DPL Blog


It’s No Mystery!

When I was a young girl, my favorite books were mysteries. I read Carolyn Keene’s Nancy Drew books. I loved searching for the clues and trying to decide “who dunnit.” It was fun to read the Encyclopedia Brown series and solve the puzzles.

So it’s no mystery that I continue to read mystery and suspense novels, although the characters and plots are a little more challenging.

Some of my favorite authors now are James Patterson, Louise Penny, David Baldacci, and Mary Higgins Clark, to name only a few.

I encourage you to pick up one of these and try it! You might just fall in love! After all, it is Valentine’s Day!

-Roxanne, Library Assistant


Happy Ukulele 2

In the two years that I’ve been playing the ukulele, there is one thing that I know for certain: the ukulele is just a happy instrument.

Before I even purchased my ukulele, I had read reviews that stated this same thing. When you pick up a ukulele, you just can’t help but get a little happier. And when you play, it’s nearly impossible not to smile.

I was very skeptical. Then I got my ukulele.

From the first time tuning it to playing Christmas songs at the recent Very Merry Ukulele programs at the Library, I have found more joy from playing the ukulele than I could have imagined. Simply strumming, I immediately relax. And when I’m playing a song, I forget that I can’t sing and just sing all the louder for it.

My favorite songs to play include “Stand by Me,” by Ben E. King “Let it Be,” by the Beatles and “I’m Yours,” by Jason Mraz. I also just really love messing around and usually end up playing random chords in the Island Strum (down, down, up, up, down, up).

Liz playing ukulele

Looking to get started with Ukulele? Check out these resources:

-Liz Strauss, Teen/Outreach Services Manager


10 Book Series for Fans of Harry Potter

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl

By Eoin Colfer

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genuis, and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn’t know what he’s taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren’t the fairies of bedtime stories; they’re dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure.

Keeper of the Lost Cities (1)

Keeper of the Lost Cities

By Shannon Messenger

Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks, until she meets the mysterious (and adorable) Fitz, who reveals a shocking truth. Forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place vastly different from what she has ever known, Sophie still has secrets. Finding the truth could mean life or death – and time is running out.

The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1)

The Magisterium

By Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial. Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail. All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. If he succeeds at the Iron Trial and is admitted into the Magisterium, he is sure it can only mean bad things for him. So he tries his best to do his worst — and fails at failing. Now the Magisterium awaits him. It’s a place that’s both sensational and sinister, with dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future.

The Last Apprentice (Revenge of the Witch)

The Last Apprentice

By Joseph Delaney

For years, Old Gregory has been the Spook for the county, ridding the local villages of evil. Now his time is coming to an end. But who will take over for him? Twenty-nine apprentices have tried—some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Only Thomas Ward is left. He’s the last hope, the last apprentice.

Cinder

The Lunar Chronicles

By Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

The Serpent's Shadow (The Elemental Masters Book 1)

Elemental Masters 

by Mercedes Lackey

the series largely focuses on Elemental Masters, people who have magical control over air, water, fire, or earth. Each elemental master has power over elementals, as well. Each book in the series is loosely based on a fairy tale.

Carry On (Simon Snow Series)

Simon Snow

By Rainbow Rowell

Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen. That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right. Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here–it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

The Legend of Greg (An Epic Series of Failures)

The Legend of Greg an epic series of failures

By Chris Rylander

Risk-averse Greg Belmont is content with being ordinary. He’s got a friend–that’s right, just one–at his fancy prep school, and a pretty cool dad (even if he is obsessed with organic soaps that smell like a mix of salted pork and Icelandic bog). The problem is, Greg isn’t ordinary . . . he’s actually an honest-to-goodness, fantastical Dwarf! With the help of new friends, Greg learns the history of the Dwarves, marked with epic failures since the beginning of time. The return of the magic they once wielded means big changes are afoot, escalating tensions with the Dwarves’ sworn enemy: the Elves.

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Book 1)

The Grisha Trilogy

By Leigh Bardugo

Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first trek across the Shadow Fold—a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed. Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite. As the threat to the kingdom mounts and Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation.

Mister Monday: The Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1

The Keys to the Kingdom

By Garth Nix

Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death. But then his life is saved by a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Arthur is safe, but his world is not. Along with the key comes a plague brought by bizarre creatures from another realm. A stranger named Mister Monday, his avenging messengers with bloodstained wings, and an army of dog-faced Fetchers will stop at nothing to get the key back, even if it means destroying Arthur and everything around him.

-Mallory Thompson, Librarian


My Favorite Book

When people ask me what my favorite book is, I draw a blank. I cannot think of a single title, author or even genre! But when I take a minute to reflect, I can think of hundreds of titles, authors, and genres that have stayed with me over the years and newer ones that have more recently touched my heart.

What defines a “favorite” book? Is it by a beloved author? Is it one that a friend or loved one recommended long ago? Is it a story that I could really relate to at the time I was reading it? Does the main character remind me of someone? There are just too many aspects of what makes a “good” book to even make it possible for me to pick a favorite! So I have learned to adapt; what are one or three books that make me smile when I think about them?

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

One classic title that has long been a “favorite” of mine is definitely Anne of Green Gables and its sequels by L.M. Montgomery. I relate to Anne in so many ways; we both have overactive imaginations, we both would rather be daydreaming, and we both love the people in our lives with a fierce passion. Anne and I both have tempers, we both tend to act before we think, and we both find that people are naturally drawn to us. 

