Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 4.

In this connexion the Committee beg leave to suggest to parents, and other friends of improvment, that for a trifling expense they can have access to a well chosen library, now large and every year growing in value and importance. Good books are safe companions; and a relish for them is the source at once of the highest & the cheapest enjoyment. And this is not all. It is impossible to calculate the amount of knowledge which children may derive from these works of the living and the dead, before they arrive at maturity. Nothing can do so much as a habit of reading to cherish purity of character, to promote intelligence and carry out plans of public improvement indefinitely beyond the point where it must be left by the Public Schools.

The number of Scholars has increased so considerably that it has been necessary to provide additional accommodations in some of the schoolrooms; and these are still too small for convenience & comfort. The number of pupils is at present,

In the High School 75
East Grammar School
East Primary School
Centre Grammar School
South Primary School
West Primary School.

During the last year the Committee have been obliged to make several alterations in School houses in order to accommodate the constantly increasing numbers of Scholars. And they would suggest that some of them are too small for convenience and comfort.

To meet the expenses of the Schools for the present year the Committee recommend the appropriation of $3,200.

All which is respectfully submitted.