DPL Blog

Our Favorite Christmas Movies

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There are so many wonderful Christmas movies to choose from. Here are some favorites from the Dover Public Library staff. What are your favorite Christmas movies?

It’s a Wonderful Life

Favorite of:  Jen G., Jim, Linda, and Lisa

A Christmas Story

Favorite of:  Ellen and Sherrel

White Christmas

Favorite of:  Liz and Wendy

The Grinch (original animation)

Favorite of:  Jen G. and Syrena

The Grinch (2018)

Favorite of:  Mallory

Prancer

Favorite of:  Christine

Home Alone

Favorite of:  Denise

The Holiday

Favorite of:  Jamie

The Polar Express

Favorite of:  Jan

Four Christmases

Favorite of:  Jen G.

A Garfield Christmas Special

Favorite of:  Jen M.

Elf

Favorite of:  Kim

The Gathering

Favorite of:  Paula

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

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Today is Black Friday. Most people  are out shopping for deals, or putting up Christmas decorations.  For me, it’s a day of reading, comfort  clothing  and leftovers.  Oh, and pie for breakfast.  I have my Christmas  shopping done in the Summer and  early Fall, before  the weather gets  cold.  I do like to get in the Christmas  mood though, and I  found a wonderful way of doing that.  Read a Christmas book from the library!  Not one I have read before; a new-to-me book. We have lots to choose from.  The new book I picked this year is All American Christmas, by Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy.  This book is full of Christmas memories of family, faith, giving and receiving.  Stories of past childhood, of  Christmases good and sad ( some stories will bring a few tears) , but they will get you in the Christmas spirit.  What’s  your  favorite  Christmas  story? Let me know when you see me at the library.

By Denise Campbell-Johnson

Library Staff Recommendation… Skyward

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Skyward

By Brandon Sanderson

Skyward series Book #1

Skyward is a young adult science fiction novel by Brandon Sanderson. 

Skyward is about a young girl named Spensa who dreams of being a starfighter pilot to protect her underground city. She has a lot to prove because her family reputation was ruined when her father, who was the brave starfighter she dreamed of becoming, died as a coward. She discovers that everything about her family, her city and the alien enemy they fight is shrouded in lies and lost history.

I absolutely love Spensa. She is brave and determined. The story is suspenseful and full of mystery. There are some sad moments as friends are lost. The 3rd book in this series “Cytonic” just came out, so there is more to look forward to if the first book gets you hooked. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction and mystery, who wants to journey across space and visit alien civilizations, and uncover conspiracies.

We Recommend… The Durrells in Corfu

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The Durrells in Corfu is a tv series that ran for 4 seasons.

Based on naturalist Gerald Durrell’s much loved novels, The Durrells in Corfu sees impoverished but sparky widow Louisa Durrell  make the radical decision to leave 1930’s England to seek out a new destiny for her family. 

I absolutely loved this series, it is truly witty and entertaining without unnecessary violence. You fall in love with the characters and the scenery is beautiful. I was sad when the series was over. 

I would recommend this TV Series to anyone who enjoys the early 1900’s period and who likes “feel good” shows. 

~Recommended by Wendy Contini

Living Library Returns to Dover

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The Dover Public Library hosted their first “Living Library” in November of 2019.   Approximately 60 people were able to hold conversations with one of the 14 “living books” available that day.  According to Sherrel Rieger, Adult Program Specialist, “It was so successful that we planned to make it an annual event, but the pandemic changed that for the year 2020.  We are  happy to announce that the “Living Library” will return this year on November 13.”  

The Living Library program has been enjoyed for nearly two decades in 84 countries around the world.  It is designed to bring the community together through dialogue with people who are different from ourselves. The goal is to challenge prejudices and to help people understand racial and cultural issues, to be inspired by everyday heroes, and to learn more about ourselves through our connection with other people.  

How does the “Living Library” work?  The “books” (who are real people) will be seated around the library.  You come to the library and see which “books” are available.  After you “check out” one of “books,” you sit with that person and engage in an honest conversation with him/her for approximately 15 minutes.  Then, you can check out another book. You can check out as many books as time and availability allow.  

This year’s card catalog includes:  

Greta Baker, retired teacher/librarian and fashionista, Just Me!

Gamaliel Bautista, “Dreamer”, Our Dream

Victoria Buss, CEO of Clear Communications, Living the American Dream 

Pat Crolley, artist, The Memory Painter

Fred Delphia, retired band director and principal, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got that Swing)

Perci Garner, Executive Director of The Rainbow Connection, Dreams and Wishes are Not the Same

Larry Glasgow, Desert Storm veteran, Soldier Survives SCUD Missile Attack

Glen Groh, retired principal and naturalist, It’s Me – GGG!

Linda Kate, former judge, From Juvenile Court to the Deserts of Iraq

Kathy Neal, director of a local women’s shelter, Beneath the Shade

Kathy Neal and Company, Temptation.

You can register ahead of time by calling the library at 330-343-6123.  Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event, which is Saturday, November 13 from 10 AM till noon in the Community Room at the library located at 525 N. Walnut Street.  

30-Day Shelf-Care Challenge

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The Holidays (and stress) are approaching! Take our Shelf-Care Challenge to challenge yourself to take care of yourself this month through reading and other self-care activities. There is no prize for completing this challenge, not from the library anyway. We hope you enjoy taking a moment for yourself or your shelf this month!

  1. Write a Letter
  2. Visit a Library
  3. Read a Poem
  4. Sleep In
  5. Read a Magazine
  6. Read a Biography
  7. Go for a Walk
  8. Suggest a Book to Someone
  9. Go Out on the Town
  10. Spend Time in Nature
  11. Try Something New
  12. Donate Something
  13. Stretch
  14. Try a New Recipe
  15. Say Thank You
  16. Write a Journal
  17. Read a Graphic Novel
  18. Make a Card for Someone
  19. Help Someone
  20. Read a Mystery
  21. Try a DIY project
  22. Read a Book
  23. Visit a Book Shop
  24. Have Your Favorite Food
  25. Take a Nap
  26. Play with a Pet
  27. Hug Someone
  28. Watch the sunrise
  29. Go to a Library Program
  30. Join a Book Club

-The Dover Public Library Staff

Take on the Upside Down at A Stranger Escape!

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Patrons ages twelve and up are invited to Dover Public Library on Friday, October 29 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM to take part in A Stranger Escape, an escape experience inspired by the Netflix series Stranger Things. At this special event, teams will take turns attempting to solve riddles and escape the Upside Down.

As teams enter the event, they will sign in to get the next available time slot. While participants are waiting their turn to got through the escape room, there will be games, 80’s-inspired crafts, and refreshments in the Community Room and Teen Room. The team with the best time will be awarded a prize package to share. All participants will be entered to win a door prize. Registration is required for this after-hours program. Masks are also required based on current CDC recommendations. Interested patrons can call the library at 330-343-6123 for more information.

A Stranger Escape Door Prize

This escape room was originally scheduled for March 2020, but was cancelled due to the pandemic. It’s so great to finally be able to reschedule the event.

Teams may consist of one to five players. Parents or guardians are asked to be present or sign a permission slip before leaving minors unattended at the after-hours event. Family teams are encouraged. Adult teams are welcome, but are advised that the escape room was created for teenagers. 

Knowledge of the Netflix series may be helpful, but it is not necessary to solve the escape room. There may be spoilers, though! So watch out while you’re exploring the Upside Down!

A Stranger Escape is sponsored in part by a 21st Century Afterschool Learning Grant with Dover High School, which supports educational opportunities outside of classroom walls.

-Liz Strauss, Teen/Outreach Services Manager