The Library is undergoing a renovation!

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.
The Dover Public Library will be reopening on June 5th, 2026!
Starting on Monday, April 20th we will be downsizing our temporary space in the McConnell Center in anticipation of our move. We will be consolidating a portion of the adult and children’s space into room 306.
We will be open on Mondays from 9am to 8:30pm and Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm with the following services available:
- Our browse collection of books for all ages—what we have purchased in the last 6 months.
- Patrons will be able to pick up books on hold, but will unfortunately only be able to place browse books on hold.
- We will have 4 computers for public use with printing capabilities.
- Magazines and newspapers.
- All of our museum passes will be available for borrowing.
- Homebound delivery and our offsite All Abilities Club will continue.
- The Children’s Department will be offering a 4 week session of Preschool & Family Storytimes. Preschool on Mondays at 10am (except for Memorial Day) and Family Storytime on Wednesdays at 10am.
- During April school vacation, Wednesday, April 29th at 10:30am, we will be hosting author & illustrator Marty Kelley for elementary school kids.
- Our 24th Annual Poetry Contest will be taking place.
We are excited to welcome our community back to our beautiful newly renovated space!
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.
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.
How can I keep updated on the library renovation?



