Throughout the month of July, patrons of all ages are invited to join our Summer Reading Program! The program will run until August 1, so be sure to register either in person at the Library or on the free Beanstack app (for teens and adults) for your chance to win fun prizes just for reading and visiting the Library throughout the summer! For more info on this year's program and its events, be sure to visit our website.

On Friday, July 10 at 10:30am on Zoom, welcome to our yearlong series in which “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, Heather Rogers, shares facts, factoids, and fun illustrations about the presidents of these United States. This month, our focus turns to Andrew Jackson: Into dueling (and had a bullet near his heart to prove it). Blamed John Quincy Adams for his wife’s death. Last president to conveniently die at the same place where his funeral was held and he was buried (his swearing parrot was kicked out of his funeral). Don't you want to know more (esp about that parrot!?!)? In 2026, journey through Heather's sketchbooks as she shares some of her favorite tidbits, doodles, observations, and resurrection stories about the first 12 presidents. 



This program is in partnership with the Ashland Public Library. 

On Monday, July 13 at 6:30pm in the Community Room, learn about the text of the Declaration of Independence, who the key players were, the Enlightenment influence and if the values espoused in the Declaration are still relevant today. Participants will experience an unbiased look at the Declaration and receive valuable content to understand the influences and ideals of the document. They will be able to critically think about the document and have the knowledge of what it actually says. They will be able to form opinions and speak with conviction about what they learned.

On Wednesday, July 15 at 2pm and Thursday, July 16 at 6pm, come learn to make 'crazy' quilt blocks with Rachel. A crazy quilt block is an improvisational patchwork design made by sewing irregularly shaped and sized fabric scraps together to cover a foundation fabric. This quilting technique can be done by hand or on a machine, in this class we will be quilting by hand. You don't need any previous quilting experience as this form of quilting is very forgiving and easy to learn. Familiarity with hand stitching will be a plus. All supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring fabric scraps that you'd like to use if you have some at home. This class is intended for adults and teens aged 16 and up.

On Friday, July 17 at 10am, join us at Strafford Farms for our monthly DPL Breakfast Book Club. The twist on this group is that we will not all be reading the same book. Participants will have a chance to share opinions and ideas about what they are currently reading. This is a great way to get suggestions for your TBR (To Be Read) list and to connect with other book lovers. A list of all books discussed will be emailed to the group after the event. Please register so we can let Strafford Farms know how many people to expect.

On Monday, July 20 at 6:30pm in the Community Room, Robert Cameron Weir of the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists presents this engaging program using a dramatic 1788 tavern killing in New Durham to show how genealogists uncover the stories from the past. Through newspapers, court records, military records, petitions, and other original sources, the lecture follows the intertwined lives of three Revolutionary War veterans and reveals how family history research can illuminate the people, events, and communities of New Hampshire’s past. No registration is required.

Do you dream of being an art forger? Give it a try! Each month we will take on replicating a famous work of art. On Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm in the Community Room, we will be painting Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. We'll start off with a brief history on the piece, as well as an overview of the techniques and the medium. We will have pastels, watercolors, colored pencils, markers, and more at your disposal to render your imitation. Feel free to bring your own art supplies as well. This is not a class. We will have a reference photo on the overhead projector. Just come paint, draw, relax, and socialize. This program is intended for teens and adults, and registration is required. For any questions, contact Josiah at j.adams@dover.nh.gov.

On Monday, July 20 at 6pm in the Community Room, be a part of something BIG: join New Hampshire Humanities’ US@250: Big Watch! Please register to show interested in attending. Thank you to New Hampshire Humanities for awarding Dover Public Library the grant to allow our participation in the event.

The Big Watch is a statewide series of community-driven programs that bring Granite Staters together to watch, discuss, and reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution. Immediately after the watch party, skilled facilitators, provided by NHH, will moderate civil discussions among viewers about the film and “remembering together:” Please register below to express interest in attending.

Dino Charm Keychains

On Tuesday, July 28 at 2pm in the Garland Room, teens entering grades 6-12 are invited to drop in and make a dinosaur-themed bag charm! No registration is required, and all supplies will be provided.

The Knitting Group is meeting Tuesday, July 7 & 21 from 9:30 - 11:30am in the Garland Room. 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.

On Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30pm in the Trustees Room, 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!

On Wednesday, July 15 at 10:30am in the Trustees Room, 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.

On Thursday, July 23 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Trustees Room, 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.

On Wednesday, July 1 at 11am in the Community Room, adults with disabilities are invited to a fun hour of Bingo!!!! Small prizes will be awarded.

On Wednesday, July 8 at 11am in the Community Room, adults with disabilities are invited to create art and craft projects.

On Wednesday, July 15 at 11am in the Community Room, 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.

On Wednesday, July 22 at 11am in the Community Room, this inclusive program for adults welcomes those with special needs as we have a lively sing-along to your favorite tunes!