Friends of the Library

The Friends Now Have A Web Site

2011-03-21T21:54:00.001-04:00

In addition to this blog, The Friends of the Dover Library now has its own web site - check us out at www.friendsofdoverlibrary.com.

Save the Date!

2011-03-21T21:49:00.004-04:00

“Through the Garden Door”

2011 Dover Library House & Garden Tour

to benefit the Dover Town Library

Sunday, June 12

11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In its 26^th year, the Annual House Tour was moved this year from the fall to the spring, and it is now a House and Garden Tour. In addition to presenting three of Dover’s finest homes, the tour will now showcase three of Dover’s most exquisite private gardens.

The tour will also feature fare from Dessert Works, Dover Market and Sherborn Inn, as well as floral displays from Chicatabot Garden Club, Dover Garden Club, Perennial Designs and Powisset Garden Club.

Tickets go on sale May 1.

Advance purchase tickets are:

$35 – at the library or mail in form

$37 – online through www.friendsofdoverlibrary.com

$30 – Friends of the Dover Town Library and Seniors. Discount only applied when purchased in person in advance at the library.

DAY OF TOUR - TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE LIBRARY FOR $40 – NO DISCOUNTS, NO EXCEPTIONS

Friends of the Dover Library, March Meeting:

2011-02-27T17:28:00.001-05:00

Monday, March 7, at 9 am in the Community Room.

Special Afternoon Tea - Oct 28

2010-10-24T21:18:00.000-04:00

This Thursday, October 28, will be a special Afternoon Tea at the library. The Trustees will be presenting Madge Casper and Michele Keleher with the 2010 Trustees Recognition Award for all their years of leading the House Tour committee. The tea will be from 2 pm to 4:30 pm upstairs in the library. We hope you can join us as we celebrate and honor these women and their many contributions to our library.

Upcoming Tile Workshops

2010-10-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Dover Library are off to a great start with our tile fundraiser, and we are thrilled that so many people have made their mark at the library (or have told us they want to!). There is still time to "tile one on", and in order to meet the demand, we are offering additional tile workshops at the library.

If you are unable to attend a workshop, you may at any time purchase a take home kit at the circulation desk ($5 plus cost of tile) and complete the project when your schedule allows.

Tile workshops will be held on:

Monday, October 25, 3-6 pm

Wednesday, November 10, 3-6 pm

Saturday, December 11, 10 am - 1 pm

Wednesday, January 5, 3-6 pm

All workshops will take place in the library's Community Room. We hope to see you there!

About the tile project:

Everyone, from young children to teens and adults, will have an opportunity to design and paint tiles, which will become part of a permanent display at the Library. The tiles will be affixed to the cement walls by the outdoor entrance to the Lower Level (the Children's Room).

These tiles will not only add beauty to that space, but they afford a unique way to celebrate our community. Infants can make a hand print, finger-painters can create a rainbow of color, and more accomplished artists can paint a tile inspired by a favorite book, our town, a favorite hobby/activity, or their own family.

We are partnering with The Clayroom in Walpole, which will oversee the painting, glazing, and firing of the tiles.

Each 4 x 4-inch tile will be available for $50 (cash or check please), with all proceeds going to fund the Library's many programs and services.

Take a bow, Friends!

2010-08-22T20:36:00.000-04:00

And check out this terrific article in 22 August's The Boston Globe about the Friends of the Dover Library.

JULY ARTIST OF THE MONTH

2010-06-09T20:15:00.001-04:00

ARTIST ELIZABETH CARTER BRINGS “WHAT A WORLD” TO THE DOVER TOWN LIBRARY IN JULY

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Carter of Newton is the July Artist of the Month. Her exhibit, titled, “What a World” will be on display from July 2^nd to the 31^st, and Carter is hosting a reception at the library on July 10, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Carter’s exhibited work will be monotype and collage. They are investigations into the natural world. Repeating images include birds, oceans and maps, which she used to create intimate environments.

Carter received a degree in printmaking from Mass Art and did monotypes and drawings for an MFA (1990) from the Museum School. She works from her back yard studio in Newton.

In addition to monotype and collage, Carter makes small wall sculptures.

She shows her work both locally and nationally. Recent shows include the Bromfield Gallery's Holiday show, MGNE's "Unlimited Vision: One-of-a-Kind Prints and the Boston Biennial at Atlanticworks Gallery. She is a member of Galatea, an artist's cooperative on Harrison Ave.

Carter has taught drawing since 1993 at the Rhode Island School of Design pre-college program. Carter has also taught drawing in the Museum School’s continuing education program, Arts Lexington, the Fuller Museum School and the Danforth Museum School. She has also worked as an artist-in-residence at high schools and elementary schools in Massachusetts.

For more information on the artist, please visit her web site at www.elizabethcarter.biz.

The Artist of the Month program is sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Library. Each month, a different local artist’s work is displayed in the library. Pieces are available for sale and 10 percent of all sales go to the library.

The Dover Town Library is located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover. The library’s hours are: Monday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.

For more information, please visit the library’s web site at www.dovertownlibrary.org.

The Friends of the Dover Library provides special programs and services that expand and support the library's regular budget. For more information about the Friends of the Dover Library or how to become a member, please visit the Friends’ blog at www.friendsofdoverlibrary.blogspot.com, or email the Friends at Friends.of.Dover.Library@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook – Fans of the Dover Town Library.

END OF YEAR MTG ON JUNE 7

2010-05-25T14:37:00.001-04:00

The Friends of the Dover Library will holds its end of year meeting on Monday, June 7, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. The group will wrap up business for the year, including electing officers for next year and determining the budget for FY 2010-2011. All members of the Friends are welcome to attend.

UPdate on the Giant Book Sale--now UPstairs!

2010-05-14T14:23:00.000-04:00

Construction in the Library prevents us from using the lower level for our book sale, so come on UP to score your summer reading on the cheap. Remember, it's this coming Monday (the 17th) from 3.30 to 7.30 p.m.. You can vote on your way in or on your way out!

May Artist of the Month

2010-05-11T19:54:00.000-04:00

LINDA ZUG OF SHERBORN IS MAY ARTIST OF THE MONTH AT THE DOVER LIBRARY

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that Linda Zug of Sherborn is the Artist of the Month for May, and her works will be on display at the Dover Town Library for the entire month. Zug’s work is based on her experiences at monastic retreats over the years. She painted the 12x12 oil paintings on board while there, and the larger paintings were done in studio following last year’s trip.

Zug will soon participate in her fifth such retreat to a Benedictine monastery in San Gimignano, Italy. The retreats are organized by Michael Dowling, artistic director of Medicine Wheel Productions in South Boston.

“What I appreciate so much about the retreat is the solitude and the focus on the work in a daily way without the interruptions of normal routines and chores,” Zug said. “I have five grandchildren who occupy a lot of my energy and attention, so the chance to allow the painting to happen in a concentrated span of time devoted only to work is a gift.”

Continuing her reflection, she added, “The monastic ethic of hospitality and rhythm of the prayerful day are inspiring to me. I have been studying Italian, which makes the trips more fun and which enables me to join the sisters of the order in their evening worship. I hope that the beauty of the timelessness of their daily devotion to prayer and work is evident in the paintings.”

At an October show at Medicine Wheel, titled, "Paintings from the Monastery", Zug’s work was described as “a response to the Benedictine sisters' aesthetics of hospitality and to their devotional work and ethic where the artist has created a space for self. Linda's work reflects the beauty of Italy with the theme of sky and word where heaven and earth meld together. It captures the senses and speaks of a physical presence, timelessness and spirit.”

Zug began painting after she retired from teaching high school French 15 years ago. She began in watercolor with Sherborn artist Bill Ternes, and 10 years ago she took some studio courses at Wellesley College as a post-bac student. It was five years ago that she met Dowling and soon began going on the retreats. Zug lives in Sherborn and paints at her home studio.

The Artist of the Month program is sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Library. Each month, a different local artist’s work is displayed in the library.

The Dover Town Library is located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover. Current library hours are: Monday – Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.

For more information, please visit the library’s web site at www.dovertownlibrary.org.

Giant Book Sale: one week away and counting

2010-05-10T18:03:00.000-04:00

Gear up for the Friends' giant book sale, to be held Monday, May 17th from 3.30 to 7.30 p.m. This is an ideal opportunity for you to go vote at the Town House, come on over to the Library (kids in tow, if you wish), and fill up some summer reading bags for very little money. We need to clean house (and maybe you do as well), so volunteers will be delivering books to the Library on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. You can bring over your gently used books (in good condition, please) at that time.

Our unbelievably cheap prices will make it easy for you to stock up: hardcovers will be $1 each, paperbacks 50 cents each, and children's books 4 for $1. You really don't want to spend more than that on a beach book, do you?

Since we need to sell it all, you will also be able to fill a big bag for a special bulk price. You can feel virtuous about saving money, supporting your Library and recycling all at the same time--a moral trifecta!

PS The Town House is open for voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.

Shoutout to the Lenox MA library

2010-05-06T21:27:00.000-04:00

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/columnists/ci_15000192?source=rss

Here's an excellent article by Clarence Fanto from the Berkshire Eagle, discussing the importance of libraries in municipal budgets. I liked it so much that I am going to paste the last paragraph here for you to read:

A library is the heartbeat of a community, a reflection of a town's values and aspirations. Slashing the budget sends a disturbing message about priorities and strikes a blow against civilized society. Even in hard times, a way must be found to preserve the essentials.

Remember to go to the polls on May 17th (Town House, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) to vote for your town's budget. Your voice matters.

Friends of the Dover Library to Hold Book Sale on May 17

2010-05-06T13:11:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Dover Library will be holding a giant book sale on Monday, May 17, from 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the library. Longer hours take advantage of the library's new late hours and accommodate voters. Come stock up on summer reading while supporting the library. Hardbacks will be $1, paperbacks 2/$1 and children's books 4/$1; there will also be a "fill a bag" option at the end of the sale. Stop by after voting at the Town House. Hope to see you there!

May Meeting

2010-04-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

The May Friends Meeting will be on Monday, May 3, at 9 am in the Community Room. We'll start discussing plans for 2010-11 - the budget, bylaws and who will be on the Board. Hope to see you there!

Going once, going nice...auction baskets for spring gift-giving

2010-04-14T21:28:00.000-04:00

The Friends is delighted to offer you a couple of really easy gift baskets that are sure to please. Our general theme is "Mothers' Day" but you can use them for any holiday or celebration you wish.

Baskets are on display at the library, as are the bidding sheets. You can bid using your name or anonymously using your library card # (just be sure to transcribe it correctly, so we can contact you if you are the winner). Come in soon and place your bid; we are accepting bids until the close of the Library on April 30th.

Here is a description of our spring offerings:

Moms' Day (and Night) Out:
Give the Mom in your life (even if it is you) a perfect day and night. Drop your school-aged children at the Discovery Club for some educational child-care while you enjoy a relaxing massage at Sculpture in Needham. Afterwards, you can swing by the California Pizza Kitchen in Wellesley to pick up some gourmet pizza for children and sitter. Return home and find your outfit for the evening freshly cleaned and delivered to your doorstep by Holly Cleaners. Kiss everyone goodnight and head on over to the Sherborn Inn and Out for a delightful evening. Remember, when your kids are little, every day is Mothers' Day!

Basket value: $235. Bidding ends on April 30th at the close of the library.

Stay-cation in New England:
Perfect for a series of memorable family outings, or to give to visiting relaties, the Stay-cation basket will send the family of your choice on a Duck Tour, to Davis Farmland (Sterling, MA), Zoo New England (your choice--Stoneham or Franklin Park)--even to Six Flags!
Be the successful bidder and create your own family memories with these quality mini-getaways. Enjoy New England on your own terms, at your own pace, on your own schedule. You can't beat that!

