Mary Costello Antanina Daranchuc Constance Dudevoir Mary Fitzpatrick Gregory Gibbons Robert Gordon Armand Grinier Nellie Kostechko Della Labby
Rena Lamy John Lord ยท
Michael Minko
Clair Ricard
Cyril Ricard
Sylvanie Ricard
Jennie Sienkewicz Jean Talancey Winifred Thompson Josephine Vaillancourt Alice Vickers Floryan Woitowicz
Anthony Belinsky Hilda Blanchard Yolande Boucher Stella Britsko
Henry Cantin Margaret Cantin John Carbo Rita Carpentier Dimitri Charasko Vivian Charlton Mary Counter Joseph Couture Dorothy Dubey Harold Gagnon Arline George Victoria Guolla
Sargent School
John Hall Antoinette Harasko Jeanette Hornbrook Lorraine Levasseur Aloysius Markarewicz
Henry Maselbas Karleen McCarthy
Frances Monda
Bertha Nadolny
Frank Nyder
James Oliver Eunice Palmer Lorraine Rioux Dorothy Sargent John Shugrue Nickolas Voropay
WESTFORD SCHOOL COST FOR PAST TWELVE YEARS
Cost
Year
Appro- priations
Unpaid Bills
Total Expenditures
State
Aid
Actual Expenditures
No. of Pupils Per Pupil
1924
$62,700.00
$2,679.79
$65,379.79
$ 4,955.80
$60,423.99
779
$77.58
1925
68,000.00
561.79
68,561.79
5,223.76
63,338.03
764
82.90
1926
65,000.00
746.89
65,746.89
5,333.08
60,413.81
743
81.31
1927
66,250.00
170.86
66,420.86
5,757.68
60,663.18
717
84.56
1928
62,552.00
333.99
62,885.99
6,700.00
56,185.99
783
71.78
1929
67,350.00
1,005.45
68,355.45
7,202.08
61,152.37
811
75.40
1930
73,200.00
73,200.00
7,554.40
65,645.50
829
79.18
1931
71,500.00
71,500.00
11,499.31
59,000.69
824
71.60
1932
70,000.00
70,000.00
12,310.40
57,689.60
802
71.93
1933
65,000.00
506.82
65,506.82
11,663.23
53,843.59
816
65.98
1934
66,494.00
64,698.74
11,363.75
53,334.99
806
66.17
1935
66,000.00
64,677.68
10,593.76
54,083.92
783
69.07
$1,795.26 returned to Town Treasurer in 1934.
1,322.32 returned to Town Treasurer in 1935.
101
102
REPORT OF WESTFORD ACADEMY
January 1, 1936.
Mr. Robert W. Barclay
Superintendent of Schools
Westford, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Following is my twenty-fourth annual report as principal of Westford Academy:
FACULTY
William C. Roudenbush
Latin
Mrs. Mary L. Robinson
English
Miss Ethel N. Caldwell
Science and Mathematics
Floyd S. Turner
French and English
Chester V. Sweatt History
Miss Dorothy Vincent
Commercial and Secretary
John J. Timon
Commercial
Frederick Delaney
Science and Mathematics
Miss Virginia Rogers
Eighth Grade
Mr. Ernest V. Knapman, Mr. Reginald V. T. Steeves and Miss Evelyn H. Pickard resigned last spring, and Mr. Sweatt, Mr. Timon and Mr. Delaney were elected to these vacancies.
Enrollment
Boys
Girls
Total
Post Graduates
0
1
1
Seniors
9
15
24
Juniors
15
16
31
Sophomores
16
25
41
Freshmen
40
32
72
80
89
169
The Freshmen include "repeaters", i. e. all those whose credits are ten or less. At least fifteen credits are required to rank as a Sophomore.
Home Room Assignments
Post Graduates and Seniors
Mr. Roudenbush
Juniors
Mrs. Robinson
Sophomore Boys
Mr. Turner
Sophomore Girls
Mr. Timon
Freshmen Boys
Mr. Sweatt
103
Freshmen Girls Miss Caldwell
Eighth Grade Miss Rogers
Basketball
The Academy is a member of the Wachusett Basketball League, which includes Ashby, Ayer, Groton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Town- send and Westford.
The schedule for 1935-1936 is as follows:
December 11, 1935-Westford at Ashby.
