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.

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. It would be unfair to resident taxpayers to provide library services to non-residents for any less.

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

While pandemic policies are in effect, all returning library materials can be placed in the book drops located at the statue in the middle of the driveway and at the children's room entrance.

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 and Charges

Fines

	Fine Per Day	Maximum Fine
Most Items	25 cents	$5.00
Fast Reads	50 cents	$5.00
Telescope	$1.00	$5.00
Kindle	$1.00	$5.00

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 6 weeks 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 and magazines cannot be renewed.

Items can be renewed through our online catalog, at the circulation desk or by phone.

Placing a Hold on Library Materials

See our tutorial on How to Place a Hold

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.

A maximum of 20 holds are allowed.