Basket value: $270; bidding ends at close of the Library on April 30th.

Join us on April 6 for CPK Fundraising Day!

2010-04-01T20:54:00.000-04:00

Giving won't just feel good, it'll taste good!

When:

Tuesday, April 6

11:30 am - 9 pm

Where:

California Pizza Kitchen

183 Linden Street, Wellesley.

(across from Roche Bros.)

www.cpk.com

781-416-3690

What:

Enjoy a delicious meal out (or to go) and help raise money for the Dover Library. Grab a flyer at the library (or print this out) and give it to your server when ordering (they need it to track funds). Then the Friends of the Dover Library will get 20% of your check - and the money will go right back to your library! *

*Donation amount excludes proceeds from tax, gratuity, gift card and retail purchases. Valid for dine-in, take out and curbside service. Manager, please attach this to guest check. Void if flyers are distributed in or near restaurant.

April Meeting

2010-03-31T12:58:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Dover Library will hold its April meeting on Monday, April 12, at 9 AM in the library's Community Room. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Topics to discuss include a recap of the March 25 Spelling Bee fundraiser, planning a spring book sale and plans for the coming year. Join us on Facebook – Fans of the Dover Town Library.

April Artist of the Month

2010-03-31T12:56:00.000-04:00

PAINTINGS BY DAVID BASTILLE TO BE ON DISPLAY AT DOVER LIBRARY IN APRIL

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that David Bastille of Holliston is the April Artist of the Month. His water-based oil paintings will be on display at the Dover Town Library from April 3 to April 30.

A graphic designer by trade, Bastille has always been a painter, first studying oil painting at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1977. The following year, he began what has become a 32-year career in graphic and advertising design, in and around Boston.

“Looking at my artwork,” he says, “you wouldn’t be surprised to find out that I’m also a graphic designer. You can see that I’m trying to communicate an idea. An emphasis on structure and balance is also evident.”

Since the 1980’s, he has participated in a series of group art shows in the Boston area known as “Art/Word.” In these productions, a group of artists is invited to choose a passage of text on a given theme and illustrate it. The most recent Art/Word shows have been held at Lasell College in Newton.

Over the years, Bastille has devoted a greater amount of time, energy, and resources to making art. His preferred medium is water-based oil paint.

Bastille is an art director at Sundin Associates, an advertising and marketing firm in Natick. He grew up in Wellesley, and graduated from Harvard College. He is a member of the Franklin Art Association. Bastille and his family live in Holliston.

For more information on the artist, please visit his web site at www.davidbastille.com.

The Dover Town Library is located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover.

Current library hours are: Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.

Beginning April 20, the library’s hours will be: Monday – Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. It will remain closed on Sunday.

For more information, please visit the library’s web site at www.dovertownlibrary.org.

Join us on Facebook – Fans of the Dover Town Library.

Bee recap

2010-03-30T11:19:00.000-04:00

We had an amazing turnout for the 5th Annual Bee on March 25th. Over 200 people showed up to demonstrate their support for the Library and the programming and fundraising provided by the Friends.

The spellers were, if possible, even better than in previous years--it was a very competetive and exciting night. The addition of a walk-on team (sponsored by an anonymous donor) added to the suspense.

Dover Cable broadcast the Bee live; in addtion, they generously taped and edited the event and are presently broadcasting it: see dsctv.com for showtimes and channels.

The excitement in the Great Hall was complemented by the Friends' activities outside of the spelling area: the Bee Cafe served pizza and snacks; the Bee Tree gave visitors an opportunity to play with words for prizes and gift cards. There was something for everyone at the Bee.

The winning team was the Dover Church Youth Group aka The Church Belles--Sarah Shoemaker and Carine Tarazi, joined spontaneously by Robert Lordi. They earned their Enormous Bragging Rights!

Congratulations to all who played, and many thanks to all who came and made the evening a success.

See the Bee Blog for the complete scoop.

Latest Bee News

2010-03-18T13:38:00.000-04:00

DON’T MISS THE 5^THANNUAL DOVER TOWN LIBRARY SPELLING BEE ON MARCH 25

On Thursday night, one team will rise above the others. Will the returning champs, the Spellunkers, be the first team to win back-to-back titles? Or will a challenger claim the Enormous Bragging Rights (and Whole Foods gift cards) in the 5^th Annual Dover Town Library Spelling Bee? In order to find out who the top spellers are, join the community on March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Dover Town House for a night of fun and fellowship – all in support of the Dover Town Library.

The spring fundraiser for the Friends of the Dover Library, the Bee is free to attend and everyone is invited to come and cheer on the spellers. Thanks to monetary and in-kind donations from local businesses that cover all expenses, all monies raised from the Bee (team entry fees, Mulligans, Bee Tree and Bee Café) will go directly to the library though the Friends of the Dover Library.

In addition to watching the Bee itself, attendees may purchase gifts and gift cards at the Bee Tree (buy a word clue, get a prize) in the Town House lobby and buy snacks from the Bee Café in the lower level.

The Bee Café will be stocked with pizza donated by Dover Café and California Pizza Kitchen (Wellesley), as well as snacks and water from Whole Foods (Dedham) and Save A Lot. All food must remain downstairs but thanks to a live feed from Dover Cable that will be in the Council on Aging room, no one will miss any of the action.

Items for purchase on the Bee Tree include products and gift cards from: Aquitaine; Beauty and Main; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Blue on Highland; Boston Duck Tours; Boston Red Sox; California Pizza Kitchen; Chiara; Costco; Davis’ Farmland and Mega Maze; Discovery Club; Dover Market; Dover Parks and Recreation; Elizabeth Grady (Needham); Emily’s Brownies; Fisher Brook Farm; Higgins Wine & Spirits; Holly Cleaners; The Linden Store; Magic Beans; National Amusements; Nicholas Christies Day Spa; Pawtucket Red Sox; Portrait Simple; Putchka Pals; Santa’s Village; Sculpture Hair Studio & Day Spa; Sherborn Inn & The Out; Stellabella Toys; Story Land; Sweet Basil; Taylor’s Stationery; Trader Joe’s (Needham); Wellesley Booksmith; and Zoo New England.

The Bee Tree and Bee Café are cash and check only so Bee prepared! And if you can’t make it to the Town House on Thursday, Bee sure to watch the live broadcast on Dover Cable.

The Bee underwriters include: Dover Automotive; Coldwell Banker (Wellesley); Roche Bros. Supermarkets; ScrubaDub Car Wash; Dover Eyes; Bridgewater Credit Union; Chestnut Street Animal Hospital; Dr. Mark Manikian, DDS; Erin’s School of Dance; and Middlesex Savings Bank (Needham). Many anonymous donors have also contributed to the Bee.

For more information, please visit the Bee Blog at www.spellboundindover.blogspot.com.

More Bee News

2010-03-14T21:58:00.000-04:00

The Bee Tree items keeps rolling in ... please check out the Bee blog for all the details and info on donations from:

Blue on Highland

California Pizza Kitchen

Elizabeth Grady, Needham

National Amusements

Jane Bleakley's Putchka Pals

Sculpture Hair Studio & Day Spa

Sweet Basil

Wellesley Booksmith

Also go to the Bee blog for info on corporate donations from:

Bridgewater Credit Union

Coldwell Banker, Wellesley

Misslesex Savings Bank, Needham Branch

Scrub A Dub Car Wash

Taking a step back and considering the Bigger Picture: Advocacy

2010-03-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

While we in Dover are busy preparing for our major spring fundraiser, the larger Library community is focusing on advocacy. This just in from our friends at Project Alert:

Here is a Challenge to the Library Community!

Can we get 500 people to come to Massachusetts Legislative Day at the State House in Boston this year? With the thousands of people who work in libraries, serve as Trustees, Friends, and users of Massachusetts Libraries, you would think that would be easy! But it is not as easy as it should be.

Are you attending?

Library Legislative Day & Rally
Hosted by Massachusetts Library Association and the Massachusetts School Library Association
Tuesday March 9, 2010
9:30am State House Boston, MA

Schedule:
9:30am Registration Begins/Great Hall
10am MSLA Bookmark Contest Awards/Lobby of the Grand Staircase
11am Rally for Libraries/In front of the State House
Noon Lunch Program
Visits to Legislators can take place throughout the day!

Suggestion: Invite your Legislator(s) to sit with you at lunch! or make an appointment to visit him/her in their office.

The Project Alert folks are right on target here; this is budget season on Beacon Hill. Try to make the date. The people you vote for count heads at events like this, and they deserve to hear your thoughts.

CORPORATE DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO BEE TREE AND BEE CAFÉ SWARM IN FOR 5TH ANNUAL DOVER TOWN LIBRARY SPELLING BEE

2010-03-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

As the 5^th Annual Dover Town Library Spelling Bee approaches, the Friends of the Dover Library has been abuzz as donations have swarmed in – all from local businesses that want to help support the Dover Library. The Bee is on March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Dover Town House.

For the first time, the Friends also solicited corporate sponsors to underwrite the cost of the Bee. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, all monies raised from the Bee will go directly to the library, through the Friends of the Library.

The Friends would like to acknowledge its corporate sponsors for their monetary support: Dover Automotive; Coldwell Banker, Wellesley; Roche Bros. Supermarkets; Scrub-A-Dub Car Wash; Chestnut Street Animal Hospital; Dr. Mark Manikian, DDS; Erin’s School of Dance; and Bridgewater Credit Union.

A special thanks also to the Bee’s in-kind donors. Whole Foods in Dedham and Save A Lot are providing snacks and water for the Bee Café, and Middlesex Saving Bank (Needham branch) has provided tote bags and other items for the spellers. Additionally, Whole Foods has donated gift cards to award to the Bee winners (in addition to the usual prize of Enormous Bragging Rights).

The Bee Tree will feature items donated by: Aquitaine; Beauty and Main; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Boston Duck Tours; Boston Red Sox; California Pizza Kitchen; Chiara; Costco; Davis’ Farmland and Mega Maze; Discovery Club; Dover Market; Dover Parks and Recreation; Fisher Brook Farm; Higgins Wine & Spirits; Holly Cleaners; The Linden Store; Magic Beans; Nicholas Christies Day Spa; Pawtucket Red Sox; Portrait Simple; Putchka Pals; Santa’s Village; Sculpture Hair Studio & Day Spa; Sherborn Inn & The Out; Stellabella Toys; Story Land; Sweet Basil; Taylor’s Stationery; Trader Joe’s, Needham; Wellesley Booksmith; and Zoo New England.

The teams are rolling in but it is also not too late to sign up – forms are available at the library.

For more details, to catch the buzz and to read the latest news, go to www.spellboundindover.blogspot.com.

More Bee Tree Items

2010-02-28T13:11:00.000-05:00

The donations keep coming in, so check out the Bee Blog for the details on Bee Tree items from: Boston Red Sox; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Costco; Dover Market; Higgins Wine and Spirits; Portrait Simple; Paw Sox; Taylor's Stationery; and Trader Joe's.

Corporate Donors to the Bee

2010-02-21T20:27:00.000-05:00

The Bee has grown larger over the years, with the addition of the Bee Tree and Bee Cafe a few years ago. This year we decided to take our fundraising a step further and approached local businesses to be sponsors of the Bee at various levels. We do not have many expenses, but those that we do incur take away from the total amount that will benefit the library - and we want every possible dollar to go to there. In order to maximize fundraising efforts, we sent a letter to businesses in Dover and those with a Dover connection. And already, we have had wonderful members of community answer our call. Read all about them on the Bee Blog, but a special thanks to Chestnut Street Animal Hospital, Miss Erin's School of Dance, Dr. Mark Manikian, DDS, and Roche Bros. supermarkets.

