DPL Blog

The Art of John Thomas 1

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Now in the Community Room, the art of John William Henry Wright Thomas is an impressive collection of photographs. While we all stay safe during this time of social distancing, Thomas has given the Library permission to share the following video and his story online.

The photos in the video, we admit, do not give his work justice. If you would like to contact the artist, you can do so at PO Box 241 Baltic Ohio, 43804, by phone at 330-897-7291, via email johnwhphoto@yahoo.com or online at johnthomasphoto.com.

John William Henry Wright Thomas was born in Union Hospital – Dover, Ohio to parents Henry D. P. Thomas and Edna E. Wright. He became interested in photography while still in gradeschool. In 1973, he met Chinese artist Sylvia Tsui, who introduced him to many aspects of life as an artist.

“I felt that photography allowed me to show reality of a moment in time much better than other media,” says Thomas. “Thus my images cover thoughts of the abstract to the depth of human moods.”

In 1986, Thomas started to show art in public. He shows in outdoor-indoor art shows, galleries, and museums in various states. He has also won many show awards.

Thomas uses both conventional and digital photography techniques. The only photos that are manipulated are his abstract pieces. His photos range in color, but are all archival quality. They are also limited printings, signed, and numbered.

“Each image is a moment in time. Past to present to future.”

– John William Henry Wright Thomas

6 Fantastic Webcomics

This entry was posted in Adult Services DPL Blog Teens on by

There are a lot of great artists who create beautifully illustrated webcomics. Some of my favorite graphic novels at the library, like Cucumber Quest, Spaceboy, and Tea Dragon Society started out as webcomics. Here are some webcomics I enjoy, that you can read online for free. 

Stutterhug by Sam Davies

Stutterhug created by Sam Davies

Stutterhug is an ongoing collection of short silent comics with cute animal characters. Suitable for soft creatures of all ages.

Blindsprings by Kadi Fedoruk

Blindsprings created by Kadi Fedoruk

A magical adventure about lost princesses, ancient spirits, magic, and growing up.

Namesake by Megan Lavey-Heaton and Isabelle Melancon

Namesake by Megan Lavey-Heaton & Isabelle Melançon

Emma Crewe doesn’t care for books, but has the power to literally be lost in one.

GaMERCat by Samantha Whitten

GaMERCat by Samantha Whitten

This slice-of-life comic features an appropriately-named cat with access to a large library of games and an over-active imagination, who literally dives into popular franchises and tackles topics in gamer life from a cat’s perspective.

Lackadaisy by Tracey Butler

Lackadaisy by Tracey Butler

Set in a Prohibition-era 1927 St. Louis with a population of anthropomorphic cats, the plot chronicles the fortunes of the Lackadaisy speakeasy after its founder is murdered. The comic mixes elements of comedy, crime and mystery.

Kochab

Kochab

Kochab is a YA fantasy comic about two girls lost in a pile of ruins under the woods, inspired by various myths and fairytales. The story follows Sonya, a lost skier trying to survive a snowy wilderness and find her way back to her village, and Kyra – a fire spirit trying to fix the home that she’s let fall apart around her.

-Mallory Thompson, Librarian

Homeschool Art Show

This entry was posted in Adult Services DPL Blog Kids Teens on by

Attention Homeschoolers! We want to see YOUR art in the LIBRARY!

Paint in cups with brushes

This May, we are having a Homeschool Art Show in the Community Room Gallery.

Some guidelines apply:

  • Entries must be turned in by April 30
  • Art must be framed with a wire or matted for hanging
  • Open to Homeschool Children in Grades K-5
  • Art will be on display from May 1 – May 31
  • Art will be available for pick-up June 1 – June 6

Entry forms are available at the Children’s Desk, so make sure you stop by and see us.

We look forward to seeing what you have created!

And don’t forget, every month we have a different art show on display in the Community Room for your viewing pleasure. Have you own art or a collection you’d like to display? Contact Jan at 330-343-6123 for more information.

-the Children’s Department

An Invitation for Collections

This entry was posted in Adult Services DPL Blog Teens on by

Merriam-Webster defines “Collection” as “something collected – especially: an accumulation of objects gathered for study, comparison, or exhibition or as a hobby.” 

Another definition would be “the act or process of getting things from different places and bringing them together.” 

“A collection of interesting or beautiful objects brought together in order to show or study them as a hobby” would be another definition. 

A collection can be anything – stamps, rocks, seashells, hats, baseball memorabilia, Legos or antiques. 

Do you have a collection that you would like to share with the library and our patrons? We would love to display your items for a month. We have two display cases in the foyer as you walk in the front doors, plus an additional display case by the front desk.

Please contact Jan Ridenour at 330-343-6123 at the library if you are interested and would like to book a month to show off your hobby! Kids’ collections are always welcome.

We have exhibited pottery, 3-D print items, decorated eggs, glass shoes, old photos, vintage purses and gloves, historic fire department items, folk art, cork screws – just to name a few. Let yours be the next! 

lego collection in display case
LEGO Collection

-Jan, Library Assistant

Book Quotes

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Can You Guess Which Books these Quotes Belong to?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

“After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die.”

“And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all.”

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

“Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?”

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

“I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Have your guesses? Scroll down for the answers!


Answers

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice: A Book-to-Table Classic (Puffin Plated)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

“After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die.” Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Where the Wild Things Are

“And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all.” Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Animal Farm by George Orwell

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1) by C. S. Lewis (2002-03-05)

“Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?” The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Great Gatsby

“I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

-Mallory Thompson, Librarian

It’s No Mystery!

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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

This entry was posted in DPL Blog Teens on by

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