Library Services
Library Cards
Dover Public Library cards are free to any individual renting or owning property in the City of Dover, and to any individual who works or goes to school in Dover. Seniors are persons 62 years of age or older. Children who live in Dover, or go to school in Dover are eligible for a card at 5 years of age.
Apply for a library card online
Residents of Dover may apply for a library card with either:
- Photo ID (Driver’s License) with current Dover address
- Photo ID (Driver’s License) with non-Dover address AND proof of residency
Acceptable proof of residency includes:
- Recent pay stub
- Copy of signed lease/ mortgage papers
- Car registration
- Checkbook
- Current utility bill
- Property tax receipt
Individuals working in the city of Dover should bring a recent pay stub.
Students in the city of Dover should bring proof of enrollment.
Renew Your Library Card
Library cards will be renewed annually with senior resident cards renewing for three years. To renew, card holders will be required to provide proof, as above, of continued eligibility for a Dover Public Library card.
Your library card can be renewed at the library circulation desk or online!
To renew your library card without coming into the library please email a photo of your library card and a photo of your driver's license with your Dover address on it (or other documentation) to libraryquestions@dover.nh.gov. Please put "Library card for" and then your name in the subject line.
Non-resident cards
Non-residents may purchase a Dover Public Library card.
| Full Year | Half Year | |
| Non-Resident | $200 | $120 |
| Non-Resident Senior | $150 | $90 |
| Non-Resident Veteran | $150 | $90 |
| Non-Resident Senior Veteran | $112.50 | $67.50 |
Note: These fees have been approved by the Library Board of Trustees and the Dover City Council, and are based on what the average Dover homeowner, living in a median-priced house, will pay in property taxes to support the Library.
Loan Policies
Library materials can be checked out at the Adult or Children's Circulation Desk with a valid Dover Public Library card.
| Item | Check Out Period | Renewal Period | Item Limit | |
| Renewals allowed if no one is waiting for the item | * 50 items total limit | |||
| Fiction | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | No limit * | |
| Non-Fiction | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 per subject | |
| Book on CD | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | 10 | |
| DVD Movie | 1 week | 1 week | 5 | |
| DVD Set (3 discs or more) | 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 2 | |
| Music CD | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | 10 | |
| Magazine | 3 weeks | No renewals | 10 |
Returning Library Materials
We ask that all music CDs, audiobooks, and DVDs be returned in the specially marked media drop boxes next to the book drops. Materials that cannot fit should be returned at a circulation desk.
Overdue Fines
Overdue fines are only charged for Fast Read books, at $0.50 per day up to $5.00 maximum.Items Not Returned
Please return your items on time so that other patrons may borrow them.
When an item is 2 weeks overdue we will notify you by email, mail or phone.
When an item is 60 days overdue we will bill you for the cost of the item plus a $1.00 processing fee.
Renewing Library Materials
Most library materials can be renewed once if no one has placed a hold on them. Only Fast Reads cannot be renewed.
Items can be renewed through our online catalog, at the circulation desk or by phone.
Placing a Hold on Library Materials
You can place a hold on any library material except Fast Reads through our online catalog, at the circulation desk or by phone. When the item is available, we will send you an email or give you a phone call. If you have not picked your hold up in 5 days we will offer it to the next person on the list or return it to the shelves.
Items may be requested from the school libraries by placing a hold. The item will be delivered to the Dover Public Library, and you may return it to the Dover Public Library. This is only available during the school year.
A maximum of 10 holds are allowed.
Handpicked Books
Are you unsure what to read next, in a book rut, or are you looking for books that will capture your child's imagination? Let us help. Answer a few quick questions about your reading habits, and let us do the rest. We will gather some books, check them out to you, and make them available through our Book Pickup Service, or you can come in the library and pick them up. This is a free service for all ages of readers.