December 13, 1935-Groton at Westford
December 20, 1935-Westford at Townsend
January 3, 1936-Ayer at Westford
January 7, 1936-Wilmington at Wilmington (Not a league game)
January 10, 1936-Westford at Lunenburg
January 14, 1936-Pepperell at Westford. January 17, 1936-Littleton at Littleton (Not a league game)
January 24, 1936-Ashby at Westford
January 31, 1936-Westford at Groton
February 7, 1936 -- Townsend at Westford February 11, 1936-Wilmington at Westford (Not a league game) February 14, 1936-Westford at Ayer
February 18, 1936-Lunenburg at Westford
February 21, 1936-Westford at Pepperell
February 28, 1936-Littleton at Westford (Not a league game)
Coaches
M :. Delaney-Boys' Team
Miss Rogers-Girls' Team
Mr. Sweatt is faculty manager of athletics and arranges for schedules, transportation, etc.
Physical Training
Classes in physical training are held for Sophomores and Fresh- men. Mr. Sweatt, Mr. Delaney and Miss Caldwell are in charge of these groups. All members of athletic teams practice after school hours under the direction of their coaches and are not included in any of the class groups.
Class Officers
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
SENIORS
Annie Pupchick
Kenneth
Da la Hoye
Annie Worobey
Everett Miller
JUNIORS
James Harrigan
Ellen
Irene
Dudevoir
Dudevoir
Esther Poznick
SOPHOMORES
Harry
Roland
Winifred
Smith
Whitney
Rhodes
Austin Healy, Jr.
FRESHMEN
Henry
Ernest
Dorothy
Corey, Jr.
Benkoski
Sargent
Dorothy Sargent
104
105
Faculty Advisers
SENIORS
Mr. Roudenbush
Mr. Delaney
JUNIORS
Mrs. Robinson
Mr. Timon
SOPHOMORES
Mr. Turner
Miss Vincent
FRESHMEN
Mr. Sweatt Miss Caldwell
School Clubs
Membership in school clubs is voluntary. Regular attendance and application to the work of the chosen club are required. One-half a credit toward diploma is given for satisfactory work in a club. The clubs this year are: Newspaper Club, led by Mrs. Robinson; Debat- ing Club, led by Mr. Timon; Camera Club, led by Miss Caldwell; Current Event Club, led by Mr. Sweatt.
The School Paper
Under the direction of Mrs. Robinson the Newspaper Club has con- tinued to publish the "Clarion". The members of the staff are:
Editor-in-Chief. Barbara Curley, '36
Associate Editor Priscilla Knowlton, '37
Business Manager. Robert Besser, '36
Assistant Business Manager Albert Hall, '37
These persons are assisted by twenty-six students from the var- ious classes.
Daily Program of Classes
It was found necessary this year to have a school day of eight periods, to begin earlier, shorten the noon recess, and close later. Pupils report to home rooms at 8:32 and classes begin at 8:42. Noon recess, which includes lunch time, is from 12:30 to 12:52, and after- noon classes are from 12:56 to 3:00 o'clock.
Assemblies
It is the practice this year for the whole school to gather in the assembly hall every Monday morning for the ordinary opening exer- cises. At this time the salute to the flag is given, and the faculty take turns conducting the exercises. From time to time during the year we hold assemblies given up to some speaker or entertainment from outside. So far we have had an illustrated lecture on birds by Mr. Talbot, Field Secretary of the Massachusetts Audubon Society; a very helpful address on the meaning and value of education by Prof. Francis X. Powers of Holy Cross; an amusing and instructive entertainment by Santini, the magician. Besides the above speakers,
106
Milton J. Schlagenhauf, Director of Admissions of Northeastern University, visited the school in November and spoke to the Seniors and Juniors not only on certain opportunities offered by his institu- tion, but also on general advantages to be gained by a college train- ing.
Scholarship
For some years the scholastic standing has been determined partly by the results of mid-year examinations which counted one-third on a pupil's final record. These particular examinations have been dis- continued, and the mark is determined in the following manner:
Once a month a written test in each subject is given at the regu- lar recitation period. This test counts one-third in the record for the month. Together with the daily work at two-thirds, the final mark for the month is thus determined. No pupil is excused from these monthly tests.
The final mark of the first semester is the average of the five months, September-January. The same rule applies to the second semester, February-June. The final mark of the year is the aver- age of the two semesters.
The Academy Student Association
The object of this Association, organized this year, is to promote co-operative efforts in the student body with reference to common school activities and interests. The officers are: President, John Bohenko, '36; Vice President, Charles Oliver, '36; Secretary, Frank Stepinski, '37; Treasurer, Chester V. Sweatt. Any enrolled student of the Academy is eligible for membership. The dues are one dol- lar a year, payment of which is a prerequisite to represent the school in athletic contests; also the payment of dues entitles the member to admittance to all home contests, and the right to vote on money matters.
