Cook for the Books fundraiser to support Dover Public Library

posted on 1/15/2026

Does Chef Evan Hennessey have what it takes to turn mystery ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal?

Find out Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m. during Cook for the Books, a fundraiser sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Public Library to support the library’s ongoing renovation.

During the live cooking event, three-time Chopped champion Chef Evan Hennessey will prepare original dishes at his restaurant, Stages, using ingredients selected by public vote.

A watch party will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Chapel + Main, 83 Main St., Dover, with the live stream beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will include appetizers, a light buffet, one cocktail or mocktail, raffles and a silent auction. A meet-and-greet with Hennessey will follow the cooking challenge at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Watch party tickets are $75 and may be purchased by cash or check at the Dover Public Library’s temporary location at the McConnell Center or online at galabid.com/cook-for-the-books. Event sponsors and donors include Kennebunk Bank, Chinburg Properties, The Truette and Brady-Sullivan Properties.

All proceeds will go toward furnishing the newly renovated library spaces. Donations are also welcome and may be made through the Friends of the Dover Library’s GoFundMe page at friendsofthedoverlibrary.org.

Hennessey, a Dover native, first competed on the television series Chopped in 2018. He opened Stages in 2012, serving progressive New England cuisine made with locally and regionally sourced ingredients. His honors include being named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast and receiving the Award of Excellence from the Chaine des Rotisseurs for outstanding food and service. Stages has been named one of the top 100 best restaurants in North America by Opinionated About Dining for eight consecutive years.

For more information, visit library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050. The library has temporarily relocated to the McConnell Center during the renovation of its main building. The Children’s Room is located in Room 305, while adult and teen services are available in the McConnell Center cafeteria. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

To hear more about the event and learn more about Evan Hennessey, tune in to next week's Dover Download podcast, where Deputy Manager Christopher Parker chats with Hennessey about his local roots, his career, and the upcoming Library fundraiser.