Build a diorama using Peeps of any color or species in a standard size shoe box, no larger than 16” x 16” please. Create your diorama based on a scene from a book. The first eight entries will receive a free plush Peep chick!

You can pick up an entry form at the Library. All Peeps displays may be dropped off at the Dover Public Library through Sunday, April 2. The winner of each division will receive a $25 Target gift card, courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Prizes will be awarded on Monday afternoon, April 3. Peeps should be picked up by 5pm on Saturday, April 8. All Peeps not picked up by the deadline will be discarded or eaten!

With Spring starting and warm weather on the way, are you ready to put on your hiking boots, grab your tent, pack your sleeping bag, and head out for some adventures? Check your gear first and make sure you have all the supplies you need to keep your gear in the best shape for your adventures!

Join us at 6:30pm on April 3rd at the Dover Public Library for an in-person program with Dover’s own NEMO Equipment on gear repair and maintenance. NEMO started from the idea that outdoor gear could be thoughtfully crafted to improve enjoyment while adventuring in the outdoors. NEMO designs gear ranging from backpacking chairs to tents, sleeping pads, and more.

Keeping your gear lasting longer can help reduce the need to produce more materials which in turn reduces material waste. Reducing material waste and improving sustainability is also an effort NEMO works toward, including recently becoming Climate Neutral Certified. With so many environments to play in, including the White Mountains, Lakes region, and Seacoast, sustainability is very important here in New Hampshire.

The Dover Public Library is pleased to offer a free, comprehensive 3-part organic gardening course with instructor Vincent Cirasoleon on April 5 and April 12 from 6-8pm in the Library’s Lecture Hall or virtually. The course, totaling six hours over the three nights, will include practical tips on how to create a new garden, soil preparation, seed starting, planting techniques, container gardening, cultural techniques during the growing season (such as watering, fertilizing, and pest and weed control), how plants and soil interact, succession planting, planting multiple crops in the same space at the same time, how to compost, crop rotation, cover cropping, and mycorrhizobials. 

Reference material and sources of additional information will be distributed to all participants at no charge. No registration is required. Attending all three classes offers the best experience, but isn’t mandatory.

Join us on Thursday, April 6 at 6pm in the library's Lecture Hall for this paper crafting group. Whether you're a scrapbooker, a paper crafter, a card maker, an origami master, or a quiller, you are welcome to this program.

Bring your papercrafting projects and work together with other folks. Share space, tools, ideas, and supplies as you like.

If you haven't done any paper crafting before, making cards or post cards is a great place to get started and try things out.

We will provide some 12x12 scrapbook paper sheets, some blank kraft paper postcards, scissors and an assortment of washi tape, please bring your current projects and any extra supplies you would like to share with fellow crafters.

If you've always wanted to learn how to knit, here's your chance! Join us on Saturday, April 8 at 2pm for a free introduction to knitting class.

In this class we will cover the basics of casting on, knitting, purling, and casting off. You'll knit a rectangle or square that can be used as a washcloth or dishcloth. No experience knitting is required, but we do ask that you bring a pair of knitting needles. We will provide worsted weight yarn for the class. This event is open to adults and teens age 14 and older.

On Wednesday, April 12 at 7pm, join retired wildlife biologist Mark Ellingwood for an introduction to these captivating and charismatic insects. Together, we’ll review basic butterfly biology, go over the identification and natural history of the most common species found in your neighborhood, and learn how to participate in butterfly monitoring in the Granite State.

This is a virtual only event. Please sign up below to receive a link to the program.

Storyteller extraordinaire Mark Michael Adams will take us all on an adventure into our minds on Saturday, April 15 at 3:30pm in the Library's Lecture Hall. Using material from both musical performers, Guy Capecelatro III and Cursed On Earth, Adams will tell a story that overlaps and is enhanced by the songs performed. It’s “Story Time” suitable for all ages!

Join us on Wednesday, April 19 from 10am-12pm for a poetry-themed pop-up event at Flight Coffee (located at 478 Central Ave. in Dover)! We will be inviting community members to stop by to record themselves reading a favorite poem out loud for our social media accounts in honor of Dover Public Library's 21st Annual Poetry Contest and National Poetry Month. We will also be signing folks up for library cards and sharing what's going on at the library. 

