Dover Public Library Archives
Records of
Dover Public Library
1912-[1952-1955, 2010-2012]-2013
8 linear feet
Accessioned 2013 January
Finding aid prepared by Claire Kandle, 2013 April 11
Dover Public Library Archives
Administrative History
The American Sheet and Tin Plate Company founded the first Dover Public Library for the
benefit of its employees. Located at the corner of Front and Factory Streets, the new library
opened to the public in November 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson served as custodians of its 2000
books. On November 1, 1935, the plants of the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company and the
Carnegie plant became a unit of the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation. In 1937, the CarnegieIllinois Steel Corporation became part of the United States Steel Corporation. The American
Steel and Wire Company continued to operate until 1937–1938, when it was closed and later
dismantled, and the equipment shipped to a firm in Cleveland, Ohio.
In 1907, the company donated the books to the City of Dover, whose citizens moved the library
to a residence at the corner of Cherry and Fifth Streets. The Simpson family remained in charge
of the library here until 1914.
In 1916, the city dismantled the residence and built a high school in its place. The library
occupied the basement of the high school, and a Miss Vivian McCarthy served as librarian while
attending school.
The Dover City Board of Education supervised the library until 1923, when the school board
appointed a library board of seven members in accordance with state law, statute 3375.01. Mrs.
P.G. (Eliza J.) Justice retired from the library board in six months to assist Miss McCarthy; the
board promoted her to head librarian within the year. She remained in that position for 22 years.
A converted residence at 417 Walnut Street served as the space for the library beginning in 1934.
In 1953 Dover passed a bond issue to build a new library for its citizens. The doors of the new
building opened in 1955. The library incorporated a new addition, a technology room, in 2001.
Dan Cooley served as library director from 1980-2009, when he was replaced by Jim Gill.
Sources Consulted
“Sharon Steel Corporation.” Wikipedia, accessed 19 April 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Steel_Corporation
“History of the Library.” Dover Public Library website, accessed 13 April 2013.
http://www.doverlibrary.org/content/history
Dover Public Library Archives
Scope and Content
These records document activities and events at Dover Public Library in Dover, Ohio. The date
span of material is 1912-2013, with predominant dates of 1952-1955 and 2010-2012. Several
librarians gathered, maintained, and transported this material over the years with the purpose of
preserving a documentary history of their public library; librarian Eliza J. Justice (1923-1946)
and Director Jim Gill (2010-present) are two of the major contributors. Materials are primarily
textual in nature and consist of administrative records as well as assembled historical material.
They include board minutes, annual reports and statistical records, by-laws, correspondence,
newsletters, scrapbooks, and an extensive newspaper file. Other formats in the group include
photographs, 35mm slides, 3-D slides and viewer, prints, and ephemera. No extant records exist
for the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company. No financial or public librarian files exist within
the administrative records, and the correspondence series is limited to discussion of the new
library. The board minutes are a complete, rich series documenting staff, budget, and all major
activities and events at Dover Public Library since the board’s inception. The newspaper file
consists of 300+ published articles relating to the library, but significant gaps exist from 19602010. The library digitized selections of photographs, slides, and ephemera to mount on their
website, and maintains these files as a separate digital collection.
Statement of Arrangement
The records are divided into 10 series: Annual Reports and Statistical Records, Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes, By-Laws of the Dover Public Library, Correspondence, Ephemera,
Newsletters, Newspaper Articles, Scrapbooks, Mixed Media (contains 2 subseries: Photographs
and Slides), and a Vertical File arranged by subject.
Series Description
Series 1. Annual Reports and Statistical Records, 1912-[1956-1994]-2004 (1.5 l.f.)
Series consists of compiled monthly and annual circulation data of all circulating library
materials arranged chronologically. Circulation statistics are available 1956-1994. Series
includes Accession Book dated 1912.
Series 2. Board of Trustees, Meeting Minutes, 1923-1992 (1.5 l.f.)
