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The Dover Public Library |
Board of Trustees
According to Ohio State law, public libraries are governed by a Board of Trustees. These are community representatives who set library policies, provide for library facilities, and have legal responsibility and control of library funds. At present, our trustees are:
Robert Gerber, President
Julie Warther, Vice President
Paula Fritz, Secretary
John Hoopingarner
Sarah Lehman
Anthony Rini
Robert Scanlon
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Hours of Operation
| DAY | WINTER | SUMMER |
| Mon. | 9:00 - 8:00 | 9:00 - 8:00 |
| Tue. | 9:00 - 8:00 | 9:00 - 8:00 |
| Wed. | 9:00 - 8:00 | 9:00 - 8:00 |
| Thurs. | 9:00 - 8:00 | 9:00 - 8:00 |
| Fri. | 9:00 - 6:00 | 9:00 - 6:00 |
| Sat. | 9:00 - 5:00 | 9:00 - 5:00 |
| Sun. | Closed | Closed |
Loan Periods
| ITEM | REGULAR | NEW |
| Books | 14 Days | 7 Days |
| Magazines | 7 Days | 7 Days |
| Audio Books | 14 Days | 14 Days |
| Compact Disks | 7 Days | 7 Days |
| DVD's | 3 Days | 3 Days |
| Video Cassettes | 3 Days | 3 Days |
A Short History
Ohio librarians are proud of the state's "long history of literacy." But Dover had to wait until 1902, and like many communities had to wait on an "angel" for financial help. It came from the American Sheet and Tin Plate Co. who wanted a library for its employees, and the general public.
It was located at the corner of Front and Factory Streets (Tuscarawas Avenue). It contained 2,000 books in charge of a Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, and included everything from "Six Thousand Years of History" to "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch." Modern day mystery fans will appreciate it also contained "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes."
In 1907 the community of Dover took over, moved the library to the corner of Cherry and Fifth Streets, and the Simpson family remained custodians until 1914.
The new high school was built in 1916. The library building was dismantled and the library moved to the school basement. In 1923 came the state law requiring a community library board. Mrs. L.H. Alexander, Francis Briegal, Mrs. P.G. Justice, S.O. Mase, Mrs. Ella Seibel, Dr. K. Earl Shaweker, and Rev. J.E. Weinland, comprised the first board. The first librarian was Vivian McCarthy who served as a high school senior.
Mrs. Justice retired from the board in six months, assumed librarian's duties and served "competently and devotedly" for 22 years.
In 1927 an "unfortunate impression" arose. A newspaper story reported that many Dover residents thought the basement library was a student library. But figures were released saying that circulation had increased 100 percent in four years and it was feared the library would soon outgrow its quarters.
In August 1934, The Daily Reporter headlined the fact that the library was opening in an "Elaborate New Home." This was the former private home at 417 Walnut Street, which was to house close to 11,000 books. The "new" library was described as "commodious, with excellent natural lighting, serving its purpose well and conveniently accessible to both high school student and the general public."
That building no longer exists. In 1953 funds for a new library were acquired with a bond issue and the present building opened its doors in 1955. Dan Cooley, a 1965 Dover High graduate, has been library director since 1980.
Excerpted with permission from an article by Ed DeGraw printed October 5, 1997.
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March 28, 2008