Richard Kattman - March Artist of the Month

2010-02-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

RICHARD KATTMAN’S LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS TO BE FEATURED AT DOVER LIBRARY IN MARCH

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that Richard Kattman of Holliston is the March Artist of the Month. Kattman’s landscape paintings will be on display the Dover Library March 1 through 31.

“Painting and drawing are my passion; landscape architecture is my profession,” said Kattman. “My paintings and drawings are about nature, man’s relationship to nature, man’s nature and the nature of painting and drawing.”

A practicing landscape architect, Kattman’s art comprises of abstract and landscape paintings, figure and portrait paintings, figure drawings, 35mm and view camera photography. His landscape architecture practice consists primarily of residential, commercial, and recreation/open space related projects.

He added: “Through color, line, and the creation of form, I search for beauty and meaning in the universe. Drawing allows me to discipline my creative instincts. I try to capture in every model or landscape the energy I envision radiating from the person or object’s core.”

Kattman has received several honors and awards for his work, including: Best of Show – Abstract (Attleboro Arts Museum, 2007), Juror’s Choice Award (Attleboro Arts Museum, 2006), “Keeping America Strong” Award (Heartbeat of America TV Series, 2005), American Landscape Contractors Association: Cambridge Center Roof Garden (2004), American Society of Landscape Architects Award for Excellence in Study (1973), and Arts Grant: Massachusetts Arts Council (1983).

Kattman earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with honors, and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. He also holds a Certificate of Graduation: Horticulture from Pennsylvania State University.

He has shown his work throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Kattman is represented by the galleries Boston Art, Inc. in Boston, The Frame Shop in Natick and J. Todd Galleries in Wellesley. He is also represented in public and private art collections. His abstract work may be viewed online at www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/.../Richard+Kattman/21447.html.

The Artist of the Month program is sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Library. Each month, a different local artist's work is displayed in the library. Pieces are available for sale and 10 percent of all sales go to the library.

The Dover Library is located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover. Library hours are Monday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.

For more information, please visit the library's web site at www.dovertownlibrary.org.

Next Meeting - March 1

2010-02-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Dover LIbrary will hold its next meeting on Monday, March 1, at 9 am in the Library's Community Room. All are welcome and invited to attend. Topics to discuss include finalizing plans for the March 25 Spelling Bee and committee updates. For more information, please email friends.of.dover.library@gmail.com.

Bee Team and Tree Updates

2010-02-16T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Buzz on the Bee blog is building! Be sure to check it out to read updates.

The teams are rolling in - learn who is on teams. We've got the A Bee C's; the returning champs, the Spellunkers; the Bee List Celebrities; and Wood's Word Wizards. We have more teams to still blog about and other teams are continuing to come in. Keep checking back - we are keeping up as fast as we can!

Also, the Bee Tree is filling out nicely. We have donations from: Aquitaine, Beauty and Main, Boston Duck Tours, Chiara, Fisher Brook Farm, Holly Cleaners, Magic Beans, Nicholas Christie, Santa's Village, Sherborn Inn & Out, Stellabella Toys, Story Land, Whole Foods and Zoo New England. We will keep posting them as they come in (and as we catch up on the blogging - we have lots more to write about so check back!)

Click on the Bee Blog link - www.spellboundindover.blogspot.com - to read all about it!

FEBRUARY ARTIST OF THE MONTH

2010-02-04T14:54:00.001-05:00

SCENES OF BEAUTY: E. GAY HOLDERRIED'S PAINTINGS ON DISPLAY AT DOVER LIBRARY IN FEBRUARY

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that E. Gay Holderried is the Artist of the Month for February. Her paintings - primarily landscapes in oils, acrylics and watercolors - will be on display at the Dover Library for the entire month.

A resident of Medfield, Holderried holds a Certificate in Studio Arts from the Danforth Art Museum School.

For more information, please visit the library's web site at www.dovertownlibrary.org.

Letter to the Editor: read it and play!

2010-02-04T14:15:00.000-05:00

The following will be submitted to local newspapers:

Dear Editor:

The Friends of the Dover Library is in full planning mode for the 5th Annual Dover Library Spelling Bee, our big spring fundraiser. Things are shaping up nicely - the word list is almost complete and donations are coming in - but we are still in need of teams to compete.

We are asking that all members of our community to consider being on a team to show their support of the library.

As you know, the Library is one of the most-loved and most-visited places in Dover. The library was recently (November '09) ranked as #7 in the nation and #1 in the state for libraries in towns the size of Dover. Part of that success is linked directly to community support.

What is not widely known is that Dover's Town budget does not pay for all of the books in the library. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires libraries to spend a certain percentage of their budget on books and materials in order to qualify for State Aid. Dover's municipal budget covers only a portion of that requirement, and the Friends pays for the rest. Without this support from volunteers and donors, our library would not be the library we all know and love.

The Friends (a 501c3 corporation) also pays for all of the programming that goes on at the Library (author nights, movies, children's events, the summer reading program), all of the free or low-cost museum passes available at the Circulation desk, and the other "extras" that we enjoy, such as magazine subscriptions and online databases. The Friends raises funds to provide these through its membership drive, the Holiday House Tour and the Spelling Bee.

The Bee will be held on Thursday, March 25th, from 7-9 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Town House.

As in years past, teams of three compete in preliminary rounds and then those winners face off in the final. You get to confer with your teammates and then a scribe writes down the team's response and all teams reveal their answers simultaneously to the audience and judges. The words are given in advance - so no excuses about not being a great speller! - and will be available by February 12 to teams with completed paperwork and paid entry fee.

The entry fee remains an anti-inflationary $300 per team, and each team may also purchase a $100 Mulligan to help them if they get in a bind. To help teams secure funding, this year the Friends has put together a letter that participants may send to their friends to solicit donations.

Remember: It is not about who wins the Bee. It is about coming together as a community so that the library wins - and thus so do we all.

Sincerely,
Amelia Slawsby
President, Friends of the Dover Library

And the Bee Committee:
Jane Bleakley
Holly Collins, Trustee Liaison
Kate Haviland, Bee Chair
Anita Loscalzo
Jane Schmid

Feb Meeting

2010-01-31T15:38:00.000-05:00

Don't forget our monthly meeting tomorrow, Feb 1, at 9 am in the Community Room. All are welcome and invited to attend. Topics to discuss include planning for the spring fundraiser, the 5th Annual Dover Library Spelling Bee.

Congratulations on another job well done!

2010-01-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Thomas Hennen is to libraries what Robert Parker is to wines--a person who studies, categorizes and rates libraries based on a stringent set of objective criteria. His report, the HAPLR (Hennen's American Public Library Ratings), is released in the fall and shows a library's ranking relative to the size of its community.

As you might imagine, Dover is often in the top 10. This year (2009), the Dover Town Library is #7 in the United States for towns our size, and--drum roll, please--#1 in Massachusetts. Again.

Here is a link to the report, so you can see for yourself (and look up neighboring towns, should you be so inclined):

Hennen's criteria include elements that are partly affected by the community, such as circulation, funding, and reference questions. So, in addition to congratulating your Library on a job well done, Dover Town Library patrons should take a bow as well. You are part of the success story.

Congratulations, everyone!

BUZZ ... IT'S BEE TIME!

2010-01-13T16:40:00.000-05:00

5^th ANNUAL DOVER TOWN LIBRARY

SPELLING BEE SET FOR MARCH 25

While Spring is neither in the air nor registering on the thermometer, it is just around the corner, which means it is time for the 5^th Annual Dover Library Spelling Bee.

The Spring fundraiser for the Friends of the Dover Library, the Bee will be held on Thursday, March 25, at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Dover Town House. As in years past, the Bee will be broadcast live on Dover Cable Television. A fun community event, the Bee makes for a great way to come together as a town in support of our library.

Dover’s finest spellers are invited to join the gentle competition for the title and the grand prize of Enormous Bragging Rights (there is also a plaque in the library). Superlative prizes are also given to teams for best costume and loudest cheering section, to name a few.

Participants compete in teams of three, and the Bee is open to anyone in grade 9 and above. The words are given in advance and will be available by February 12 to teams with completed paperwork and paid entry fee.

Entry forms are available at the library; the entry fee is $300 per team, and each team may also purchase a $100 Mulligan to help them if they get in a bind.

In addition to the Bee itself, the Friends will also be putting on the popular “Bee Tree”, where anyone can purchase a mystery item (goods and gift cards) based on the word clue written on a bee, and the “Bee Café” will be serving snacks downstairs with a live feed from DCTV so no one will miss any action.

So save the date, dust off those thinking caps and get together a team – the more spellers there are, the more fun it is!

For more information on the Bee, please visit the Bee Blog at http://spellboundindover.blogspot.com.

January Artist of the Month

2010-01-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

WARM IMAGES FOR COLD DAYS: THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS’ “SUMMER IN THE VALLEY” PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST’S WINNING IMAGES ON DISPLAY AT DOVER LIBRARY IN JANUARY

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that photographs from the Trustees of Reservations’ 3^rd Annual “Summer in the Valley” photography contest are on display in the Dover Library for the month of January, serving as the January Artist of the Month.

The display of winning pictures features images taken by amateur and professional photographers of all ages, and the task was to capture the natural beauty of the Charles River Valley. In its third year, the contest has continued to draw attention to the area, reminding people that it is a place to appreciate and protect.

The categories and their winners are:

Grand Prize:

Edmund Prescottano

Age 7 and under:

Madeleine Guiliano (Family and Friends, Wildlife)

Katie Pusch (From the past, New Discoveries)

Curtis Bowman (Plantlife, Scenic)

Ages 8 to 12:

Eric Pusch (From the past, New Discoveries)

Trevor Bowman (Plantlife, Wildlife)

David Polansky (Scenic)

Ages 13 to 17:

Rachel Sisson (From the past, Scenic, Wildlife)

Ages 18+:

Claudine Ciccia Perosky (Family and Friends)

Laurie Perkins (From the past)

Debora LaPlante (New Discoveries)

Tori Stuart (Plantlife, Wildlife)

Lisa Dobbs (Scenic)

Professional:

Rebecca Skinner (From the past)

Diane Thomas (New Discoveries, Plantlife, Scenic, Wildlife)

To see the images, please visit http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/special-events/summer-in-the-valley-photo-contest/

For more information on the Trustees of Reservations, please visit www.thetrustees.org.

The Artist of the Month program is sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Library. Each month, a different local artist’s work is displayed in the library.

The Dover Library is located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover. Library hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.

For more information, please visit the library’s web site at www.dovertownlibrary.org.

More on Library Advocacy: the Legislative Breakfast

2010-01-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

I copied this from Sunny Vandermark's posting on the Metrowest Regional Library System e-newsletter. We all just received our tax bills; you know that it's time to stand up for what we believe in. If you have the morning free on February 5th, consider going in person to talk to your legislators about your belief in funding libraries--in your community and in others around you. Or you can write or call your legislator in support of this event, and let them know you're paying attention to what they are doing for your library. (You can find easy contact information for your state and federal legislators at www.doverma.org.)