Minutes in this series document topics discussed at meetings of the Board of Trustees,
including building and grounds maintenance, budget, personnel (staff and salary),
Dover Public Library Archives
programs, and library collections. This is an active series arranged chronologically. The
treasurer's office maintains the active minutes.
Series 3. By-Laws of the Dover Public Library, 1966 (.02 l.f.)
This series consists of the By-Laws adopted by Dover Public Library on February 3,
1966. Major topics outlined include meetings, officers, committees, quorum, librarian,
order of business, rules of procedure, clerk, and amendments.
Series 4. Correspondence, 1953-1957 (.05 l.f.)
This series consists of letters to and from Reverend Roy Grams, President of the Board of
Trustees, that document the 1953 bond issue campaign and the search for a head librarian
(post secured by David West). It also includes letters from area businesses documenting
plans, finances, and construction of the new library building. The series maintains
original chronological order.
Series 5. Ephemera 1953-ca.2012 (.05 l.f.)
This series consists of materials documenting the 1953 bond issue campaign, the 2011
levy campaign, the 2001 technology and community room addition, and miscellaneous
material including newspaper clippings, library signs, and bookmarks picturing the
library.
Series 6. Newsletters 2010-2013 (.2 l.f.)
This is an active series produced by Dover Public Library documenting events taking
place at the library. It is arranged chronologically and includes reading programs, clubs,
and activities such as “Tech Nights” and “Meet the Author.” The director's office has
photocopies for use. The library publishes three seasonal newsletters each year: Spring,
Summer, and Fall.
Series 7. Newspaper Articles 1924-[1936-1940, 1952-1955, 2010-2012]-2013 (2 l.f.)
Series consists of articles documenting library programs, events, activities, and staff. All
articles were published in The Daily Reporter (Dover), The Daily Times (New
Philadelphia), The Times Reporter (Dover-New Philadelphia), or The Bargain Hunter
(Tuscarawas County). All articles are preservation photocopies arranged chronologically.
Majority of content is replicated from the scrapbooks, including articles advertising a
weekly “Story Hour,” lists of new books added, and meetings held. The bond issue and
new building (1952-1955) are well documented in the series. Some complete original
issues are kept in a separate chronological file.
Dover Public Library Archives
Series 8. Scrapbooks 1924-1955 (1 l.f.)
Series consists of three books arranged chronologically. Photographs are available.
Book 1. 1924-1937. Compiled by Eliza J. Justice. Book is in poor condition. A small
collection of recipes were tucked in an envelope addressed to P.G. Justice inside the
folder containing the scrapbook pieces. Book contains a published review of Gone with
the Wind by S.O. Mase, board treasurer, a 1937 history of the Dover Public Library, new
book lists, and story hour descriptions. Book also contains many loose undated clippings
along with the pasted, dated articles.
Book 2. 1938-1940. Compiled by Eliza J. Justice. Book is in fair condition. Articles have
cutout dates pasted above them. The majority are new book lists, library programs and
meetings, and story hour descriptions. Book contains a photo of Mrs. Justice and articles
documenting her hospital stay in 1939.
Book 3. 1952-1954. Compiled by an unknown library staff member. Book is in fair
condition. Majority of articles document the 1953 bond issue and the building of the new
library. Others include a regular “At the Library” column that appeared in The Daily
Reporter.
Series 9. Mixed Media ca. 1934-2001 (1 l.f.)
Subseries 1. Photographs ca.1934-[1955, 1997]-2001 (.8 l.f.)
This series consists of 18 black and white photographs published in the 1955 September
16 issue of The Daily Reporter (with original captions), a black and white photograph of
Eliza J. Justice in the library located in the 6th St. school building taken ca. 1934, some
undated exterior photographs of the building, photographs of the library arbor taken in
1991, two photographs of the technology wing construction in 2001, and photographs of
two library mural projects completed in 1997 and 2000. Digital copies exist for most of
the collection. Arrangement is first by size, then alphabetical by subject.
