DPL Blog

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

In 1955, President Eisenhower signed a resolution to adopt September 17-23 as Constitution Week to honor this great document, which is the basis of America’s heritage and the foundation for our way of life.

As we begin Constitution Week, I’d like to reflect on a document that is very important to our American Heritage, and I ask you all to do the same.

Be respectful, kind and helpful to those in need and remember what it means to be good patriots of the United States of America.

Celebrate Constitution Week by picking up a free copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Plus, check out a selection of books from our Constitution Week display at the Dover Public Library.

~ Ellen Lint, Library Assistant

“Here, in the dread tribunal of last resort, valor contended against valor. Here brave men struggled and died for the right as God gave them to see the right.”

 -Adlai E. Stevenson I

One of the best-kept secrets in our community is an organization known as the Tuscarawas Valley Civil War Round Table. Founded over 25 years ago by Dan Cooley, former Dover Public Library Director, and Jeff Schrock of Sugarcreek, the Round Table is committed to educating the community about the American Civil War through the preservation of Civil War heritage and through the remembrance of those who struggled for their cause. Ever since Appomattox, historians, military tacticians and amateur scholars have been fascinated by the Civil War. The Round Table wants you to know that you are welcome!  Each month, a different speaker will provide an engaging and informative look at a particular aspect of the War Between the States.  Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the library’s Community Room during the months of January-May and September-December. New members are always welcome, as well as ideas for future presenters and programs.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any suggestions. More books have been written about the American Civil War than any other event in history and it is an honor to play a part in the preservation of that story.  The Round Table kicks off on Thursday, September 9 at 6:30 PM and features Steve Ball who will present “The Music of the Civil War.”  Hope to see you then!

– Jim Gill, Director, director@doverlibrary.org

“Music of the Civil War” Presented by Steve Ball

Thursday, September 9 at 6:30 PM

Community Room at the Dover Public Library

This program shares some of the most popular tunes of the Civil War from both sides of the conflict. The music is presented in a chronological format, with the story of each song, and what is happening in the Civil War at the same time. The program covers some of the popular patriotic tunes, melancholy ballads of home, and a bit of army humor as well. Music of the Civil War shares both music and history with insight to both soldiers and musicians of the period.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

August is bringing many changes to the library! As school is fast approaching and we start a new routine, I decided to take up a new craft of sorts. I learned how to knit about 17 years ago and decided It was time for a change and something new!

I saw some embroidery hoops in a nearby store and that sparked my interest. I went on to Amazon, found a beginners kit with three patterns, thread and all the other materials that I would need. I am excited to start something new and to keep my brain exercised and thriving!

One of the great programs we offer here is called Prattle & Purl. You can bring any crafty project you are currently working on and chat with fellow crafty patrons! Prattle & Purl will be on Saturday August 7 & 21 at 10:00 AM in the Community Room. This club will continue to meet the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Hope to see you and your crafty projects soon!

~Ellen Lint, Library Assistant

Can you believe we are looking at the coming of fall?  There is talk of kids going back to school, of football games starting up again, and of course Fair Week in September.  Change is a part of life and here at the library you will see some changes beginning in September.  First, our public hours will be changing slightly.  If you recall, library hours were changed due to the pandemic and we are excited to extend evening hours during the week–specifically for students needing our facility and resources for school work.  We will also be extending our hours on Saturday and shortening them slightly on Friday to make things more consistent.  Beginning in September, our new public hours will be: Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Friday & Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Another major change you will see in September is the return of limited overdue fines for certain types of materials at $.10/day.  If you recall, the library went fine-free in 2020 due to the pandemic. The reasons for the return to limited overdue fines are twofold. First, prior to the pandemic, overdue fines made up over $20,000 of our operating budget.  This was money we could count on each and every year.   That translates into new books and movies for the library and services and programs for the community.  Frankly, overdue fine revenue will help us buy more new books, movies, and other materials.  Second, overdue fines will only be placed on new adult materials, Interlibrary Loan materials, and mobile hotspots.  There will be no fines on children’s library cards, nor fines on older items in the adult, teen, and children’s collections.  As you well know, there is great demand for the latest and greatest titles–especially with bestselling authors or Hollywood blockbuster films.  This will encourage borrowers to return new items promptly so they are available–at no cost, of course–for the next patron. 

Change is not always fun so please let me know if you have any questions about the changes coming in September.  The library remains committed to providing as many materials, resources, services, and programs as possible to the community at no cost..  Please know that any revenue from our limited overdue fines will be reinvested into the library so that we can continue to offer a plentiful, strong, and diverse collection for the community. Thank you and have a good rest of your summer!

– Jim Gill, Director