Library Services

Library Cards

Dover Public Library cards are free to any individual or business 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

Download an application form

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.

Note: All library cards will be renewed annually. Once a year, you will be required to provide proof, as above, of your continued eligibility for a Dover Public Library card.

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

All library materials can be returned to either the adult circulation desk or the children's circulation desk. Most items can also 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 you do not put music CDs nor audiobooks on CD in the book drops because their packaging is not strong enough to hold up in the book drops.

Overdue Fines and Charges

Fines

	Fine Per Day	Maximum Fine
Most Items	25 cents	$10.00
Fast Reads	50 cents	$10.00
Telescope	$1.00	$10.00
Kindle	$1.00	$10.00

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.