1957-11-21 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 11/21/1957
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Louisa V. Conrad, Saul J. Cagan, Thomas J. Casey, Dorothy Cook,
Frederick Pierce, Carolyn Standley, and Thomas J. Toomey
Board members absent: W. Lincoln Boyden, Jr., and Russell P. Brown
Others present:
Recorder: Marion A. Brown
November 21, 1957
The Trustees held their regular meeting, Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7:30. Mrs. Conrad presided.
Present were Miss StandIcy, Mrs. Cook, Mr. Cagan, Mr. Tooracy. Mr. Pierce and Mr. Casey who
was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Birmingham.
The records of the previous meeting were approved as read. The Finance sheets giving
balances for the year were studied and placed on file. Mrs. Conrad than explained the 1958 Budget
figures. After studying item by item presented by the Budget Committee it was voted to adopt this
budget - Salaries $57,050, Maintenance $17,250. Salaries include two new assistants. Total Budget
$74,300. Budget Committee to meet with Mr. Wickers not after Dec. 15.
A letter was read from Mrs. Gertrude McManus stating that she is resigning as of Nov. 16,
1957. She is soon to be married. A move was made to accept with deep regret.
A letter was read from Mrs. Florence Hall applying for the position of Senior Assistant held
by Mrs. McManus. Mrs. Hall stated that she had had 31 years experience here at the Library - 25
years clerical work and the last six years as junior assistant. It was voted to give her the position and
upon Mrs. Brown's recommendation it was vote that the adjustment of salaries of Mrs. Pratt to Desk
Head at $3085 and Mrs. Hall Senior Asst. at $2850 be approved.
For the Building Commission, Mr. Toomey reported that Bursaw Oil Co. is going to install
an Esso Oil Burner with a time clock at the Farms Branch. Also at the Main Library louvers were
installed in the Boiler Room window for a vent and the front doors have been repaired and he is
procuring exit signs where necessary. He reported excellent progress of the roof.
A report of the Circulation Committee was read and placed on file as was the Librarian's
report.
The resolution for Mr. John C. Birmingham was read and accepted and is herein on file.
Mr. Toomey explained that he had asked the Jaycees that as their project sometime in the
future to procure a record player for the Library.
Mrs. Conrad reported that the new Hospital book wagon had arrived and was the very latest.
It was agreed that a number of new books should be purchased for it.
Voted to adjourn at 9 o'clock
Marion A. Brown, Clerk
JOHN C. BIRMINGHAM
February 1, 1898 -October 6, 1957
John C. Birmingham was born in Beverly, educated in the schools of this City and lived his
entire life here.
During this high School days he was an outstanding football player and this sport
dominated most of his adult life. He was an official of this sport.
John left a living reminder in the John C. Birmingham Trophy which is given each year to
the outstanding player on the Beverly High School football team.
He served many years as a member of the Beverly School Committee and through his
efforts very high standards were set up
John was a credit to the law profession which was his chosen field for his life' s work.
He served the Beverly Public Library as a trustee for sixteen years and his keen judgement
will be a great loss to the Library and Trustees.
BE IT RESOLVED, THEREFORE, that in honor of John C. Birmingham as an
outstanding citizen, prominent member of the Board, and, in particular, as a Trustee of the Beverly
Public Library, his associate members of the Board of Library Trustees, on their great loss and in
deep sympathy for his family, cause this official resolution to be spread upon their records, a copy
to be sent to the Press, and a copy to be presemed to his family.