1959-04-23 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 04/23/1959
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Louisa V. Conrad, Saul J. Cagan, Frank P. Hyde, Bruce Lancaster,
Frederick H. Pierce, Carolyn F. StandIcy, and Thomas J. Tooracy
Board members absent: Russell P. Brown, and Dorothy C. Cook
Others present:
Recorder: Marion A. Brown
Thursday, April 23, 1959
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was held at 7:30 on the above date with Mrs.
Conrad presiding, Miss StandIcy, Mr. Cagart, Mr. Tooracy, Mr. Pierce, Mr. Lancaster and Mr. Hyde
in attendance (Mr. Hyde was appointed in place of Mr. Casey who resigned.)
Before the start of the meeting, Mr. Tooracy had a Volkswagen for the Members to inspect.
After viewing and discussing the possibilities for a bookmobile it was left for Mr. Tooracy to further
the study.
After the records of the previous meeting were approved as read it was moved to proceed to
the organization of the Board. By ballot Mrs. Conrad was unanimously re-elected Chairman and Mrs.
Cook was re-elected Secretary. The Chairman will appoint her Committees later.
Mr. Tooracy for Administration explained as to the burner explosion at the Foxms Branch that
due to delayed ignition and causing a hack poof. After consulting McPherson Ins. Co who carries the
boiler insurance, the Adjustor authorized Mr. Toomey to proceed with a thorough clean-up job of
stacks and walls which were covered with soot.
It was reported that the covering on the boilers at the Main Library is in deplorable condition
and some unused piping should be removed and this matter should have consideration in the near
future. Also, after the heat is shut offthe low-water cut out shottld definitely be fixed. It was left of
Mr. Tooracy to attend to this. He also stated and all agreed that all repairs should be divided among
local concerns.
It was voted to present a Farms Branch key to Central Fire Station to be turned over to Farms
Fire Station for emergency use only.
The iron work at Farms Branch both in front of building and the gate was discussed.
Eventually it will need attention.
Because of slight marking damage to marble panels near front door of Main Li~ary it was
thought wise to send a letter to the ehild's parents (Billy McGinness, 20 Pierce Ave.) from the
Trustees presenting a bill for said damage after an estimate has been obtained from Abate.
The success of National Library Week was discussed at length. Mr. Tooracy reported as to
the Califone (record player) presented to Library by Jaycees. It was voted to send a letter of thanks
from the Trustees, and special thanks was expressed to Mr. Toomey for his part in obtaining the
player. It was voted that the record player shall be used only in Main Library or Branch by the Library
Staff.
Mrs. Conrad reported as to the impressive flag raising ceremony and also the presentation to
the Library oft& 49 starred flag by the Sons of Union Veterans that took place at the Sheraton Plaza
in Boston.
The rest of the weeks activities were reported on. Miss StandIcy reported as to her talk to
Kiwanis Club and Mr. Pierce's short talk to Rotarians. Miss Standley's evening of poetry proved most
satisfactory and many signed up for another program in the future.
All agreed that a special vote of thanks should go to Mr. Thorndike, Chairman for the Week
and to Mrs. Patch, Library Chairman as well as all others who did their part to make the week such
a success.
Mrs. Conrad read a letter from the Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce. They
wish to bring matters to the attention of Trustees as to a change of the present schedule of Library
hours, also that the Library lacks toilet facilities for public use. Voted (Miss Standley dissenting) to
send a letter stating that the Trustees regret that lack of sufficient funds and of Stafi~ fort& purpose
of extending the library hours make it hrq3oss~le to change the present schedule at this time. Also the
toilet facilities have always been adequate for this building.
Adjourned 9:25
Marion A. Brown
Clerk