The Dover Public Library is pleased to announce the 21st Annual Dover Public Library Poetry contest for seacoast area residents ages 5 and up. Prizes will be awarded in seven different categories: Grades K-2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8, 9 & 10, 11 &12, and adults ages 18 & older. Poems will be judged on originality, style, and creativity. Submissions will be accepted until April 19th. Participants may pick up information about the contest at the Dover Public Library or on our website at library.dover.nh.gov. For more information about the contest please contact Emily Ainaire at e.ainaire@dover.nh.gov or (603) 516-6082.

Slow down and tune into the messages of the body and the authentic self. Join us Saturday, April 22 at 10am for an hour of guided meditation, imagery, and music led by the expressive therapists of The Wild Expanse Retreat. Participants will be led through a guided imagery meditation and use art materials to represent a piece of that imagery, while being supported by live music.

This workshop is free and open to the public, but limited to adults. No experience necessary.

Join instructor Bridget Harton for a free half hour Yin Yoga class for adults on Wednesday, April 26 at 7pm in the Library's Activity Room. Wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or a blanket to place on the floor. Space is limited, but registration isn't required.

Join us on Thursday, April 27 at 6:30pm as local author Tony McManus shares stories from his newspaper columns covering the families, events and stories that shaped the Dover community. This is an in-person event, but if you would like to join in virtually, please register using the link below.

Join us for session three of rug braiding with Phuong on Monday, April 3 at 1pm. Bring your supplies and we'll work together on our rugs. All are welcome!

Join us on Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30pm for Genealogy Group! Whether you’re new to genealogical research or a seasoned pro, this group is a great way to meet others who share the same passion, can give you advice in your research, and listen to your newly-discovered family histories.

The group is open to the public and not restricted to Dover residents or library card holders. For more information, email Anne Nelson at a.nelson@dover.nh.gov or call the library at (603) 516-6050.

The Knitting Group is meeting Wednesday, March 5 and 19 from 9:30-11:30am and Thursday, April 13 from 6-8pm in the library’s Makerspace. All levels are welcome!

On Wednesday, April 5 at 11am, adults with disabilities are invited to join the Chapter Book Club. At each session, we will read several chapters from a popular book. Our first book will be Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. We will end with activities and crafts related to the book and some time for socializing. 

If you have any questions, please email p.falconer@dover.nh.gov. 

On Wednesday, April 12 at 11am, this inclusive program for adults welcomes those with special needs as we create art and craft projects. Each session of this hands-on program will feature a different art exploration. 

This program meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

For more information or questions regarding this program, contact Marilyn at m.gray@dover.nh.gov.

On Wednesday, April 19 at 10:30am, join Cornerstone VNA as we host our monthly Caregiver Café to support Dover area family caregivers. Come for a morning of support, education and conversation. No registration is required.

Join us Wednesday, April 19 at 11am for a showing of A Street Cat Named Bob (rated PG-13). Based on the international best-selling book, A Street Cat Named Bob is a moving and uplifting feel-good true story.

On Wednesday, April 19 from 6-8pm, join us to play a fun selection of card & board games, and meet other board game enthusiasts in the community! You’re also welcome to bring your own games. All ages welcome!

Join a community of local writers with Cocheco River Writers! This group meets Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 PM and welcomes all skill levels. Discuss ideas, get tips, and share your work with others in a low-key, inviting atmosphere. Whether you want to write creatively for fun or for publication, this group is a great way to hone your craft!

Drop in and play Dungeons & Dragons with Game Masters Brandon and Dave!

The 18 & older groups are for new and veteran role-playing gamers to join us in the library for adventure, strategy, and imagination. The library has two groups that will meet every other Monday night and every Tuesday night, though you do not need to have attended previous sessions to enjoy your first game. No experience or materials are required and all skill levels are welcome to play.

This month's sessions will be indoors in the Trustees Room from 6 - 8 PM on April 3, 4, 11, 17, 18, & 25. For more information, please visit our event calendar.