Subseries 2. Slides ca. 1954(.2 l.f.)
Series consists of 35mm color slides that depict the old library building, the cornerstone
ceremony, and the new library. Digital copies exist for a group of 78 slides. An additional
group of 3-D color slides and viewer depict the interior and exterior of the new library.
Arrangement in polypropylene pages preserves original order.
Series 10. Vertical File 1937-[1954-1955, 2011-2012]-2012 (.5 l.f.)
This file contains information relating to major events and prominent staff members in
the history of Dover Public Library. Topics include the new building, the 1953 bond issue
Dover Public Library Archives
campaign, the levy campaign of 2011, building maintenance, and miscellany. Items of
interest consist of a collection of prints drawn by cartoonist James Harrison Donahey
(1875-1949) for the Cleveland Plain Dealer in 1931 and donated to the library in 1937, a
recipe file created by librarian Eliza J. Justice, building specifications, and copies of a
library history, draft and final, written by Corita Syler and placed in the library
cornerstone. Digital copies and photographs exist for pieces in this series.
Dover Public Library Archives
Container List
* denotes restricted information. See staff for details
Box
Folder
Title (volume)
Series 1. Annual Reports and Statistical Records, 1912-2004
1
N/A
Accession Book 1912-ca. 1930 (1 vol.)
2
1-4
Monthly Reports 1954-1957 (4f)
2
5
Annual Statistics 1958
2
6-52
Monthly Reports 1958-2004 (47f)
3
53-61 Circulation Records 1955-1963 (9f)
3
N/A
Circulation Statistics Record 1963 June-1967 December (1 vol.)
3
N/A
Circulation Statistics Record 1968 January-1977 December (1 vol.)
4
N/A
Circulation Statistics Record 1978 January-1982 December (1 vol.)
4
N/A
Circulation Statistics Record 1983 January-1988 May (1 vol.)
4
N/A
Circulation 1988 June-1992 December (2 vols.)
4
N/A
Circulation 1993 January-1994 September (2 vols.)
Series 2. Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes, 1923-1992
1
1
Minutes: 7/23-12/27
1
2
Minutes: 1/28-12/32
1
3
Minutes: 1/33-12/35
1
4
Minutes: 1/36-7/38
1
5
Minutes: 8/38-10/42
1
6
Minutes: 11/42-12/49
1
7
Minutes: 1/50-12/53
Dover Public Library Archives
1
8
Minutes: 1/54-12/57
1
N/A
Dover Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes 1958-1977 (3 vols.)
2
9-10
Minutes: 1978-1983 (2f)
2
11-12 Minutes: 1984-1993 (2f)
Series 3-5. By-Laws of the Dover Public Library, 1966; Correspondence, 1953-1957;
Ephemera, 1953-ca.2012
Series 3. By-Laws of the Dover Public Library, 1966
1
1
Dover Public Library By-Laws
Series 4. Correspondence, 1953-1957
1
2
Library Letters (Building)
1
3
Library Letters (Miscellaneous)
Series 5. Ephemera, 1953-ca.2012
1
4
2011 Campaign
1
5
Misc. Library Material
1
6
New Addition
1
7
New Building
Series 6. Newsletters, 2010-2013
1
1
Summer 2010
1
2
Fall 2010
1
3
Spring 2011
1
4
Summer 2011
1
5
Fall 2011
Dover Public Library Archives
1
6
Spring 2012
1
7
