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Dover Public Library | 73 Locust Street, Dover, NH 03820 | (603) 516-6050

Dover Public Library

April Newsletter

Library Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 8:30pm

Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Sunday: 12:00 - 4:00pm


CLOSED Sunday, April 20

The Library is undergoing a major renovation in 2025! We have temporarily relocated our services into the McConnell Center for up to one year while the work takes place on adding a small addition to the side entrance and revamping the inside.


Please visit the Renovation Update page on our website and our social media pages for directions on how to find the library in the McConnell Center and for more information on changes to services.

DPL Monthly Question


Did you know that the Institute of Museum and Library Services provides funds for the State of New Hampshire to operate the Interlibrary Loan service and the OverDrive/Libby digital services? Read the update from the Dover Public Library on the executive order and IMLS here: https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/library/about-us/imls.html

 

Have you ever used the Interlibrary loan service to get books from another library in the state or downloaded ebooks or audiobooks using the Libby application?


Let us know your thoughts here: https://polco.us/mxmyg5

Upcoming Events

23rd Annual Poetry Contest

Dover Public Library is pleased to announce the 23rd Annual 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. The contest runs from April 2 until April 23. Students may pick up contest rules & information at the Dover Public Library or on our website at library.dover.nh.gov.

Author Hour: Marie Benedict

On Wednesday, April 2 at 7pm, bestselling author Marie Benedict will discuss her new historical fiction mystery, The Queens of Crime, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts."



This is a VIRTUAL event. Sign up below to receive a link to the live stream.


This program is in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library.

Register Here

Behind the Headlines: Understanding Bird Flu

On Monday, April 7 at 7pm, Dr. Katie Brown will give a clear and authoritative overview of the nation's current situation and the risk that avian influenza presents. Brown is the Massachusetts State Epidemiologist and Public Health Veterinarian, and current President of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. She plays a key role at the state and national level in monitoring and responding to infectious disease threats, and has been involved with avian influenza for over 20 years.



This is a VIRTUAL event. Sign up below to receive a link to the live stream.


This program is in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library and the Public Health Museum, in recognition of National Public Health Week.

Register Here

Beat the Librarians Trivia Night @ Garrison City Beerworks

On Wednesday, April 9 starting at 5pm, join us for a fun-filled night at Garrison City Beerworks (located at 455 Central Ave., Dover, NH) in honor of National Library Week! From 5-6pm, library staff members will be there to register new patrons and answer questions about library services and programs.



Think you have what it takes to defeat the Dover Public Library staff at trivia? Test your knowledge from 6-8pm at Garrison City's weekly trivia night! Join us for general knowledge trivia (along with some literary questions thrown in, of course), food, drinks, and fun! All are welcome!

Hand Stitched Lavender Sachets

Come stitch a lavender sachet with us on Tuesday, April 15 at 3:30pm, Thursday, April 17 at 6pm, or Saturday, April 19 at 10am in McConnell Center Room 306! Lavender sachets smell lovely and can help deter pests like clothes moths and carpet beetles.

You'll embellish the wool fabric and stuff your sachet with lavender flowers and fiber fill. No prior experience is needed, but basic hand stitching skills will be helpful. All supplies will be provided, this program is intended for ages 14+. Registration is required.

Register Here for the Tuesday, 4/15 @ 3:30pm Session
Register Here for the Thursday, April 17 @ 6pm Session
Register Here for the Saturday, 4/19 @ 10am Session

Pastel Drawing

Come and draw a pastel landscape on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30pm in McConnell Center Room 306! All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own art supplies if you so choose. This is not a class, but we will follow a video demonstrating the requisite technique, and all skill levels are welcome. This program is intended for adults. For any questions, contact Josiah at j.adams@dover.nh.gov.

Register Here

Intuitive Tea Blending 101 w/ Herbalist Brenna Lilly

On Monday, April 28 at 6:30pm in McConnell Center Room 306, join herbalist Brenna Lilly of Brisingamen Botanicals for a workshop on the principles of blending your own herbal teas using the power of intuition. Brenna believes that herbalism should be available to everyone, and that teas are an excellent way to provide deep healing in accessible ways. Participants will leave with a bag of their own intuitively blended herbal tea to enjoy at home.