Social Events
Several school parties have been held since November and have contributed much to the social interests of the school. On November 22, the Junior Class sponsored a vaudeville entertainment and dance which netted their treasury about twenty-five dollars, and gave all those who came a good time.
On December 6th, the Student Association conducted a general party for the benefit of the athletic fund, the treasury being made richer by about twenty dollars. A very pleasant event was the Christ- mas party held December 19th. The details of the entertainment were worked out by the Sophomore Class and included a Christmas tree with Santa Claus and distribution of gifts, stunts, dancing, etc. This party was planned partly in honor of Miss Vincent, who ter- minated her services of teaching in the Academy, December 20th.
107
Who Are Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores
For the information of the public, the following statement defines the requirements a pupil must meet to be ranked as a member of the three upper classes. To rank as a sophomore, a pupil must have completed at least 15 credits, which is the equivalent of saying that he must have passed three full-time subjects. To rank as a Junior, a pupil must have completed at least 35 credits, or seven full-time subjects. A Senior must have completed at least 55 credits, or eleven full-time subjects.
It is assumed that a pupil will complete four full-time subjects each year, making a total of 80 credits which are required for diploma.
Marking System
Report cards are given out bi-monthly marked as follows: A, 90-100; B, 80-89; C, 70-79; D, 50-69; E, below 50. The lowest pass- ing mark is C; for certificate privilege a mark of B is required. Parents are urged to watch for these report cards the last of Octo- ber, December, February, April and June. Each boy and girl re- ceives a card, and is expected to take it home for the signature of parent or guardian. If the parent has any question regarding the ranks on these cards, he is welcome to visit the superintendent or principal who will show him the record as kept in the office files.
The Eighth Grade
It would be much to the advantage of all concerned if the eighth grade could be transferred to other quarters. They occupy an en- tire room which eventually will be needed to accommodate the four classes of the Academy. Their daily schedule differs from ours, and this makes for considerable confusion in and about the building. They should properly be housed with the sixth and seventh grades and thus brought under the direct discipline of the grade school principal. Such an arrangement is perhaps out of the question, but we wish to call the attention of the public to the fact that the eighth grade here at the center is in an anomalous situation which militates against effective control and proper progress.
Prizes 1935-36 GIVEN BY TRUSTEES
I. A prize of $25.00 will be given to the Sophomore or Freshman Class on June 1, 1936, on the following terms, reckoned on a 50-50 basis:
1. To the class which has the highest average percentage of passing in all subjects. (This does not mean the highest marks.)
108
2. To the class which has the lowest average percentage of tardiness as recorded in the register.
Note-Ordinary absence from school is not recorded against a class member in this contest. But absence due to major offenses against discipline resulting in suspen- sion from school counts the equivalent of 5 tardy marks for each day of such suspension.
II. A prize of $5.00 will be given in both the Senior and Junior classes to that member who shall make the mose improve- ment in English over his record of last year. The award will be made June 1, 1936, and will be determined not alone on marks in the English class, but will include excellence in Eng- lish usage as shown in other departments of the school cur- riculum.
GIVEN BY ALUMNI
I. A prize of $10.00 to that member of the school who shall ex- cel in a public speaking contest to be held about May 1, 1936.
II. A prize of $5.00 for the second best in such contest.
1. At least ten contestants must take part.
2. No one who has had professional instruction is eligible. Former winners of the first prize are also excluded.
Miscellaneous
The honorary members of the Tadmuck Club from the class of 1936 are Annie Pupchick and Ruth Cooney.
We wish to thank the Trustees for allowing us an extra ten dol- lars to award in prizes this year. The total sum granted by the Trustees is now thirty-five dollars.
Owing to the short noon recess, pupils cannot go to the public library at that time as in the past. Provision is made whereby they are excused in rotating groups for this purpose the seventh period of Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Much credit is due the members of the school orchestra for their splendid spirit and persistence in keeping this organization alive under the handicap of lack of adult leadership. The orchestra is largely the result of work done by Mr. Steeves last year. That the young people, under one of their own members, continue to perfect themselves in their music, and play so satisfactorily for our social functions, is very gratifying, both to the faculty and to the student body.
Following is the program of the graduation excercises of June 13, 1935, which includes items of record not given in this report.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM C. ROUDENBUSH,
Principal of Westford Academy.
