1955-03-17 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 03/17/1955
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Philip Rowe, John C. Birmingham, Russell P. Brown, W. Lincoln
Boyden, Jr., Saul J. Cagart, Louisa V. Conrad, Dorothy Cook, and Carolyn Standley
Board members absent: Carl Zeilon
Others present:
Recorder: Marion A. Brown
Beverly March 17, 1955
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was held at the Library on Thursday evening,
March 17 at 7:30 with Mr. Rowe, Mrs. Conrad, Mrs. Cook, Miss Standley and Messrs. Birmingham,
Cagan, Boyden and Brown in attendance.
The Secretary' s records of the last meeting were read and approved, after which the report
of the Finance Committee giving details of the budget as approved by the City Government, was
presented and discussed. Some of the items: Replacements, Repairs, Janitors Supplies were cut but
it was felt that later in the year a request could be made for an additional appropriation where
necessary. Although the salary appropriations as far pages at Central and Farms was cut, an amount
was allowed for part time for Mrs. Luther who is in charge of Y.P.R. ($1960)
Mrs. Conrad brought up the matter of the muddy path on the house side of the Farms Branch.
She stated that perhaps when the City starts their hot-top projects they might co-operate in hot
topping this strip. A discussion took place as to the Farms Branch being open some evening a week
and it was decided to start as soon as possible. (Probably Wed. evening Mar. 30)
The matter of the janitor, Mr. John Harding, was brought to the attention of the Trustees.
Under the Compulsory Retirement Act, Mr. Harding must retire at the age of 70. He reaches the age
of 70 on Mar. 27 henceforth must retire March 31. As he has protested to some of the Trustees and
to the City Auditor it was voted to immediately write the City Solicitor for a ruling (The City
Solicitor ruled that Mr. Harding must abide by the law and must retire March 31) to replace Mr.
Harding April 1, C.S. approved a provisional appointee Roger Levesque, 7 Vine St., Beverly Farms,
who will take an exam in May. He will receive the same amount $63.40 per week, fill in at Central
and Farms Branch putting in the hours and arrangements suitable to the Trustees.
The Centennial was then discussed: Mrs. Conrad asked to be allowed to inquire as to the cost
of a small booklet giving the history of the library to date. She spoke of Mr. Walter Whitehill as a
possibility of preparing such a pamphlet. It was also suggested that a formal invitation for the
Centennial Celebration Sept. 18 be sent to Mayor and Mrs. Wilkinson. As to the Art Month that is
listed for June it was reported that the Artist Guild would have an exhibit June 6-11. It was also
suggested to contact the Italian Auxiliary and Camera Club as to exhibitions in the Hall. Both are
willing to consider this matter.
The Circulation Committee reported the purchase of 193 books. Registration and circulation
figures were read and placed on file.
The Library reported that the Historical talk for the High School Group was very successful.
It was also stated that it was hoped that as many of the Trustees as possible would attend the North
Shore Library Group Meeting to be held at the Beverly Library March 24. (About 100 present)
Voted to adjourn.
Adjourned
Marion A. Brown
Clerk