12th Annual Legislative Breakfast

Meet your state senators and representatives Friday, February 5, 2010, from 8 am to 9 am. Join your colleagues and other library supporters at the Concord Free Public Library for breakfast and talk with your state officials about the importance of libraries.
Invitations were mailed to all Metrowest area senators and representatives. Please follow up with a personal invitation to each of your legislators. Tell them that you will be at the legislative breakfast and look forward to the opportunity to talk with them.
Bring your trustees, town officials, friends, library users, school administrators, and others to the breakfast. With library use up as the economy shrinks it is most important to advocate for libraries and library funding. Your participation matters!
ALA has some excellent advocacy tools with materials on working with government officials and legislators. The materials are available at http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/index.cfm
What: 12th Annual Legislative Breakfast
Where: Concord Free Public Library
When: Friday, February 5 - 8 am - 9 am
Register online at:
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=MMRLS or RSVP by February 1 to jzomer@mmrls.org.
Directions are available at http://www.concordlibrary.org
- Sunny Vandermark

And on to the next thing: the Dover Town Library Spelling Bee

2010-01-07T12:31:00.000-05:00

We are gearing up for our Spring fundraiser: the Spelling Bee. We have a date: Thursday, 25 March 2010, 7--9 p.m., and a venue: the Town House. Channel 8 has once again graciously agreed to film the event, and because the Town House has the proper cable setup, it will be aired live (and in reruns, of course!).

The popular Bee Tree will be back on the main floor, and the Bee Cafe will be held in the lower level, allowing guests to purchase refreshments in the lower level (where you can watch the Bee on TV while you snack.

Teams can sign up NOW (!) at the Library. The fee is $300 for a team of 3, with an optional Mulligan available for $100. A word list will be made available to players who are registered and paid in full (as teams) by mid-February.

Follow our progress on www.spellboundindover.blogspot.com. And get your friends, colleagues and neighbors together to make a team, and come play at this family-oriented night of fun and fundraising.

January Meeting

2009-12-15T20:49:00.000-05:00

Friends to Meet Jan 4

The Friends of the Dover Library will hold its January meeting on Monday, January 4, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Topics to discuss include initial planning for the March 25 Spelling Bee. If you are interested in participating in the Bee or volunteering for the event, please email the Friends at Friends.of.Dover.Library@gmail.com. For general information or to get involved with the Friends, log onto www.friendsofdoverlibrary.blogsp ot.com, or email the executive committee at Friends.of.Dover.Library@gmail.com.

Here is a sweet deal!

2009-12-08T19:39:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow night (Wednesday) is the Dover Tree Lighting ceremony. If you go, you will be treated to music by the Chickering school band, and hot chocolate from Park & Rec, who host the event. Thanks to Cheryl Abdullah and Jane Bleakley of the Friends of the Library, you will also have access to an incredibly sweet deal: candy canes with coupons for $5 off a new Friends membership. (One $5 coupon per household, please.)

In times of uncertainty (economic or otherwise), the importance of our community moves to the forefront of our awareness. We are lucky to live in a town that values community spirit, and we have a library that embodies it. And now you have another good reason ($5 worth!) to support your Library with a Friends membership.

Thanks to SuperFriend Jane for executing Operation Candy Cane.

PS the Library is open that night, if you need to grab a holiday video or a good read for a long winter's night.

“MARY FELTON CHARCOAL DRAWINGS” EXHIBIT COMES TO THE DOVER LIBRARY IN DECEMBER

2009-11-29T19:38:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that Mary Felton of Marshfield is the December Artist of the Month. “Mary Felton Charcoal Drawings” will feature original charcoal drawings and affordably priced framed prints. The exhibit will be on display in the library from December 1st to 30th.

Felton’s work varies from pieces that border on photo-realism to those that border on abstract. Figures and horses dominate her choice of subject matter because the artist finds so much beauty in them, and she gets the most satisfaction from capturing them in charcoal.

“Even though I worked briefly in other mediums,” she said, “I’ve always embraced charcoal drawing, and it has been my exclusive medium since 1996.”

“With charcoal,” she continued, “there is no faking it - not when you are working in realism. Flaws and weaknesses cannot be hidden under the complexity of color tones and painting techniques. The simplicity and boldness of black, white and grays expose design and value structure in all their raw nakedness.”

A graduate of the Art Institute of Boston, Felton worked as a commercial artist for several years before switching to fine art. Since building her home in 1995, which provided her with a permanent studio, she has had much success with her black and white charcoal drawings. In addition to her personal work, Felton occasionally does commissioned portraits, mainly of horses.

She has exhibited widely in hundreds of juried shows nationwide, as well as having solo shows in Boston and New York.

Felton has accumulated many prestigious awards over the years, including in 2008, when she was awarded the first-ever Gold Medal of Honor Best in Show Award at the Academic Artists Association’s Annual Juried Show in Springfield, MA. In early 2009, she was honored to have two drawings included in a book published by Art Horse Magazine.

This year, Felton also enjoyed becoming a full elected member of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club of New York, one of the country’s most distinguished women’s arts organizations, and she exhibited in the Spring Members Show at the Broome Street Gallery in Greenwich Village as well as at the Annual Juried Show at the National Arts Club.

Felton is active in the many organizations into which she has been juried as a member, including the Hudson Valley Art Association, Hudson Valley, NY, and the International Guild of Realism, Scottsdale, AZ. She is represented by Franklin 54 Gallery in New York.

To learn more about the artist, please visit her website at MaryFelton.blogspot.com

Dec Meeting - Dec 7

2009-11-22T20:43:00.001-05:00

The Friends will hold its December meeting on Monday, December 7, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Topics to discuss include initial planning for the March 25 Spelling Bee, planning a book sale in the new year and a recap of the Holiday House Tour. For more information or to get involved, please email the executive committee at Friends.of.Dover.Library@gmail.com.

2009-11-18T17:29:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Dover Library Holiday House Tour was, once again, a great success. Shown below is an excerpt from an article by Neil Johnson of the Dover-Sherborn Press:

Any drive through Dover will pass by a few antique homes or beautiful mansions, and thanks to the Friends of the Dover Library and four generous Dover homeowners, Dover residents had a chance to walk through some of those beautiful homes on Sunday’s 23rd annual Holiday Homes Tour.

The tour, which visited three of Dover’s antique homes and one new mansion, is the Friends’ largest benefit of the year; 650 tickets were printed for this year’s tour, with sales going briskly into the tour date thanks to the beautiful weather.
When the Friends of Dover Library began the house tour 23 years ago, it was one of the first in the area, said Madge Casper who, along with Michele Keleher, chairs the event; though the number has grown in intervening years, some have been cancelled this year because of the economy. Casper was thankful that Dover residents were still coming out to support the library.
“In these recessionary times, we’re pleased the tour participants realize the importance of giving back to the community,” she said. “The library is one of the top five for its size in the country, and it’s money we raise with the tour that helps keep it that way.”
“It takes a lot of citizens of Dover to come together to present these houses,” Keleher added, noting that 13 members of the Friends committee work year-round to get the tour ready, and 65 people work at the houses on the day of the event.
The first house on the tour, which belonged to Rose DiBartolo, was an antique home, once two separate farmhouses built in 1818 that had been joined together to form one house. In the last seven years, it has undergone significant transformations, adding a variety of amenities and turning what was a large garage into the new living room. The house featured a pool and granite terrace in the backyard, as well as birdhouses and a fountain.
Each house on the tour featured different floral designers donated by a florist and food donated by caterers. At the DiBartolo house, Perennial Designs of Needham had provided the floral arrangements, and the Dover Market provided the catering; Higgins Wine and Spirits also offered wines for tasting and recommendations for the upcoming holiday season, and Adam Shumate played piano for the event. Nancy Wright of Perennial, who had, with Lisa Calderone, designed the floral arrangements, talked a little about the process of designing for the house tour.
“We come to the house several weeks before the event to take photos and get a feel for the style of the house,” said Wright. “We also speak with the owner to learn about their design ideas.”
The second house, 1 Pegan Lane, was owned by David W. Lewis Jr. Lewis had grown up in the house and had moved back in 2004, after two years of extensive renovations. The house had been built in 1735, and some of the house retained its antique feel; it had, in its long history, been a blacksmith shop, a tavern and a general store. The house featured floral arrangements by Flowers by Design of Dover, and Dessert Works of Norwood provided catering. Lewis stood outside and spoke to visitors about his house as they were leaving.
“It’s quite an old house,” said Lewis. “For a long time people didn’t put much money into it, so everything’s reused — it gives it much of its character.”
The third house, the home of John and Jan Barr at 120 Walpole St., was a 1795 farmhouse which had, in its long life, served as a country and equestrian property for a number of prominent Bostonians such as Dr. Hans Zinsser, a noted immunologist and Harvard Medical School professor who would bring faculty and students to the farm. Though the property once included much of the surrounding area, most was sold off in the 1960s, and the house has seen extensive renovation. It remains an equestrian property; there is still an antique barn on the property, and at times there have been as many as seven horses. The floral designs were by Forte of Westwood, and Chiara provided the food for the house.
The final home, the house of Stephen Fogg at 3 Adams Lane, was the tour’s only modern home, built in 1999. Located on more than 24 acres of land and surrounded by forest, the house featured mahogany floors and granite countertops in its spacious rooms, and was filled with floral arrangements by the Chicatabot Garden Club, the Dover Garden Club and the Powisset Garden Club. The catering was done by Sherborn Inn.
The beautiful houses are the draw of the tour, of course, and the touring groups enjoy taking in the beauty of the houses and getting ideas for their own. But underlying all of that is the important fundraising for the library; Anne Coster, a member of the Holiday House Tour Committee, said the day is so effective because it serve both purposes so well.
“All funds go straight to the library, to things like children’s reading programs and author visits,” Coster said. “It’s a great way to contribute to the library, and it’s also a fun day out.”

Here is the link to the actual article: http://www.wickedlocal.com/dover/news/x255181507/Good-crowds-great-weather-for-Holiday-House-Tour

Many thanks to all who helped make the day a success! And thank you to Neil and the DS Press for the great coverage.

More on Advocacy: State Library of Massachusetts--potentially closing, but at what cost?

2009-11-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

This just in, from the Reference Department of the State Library:

At a press conference on Thursday, October 29, the Massachusetts Governor's Office announced that Governor Patrick is considering closing the State Library of Massachusetts as a cost-saving measure. This closure will have a monumental impact on the cultural heritage of the Commonwealth.

Open to the public since 1826, the State Library has developed comprehensive collections in the areas of government documents, law, Massachusetts history, and public and current affairs. From the Bradford manuscript "Of Plimoth Plantation" to the ever-expanding digital repository, the State Library has collected items of crucial importance to the record of Massachusetts' historical wealth.

Please sign our online petition to show your support of the State Library of Massachusetts: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveyourstatelibrary/
After signing, a message will appear asking if you would like to make a donation. There is no need to make a donation. Your name has been recorded, and an acknowledgement email will be sent. Just close out of this window. This is the price of using a “free” petition site.

Additionally, if you would like to contact the Governor's office directly, please visit his website at http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3utilities&sid=Agov3&U=Agov3_contact_us.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit the Friends of the State Library page at http://www.mass.gov/lib.

Follow us on Facebook at Save Your State Library!

The State Library is undertaking exciting digital initiatives to provide greater public access to our collections.

· Electronic Repository: This summer, the library upgraded its electronic repository of the Acts and Resolves and other state publications. In addition to a new look and feel and enhanced features, we have added several thousand new electronic documents.

· Scanning: Through a partnership with the UMass Boston libraries and the Boston Library Consortium, the library has scanned the Acts and Resolves from 1692 to present, the Reports of the Attorney General (1832 to present) and several other series. These digital objects will be added to our electronic repository and are currently available on our website.

· Electronic Journals List: Through our affiliation with our library network, we are now able to provide an A to Z list of electronic journals available through the library’s subscriptions (some require a State Library of Massachusetts card for access).

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: in this economic environment, we are going to have to be increasingly committed to advocating for the things we believe in. What you do next is up to you.

