Dover Library Kicks Off Summer Program

'Unearth a Story' activities and reading challenge runs through August 7.

When children read, they get the chance to let their imaginations run wild. (Photo/Liliana Drew)

The Dover Free Public Library is opening its doors to all community members interested in a variety of free weekly summer programs. From the Summer Reading Challenge to engaging weekly programs for children, teens, adults, and family-friendly special events, you don't even need a library card.

“This summer’s program has something for everyone in the Dover community," says Timothy Domick, Director of the Dover Free Public Library. "Whether you’re a toddler being read to, a middle schooler exploring STEM, or an adult looking for a great book discussion, we hope you’ll come through our doors and make the library your home base this summer.”

Summer Reading Challenge

The “Unearth a Story” Reading Challenge is open to everyone. Registration is free and open to Dover residents and non-residents alike.

• Children (newborns to 6th grade) Children track reading in minutes — every 20 minutes earns a sticker on their Reading Record chart. When they get five stickers for every 100 minutes read, children bring their chart to the library for a prize. This year’s reward is collecting beads for a necklace; preschoolers earn stickers for safety. The goal is 1,000 minutes, which earns them a raffle ticket for a prize drawing. Children who attend age-appropriate summer programs can also earn participation beads toward additional raffle entries.

• Teens (Grades 7–12) and Adults (18+) Teens and adults track the number of items read — books, audiobooks, ebooks, graphic novels, magazines, or anything else. Each item read earns a raffle ticket, and each adult or teen summer program attended earns a bonus raffle ticket. All tickets are entered into a prize drawing held after August 7.

Other Program Highlights:

• Monday Funday (Mondays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.): Puzzles, scavenger hunts, and challenges for preschoolers through 6th grade, running every Monday, from June 29 through August 3.

• Crochet Club (Mondays, 11 a.m.): A weekly drop-in for adults who crochet or do other needlework.

• Dino Storytimes (Wednesdays, 10:30–11:15 a.m.): Stories, songs, crafts, and play with Miss Gladys for children through age 5, from July 1 through August 5.

• Unearth a Story Explorers (Tuesdays, 2–3 p.m.): A weekly program for K–6 students featuring books, crafts, and STEM activities, from June 30 through August 4.

• FIFA Sticker Exchange (Thursdays, 5–7 p.m.): Trade World Cup stickers with fellow soccer fans — open to teens and adults, from June 25 through July 23.

• Dino Movie Marathon (Fridays, 4–5:30 p.m.): A family movie series featuring dinosaur-themed films with light snacks, from July 10 through July 31.

• Stop-Motion Animation Workshop (Thursday, July 16, 4–5:30 p.m.): Grades 4–6 learn the basics of animation and create their own stop-motion videos. Registration required.

• History of Dover (Thursday, July 9, 6 p.m.): A screening of “300 Years of Dover, New Jersey,” a video created by Dover High School students in partnership with the Dover Area Historical Society, with light refreshments.

• Zoophoria Animal Program (Thursday, July 23, 6:30 p.m.): Families get up close with snakes, tortoises, toads, and more.

• Adult Book Club (Wednesday, July 8, 1:30 p.m.): Discussing “The Hornet’s Nest” by Jimmy Carter. Contact beverly.rowan@dfpl.org for details.

• Family Recipe Exchange (Thursday, July 30, 6 p.m.): Share a favorite family recipe and its story; participants will create a collaborative recipe book.

• Junk Journal Workshop (Thursday, August 6, 6 p.m.): Learn to make a handmade journal, open to teens and adults.

• T-Rex Tea Party — Closing Program (Friday, August 7, 2–3:30 p.m.): Celebrate the summer with games, crafts, and light snacks for the whole family.

How to Sign Up:

Registration for the Summer Reading Challenge is free and open to all ages. You don't need a Dover Free Public Library card to join, but it's a perfect time to do it. For more program or registration information, visit dfpl.org or stop by the library at 32 East Clinton Street.