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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
It is of no surprise that the Dover Library is well loved. It is a place that offers not only typical library resources like books, movies, and audiotapes, but also 3D printing, cooking equipment, and a variety of technologies. Due to the hard work of the librarians, as well as the support of the community, the Dover Library has been recognized as a Star Library for the third year in a row by Library Journal, a nationally recognized professional journal. Fewer than 300 of the 17,000 libraries in the United States receive this recognition based on circulation of materials, patron visits, program attendance, electronic circulation and internet usage. Electronic circulation is a new category this year, however it did not stop Dover from excelling.
The 2016 Star Library award will join two others at the Dover Town Library. Photos by Katrina Margolis
“It’s very exciting and it’s through the hard work of the staff,” Cheryl Abdullah, Director of the Dover Town Library, said. “We get it not because of funding, but because of the amount of the work that the staff does. That, I think, is a noble effort, and that’s the part I don’t think people understand - the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.” Throughout the year, the staff not only helps any and all patrons who enter into the library, but they also host events from cooking demonstrations to a Diwali celebration.
While there are a number of beautiful libraries in the area, Dover really does shine through. “I think considering that we’re a really small library, all of those other towns [such as Needham and Westwood] are a lot bigger; they’re cities and we’re still a small town. I think the fact that we can go toe-to-toe with some of the big boys is kind of impressive,” Abdullah said. “The state only requires us to be open for 23 hours and we’re open 54. You know, we could take the easy way out, but we don’t. We try to give the community as much of the library experience and cultural events as possible.”
This isn’t the only award that the Dover Library has received. In 2012, the library was named as a finalist “Best Small Library in North America” by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “My staff is really enthusiastic about that. They go all out, and they are friendly and quite helpful. We just love what we do and love the community,” Abdullah said. “This award isn’t something we work towards, but it’s something that comes as a benefit for all of the hard work that we do.”
