The Library is under going a renovation in 2025!
The library is undergoing a renovation that will include a small addition to the side entrance of the library with a new stairwell, elevator, and two single occupancy bathrooms on every level. This addition will be built slightly out into the parking lot, but will only remove one parking space. The Children’s Room will be expanded into the basement area and the third floor will be increased to add more meeting room space. In addition, shelving will be refinished, new carpets and furnishings added, and you may notice a few spaces shifted around! Click below to see the floor plans drawn up by SMP Architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions!
When will the renovation take place?
The project began in early 2025.
Where will the library be temporarily located?
The library building will be closed for up to a year while construction is being done. During this time, we have moved into a temporary location at the McConnell Center next door. The adult and teen collections is located in the McConnell Center’s cafeteria, while the Children’s Room is in Room 305. We host library events in Room 306.
Click here for a McConnell Center Map with directions to our rooms!
Will I have access to the entire library collection?
We moved a small core collection of our most popular materials into our temporary space in the McConnell Center for your browsing pleasure. While the Library building will be inaccessible to the public, library staff will still be able to access the collection and most items can be reserved to pick up at our temporary location.
Will there be changes to library services and hours?
Due to space restraints, we will no longer be able to offer space for book sale items or be able to take book donations. We will also no longer have any public meeting rooms available starting Dec. 1, 2024, and passport services ceased on Nov. 27, 2024.
Library hours have slightly changed with our move to the McConnell Center to best fit their building’s operating schedule. Our current operation hours:
Mon-Thurs 9 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM
Sunday: Closed during summer
Once the renovation is complete, we hope to return back to full-service and regular hours.
Will you still be offering library programs?
Yes! We have a programming room located at Room 306 in the McConnell Center and will continue to offer story times, social meetups, lectures, and craft programs for all ages in this space. We will also be expanding out into the community to use other spaces available to us. We will keep you updated through our event calendar to let you know if a program will be held in another space.
Will there be a Children's Area?
The Children's Room is located in McConnell Center Room 305. Due to limited space we, will not have room for a craft table. Instead, Children's Room staff will be making grab-and-go craft kits you can enjoy at home. There will also be less toys available, but staff will rotate items to keep things fresh and fun.
All storytimes now take place in McConnell Center Room 306 (our programming room that's right next to the temporary Children's Room). Our regular programming, such as LEGO Club and Crafternoons, are also ongoing in our temporary location.
Will the renovation preserve the historic nature of the building?
We have had some people express concern regarding our upcoming renovations and how the changes will affect the historic detailing of the Dover Public Library. Dover is lucky to have a Carnegie Library—one of only 10 in New Hampshire—and we were adamant when choosing an architect that they be familiar with historic buildings. We are working with SMP Architecture out of Concord, NH and they have worked with many historic buildings and more specifically other Carnegie Libraries in NH. They are as passionate as we are about preserving the look and feel of our 1905 library. The historic front façade of the building will remain unchanged, as will the beautiful wood detailing that runs throughout. The parking lot entrance of the library will change forming two separate entrances for the Children’s Service Department on the ground floor and the Adult Services area on the main floor.
Will meeting spaces be available?
During the library renovation, the meeting spaces will not be available for public use. Click here for a few options to try. Please contact the organizations directly for more details.
Will AARP Tax Help be available?
The AARP Tax Help will take place at the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, located at 577 Central Ave #10, in Dover. Appointments will be at 9, 10, and 11 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 2-1-1 will not be taking appointments until mid January, and the online appointment scheduler at NHTaxHelp.org won't be available until then as well.
How can I keep updated on the library renovation?