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

One new “favorite” that I stumbled upon this past year was Ohio author Margaret Rogerson’s An Enchantment of Ravens. I’ve long been a fan of Holly Black’s modern faerie tales, but this story, while similar, also took the reader back in time, which was appealing to me as a fan of historical fiction. The story was, in a word, cool. As in, “Wow, that’s so cool!” I can’t give too many details without spoiling too much of the story, but I can say that it was an unexpected pleasure to read. I chose it on a whim after reading the author’s other book, Sorcery of Thorns, which I also really enjoyed. Enchantment was so different yet so similar to anything else I have read. I truly was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I am so glad it struck me though, because I know I will be reading it again!

-Julie, Library Assistant


Hotspots Available to Check Out

wifi hotspot monster
Hotspot Monster

“What is a hotspot, and how can it help me?” you may ask.  Well, a hotspot is mobile internet.  You can connect your internet-ready device to the hotspot anywhere Sprint has towers, and it’s free!  If you use the hotspot for ten minutes or more, however, it could start to harass you.  This is annoying to some, but put your hotspot on mute to eliminate this nuisance.  This may anger your hotspot, however, and it will start doing inappropriate or ridiculous searches on your behalf, which could be an issue.

The benefits of using a hotspot far outweigh these inconveniences.  A hotspot, when treated properly, will begin doing internet-based money-earning jobs in no time.  All money earned by your hotspot must be immediately turned over to the Dover Public Library with documented receipts.  We thank you for your cooperation on this issue.  If we find that your hotspot has been earning money without proper documentation, we will be forced to put the hotspot into timeout for eleven minutes.  This, of course, may anger your hotspot and will undoubtedly force it to resume harassing you.

In Conclusion:

  • Hotspots are available for checkout at the Dover Public Library
  • Hotspots provide you with internet anywhere Sprint has coverage
  • DPL Hotspots are free to use
  • Nothing else in this article is remotely true

-Jen Miller, Technology Manager


My Book Reading Log

Book Log inside

With the start of a new year upon us, I always find it fun to look back over the past year to see all the books I have read.  I did not read near as many as I wanted to in 2019, but that is OK.  The ones I did read were fun, challenging, and inspiring. 

Looking back, my favorite for the past year was, Never Settle: Sports, Family, and the American Soulby Marty Smith, the ESPN sports reporter.

One of the things I started doing years back was to write down the title, author, and date finished of each book I read. It has been fun to look over the list to see what I was reading at various moments of my life.  I can tell you the book I was reading when my sons were born and what I was reading on any of a number of trips or vacations.  Nothing is more telling about a person than seeing what a person reads.  It shows what they are passionate about how they spend their time. 

Book Log cover

As 2020 begins, I encourage you to keep a list. Pick up an old journal to write down your titles or create a spreadsheet on the computer.  Whatever method you come up with, you will be glad you did it. As time marches on, you learn quick that nothing is more valuable than your time. 

Happy reading!

-Jim Gill, Director


Finding Dickens (and more) at the Library

As I prepare to leave on my next great adventure, I find myself looking back on what this job meant to me. First, I rarely thought of it as a “job,” compared to others I have had. A job is someplace you have to go when you’d rather not, do things you don’t necessarily want to do, and pretend all the while there is nowhere else you’d rather be. Dover Public Library is special in that respect – more so than I can put into words, but I will do my best.

Releasing Butterflies

The word “work” carries with it a weight, an almost physical drag. Even hearing the word aloud sounds like a grunt of effort, and I have had some jobs in which the connotations of the word were a truthful echo of what it felt like to be there.

Not that labor and effort are a bad thing – far from it! But in the “spirit?” of the season, I am somewhat morbidly reminded of Marley’s ghost, heavy with chains, moaning with the weight of his duty. How many people do you think are out there that feel that way every day they go to work? But they do it anyway, and I applaud their fortitude.

I also feel a twinge of guilt because my library job bore no relation to that tortured soul clanking in chains, even at its most challenging. Why? There is a spirit of generosity that exists at Dover Public Library, and I’m sure most everyone who has interacted there has felt it. It doesn’t emanate from only one person, but infuses everyone with its light. It doesn’t only show up for the brief weeks of the “holiday spirit” season, but persists despite the ups and downs we personal experience.

I may arrive on my worst days feeling a bit like Scrooge, shoulders hunched and scowling, forgetting the important things for whatever misery dogs my heels. But once inside for a while, “working,” a marvelous transformation occurs, and I feel more like Scrooge after his visitation, leaning out the window with a goofy grin, exulting in the feeling of giving and receiving joy.

Okay, that might be a little hyperbolic, but I want to impress that it is no small thing.

Helping people untie whatever knots are distressing them provides its own relief. Kindness is infectious. Taking the time to listen to a problem, offer a solution or maybe even just some small direction affects everyone in a positive way. Our own burdens lighten a bit, and we are all able to meet the next challenge with a smile and a kind word. And we can be sure that the next challenge will come, as sure as day follows night, because everyone needs something, and odds are good the library either has it or can point you toward it.

I’ve come to think of librarians as kin to the three Christmas Spirits who came to Scrooge: We believe knowledge has power, we can be formidable when we put our heads together, but we don’t claim to know everything, even though we are more than happy to guide you to your own knowledge.

It has been a privilege to be a part of this group of wonderful people, and what I learned here will always live in my heart. To borrow a memorable line from Dickens (who can of course be found at the library), God bless us, everyone!

Claire Kandle