Monthly Archives: February 2021


Friday is for Art Videos

It’s Friday! That means there are new episodes from three of my favorite artists on YouTube.

The artist I’ve been watching the longest is Rin. Her channel is called “Drawing Wiff Waffles.” What inspires me about Rin is her unique way of looking at things. She is always trying to learn something new, filling pages in her sketchbook with everything from zoo animals to flowers with every kind of art supply from highlighters to acrylic paints. Many of her videos start with an unboxing of an art or stationery subscription box, and she lets these surprise materials inspire her to create something new. Last week’s video even inspired me to draw a city scene.

The next artist on my list is Moriah Elizabeth, who is best known for fixing and painting squishies. Yes, squishies. Those memory foam toys that everyone is crazy about. Moriah Elizabeth has a collection of these things that she is slowly but surely working her way through. She cuts them apart, glues them back together, and paint them to make her own unique creations. I think my favorite is this masterpiece involving a giant donut.

Finally, the artist who I started following the most recently is Jackie, known as NerdECrafter. The videos that I enjoy the most from NerdECrafter are her fantastic Cash or Trash craft kit reviews. These videos are always entertaining, especially when she gets her sister involved, like this one involving a cotton candy machine. If you’re shopping for a craft kit or want some ideas for an activity, she’s just the person to give you an honest opinion.

Whether it’s making something I’ve never made before, learning about a new skill, or drawing along, I know each Friday is going to inspire me to create.

And if these three channels aren’t your style, there’s always Bob Ross.

Draw on!

-Liz Strauss, Teen/Outreach Services Manager


Flowers in the Snow

I recently read a fiction book by Danielle Stewart called Flowers in the Snow, I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more in the series. 

As the story begins, the main character Betty receives a letter from a childhood friend and this sets in motion the retelling of her childhood to her family. 

She grew up in a time when black people were not welcome among white people. She struggles with this because she believes everyone should be treated equal.

Then by chance, she makes friends with a young black girl, Alma, and her family. She soon learns of all the hardships and abuse the blacks have endured. She visits with them as often as she can. They become like family to her, more so than her own. 

As the schools start to allow black people, Alma’s mother becomes a teacher at the school where Betty attends, and of course is treated unfairly.

A few years later, there is trouble at a school dance. It involves the Klan, and several people were killed, black and white people alike. Some who were close to Betty.

Eventually Alma and her family move away, but they keep in touch through letter writing. As the years go by they continue to write and in one of the letters that is written to Betty, she finds out some news that is shocking and wonderful all at the same time. It involves the night of the dance many years ago. 

Sorry, no spoilers!!

-Wendy Contini, Technical Services Manager


Welcome to our Newest Board Member: Courtney Shanower

Last Fall, the Board of Trustees said goodbye to long-time member Julie Warther as she embarked on the next chapter of her life away from Dover, Ohio. Now, we welcome new member: Courtney Shanower! So who is Courtney Shanower? Read on and find out!

Family

Husband- Rock

Human children – Rigsby and Wilde

Beastly children – Yoko, Claudette, and Ghengis

What made you decide to join the Board of Trustees?

I have so much gratitude for how the Dover Public Library has impacted my life personally as well as my family’s. I also feel as if just maybe service is my personal Dharma.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Tangible human reconnection for families as well as community. I could also be hopeful for a second season of Bridgerton!

Who is your favorite author?

Currently, Neil Gaiman; Bréne Brown is a perennial favorite.

What do you do in your spare time?

Legitimately, reading is my favorite, followed by taking kitten naps.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I have 7 tattoos.

Text or Talk?

Text

Last Song You Listened to?

No Body, No Crime” by Taylor Swift, featuring Haim

Thank you for sharing your answers with us, Courtney and welcome to the Board of Trustees!