Registration is required, and is limited to active Dover Public Library patrons only.

Register Here

Teen Events

On Thursday, May 1 at 2pm in the McConnell Center Room 306, teens in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for a showing of Wicked (rated PG). Snacks and drinks will be provided, and singing along will be encouraged!

Book Groups

New members to one or all groups are always welcome!

Cover 2 Cover will be meeting on Thursday, April 3 at 10am to discuss Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz at the Residence at Silver Square.

The Afternoon/Evening Book Group will be meeting on Monday, April 21 at 3pm and 6:30pm in McConnell Center Room 306 to discuss Water Witches by Chris Bohjalian.

Get Lit will be meeting on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30pm at Roost (located at 50 Pointe Place in Dover) to discuss Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardiman.

Matter of Fact will meet on Wednesday, April 9 at 2pm in McConnell Center Room 306 to discuss Book of Ages by Jill Lepore.

Reading Rainbow will hold its meeting on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30pm in McConnell Center Room 306 to discuss Ace by Angela Chen.

Monthly Groups

Knitting Group

The Knitting Group is meeting Tuesday, April 1 & 15 at 9:30am in McConnell Center Room 323. This group is open to anyone who has a love for knitting, crocheting, and related fiber arts. Please bring your works-in-progress and any finished objects you would like to show off to the group.

Genealogy Group

The Genealogy Group is meeting Tuesday, April 1 at 6:30pm in McConnell Center Room 306. 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.

Chess Group

The Chess Group is meeting Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30pm in the McConnell Center Cafeteria. Adults and teens are invited to drop in anytime from 6:30-8pm to play a game or two and meet other folks interested in all things chess. Please bring a chess set with you if you have one!

Friends of the Dover Public Library Meeting

On Tuesday, April 8 at 5:30pm in McConnell Center Room 306, join the Friends of the Dover Public Library's monthly meeting. As a member of the group, as an active participant, or as a leader you can support this group which supports our library. Please join us and see how you can make the Dover Public Library an even better place!

Caregiver Cafe

On Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30am in McConnell Center Room 323, join Cornerstone VNA for our monthly Caregiver Café to support Dover area family caregivers. Come for a morning of support, education and conversation. No RSVP required.

Cocheco River Writers

On Thursday, April 24 at from 6:30-8:30pm in McConnell Center Room 306, join a community of local writers with Cocheco River Writers! Discuss ideas, get tips, and share your work with others in a low-key, inviting atmosphere.

All Abilities Club Programs

Adult Chapter Book Club

On Wednesday, April 9 at 11am at Great Bay Services (located at 23 Cataract Ave., Suite 1), adults with all abilities are invited to join the Chapter Book Club. At each session, we will read several chapters from a popular book. We will end with activities and crafts related to the book and some time for socializing. 

Legos

On Wednesday, April 16 at 11am at Great Bay Services (located at 23 Cataract Ave., Suite 1), adults with disabilities are invited to create art and craft projects.

Legos

On Wednesday, April 23 at 11am at Great Bay Services (located at 23 Cataract Ave., Suite 1), adults with disabilities are invited for an hour of in building with Legos. Use your imagination to make your own creation or try one of the challenges provided.

Music

On Wednesday, April 30 at 11am at Great Bay Services (located at 23 Cataract Ave., Suite 1), this inclusive program for adults welcomes those with special needs as we have a lively sing-along to your favorite tunes!

For more info on upcoming programs, visit our Event Calendar

Seeking Dover's Next Literary Laureate


The Dover Arts commission has opened the application window for the 2025-2027 Dover Literary Laureate. Pending City Council approval, the Dover Literary Laureate will be installed as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Dover Arts Commission.


The Dover Literary Laureate is tasked with broadening community involvement in all forms of literary expression by developing and executing projects funded by the Dover Arts Commission. The Dover Literary Laureate will serve a voluntary two-year term; attending monthly Arts Commission meetings, developing and implementing literary projects and activities intended to enrich the quality of life for Dover citizens.


For more information and to apply for the position, please visit the link below.

Literary Laureate Information & Application
Visit our Website