Newletters are on the way

2009-10-30T14:12:00.000-04:00

2,378 newsletters hit the Post Office today, thanks to some fast folding and tying by FriendsCorps volunteer Vicki Hadar. The newsletter is worth hanging on to: not only does it give you a quick guide to Library contacts, it showcases many of the events the Friends are planning--including the upcoming House Tour on Sunday, November 8th.

You'll notice that we are experimenting with a new format; send your comments to our new e-mail address: friends.of.dover.library@gmail.com, or post them at the end of this entry.

As always, many thanks to our printers at Allegra of Brockton and the Dover PO. Both make the newsletter process far easier than it could be.

Advocacy update from the Massachusetts Library Association

2009-10-23T20:04:00.000-04:00

This just in, from our friends at Project Alert:

October 22, 2009
Don’t Close the Books on Libraries!
Massachusetts library supporters will gather at the MA State House at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 to rally for libraries. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA), the rally “Don’t Close the Books on Libraries” has been planned in reaction to the devastating cuts to the Commonwealth’s library budgets. MA libraries are struggling to survive an onslaught of budget cuts in municipal and statewide funding at the same time that demand for library services has escalated sharply statewide.

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) budget cap for FY2011 is a 16% reduction in total funding from this year (FY2010). This comes at a time when people are relying on library resources more than ever in order to mitigate the negative effects of a depressed economy.
MA library use, rising steadily for over a decade, has skyrocketed with the worsening economic recession. Many citizens rely on libraries for access to technology, especially now when so many people have lost jobs and cannot pay for computer and Internet resources.
Unemployed citizens rely on library resources for help in obtaining jobs.
Public libraries are funded at a statewide average of just 1.2% of municipal expenditures, yet they return much greater value to their communities, providing invaluable educational, cultural and literacy resources to all.
Resource sharing of the collections of MA libraries is at an all time high. Public library borrowing in Massachusetts hit an all time high for the 9th consecutive year in 2008, with more than 57 million items transported across the state through regional delivery services.
Our libraries provide access to high quality academic databases that promote the literacy and scholarship essential to students and an informed citizenry.
The vast majority of MA libraries belong to networks that facilitate resource sharing and manage the libraries’ online catalogs. Telecommunications funding support is currently insufficient to maintain adequate bandwidth levels due to the record amounts of MA citizens using the Commonwealth’s online library catalogs.
Increased network costs not funded at the state level will be passed along to member libraries at a time when they can least afford any increases. Member libraries do not have the budget resources to cope with rising annual membership assessments due to cuts in their budgets at the local level.
With thanks to Krista McLeod & Jackie Rafferty, Co-Chairs MLA Legislative Committee

It looks like advocacy is going to be more important than ever this year. Stay tuned, go show your support on the 4th if you can, and consider joining Project Alert at projectalert@masslib.org.

Kate True, Nov. Artist of the Month

2009-10-21T20:43:00.000-04:00

PORTRAIT IN DEDICATION: ARTIST KATE TRUE BRINGS HER WORKS TO THE DOVER LIBRARY

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that Kate True of Roxbury is the November Artist of the Month at the Dover Town Library. True, who works in oils on canvas and linen, will showcase her portraits and other paintings of children for the entire month.

"My current work is an attempt to distill an emotional experience into its barest representation, including only the most meaningful details,” said True. “I’m interested in the way bodies and gestures can telegraph meaning so eloquently.”

True said that she is interested in maintaining the sensual, graceful or forceful line of a drawing while also developing a lushly painted surface, creating space and volume. She draws on her experience as a filmmaker to instill a dramatic sense of narrative in her work, creating mysterious worlds and depicting harmonious surfaces that belie a tension beneath.

While she has completed more than 50 commissioned portraits in the past ten years, in her most recent paintings, True has begun to explore the landscape as well as the figure.

“I think about the way the environment affects and informs the emotional experience of the subject and the viewer,” added True. “In the paintings without a figure, a human presence is felt nonetheless, as a scene experienced through the distorting lens of memory.”

Her paintings have been featured in galleries in Massachusetts, New York, Florida and Illinois, as well as in many private collections nationally and internationally. True has won numerous awards, including a Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant for her “Little Women” exhibit and many academic honors.

A native of Charlotte, Vermont, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Art from Wesleyan University. True also holds an MFA from New York University, where she is a graduate of the Film and Television Program. She continued her studies in painting and printmaking at MassArt and the Museum School

Next Meeting - Nov. 2

2009-10-21T10:43:00.000-04:00

Friends to Meet Nov 2

The Friends of the Dover Library will hold its next meeting on Monday, November 2, at 9 a.m. in the library's Community Room. All are welcome and are encouraged to attend. Topics to discuss include the Nov. 8 Holiday House Tour, the launch of FriendsCorps (a volunteer list of people we can call upon - email the Friends if you are interested in joining) and a recap of the Oktoberfest beer tasting. For more information or to get involved, email the executive committee at Friends.of.Dover.Library@gmail.com.

Reminder - Oktoberfest on 10/22

2009-10-18T09:33:00.000-04:00

$20 = Beer + Sausages + Pretzels = Fun + $ for library!

Just a reminder that on Thursday, Oktoberfest comes to Dover ... we'll sample brews and get info from Tammy Lamenzo of Higgins, snack on sausages from Dover Market, munch on pretzels and mingle to music - all to benefit the Dover Town Library.

We are trying to get a count, so if you are planning to come (or think you might), please email us at Friends.of.Dover.Library@gmail.com. It is $20 at the door, and if you join the Friends/renew that night at the Family level or above, you'll get a discount on your ticket.

Oktoberfest

Thursday

Oct 22

7-9 pm

Dover Library

Hope you can join us!

Please pass on to anyone you think might be interested. It is open to anyone of legal drinking age.

FriendsCorps

2009-10-14T22:14:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about our new volunteer opportunity? We are creating a "FriendsCorps" - people we can all upon to pinch hit, or volunteer for one-of-a-kind events. It is not a commitment to help at a specific event - just a commitment to agree to be contacted when we need volunteers for events such as the Holiday House Tour, the Spelling Bee, book sales and other events. It would just be a few hours and having additional help on hand is often crucial to an event’s success. I hope that you will join the "FriendsCorp" - and that you will be available to help at an upcoming event! And if you have more time, we'd love to have you join us at our monthly meetings - the first Monday of the month.

Please let us know if you'd like to be put on our email list for:

FriendsCorps

Meeting Announcements

Meeting Minutes

Please send an e-mail to Friends.Of.Dover.Library@gmail.com with the heading “Subscribe”. Simply list the e-mail lists you wish to join. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any point, you may do so by sending an e-mail with “unsubscribe” in the header.

Join today!

Library support rally at the State House: November 4th

2009-10-13T15:20:00.000-04:00

The following was sent to me by Krista McLeod and Jackie Rafferty, Co-Chairs of the MLA Legislative Committee:

RALLY FOR LIBRARIES!!!

Please join library colleagues and supporters for MLA’s rally for libraries! “Don’t Close the Books on Libraries” will take place on Wednesday, November 4th at 11:00 a.m. on the steps of the State House in the “well area”. Massachusetts Center for the Book’s annual MA Book Awards will be held inside the State House from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., so plan to attend this exciting event following our rally so that we can celebrate and support Massachusetts libraries and authors!

We will have 250 signs printed with our slogan, and so need a minimum of 250 people to carry them. We need every MA public library to send at least one staff members, trustee or friend, so that a big message can be sent regarding the devastating impact of funding cuts to the Commonwealth’s libraries. Now more than ever we must let our legislators know that cuts to libraries will negatively impact the many citizens who rely on their libraries for Internet and technology resources, books and research materials, and for help in finding jobs.

Your participation is vitally important to the future of MA libraries!

OKTOBERFEST!!

2009-10-06T20:21:00.000-04:00

PROST! OKTOBERFEST COMES TO DOVER LIBRARY - OCT 22

2009-09-27T21:13:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce an Oktoberfest themed beer tasting at the Dover Library on Thursday, October 22, from 7 pm to 9 pm. Tammy Lamenzo of Higgins Wine & Spirits will lead the group through a variety of beers both Germanic and local in origin while attendees munch on sausages and pretzels.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Library, the beer tasting is made possible in part by generous donations by Higgins Wine & Spirits and Dover Market. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Dover Library.

The event is open to the public and anyone of legal drinking age is welcome to attend.

Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased the door. Additionally, those who join the Friends of the Dover Library or renew their memberships at the Family level and above that evening will receive a discount on their ticket.

Reservations are not required but to guarantee a place, please sign up at the library’s front desk or email friends.of.dover.library@gmail.com.

The Art of Jane!

2009-09-27T15:11:00.000-04:00

I ran through Dover Market this afternoon, and stopped short at the door: check out Jane Bleakley's poster for the upcoming Mark Binder event.

Next Meeting - Oct. 6

2009-09-23T09:57:00.001-04:00

The Friends of the Dover Library will hold its October meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. All are encouraged to attend and we welcome new members. Topics to discuss include planning an Oktoberfest Beer Tasting at the library and an upcoming book sale.

The Art of Peace at Dover Library on Oct. 6

2009-09-16T16:08:00.000-04:00

HOW TO HANDLE A BULLY AND OTHER CONFLICT RESOLUTION SOLUTIONS PRESENTED BY MARK BINDER AS HE BRINGS “THE ART OF PEACE” TO THE DOVER LIBRARY

Grant from Dover Cultural Council Helps Support Evening for Kids and Adults

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that Mark Binder, author, storyteller and self-described ‘nice guy’, will present “The Art of Peace” on Tuesday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at the Dover Library. Combining his martial arts experience and storytelling skills, Binder will present a program that will prove both entertaining and discussion-provoking. It is suitable for children in 3^rd grade and older, including teens and adults.

Binder will tackle questions such as: How can you handle a bully? When does a conflict begin? What are the consequences of violence? Can problems be resolved peacefully? Believing there is an alternative to war, Binder helps students understand the nature of conflict, teaches ways to deal with upsets and problems, and creates new options for action and resolution.

“Stories do more than teach and engage the imagination,” Binder said. “They can inspire change and transform lives.”

A former candidate for US Congress, Mark Binder is a writer, storyteller and Aikido instructor. He holds a third-degree black belt in Aikido, the martial art for peace. He has recently released a new booklet, "The Art of Peace", which includes some of the stories in the presentation. For more information on Mark Binder, please visit his web site at www.markbinder.com.

The evening is coordinated by the Friends of the Dover Library and supported in part by a grant from the Dover Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency. For more information on the MCC, please visit www.massculturalcouncil.org.

They're in the mail!

2009-09-15T16:20:00.000-04:00

This year's Membership mailing is posted. We use the Friends' postal permit to send a flyer to every household (and there are more at the Library). It is SUCH a production--drafting, turning it into Publisher, sorting and finally mailing.

Please don't throw it out when it lands in your mailbox. There was too much work involved!

We have many people to thank, including the Friends who worked on the mailing, Jane Bleakley for the amazing artwork, Allegra Printing in Brockton for their excellent service and prompt turnaround, Alison for the sorting, and--last but not least--the Dover PO for their cheerful assistance and speedy delivery.

I can't miss an opportunity to remind you what benefits a membership in the Friends brings, to you and to the entire community. Your support and participation strengthens our excellent library and enables it to do more for you. Community support is an important factor in determining financial support--from the state as well as from the town. Help Dover look as good as it should, and send in your form soon!

Thank you.

