Join us in front of the library tomorrow at 2:00 as we unveil Dover Public Library’s brand new historical marker from Ohio History Connection (To learn more about Ohio’s historical marker program, visit www.remarkableohio.org). The marker will commemorate the fact that we have been a part of the community of Dover for over 100 years. I will present a brief history of the library at the ceremony, which is taking place on the 61st anniversary of the dedication of the building cornerstone. Color slides of the cornerstone ceremony from September 26, 1954 will be on display in the community room during the reception.
History buffs: if you are interested in the finer details of the library’s history, come explore our archival collection, “Dover Public Library: A History.” You can see the original color slides, a collection of prints drawn by cartoonist James Harrison Donahey for the Cleveland Plain Dealer in 1931, a recipe file created by librarian Eliza J. Justice, and copies of a library history, draft and final, written by Corita Syler and placed in the library cornerstone. There is also a chronological collection of newspaper articles about Dover Public Library, and a special library issue of The Daily Reporter published September 17, 1955. The finding aid for this collection is online, and the materials are located in The Roots Cellar.
A final note: This library wouldn’t have survived without the support of the people of Dover, and it stands today as a symbol of Dover’s love for its community. So come out and show your support as we celebrate the Dover Public Library and look forward to the next 100 years!
– Claire Kandle, local history & genealogy librarian