Library Services
Free 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
- Current utility bill
- Property tax receipt
- Digital copy of same shown on phone to staff
Employee of any Dover business
Any non-resident employee working in a Dover school or business is eligible for one free Dover Public Library card. The card owner may lend the card to his/her family members, but these family members do not qualify for their own personal card unless they go to school or also work in Dover. Digital services are not available to nonresident employee cardholders.
Acceptable proof of employee status includes:
- Recent pay stub featuring Dover business’s address
- Letter on company letterhead indicating applicant is employed by the company.
Grades K-12 Dover school student
Also, any non-resident student attending a Dover school is eligible for a free card. Student cards are issued for an individual, school-age borrower who resides outside of Dover but attends a Dover school (e.g. St. Mary’s, Portsmouth Christian Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas, Seacoast Charter School, or a private kindergarten.
Acceptable proof of enrollment in a Dover school includes:
- School ID, report card or bill for private schools.
- Letter on school stationary, signed by school principal, confirming 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. Resident Senior (62 or older) cards are valid for 3 years. Digital services are not available to nonresident student cardholders.
Paid Non-resident Members
If you are not eligible for a free Dover Public Library card, you may pay an annual or semi-annual fee to purchase a single card. Forms verifying veteran status must be shown to receive 25% discount. The fees are as follows:
Full Year Non-Resident Library Card Adult $200 Senior $150 Veteran Adult $150 Veteran Senior $112.50
Half Year Non-Resident Library Card Adult $120 Senior $90 Veteran Adult $90 Veteran Senior $67.50
Senior cards must be in the name of someone aged 62 or older.
Adult Non-Resident cards may be used by family members, while Senior cards are limited to two people. Student cards are for student use only. A paid non-resident card entitles its holder access to all library materials, Inter Library Loan services, online databases, and all other library programs and services.
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 | 50 |
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 20 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.