109
GRADUATION EXERCISES Assembly Hall - Westford Academy Westford, Massachusetts Thursday, June 13, 1935 - At 8 o'clock P. M.
Program
GRADUATION MARCH: Pomp and Chivalry Roberts . ....
PRAYER
Rev. George H. Douglas
SALUTATORY WITH ESSAY: Growth of Our Language Stanley John Kazeniac
CHORUS WITH ORCHESTRA ACCOMPANIMENT Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman Offenbach
PRESENTATION OF CLASS GIFT Stanley John Kazeniac, President of Class of 1935
ACCEPTANCE OF CLASS GIFT Principal W. C. Roudenbush
ORCHESTRA:
Youth Triumphant
Gibb
PRESENTATION OF PRIZES
Hon. Frederick A. Fisher, Trustee of Westford Academy
ADDRESS: "Leaders of Tomorrow"
Gleason L. Archer, LLB.,LLD., Dean of Suffolk Law School
ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS: Bells of Saint Mary Adams
ESSAY WITH VALEDICTORY: Literature and Life Vincent George Carvalho
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS Mr. Eric Anderson, Member of School Committee CLASS SONG: (Tune, Moon of Desire) Written by Chrystalbelle Weaver
GRADUATES Classical Course Virginia Belle Barretto *Vincent George Carvalho Margaret Swan Curley Rita Hosmer Edwards *Stanley John Kazeniac *William Benjamin Prescott
Commercial Course
*Christine Christianson Johnson
110
General Course
Dora Barretto
*Regina Belida
Priscilla Greig
Robert Norris Hildreth
Frances Olive Hughes
*Pro Merito Society
Gladys Knowlton David Matthew O'Connell
* Aksenia Pupchick Florence Succo Gertrude Agnes Tuttle Grace Chrystalbelle Weaver
Class Motto-Lux et Scientia Class Colors-Crimson and White Class Flower-American Beauty Rose
Winners of Prizes
PUBLIC DECLAMATION (Given by Alumni)
Robert Besser, '36 Ten Dollars
Margaret Lyons, '38 Five - Dollars
Helen Sechovich, '37. Honorable Mention
ESSAY (Given by Trustees)
Vincent Carvalho, '35 Ten Dollars
Robert Hildreth, '35 Five Dollars
Mary Hildreth, '37 Honorable Mention
*Dorothy Shea, '38. Five Dollars Rowena Curley, '38. Honorable Mention
*Freshman Prize
STENOGRAPHY AND TYPEWRITING (Given by Trustees)
Stenography, Regina Belida, '35. Two and one-half dollars Typewriting, Annie Worobey, '36 Two and one-half dollars
WASHINGTON AND FRANKLIN MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN UNITED STATES HISTORY
(Given by Massachusetts Society of Sons of the American Revolution) Vincent George Carvalho, '35
111
CLASS SONG (Tune, Moon of Desire)
Seniors today
Life is so thrilling
We are so young
Our cares are for a day
Parents so fond
Teachers enduring
We're bound to gain a way.
When we were young you made us see
That hardships mingle with joy;
Now we face the world
Your tactics we must employ.
We're out to win,
Life is not perfect,
We'll gain our place,
In the world's embrace.
-Chrystalbelle Weaver, '36
Notices
1. Graduation Dance in Assembly Hall, Friday, June 14, 8 P. M.
2. Alumni Banquet and Business Meeting in Assembly Hall, Satur- day, June 15, 7 P. M. Reception at 6 P. M. Exhibit of old pic- tures on display in a classroom.
3. Senior Class Day Exercises were held Thursday forenoon June 13.
USHERS
Everett Miller, '36 John Bohenko, '36
Morris Crocker, '36
112 REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Robert Barclay, Superintendent of Schools,
Westford, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the School Nurse from January 1 to December 31, 1935:
Schools Visited
Children examined for minor ailments. 52
Children excluded for Pediculosis and other skin infections 24 Dressings and First Aid 18 Children recommended for exclusion because of Contagious Disease Contact 90
Vaccinations checked
Result of Eye and Ear Test
Defective Eyes
48
Defective Ears 16
Result of Schick Test
Positive
6
Negative
3
Diptheria Toxin Antitoxin
Innoculations (three injections each) 7
Assistant School Physician with Physical Examination
Result of Examination
Aortic Murmur 22
Bronchitis
3
Bronchial Breathing 47
Bronchial Rales 1
Chronic Skin Disease 1
Chorea
3
Cardiac Irregularity
1
Chronic Valve Disease
2
Diabetes
1
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids 17
Enlarged Heart 2
Irregular Cardiac Arrythmia
1
Myocarditis 1
Jan. 10. 1936.