First Meeting - Sept. 10

2009-09-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

The Friends will hold its first meeting of the year on Thursday, September 10, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. This is a departure from the regular schedule due to school start dates and the late Labor Day. The group regularly meets the first Tuesday of the month, and the normal schedule will resume in October. Hope to see you on the 10th!

House Tour date is set: Sunday, November 8th

2009-09-02T16:59:00.000-04:00

Come join the Dover community for the 22nd annual Holiday House Tour on Sunday, November 8th. Tour beautiful houses, expertly decorated, featuring local caterers, florists and garden clubs and be inspired for your own decorating and entertaining. The MFA's Art in Bloom program will exhibit at one of the houses, and there will be a large gift boutique where you may purchase hand-made crafts from local artisans.

Tickets will go on sale soon.

Advocacy Works

2009-07-30T11:59:00.000-04:00

This came in from Project Alert. I would heartily recommend using the Capwiz function on the link below:

Late last night, the MA House and Senate approved a supplemental funding bill which includes an increase of $1,290,000 for the Regions (line item 7000-9401) in the FY2010 state budget. This supplemental budget (H.4181) is currently on the Governor’s desk. The Governor has ten days to review it and he also has the authority to line item veto. Your legislative advocacy is needed right now!

Through the passage of this supplemental budget, our Massachusetts Representatives and Senators have displayed tremendous support for the Commonwealth's libraries. Library advocates deserve credit for convincing our legislators that libraries are an excellent investment because they directly impact and improve the economic, educational and cultural lives of MA residents. But we can't stop now! Please share this message with as many library supporters as possible--- library staff, trustees and Friends and ask them to contact the Governor's office as soon as possible. Please contact the Governor's office and ask him to not veto this essential funding for the regional library systems.

Contact info:
Boston, MA Massachusetts State HouseOffice of the GovernorOffice of the Lt. GovernorRoom 280Boston, MA 02133

Phone: 617.725.4005
888.870.7770 (in state)
Fax: 617.727.9725TTY: 617.727.3666

You can also submit an email to the Governor using MLA Capwiz at http://capwiz.com/ala/ma/state/main/?state=MAOr, on the State House web site at:http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3utilities&sid=Agov3&U=Agov3_contact_us
Krista McLeod & Jackie Rafferty
Co-Chairs MLA Legislative Committee

JULY ARTIST OF THE MONTH

2009-06-23T20:33:00.001-04:00

THE MARRIAGE OF ART AND SCIENCE: HOLLY LOMBARDO’S ACRYLICS COME TO THE DOVER LIBRARY IN JULY

The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that Natick artist Holly Lombardo will be Artist of the Month for July. Her acrylic works feature trees, shadows, snow, light and flowers. Lombardo’s pieces will be on display at the Dover Library for the entire month of July.

“I’ve been an artist my whole life, I just did not know it,” says Lombardo, a former protein chemist.

Although Lombardo experimented on her own with various techniques of watercolor while in college, the science major eschewed art classes for Chemistry and Physics. It was not until she connected with her artistic side years later did she realize her love for colorful expression and pursue her interest in art, proving that art and science indeed go hand in hand.

Having spent most of her life in Maine, she was always curious about nature and drew a distinct connection between watercolor painting and the natural world. Lombardo discovered her artistic flair with a $1.99 set of paint, two paint brushes and the inspiring Maine landscape.

Approaching it as the scientist she is, Lombardo began to develop her style, experimenting with various papers and pigments as a self-taught artist. She said she has always loved beautiful landscapes and finds all forms of life and light fascinating. Taking great enjoyment in simple compositions, Lombardo continues to strive for a pleasurable, colorful and bold painting style.

She also uses her photography as another form of expression and a resource for subjects to paint. Lombardo has recently started working in acrylics, which she enjoys since it allows her to break the rules of watercolor and layer light on dark.

Lombardo has lived in Natick with her husband and daughters for the past 13 years. Previously a protein chemist for 15 years, she now teaches math and science at a local Montessori school. With a calling to both, she feels that teaching is her profession, but painting is her passion. Lombardo is a member of Natick Artists Open Studios, Concord Art Association and the National Watercolor Society.

For more information on Lombardo, please visit the artist’s web site at http://www.paintedpaperbyholly.blogspot.com/

The Artist of the Month program is sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Library. Each month, a different local artist’s work is displayed in the library. Pieces are available for purchase and 10 percent of all sales go to the library.

The Dover Library is located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover. Summer library hours are: Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, please visit the library’s web site at www.dovertownlibrary.org.

The Friends of the Dover Library provides special programs and services that expand and support the library's regular budget. For more information about the organization or how to become a member, please visit the Friends’ blog at www.friendsofdoverlibrary.blogspot.com.

BOOK SALE ON SAT JUNE 13

2009-06-03T10:33:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Dover Library will be holding a book sale on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Dover Library's Community Room. Stock up on beach reads and books that you can take on vacation and - at these prices - leave there. Fiction, non-fiction, adult and kids' books will all be on sale - come get some bargains and help support the library!

Friends Meeting on June 1

2009-05-15T10:49:00.000-04:00

CURIOUS ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF THE DOVER LIBRARY? COME LEARN ABOUT THE GROUP AT ITS JUNE 1 MEETING

Often members of the Friends of the Dover Library are asked what the group does … for those with questions, now is an opportunity to learn about the group firsthand. The Friends will hold its next meeting on Monday, June 1 at 9 a.m. in the library's Community Room.

This will be the last meeting before the Friends breaks for summer, and the group will wrap up this year’s activities, vote in new officers to the board, approve the annual budget and look ahead to planning for the fall. Next year, the Friends will meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the library

While all of the Friends’ meetings are open, the last one of the Friends’ calendar year is traditionally the one in which many attend to learn about the group and how they can join and/or volunteer with it. There is no commitment to join and all are encouraged to attend to see if it is something in which they would like to participate. There are always small and large obligations to fit everyone's time schedule and interest area.

Inquiries may be emailed to Lorie Linnell at lorielinn@aol.com.

Pokanoket Club Studio of Artists to Show Works at Dover Library in May

2009-05-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

The Friends is pleased to announce that the Pokanoket Club Studio of artists will be the Artists of the Month for May. Fourteen local artists, who take watercolor classes with Dover resident Fredericka Fiechter, will display their works of floral, landscape and still life paintings in watercolor, oils and pastel. The exhibit began May 3 and runs the entire month.

Fiechter teaches the class at her home, which once housed the Pokanoket Club, a former men's club in Dover that dates back to the late 1800s, giving the group its name. The class began 15 years ago and the group, which has changed slightly over the years, is in its eleventh showing at the library through the Artist of the Month program.

The artists showing this year are: Alisa Billings (Dover), Judy Carver (Marion), Barbara Chandra (Newton), Jane Cheever (Dedham), Dorothy Dalton (Dover), Fredericka Fiechter (Dover), Deborah Gaines (Norfolk), Holly Johnstone (Needham), Robin Kakas (East Sandwich), Nancy Mackay (Dover), Sue Patterson (Barrington, RI), Eileen Perini (Dover), Beth Schroeder (Newton) and Joan Vaccarino (Sherborn).

Pieces are available for sale and 10% of sales go to the library.

May Meeting - Monday the 4th

2009-04-24T14:33:00.000-04:00

The Friends will holds its next meeting on Monday, May 4, at 9 a.m. in the library's Community Room. All are welcome to attend. Topics to discuss include events for the remainder of the year, as well as planning into the fall. Following the meeting, a subcommittee will meet to discuss next year's membership materials.

Special Thursday Afternoon Tea Honoring Ellie Herd on May 7

2009-04-24T11:39:00.000-04:00

Few can remember a time when Ellie Herd was not a presence at the Dover Library. For 30 years, Ellie, who is Head of Technical Services, has been helping library patrons and enriching their lives. Please join the Board of Library Trustees, the Friends of the Dover Library and the library staff as they honor Ellie at a special Thursday Afternoon Tea on May 7, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to a presentation chronicling her contributions and experiences at the library, the public is invited to come share memories of Ellie. Please join us as we honor and celebrate a woman who has given so much to the Dover Library and is an integral part of the our community.

GIFT BASKET DETAILS

2009-04-06T19:34:00.000-04:00

The silent auction for the baskets ends on April 30, just in time for Mother's Day. The one exception is the end date for "Send in the Clowns", which ends April 16 due to ticket dates - a great school vacation distraction! Check them out at the library!

KIDDING AROUND - Est. Value $110

2 Passes to Santa's Village ($48 value)
Dinosaur
The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang
Fun Book
365 TV-Free Things to Do With Your Child
Ugly Doll Card Game
Hot Chocolate (for when all else fails!)

A-MAZE-ING DIVERSIONS - Est. Value $160

2 one-day passes to Six Flags ($83.98 value)
Pass for 4 to Davis Farmland and Mega Maze ($68 value)
Transformers 3D Puzzle
CD Game Collection: Atari Arcade; Ms. Pacman; I Spy Set - Spooky Mansion, School Days, Spooky Mansion Deluxe, Fantasy
365 Outdoor Activities You Can Do With Your Child
Brain Quest, 4th Grade

STAY-CATION IN BOSTON - Est. Value $130

2 Boston Duck Tours tickets ($60 value)
2 Passes to New England Aquarium ($38 value)
Boston T-shirt (kids' size)
Freedom Trail Guide
Autographed copy of William Martin's Harvard Yard
The Tourists by Jeff Hobbs
Romantic Days and Nights in Boston

KITCHEN COLLECTION - Est. Value 140

"Warm Weather is on the Way" dish towel
5 Bertucci's Bucks ($5 gift certificates)
Italian kitchen garden
Bumble bee scrubby
The Fig Eater by Jody Shields
Think Like a Chef by Tom Colicchio
Kitchen Edition (the Library's own masterpiece cookbook)
Flavored coffee sampler
Set of 4 mini-souffle cups
Winnie the Pooh baby dining set

TAKE CARE OF THE CAREGIVER! - Est. Value $160

Day of pampering at Salon Mario Russo - hair cut, dry and manicure ($90 value)
The Women's Encyclopedia of Health and Emotional Healing
Zadie Smith on Beauty by Zadie Smith
Organic Soy Candles in Jasmine Vanilla and Butter Cream (no calories!)
Legacy Edition: The Stranger by Billy Joel (2 CD set with narrative)
Nirvana Chocolates in a gold tote

BREAKFAST IN BED - Est. Value $60

Trader Joe's Toasted Whole Grain O's
Trader Joe's Smooth Mellow Blend whole bean coffee
Trader Joe's Fresh Strawberry Preserves
Trader Joe's 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Medium Amber Grade A
Nonni's Biscotti, Mint Chocolate
Twinnings of London ceramic teapot in presentation case (great for storing your favorite teas)
Three Cups of Tea: Jeni Fleming and Amira Mortenson's benefit CD for the school children of Pakistan and Afghanistan

KODAK MOMENTS - Est. Value $195

Portait Simple portrait session and 6-sheet photo package ($135 value)
2 photo albums
Wood and pewter photo frames
Legacy Edition: The Stranger by Billy Joel (2 CD set with narrative)
Nirvana Chocolates to put a smile on your face (who says "cheese" anyway?)

SEND IN THE CLOWNS - Est. Value $175

4 tickets to the Big Apple Circus ($156 value)
Stuffed elephant that makes elephant noises
Nirvana Chocolates

New Gift Baskets at the Library

2009-04-05T15:51:00.000-04:00

The gift baskets are up! More details to follow but in the interim, check out the goodies - they are on display and can be bid on at the library. The Circus pack has an April 16 deadline (due to tickets - just in time for school vacation!) but the others have an end date of April 30 - a great Mother's Day opportunity or treat for yourself!

