Prescott Has Excellent Library, Thanks to PTA-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1963

“Of all the many worthwhile in-school functions in which the Prescott P.T.A. is involved, we consider the Library Program of greatest value,” Mr. Napoleone, Principal of the C. J. Prescott School indicated in a recent interview. In a unique program to provide convenient lending library service to their school children, Prescott School PTA members of Norwood have enthusiastically volunteered both their services and financial support to supply their new school with a more adequate library.

An end-of-year report submitted to the Prescott School PTA executive board by Mrs. Robert Vivian, library chairman, detailed the vigorous and active library program underway. The school library was staffed by volunteer mothers each school day from the first of October through the first of June. During lending library hours from 1 to 3 each afternoon children came in class groups to the library on a scheduled basis once a week.

A total of 7774 books were loaned during this period to 15 different class groups (grades 1 through 6). Included in the total were many books used for assigned book reports. Prescott school library books were used for class and individual projects and also some teachers used books for teaching units.

With the approval of the School Committee, lending library services were extended to Prescott School children each Wednesday morning from 9-12 during summer vacation last year. Again, it was completely staffed by volunteers and was very successful. This program will not be possible this year, but the committee hopes to continue it another year.

The 144 new books purchased this past year from PTA funds illustrate the financial support this project has secured. Other donations have aided in bringing the total book count up to over 1200. This book total compares with an expected enrollment of about 500 pupils next year.

Located over two miles from the center and isolated by Route 1, children in the Prescott School district can not make best use of either the Morrill Memorial Library or its South Norwood Branch. They have need of a lending library as well as a reference library in their school. The j new volumes that came with] the. school in 1958 could not be adequately used until properly cataloged.

Preparation of the books for circulation was eventually completed, again with volunteer help. A library committee was formed in the fall of 1960 to staff the school library. ‘This committee has been one of few volunteer groups where there have been enough willing people available,” reports library chairman Mrs. Vivian.

“Twenty regularly scheduled workers carry on routine library work. There are five substitutes and several other who work only on specialized projects. The man hours spent and the work accomplished is the result of dedicated effort on the part of all involved. They are to be gratefully thanked. The enthusiasm and co-operation of Principal Napoleone and the school staff has certainly made it a joy to be part of such a program as this.”

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)