High School Library

Roberts Library

Dedicated in the memory of Franklin Campbell Roberts, Sr.

(Masconomet 1961)

Professor Franklin Campbell Roberts, Sr. of Boxford, was “one of the school’s earliest and most respected advocates” (Masconomet 1961). He was an active member in local government from 1918 until 1960. He first served as a town accountant in Middleton, then as a Boxford selectman for nineteen years. “His deep and genuine interest in the development of education” made him the perfect fit for serving on the regional school board and as a beloved member of the community (Masconomet 1961). His sudden death in 1961 was felt by the entire community. The legacy of Professor Roberts lives on through the Roberts Library in the Masconomet Regional High School and the generous Franklin C. Roberts Memorial scholarship granted to one graduating Masconomet senior each year (Masconomet 1961, "Masco").

According to the Masconomet High School librarian, Ellen Sheehy, there had been a portrait and description in memoriam of Professor Roberts in the library. However, in recent years, the Roberts Library has been remodeled and his dedication has been misplaced in the process (Sheehy).

Roberts Library: Throughout The Years

Roberts Library has moved throughout the building as Masconomet has changed over the years. Originally, the library was located in what is now the second floor of the middle school. That location was then renamed "A-Wing Study" and the Roberts Library was relocated to a small area on the first floor (Mitchell). Here, students enjoyed a multitude of books, organized by the Dewey Decimal System, and had access to the Internet. In 2001, the new building for Masconomet Regional High School opened which, in turn, relocated the Roberts Library to its current location. The Roberts Library is the heart of the high school, positioned in the center of the first floor, always bustling with classes, study halls, and events (Sheehy).

(Patterson)

Roberts Library 2019

(Masconomet Library)

Prior to 2001

(Second)

Diagram 1961

(Masconomet 1961)

(Masconomet 1965)

Students in Roberts Library

Works CitedClark, Martha. "History Column: Masconomet Opening Created Dramatic Change for Three Towns." Wicked Local Boxford, 20 Aug. 2016, boxford.wickedlocal.com/news/20160820/history-column-masconomet- opening-created-dramatic-change-for-three-towns. Accessed 15 May 2019."Masco Class of 2014 Scholarships and Awards." Wicked Local Boxford, 23 June 2014, boxford.wickedlocal.com/article/20140623/NEWS/140629798. Accessed 15 May 2019. Masconomet Library. Circa 1995, Masconomet Regional High School Library, Boxford. Masconomet Regional High School. MITOBO, 1961. Masconomet Regional High School.,1961.Masconomet Regional High School. MITOBO, 1965. Masconomet Regional High School.,1965.Mitchell, David. Personal Interview. 29 May 2019. Patterson, Warren. Towns of Topsfield, Boxford, Middleton, MA. 2003. ARC, arcusa.com/node/42. Accessed 23 May 2019."Second Floor." Dedication Program, 1961. Sheehy, Ellen. Personal Interview. 16 May 2019.

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