Ben Franklin at the Library

2009-04-02T21:04:00.001-04:00

No joke!
A Benjamin Franklin impersonator came to the library on April 1 to perform "The Adventures of Benjamin Franklin" as part of the Friends' "Bringing History to Life" series for kids. Next week is Abigail Adams. The series is coordinated by the Friends and sponsored in part by a grant from the Dover Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

$67.87: what makes 29th in expenditure rank #1 in quality.

2009-04-02T20:13:00.000-04:00

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/03/26/Book_values/

The Globe ran this as a graph last week, and compiled it from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners' website. It looked better in the bar chart print version of the Globe, but what it is showing us is the per capita dollar spent by each town on its library.

The Dover Town Library ranks 29th for per capita expenditures in the state, but it's the top library for its size in the state. (The top of the range is $192.90--in Chilmark--which is quite a bit higher than $67.87) This tells us a couple of things: first of all, your tax dollars are getting VERY good value at the Dover Town Library. Second, your Library is making excellent use of its resources--you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. You can thank the staff, Director and Trustees for those advantages. And you should go to Town Meeting on the first Monday in May to support the Library's lines in the municipal budget.

The other thing that comes to mind when looking at statistics like these is the value--monetary and otherwise--contributed to the town through community involvement: by a strong Friends of the Library organization. This is where your support can make the biggest difference. Membership in the Friends is an easy way to support one of the best institutions in town, from the inside out.

Together, through civic engagement and private support, we've made the Dover Town Library a first-quality institution, at a remarkably lean cost. It pains me to say this, but it looks like your hard-earned dollars do better at the Library than they do in the Dow!

April 2 - Library Legislation Day

2009-03-25T21:10:00.000-04:00

Library Legislation Day is April 2 at the State House. This annual event, sponsored by the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) and the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA), is especially important this year as many MA libraries continue to sustain serious budget cuts. This is the group's opportunity to explain to legislators face-to-face why libraries are essential to the lives of their constituents. For full details and info on how to participate, please log onto:

www.masslib.org/legislative/2009LegislativeDay.htm

Barney Levitt - April Artist of the Month

2009-03-23T14:53:00.000-04:00

"Spring Awakening: Contemporary Realism with a Twist" Comes to Dover Library in April

The Friends is pleased to announce that Boston-based Barney Levitt is the April Artist of the Month. His show, titled "Spring Awakening: Contemporary Realism with a Twist", will feature Levitt's often tongue-in-cheek oil paintings, which are executed in the style and tradition of Dutch Masters. The exhibit will be on display for the entire month.

"I've always been drawn to detail and a dramatic use of light," said Levitt. "In my still life paintings, I prefer to work from real life set-ups and choose objects that relate to my life. I try to create a narrative that will elevate and give new meaning to their ordinariness. Humor often creeps in, and sometimes there's an implicit smirk or wink I am trying to convey to my audience."

Levitt has shown nationally as well as internationally, and he is a member of the Copley Society of Art; the Addison Art Gallery, Orleans; the International Guild of Realism; Oil Painters of America; United South End Artists; and the Jamaica Plain Artists Association.

For more information on Levitt, please visit his web site at www.barneylevitt.com.

April Meeting

2009-03-23T14:24:00.000-04:00

The Friends will hold its next meeting on Monday, April 6, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. Topics to discuss include a recap of the Bee, upcoming children's events and plans for next year's membership materials.

NY Times Article on libraries

2009-03-16T18:38:00.000-04:00

And Kate saw a similar one this weekend in the NY Times. Strong reminders of why what the Friends does is so important.

www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/nyregion/new-jersey/15librarynj.html?pagewanted=1

Globe article on libraries' funding issues

2009-03-16T12:41:00.000-04:00

A great article in today's Globe explaining the funding issues libraries are facing and how they affect patrons. This is why the Friends' fundraising is more crucial than ever.

www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/16/library_budget_cuts_put_book_borrowing_at_risk/

Fun at Feb Wine Tasting

2009-03-13T21:53:00.000-04:00

"A Champagne, Wine and Chocolate Affair" was a big hit in Feb. Bob Harkey (above, top right; of Harkey's Wine and Spirits in Millis) came again to share his knowledge of wines - in this instance champagnes and ports - and the group also enjoyed chocolates donated by Nirvana Chocolates, Belgium's Best Chocolates, Inc. in Wellesley (above, left). Mary Yanke also came to display he lovely plates (right) and generously donated a percentage of sales that night to the Friends. The auction baskets were also popular so many thanks to all who came and helped make it a success!

April Series for Children "Bringing History to Life"

2009-03-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

The Friends is pleased to announce a three-program series for children entitled, "Bringing History to Life." Each program will be held on a Wednesday in April from 1:30 to 2:30 pm in the library's Community Room. The programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required and children may attend any or all of the events.

On April 1, a Ben Franklin impersonator will speak to the children in his performance of "The Adventured of Benjamin Franklin." The following week, on April 8, a performance of "Abigail Adams: Mother, Daughter & Wife of the Revolution" will be held. Last, on April 15, the children will watch a video titled "Settling the New World," part of the Colonial Life for Children Series. Following the video, in conjunction with the Dover Historical Society, the children will participate in a craft or activity.

The program series is coordinated by the Friends of the Dover Library and supported in part by a grant from the Dover Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). For more info on the MCC, please visit www.massculturalcouncil.org.

"We are so thrilled to be able to bring these events to the library for our children, and we are grateful to the Dover Cultural Council, whose grant made it possible," said Lorie Linnell, president, Friends of the Dover Library.

March Artist of the Month

2009-02-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

BETH HOFFER'S PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT, "EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY", TO BE ON DISPLAY AT DOVER LIBRARY IN MARCH

The Friends is pleased to announce that the March Artist of the Month is award-winning photographer Beth Hoffer. Her exhibit, titled, "Every Picture tells a Story," features photographs of New England's natural and architectural beauty. Her work will be showcased at the library all month.

Hoffer said her photographs represent her view of the world, and she finds a certain satisfaction in having the opportunity to share this view with others. She also uses her photography to raise funds for local libraries and other organizations.

Although she long enjoyed taking pictures, Hoffer did not publicly show her work until a few years ago. Her love for photography was born when, as a child, she used her mother's Brownie box camera to take her first pictures. In recent years, she began to make note cards, featuring her pictures, for friends and family. With their encouragement, she found the courage to exhibit her work and show it in shops and galleries.

Prior to turning to photography full-time, Hoffer, who has a Masters in Library Science, worked at public and academic libraries, causes she continues to support through her art and fundraising efforts.

For more information on Hoffer and her work, please visit her web site, www.LyricPhotos.net.

*Photographs copyright Beth I. Hoffer

MEETING MONDAY MARCH 2

2009-02-20T14:52:00.000-05:00

The next Friends' meeting will be on Monday, March 2, at 9 am in the library's community room. All are welcome to attend. Topics to discuss include the March 26 Spelling Bee, upcoming children's events and a recap of the Feb. wine tasting and auction baskets.

Renowned Mime Coming to Dover on March 7

2009-02-10T22:27:00.000-05:00

It's mime time! The Friends is pleased to announce that renowned mime Robert Rivest will be coming to Dover to perform on Saturday, March 7, at 11 am. In order to accommodate a larger audience, the event will be held in Kraft Hall at Dover Church as opposed to the library, where children's events are usually held. The event is free and open to the public.

One of the most prolific mime artists in the world, Rivest's performances stimulate the imagination and entertain both the young and young at heart. He has created more than 120 original works and performs for many types or groups and organizations. A student of Marcel Marceau, Rivest also trained for more than 10 years with internationally renowned masters of mime, dance, theater and improvisation. In 2001 he founded The Rivest School of Mime, where Rivest teaches and directs beginners through professionals.

For more information on Rivest, please visit his web site, www.rivestmime.com.

Thanks to Lorie Linnell for organizing an event for children!

Reminder: Wine and Chocolate on Feb 12

2009-02-10T19:06:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that "A Champagne, Wine and Chocolate Affair" will be in Thursday, Feb 12, at 7 pm. See you there!

"SOME CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL" COMING TO DOVER LIBRARY

2009-01-31T15:59:00.000-05:00

Needham's Anne Nydam Will Showcase Her Carved Wood and Rubber Block Prints in February

The Friends is please to announce that Anne Nydam of Needham is the February Artist of the Month. The exhibit, titled "Some Creatures Great and Small", will feature block prints, which are made from wood blocks and rubber blocks carved by Nydam. Nydam's works will be in display at the library throughout the month.

"Animals are one of my favorite subjects because of the wonderful variety of form and pattern they display," said Nydam. "Making these images helps me not to take the amazing creatures of the world for granted, and I hope it will do the same for everyone who views my work."

Nydam sketches a design on paper if using rubber, or if using wood, directly on the block, and then carves out the parts that are to remain white. She then rolls ink on the block and presses the paper on top. Each print is then signed and numbered and the edition labeled. Most of her prints are made using water-based ink on plain white acid-free paper.

For more information on Nydam and her work, please visit www.nydamprints.com.

Spelling Bee Fee

2009-01-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

Please note that the entry fee for the Bee is $300 per team - or $100 per person. Due to my incorrect earlier blog entry, it ran in the Globe today with the wrong amount. Sorry for the confusion.

A Champagne, Wine and Chocolate Affair - Feb 12

2009-01-21T22:35:00.000-05:00

Need some tips on how to make Valentine's Day special or looking for that perfect pre-Valentine's Day date? Look no further than the Dover Library. The Friends of the Dover library is sponsoring "A Champagne, Wine and Chocolate Affair", a wine and chocolate tasting, on Thursday, February 12, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The chocolates will be from Nirvana Chocolates, Belgium's Best Chocolates, Inc. of Wellesley, courtesy of Christophe Van Riet. Bob Harkey, of Harkey's Wine and Spirits in Millis, will speak on wines and champagne that go well with chocolate. Harkey led the Friends' successful wine tasting this past fall.

The event is open to all members of the community of legal drinking age. Tickets are $25 per person and are on sale at the library.

To purchase tickets by mail, please send a check to the library. The check should be made to "Friends of the Dover Library" and note "A Champagne, Wine and Chocolate Affair" on the memo line. Tickets ordered by mail will be available at the door the night of the event.

Spelling Bee Set for March 26

2009-01-18T21:04:00.000-05:00

Save the date! The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce that the Dover Library's 4th Annual Spelling Bee will be held on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at the Dover Town House. As in years past, the Bee will be broadcast live on Dover Cable.

Dover's finest spellers are invited to join the gentle competition for the title and grand prize of Enormous Bragging Rights (there is also a plaque in the library). Participants compete in teams of three. The entry fee is still only $300 per team and each team may also purchase a $100 Mulligan. Entry forms are available at the library and the words will be available to paid teams by Feb. 12.

In addition to the Bee itself, the Friends will also be putting on the popular "Bee Tree", where anyone can purchase a mystery item (goods and gift cards) based on the word clue written on a bee, and the "Bee Cafe" will be serving snacks.

For more information, log onto the Bee Blog at http://spellboundindover.blogspot.com.