Summer 2012
1
8
Fall 2012
1
9
Spring 2013
Series 7. Newspaper Articles, 1924-2013
1
1-90
1924-1938 (90f)
2
91-180
1938-1953 (90f)
3
181-270
1953-2010 (90f)
4
271-324
2010-2013 (54f)
5
1
1953 October 29: library bond issue campaign
5
2
1953 November 2: library bond issue
5
3
1955 September 16: new library building open house
5
4
1977 October 27: Pretorius resigns from board (incomplete)
5
5
2009 December 27: Library director retires
5
6
2012 October 26: Library’s 110th anniversary
5
7
2012 November 5: Library’s 110th anniversary
Series 8. Scrapbooks, 1924-1955
1
N/A
Book 1. 1924-1937
1
N/A
Book 2. 1938-1940
1
N/A
Book 3. 1952-1954
Dover Public Library Archives
Series 9. Mixed Media
1
1
Eliza Justice, Librarian, ca. 1934 (8x10)
1
2
Great Books Discussion Group, 1955 (8x10)
1
3-6
Library Exterior ca. 1955 (8x10)
1
7-24
New Library Photos, 1955 (5x7) (18f)
1
25
Charlotte Takas/Reading Club, 1962 (5.5x5.5)
2
26
Library Exterior, undated (4x6)
2
27
Library Mural,1997 (4x6) (21p)
2
28
Library Arbor, 1991 (3x5) (7p)
2
29
Library Exterior, undated (3x5)
2
30
Library Mural, 1997 (3x5) (41p)
2
31
Library Mural, Children’s Room, 2000 (3x5) (11p)
2
32-33 New Addition, 2000-2001 (3x5) (2f, 3p)
3
N/A
35mm Slides (3 pages)
3
N/A
3-D Slides (15)
3
N/A
3-D Slide Viewer
Series 10. Vertical File, 1937-2012
Building Maintenance
1
1
Asbestos
1
2
Boiler
1
3
Building Deficiencies
Dover Public Library Archives
1
4
Building Specifications
1
5
Pump/Well
Campaign, 1953 Bond Issue
1
6
BUILDING PROGRAM Bond Issue (Results of Voting)
1
7
Library-Campaign Literature
Campaign, 2011 Levy
1
8
Annual Report, 2009
1
9
Ballot Forms
1
10
Contributor List*
1
11
Election Results
1
12
Expenditures*
1
13
Newspaper Clippings, 2011 March-May
1
14
School Board Meeting, 2010-12-20
Miscellany, Donahey prints
2
1
Lake Erie’s Islands
2
2
Celeryville
2
3
Mentor
2
4
Painesville
2
5
Kirtland
2
6
Geneva
2
7
Ashtabula (1)
2
8
Jefferson
2
9
Conneaut
Dover Public Library Archives
2
10
Ashtabula (2)
2
11
Kinsman
2
12
Trumbull
2
13
Niles
2
14
Warren
2
15
Bristolville
2
16
Youngstown
2
17
Poland
2
18
Lisbon
2
19
Salem
2
20
Steubenville
2
21
Harrison
2
22
Morgan’ Raid (Lisbon)
2
23
East Liverpool
2
24
Tuscarawas
2
25
Port Clinton
2
26
Bucyrus
2
27
Oberlin
2
28
Ashland
2
29
Wooster
2
30
Massillon
2
31
Medina
2
32
Alliance
Dover Public Library Archives
2
33
Kent
2
34
Uniontown/Bolton
2
35
Norwalk
2
36
Steubenville
2
37
Willard
2
38
Western Reserve Pioneer (Huron County)
2
39
Chardon
2
40
Galion
2
41
Akron
2
42
Founders of an Empire
2
43
Ravenna
2
44
Marion
2
45
Canton
2
46
Lorain
2
47
Elyria
2
48
Wellington
2
49
Sandusky
2
50
Mansfield
2
51
Home Town (New Philadelphia)
2
52
Dover
Miscellany, Recipes
1
15
New Building
Recipes
Dover Public Library Archives
1
16
Architectural print
1
17
BUILDING PROGRAM Cornerstone Ceremony
1
18
BUILDING PROGRAM Equipment Specifications
1
19
BUILDING PROGRAM Expenditures
1
20
BUILDING PROGRAM Stage Curtain (Janson Industries)