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Join Library Staff, Trustees, and the Friends of the Dover Library on Thursday, June 9, from 4-6 p.m. for a ‘Renovation Celebration.’ Enjoy tea, juice, and sweets while touring the newly opened space.
The main floor of the Library was closed from December until February for painting and new carpet installation. This presented an opportunity to redesign the main floor to provide a more comfortable space better adapted to the practical needs of library patrons. Library Director Cheryl Abdullah, explains, “While our selection of books and materials continues to grow, we have thoughtfully reconfigured the layout of the main floor to provide our patrons with the spaces they need to study, work, browse or just visit. So many people have commented on how warm, inviting, and comfortable the renovated space feels.”
“In the past, we have had many requests for a quiet study or small meeting area - we were able to add two small meeting spaces in the quieter back corner of the library,” adds Ms. Abdullah, “but there are also main floor spaces dedicated to computer use, conversation, Local History, Listening to music, creative projects and technology.”
Visitors to the Dover Library can now experience the new “Maker Space,” which features a different hands-on creative project each month. Nearby, a 3-D printer is making a model of a widget designed in a CAD/CAM class offered by library staff. A ‘Green Screen’ area has been set up to encourage library users to learn about video production.
“Libraries are a community center, and an important place to search out information and knowledge. We want to provide learning experiences and information for all types of learners and all ages of library patrons,” Ms. Abdullah continues, “We are proud to offer a wide ranging collection of books, digital resource, programs, hands-on learning experiences, and comfortable and practical spaces for our patrons.”
Funds for new paint and carpet replacement were approved at Dover Town Meeting in May 2015. Additional money for the renovation came from donations made to the annual Trustees’ Appeal and the Hovey Fund. The hard work and dedication of many people, notably the library staff and town Building Maintenance Department, were instrumental carrying out the project.