113
Mitral Murmur
6
Nasal Obstruction
2
Partial Paralysis
2
Posture
1
Strabismus
1
Scrofola
1
Teeth defective
1
Respectfully submitted,
VERONICA P. MEAGHER, R.N.
114
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Members of the School Committee:
The following is my report as school physician for the year ending December 31, 1935.
A physical examination was made by me of all the children at- tending the public schools of Westford.
A re-examination was made by me of all the cases which had previously shown heart murmurs of bronchial breathing of the lungs. No cases of heart failure or active tuberculosis were present.
A special physical examination was made on a large number of students who were to enter athletic sports such as the game of bas- ketball or baseball. Only a few were prevented from entering these sports on account of physical disability.
The rationing of milk to the undernourished and the underweights was carried on with a great improvement in the health, vigor and in- creased weight in the great majority of cases.
This work is carried on with the co-operation of the school nurse, teachers and the parents of the children.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. D. W. COWLES, School Physician.
Annual Report
of the
J. V. Fletcher Library
of the
Town of Westford, Mass.
HE
E
J.
ARY.
O
1895
For the Year Ending December 31,
1935
116
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE J. V. FLETCHER LIBRARY
January 1, 1936.
The trustees of the J. V. Fletcher library respectfully submit their annual report for 1935, including the report of the librarian and the list of books added in 1935:
The trustees ask for the following appropriation, viz .:
1. The sum of eighteen hundred dollars ($1,800.00) to meet the current expenses of the main library and its branches.
2. The receipts from the dog licenses in 1935.
3. The fines and other receipts of the library in 1935.
JULIAN A. CAMERON, Chairman, WILLIAM C. ROUDENBUSH, ALICE M. HOWARD, Secretary.
117
FINANCIAL REPORT OF LIBRARY FOR 1935
Expenditures
Salaries and wages
Librarian
$ 700.00
Janitor
350.00
Assistants
231.95
$ 1,281.95
Books and periodicals
Books
$ 480.88
Periodicals
136.75
Binding
34.17
651.80
Fuel
253.00
Light
30.59
Buildings
Water
$ 23.00
Furniture
55.00
Janitor's supplies
3.37
Repairs
18.38
99.75
Other expenses
Telephone
$ 22.36
Cartage of books
32.00
Express
9.09
Stationery and postage
8.20
71.65
$2,388.74
Income
Town appropriation
$ 1,800.00
Receipts from dog licenses
429.82
Interest from funds
158.92
$ 2,388.74
118
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
January 1, 1936.
To the Trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library:
The report of the Library for the year ending December 31, 1935, is herewith presented.
The number of books loaned from the library has increased by 500 over that of last year, the magazines by 206, while the circulation of the deposit stations has decreased. This increase has been in the books for adults, 26% of which are non-fiction. Travel continues the most popular with a circulation of 700, biography second with 536. This year the literature group is third with 523, and useful arts (medicine, engineering, aviation, agriculture, home economics) fourth with 420.
The largest daily circulation (248) came in January and because of the well remembered big snowstorm of 1935 the smallest came that month also (13).
We have not been able to buy any books since September due to lack of funds. The receipts from the dog licenses were $100 less than last year and of course the income from library funds has de- creased. With a population now of 3,789, the cost of the library per capita is only 63 cents and the circulation per capita is 7.4 books. Where else can you get books for 8.5 cents apiece ?
Through the co-operation of the English teachers the librarian gave a talk on the use of the library before each class in the high school. It is planned to continue these to cover the reference books and other needed material. In colleges and other higher institutions of learning it is necessary that the pupils know how to use the library.
Again the Division of Public Libraries has assisted by the loan of more than 35 volumes, besides a collection of drama for the Lake Shore Theatre and other books in foreign languages, principally Polish. Other libraries from which we have borrowed are the Con- gregational Library, Newton, Boston, Lowell, Boston Medical and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We have loaned several books to Littleton and one each to Walpole and Billerica.
The students of the Lake Shore Theatre again made use of the library for study and recreation on payment of a deposit fee. This year instead of sending them to the Theatre the books on the drama were placed in the upper hall of the library together with others be-
119
longing to Mr. Trask and the collection was in charge of the libra- rian. This worked most efficiently.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.