Valentine's Day Gift Baskets - Part 2

2009-01-18T20:50:00.000-05:00

Party Heart-y (top left)

Heart cocktail ice cube trays; heart serving dishes; heart placemats (set of 4); heart oven mitt; heart magnetic list pad. (Est. value $25)

Put a Tiger in Your Tank

(top right)

Scrub-A-Dub 5-pack of "The Works"; Eddie Bauer travel survival kit; fog shield mitt; portable massage pillow; "Faster!" DVD; "Step Into Liquid" DVD; MadagasCAR zipper pull lip balm; tiger Webkinz. (Est. value $120)

Red-y to Celebrate (bottom left)

Pair of red wine goblets; red tea light holder and tea light; champagne fridge magnet; Robert Parker: The Emperor of Wine; Clos de los Siete, Mendoza (Argentina) 2004; wine presentation box. (Est. value $50)

The Dark Side (bottom right)

Brampton Shiraz, 2005 South Africa (featured at the library's fall wine tasting); dark chocolate cocoa mix; Strange Fits of Passion by Anita Shreve; "I used to care" mug; Coffin in Fashion by Gwendoline Butler; Quinettos con Guitarra CD; Fish! Catch the Energy and Release the Potential (in case you change you mind!). (Est. value $25)

Valentine's Day Gift Baskets -Part 1

2009-01-18T20:27:00.001-05:00

Words of Love (top left)
Trio of bud vases; rose-scented Yankee candle; stationery desk set; shell photo frame; 2 chocolate scented pens; note pads; Love From Your Friend Hanna; Loving Each Other; friendship fridge magnet. (Est. value $50)

Winter Weekend (top right)

Chevalier Monopole Champagne, blanc de blancs; wine passport books (Italy, France, California); pair of red wine goblets; starfish wine stopper; vanilla tangerine candle; vanilla hot chocolate; "A Good Year" DVD; giant Toblerone (Est. value $85)

Surrender the Pink (bottom left)

Cucumber-melon soap and shower scrub; mandarin-lime energy lotion; pink fuzzy slippers; blooming hyacinth candle; Sea Island Cotton shower gel, body lotion and eau de toilette; Spy in the House of Love by Anais Nin; trio of scented soaps (vanilla, lavender and jasmine); vanilla-sugar eau de toilette; "My Best Friend's Wedding" DVD; Graham Beck 2006 brut rose (Est. value $120)

The Pause That Refreshes (bottom right)

Pair of heart-studded mugs; Bentley's Green tea; cranberry-apple tea; caramel hot cocoa; Lindor truffles; semi-dark hot cocoa mix. (Est. value $25)

February Meeting

2009-01-16T19:49:00.000-05:00

The Friends will hold its next meeting on Monday, February 2, at 9 a.m. in the library's Community Room. All are welcome to attend. Topics to discuss include planning for the Feb. 12 wine and chocolate tasting (tickets on sale for $25 per person at the library) and the March 26 Spelling Bee (register your team now at the library). The Friends of the Library is still looking for volunteers to assist with children's programs and the upcoming Spelling Bee.

Library Auction Baskets

2009-01-16T13:09:00.000-05:00

Looking for that perfect something for your Valentine? Tired of the dreary winter and ready to spoil yourself a bit? The Friends of the Library have just what you need!

Come place a bid on one or more of our new auction baskets: win a fabulous themed gift package and support the Library.

The baskets are on the main floor of the Library. Each basket has a bid sheet--just fill out the card and we will do the rest! You can even bid "anonymously" using your Library Card number. Bids will be closed and baskets awarded after our Wine & Chocolate event on the evening of Thursday, February 12th.

Cheryl Clinton is January Artist of the Month

2009-01-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

Capturing the moods, colors and patterns of the landscape, Cheryl Clinton's paintings reflect her passion for art and nature. The Friends of the Dover Library is pleased to announce her works of these images will be on display at the Dover Library in January, where Clinton is Artist of the Month. Her exhibit, titled, "Blooming - Thoughts of Spring in Winter" will feature acrylic paint and acrylic based mixed media pieces.

"My work has always been inspired by nature and my place in it," said Clinton. "As my situation changed - from student to teacher, single to married, child to parent - so has my view of the landscape. As the landscape of my life changed, so did the nature of my artwork. Always grounded in observations of the natural world - sky, water and earth, this new series is also inspired by the sadness of loss as well as the joy of birth."

Clinton continued: "While initially many of my paintings take their cues from the natural world, all of the paintings are created in the studio, as are much about the nature of paint and painting as they are reflections of nature. My goal was to create a contemplative visual space - a space that embodies a spirit, a space that acts as a passage between our world and one that may exist beyond ours."

Assessing one of Clinton's exhibits, the Boston Globe's Cate McQuaid noted that, "Any one of her works is a wonder to look at: Its sleek surface, built up with many layers of glaze, recalls beautifully veined and faceted marble."

Clinton has had solo exhibits at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham and the Tower Hill Botanical Garden in Boylston. Recent exhibits also include a three-person show entitled "Natural Forces: Three Artists Exhibit the Landscape," as well as annual participation in the Massachusetts College of Art's Benefit Auction. Her paintings are included in the corporate collection of Meditech and in numerous private collections throughout the United States and abroad.

The artist has also been active as a promoter of the arts in the Metrowest Boston area, in particular as the creator of the successful Fountain Street Open Studios in Framingham, now in its eleventh year.

Clinton first became passionate about art growing up in Framingham. After earning a bechelor's degree from the Massachusetts College of Art, she traveled to Europe, where her sense of the natural world was inspired by the waterways of Venice and the surf of Skopelos Island. She then went on to complete her master's degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Moveing to Boylston with her husband, Frederick A. Randell, renewed her childhood memories of the unspoiled beauty of rural New England.

For more information, please visit her web site at www.cclinton.com.

Library as Recession Sanctuary: check out today's Globe editorial:

2009-01-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/01/03/the_library___a_recession_sanctuary/

Here is Derrick Z. Jackson's discussion of the importance of libraries in our economic state. Interesting and timely quotes by Amy Ryan, Director of the BPL, on the the essential role libraries play in our lives and in our communities. Pass it on!

January Meeting

2008-12-17T21:23:00.000-05:00

The next Friends of the Library meeting will be on Monday, January 5, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. It will be the first meeting of the year, and topics to discuss include: a recap of the house tour and the status of fundraising and membership to date, as well as planning for the upcoming spelling bee (scheduled for March 26), a Valentine-themed wine tasting event, Valentine's Day gift baskets for silent auction and other spring events. The Friends is still looking for someone to assist other Friends members in planning a few library events for Dover children.

Meeting is NEXT Week

2008-11-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that due to the Chickering holiday tomorrow, our monthly meeting will take place next week - December 8 - at 9 am.

Linda Burke December Artist of the Month

2008-11-30T20:01:00.000-05:00

"Internal Landscapes" Exhibit By Linda Burke to be Featured at Dover Library in December

Needham High School Art Teacher is Artist of the Month

Teaching art at Needham High School for the past 15 years, artist Linda Burke has fostered many a talent. Recently, she has been able to focus on a talent closer to home: her own. The result of her labor is an exhibit titled "Internal Landscapes", which will be on display at the Dover Library December 1-31. Burke will also host an opening reception at the library on December 10 from 6-8 p.m.

Burke's pieces are large in size for watercolor. She then alters the watercolor surface with mark-making, using drawing media such as charcoal, Conte crayon colored pencils and pastel.

"With watercolor and mixed drawing media, I explore the mark-making process as it is affected but emotional and psychological moments," said Burke. "The work is then approached with no preconceived goals, which allows for experiences, memories, or the timbre of the day to impact the color, motion and line."

The artist said that while one piece may be influenced by a tragic event, other could be collections of ethereal impressions.

"Essentially, my work is a gestalt art process, influenced by Chinese brush painting artists and modern Abstract Expressionists, like Joan Snyder,"she added. "I begin with large physical brushwork and then pull out imagery based on internal dialog and what I see emerging naturally from the paper surface."

After focusing on teaching for so many years, Burke returned to her own craft when she moved to Ashland five years ago and began painting at the Danforth Museum. She currently works in Michael Dowling's Medicine Wheel Studios in South Boston.

Next Meeting - December 8

2008-11-25T14:56:00.000-05:00

The next Friends' meeting will take place on Monday, December 8, at 9 am in the library's Community Room. This is a departure from the tradition of meeting the first Monday of the month due to a school holiday on December 1. All are invited and welcome to attend. Topics to discuss include the recent house tour and a report on where membership and fundraising to date stand, as well as planning for the upcoming spelling bee (scheduled for March 26, 2009), a Valentine-themed wine tasting event, Valentine's Day baskets for silent auction and other spring events. The Friends is also looking for a volunteer to assist other Friends members in planning a few library events for Dover children.

2008-11-12T15:45:00.000-05:00

Below are pictures from our October wine tasting. A special thanks to Bob Harkey of Harkey's Wine & Spirits in Millis for donating his time to the Friends to teach us about wines from South Africa. A wonderful evening as we sipped various wines and Bob regaled us with stories from his recent trip. Best of all, the wines were excellent and ranged from $10-20! Head down to Harkey's to stock up ...

Doing Well While Doing Good

2008-11-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

Just got back from the Blue Tulip in Wellesley, where a sum equal to 15% of today's purchases will be donated to the Dover Town Library if you mention the Library to the salesclerk at checkout. I found a bunch of clever gifties, and many were on sale: stationery was 50% off, holiday cards 20% off. They have excellent teacher gift items, as well as toys and cards and stocking stuffers.

In these difficult economic times, it makes sense to optimize your spending. Head over to Wellesley (Roche Bros. plaza) and put your money to work for the Library while you take care of some of your holiday and birthday gift shopping. Make sure to thank them for their support of the Dover Town Library.

REMINDER - SHOPPING DAY AT BLUE TULIP

2008-11-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to get ahead start on holiday shopping and help the library. Mention the Friends at Blue Tulip in Wellesley tomorrow, Nov. 9, and the group will get 15% of the proceeds. Spread the word!

Cause to celebrate!

2008-10-28T18:24:00.000-04:00

The following is featured in the Dover-Sherborn Press releases RSS feed:

The Dover Town Library is ranked seventh in the nation and #1 in Massachusetts for its population category, according to the HAPLR rankings. The HAPLR index rates, scores, and then ranks more than 9,000 American libraries using the latest federal data (library statistics collected in 2005) based on 15 factors. These factors focus on circulation, staffing, materials, reference service and funding levels.

Congratulations to the entire Dover community and the Dover Library staff!
Additional information about the rankings can be found at www.haplr-index.com, or on the American Libraries Web site, http://www.haplr-index.com/HAPLR08_CorrectedVersionOctober8_2008.pdf.

Shopping Event to Benefit Friends of the Dover Library

2008-10-17T00:09:00.000-04:00

SAVED THE DATE!!!

What: Get a head start on holiday shopping ... and support the Dover Library

When: Monday, November 10, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Blue Tulip, Linden Street Shops, Wellesley

Why: Mention the Friends when you shop and the group will get 15% of the proceeds - that is money back for your library!

Just in time for the wine-tasting...

2008-10-15T15:46:00.001-04:00

I always look forward to the Boston Globe's wine columns, and enjoy the articles by Stephen Meuse and his oenophile colleagues. The Globe's timing could not have been better for our wine-tasting tomorrow night: today they featured their annual "Plonkapalooza" in the Lifestyle pages. Check out the link and think about whether the Friends should attempt to duplicate this (over several evenings--they have 50 choices!!) here in Dover: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/gallery/plonkapalooza/

Friends Seeks "Chess-perts"

2008-10-07T15:45:00.000-04:00

The Friends is seeking chess masters to share their knowledge of the game with elementary school children as part of the library's after school programming.

From general principles to maneuvers and strategy, the children will need to be taught the nuts and bolts of the game. While some of the children participated in last year's program, they are all novices.

The Friends needs volunteers to make the program a success and is hoping to tap into the expertise of those in the community.

The chess program will be held on Thursday afternoons, with one session from 3:30 to 4:30 and one from 4:30 to 5:30.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Lorie Linnell at 508-785-9766 or lorielinn@aol.com.