Monthly Archives: March 2023

How long have you worked at the Dover Public Library? Are you retired from another career?

10 years. I was a hairdresser for 30 years in my past life.

What is your typical workday like? 

I spend my mornings at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center manning their library. In the afternoons I make any deliveries that are scheduled or work on making new travel programs, which happens to be my favorite thing to do at work. I present these entertaining yet educational programs at all of the Dover care facilities and the TCSC.

Do you have any funny, positive, or heartwarming stories about the library? 

Ha Ha! I have too many stories to tell. Like an 86 years young senior telling me I’m not bringing very many books that are “Juicy!” Or how about a lady who called to ask if I would check the books she returned the week before, because she thought she left the ticket stub for the “All Male Review” inside one of the books. Or the gentleman who always said “thanks, doll face!” The best is getting the nickname “Library Linda” from the residents at Hennis. Now, all of the facilities call me that.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading or listening to? Is there a book or series you would recommend?

I mostly like to read psychological thrillers (Heather Gudenkauf,  Lisa Jewell). But I will also read romantic suspense (Helen Hardt), nice easy reads (Robyn Carr, Pamela Kelley) and historical fiction.

When you aren’t working what kinds of things do you enjoy doing? 

I LOVE to cook. I grow my own herbs every year and I really enjoy experimenting with them. I’m also currently into making homemade vanilla extract. 😋 It’s like my own special science project.

As I come to the end of my career here at Dover Public Library, I would like to share with you some of the books in my library. These books have no pages or covers, yet each one is very dear to me.

• Crimson & Gray – hundreds of stories from many, many sources who love to tell the stories and successes of this community, especially to someone who lives in the “red and black” community across the river.
• Survivors – the many people who have shared their triumphs over the challenges in their lives, whether it is sickness, grief or just getting through the day.
• Name-Droppers – the famous and awe-inspiring people that I have come to discover such as a New York Times bestselling author, or the gentleman who lived all over the world working for the NSA or the son-in-law of a friend who held a very high position in the White House.
• Book Clubs – the hundreds of books that have been read, recommended and discussed. I have discovered so many treasures with these people.
• Hunters – the many opportunities to discover a book to share with someone who is looking for a new adventure.
• Challenges – the many occasions that questions, situations or even some people have pushed me to do better, look harder and be kinder.
• Helpers – the many people that have shared this wonderful adventure as a library worker.
• Hugs – that one person who offers that heart-warming gesture not realizing that on certain days it is the thing that you so desperately needed.
• Grateful – the story of a man who feels his life is blessed every day and is one of the kindest and wisest people I have known. I want to be more like him.

My library is you, the patrons I have come to know and care for over the last twenty-two years. You are all my “Living Library.” You have enriched my life beyond measure and I am blessed to know each and every one of you.

And finally a book that I wish everyone would read – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charles Mackey.

-Paula Fawcett