Kent County Public Library
Hilary Welliver, Ed.D. - County Librarian,
Assistant Director of Community Services
497 South Red Haven Lane, Dover, DE 19901 Directions
(302) 744-1919 / Fax: (302) 744-9680
Email: KCPL@KentCountyDE.gov
Business Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9 am-8 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm-5 pm
24-Hour Exterior Book Return
News & Announcements
Programs
Mobile Library
Forms
Online Services
Get Involved
Kent County Public Library's hours of operation are weekdays, 9 am-8 pm, and weekends 1 pm-5 pm. Public computers shut off 30 minutes prior to closing. WiFi is available 24/7; generally the WiFi signal is strong enough to use even in the library parking lot.
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Kent County Public Library is closed on February 20, 2023.
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Meeting Room Application -- Library-sponsored programs/events receive preference in scheduling the building's meeting room. Please review, print, and complete the meeting room request application on this website; for most groups, there is an hourly charge for using the meeting room. Food and drink are not permitted. We try to respond to meeting room requests within two business days. Submitting an application does not guarantee use of the meeting room and even approved applications may be subject to change. Fees for meeting room use must be paid in their entirety prior to using the space.
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Kent County Public Library is thrilled to offer our users several online services: HelpNow, JobNow, and VetNow. These modules, developed by Brainfuse, feature real-time one-on-one live support. The Library also offersaccess to Mango Languages. All that is needed is a Kent County Mobile Library- or Kent County Public Library-issued library card barcode and Internet access.
- HelpNow is on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning. Features include HomeworkHelp, Skills-Building, Personalized eLearning Tools, 24-Hour Writing Lab, Homework Send Question, Adult Learning Center, and Foreign Language Lab. All services offered in English are also available in Spanish.
- JobNow provides live online job coaching every day from 2-11 pm EST. Receive live job coaching, real-time interview practice, full-service resume lab, and 24/7 access to local job resources. Other features include resume assistance, skills-building, and Spanish-speaking support.
- VetNow connects users with an expert to learn more about eligible VA benefits and community resources. Interact with a live, real-time Veteran Navigator for job coaching, resume assistance, tutoring and testing support, career resources, skills-building and Spanish-speaking support.
- Mango Languages: Click on the tab in the left column of this page, and use your Kent County Library Card barcode number + PIN to get started learning a foreign language -- FREE!
Click on one of the icons in the left column to get started!
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Mobile Library ("Bookmobile") 2023 Schedule
Tuesday |
|
10:00 am-11:00 am |
Hartly Fire Hall |
11:30 am-12:30 pm |
Bylers (Route 8) |
2:00 pm- 3:00 pm |
Felton Fire Hall |
3:30 pm- 4:30 pm |
DAFB: Playground |
|
|
Wednesday |
|
10:30 am-11:30 am |
Modern Maturity Center |
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm |
Kent County Administration Bldg |
2:30 pm- 3:30 pm |
Spring Meadow (Smyrna) |
3:45 pm- 4:30 pm |
Cheswold Fire Hall |
|
|
Thursday |
|
9:30 am- 11:30 am |
Calvary Christian Academy |
1:00 pm- 1:45 pm |
DE Veterans Home/B&G Club |
2:15 pm- 3:00 pm |
Bowers Beach; Waterman's Park off Clifton Cubbage Road (Beach Parking) |
3:30 pm- 4:30 pm |
DAFB: Youth Center |
|
|
Friday |
|
10:00-11:30 am |
First State Military Academy |
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm |
Westminster VIllage |
1:15-1:4 pm |
The Academy Charter School |
|
|
|
|
The Mobile Library Committee meets quarterly. Please direct suggestions for future stops, or outreach to events/activities/festivals/parades to kcpl@co.kent.de.us
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Beginning September 2022: Donations will ONLY be accepted during the library's open hours of operation, during the first five days of each month. If the Library is closed (for a holiday, for example): Please do not leave library materials or donations outside the library's doors or deposit donated materials in the bookdrop. Thank you for your cooperation! Donations must be in good condition and boxed. Please contact the library if you plan to make a large donation: (302) 744-1919. The library does not accept donations between November 25-January 1, annually. We appreciate your continued generosity.
Updates and announcements will be made on the Kent County webpage and on the Kent County Public Library’s Facebook page (KCPLibrary) – we ask that you check these sites frequently as events unfold. Individuals with questions may contact the Library at (302) 744-1919. Media inquiries please go the County’s Public Information Office at (302) 744-2304.
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Library programs may be held in-person, online/virtual or combination of both (hybrid).
Please monitor our online calendar of events (www.tinyurl.com/KCPLcalendar) or our Facebook page (KCPLibrary) for the most up-to-date listing and new program/event announcments.
"In-Person" programming has resumed. However, virtual/hybrid programs continue to be conducted via online meeting platforms: Zoom or Facebook Live. Preregistration with an e-mail address is required for most programs. In-person events may have an attendance cap; if conducted outside regular library hours, registration is a must. Please register at least 48 hours in advance as registrants will receive instructions for joining the session the morning before the scheduled program. You can register online at www.tinyurl.com/KCPLcalendar or by calling (302) 744-1919.
Youth up to age 16 must be accompanied by adult.
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Kent County’s mobile library makes weekly stops Tuesday through Friday. As the mobile library is a wifi hotspot, staff can also place orders for the following week’s visit on the spot and register visitors for a library card!
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Mobile Library ("Bookmobile") 2023 Winter Schedule
Effective January 1, 2023
Tuesday |
|
10:00 am-11:00 am |
Hartly Fire Hall |
11:30 am-12:30 pm |
Bylers (Route 8) |
2:00 pm-
3:00 pm
|
Felton Fire Hall |
3:30 pm-
4:30 pm
|
DAFB: Playground |
|
|
Wednesday |
|
10:30 am-11:30 am |
Modern Maturity Center |
12:00 pm-
1:00 pm
|
Kent County Administration Bldg |
2:30 pm-
3:30 pm
|
Spring Meadow (Smyrna) |
3:45 pm-
4:30 pm
|
Cheswold Fire Hall |
|
|
Thursday |
|
9:30 am-
11:30 am
|
Calvary Christian Academy |
1:00 pm-
1:45 pm
|
DE Veterans Home/B&G Club |
2:15 pm-
3:00 pm
|
Bowers Beach; Waterman's Park off Clifton Cubbage Road (Beach Parking) |
3:30 pm-
4:30 pm
|
DAFB: Youth Center |
|
|
Friday |
|
10:00 am- 11:30 am
|
First State Military Academy |
12:00 pm-
1:00 pm
|
Westminster Village |
1:15-1:45 pm |
The Academy Charter School |
|
|
|
|
The Mobile Library Committee meets quarterly. Please direct suggestions for future stops, or outreach to events/activities/festivals/parades to kcpl@co.kent.de.us
Get a Library Card and Use It Often!
How to Get a Library Card
It's easy to get a library card. All Kent County residents are eligible. Complete the registration form (see left menu) and print it out. Bring the form and a photo ID with your local address on it (a driver's license works well) to the library. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign for the card. Your library card is accepted at Delaware public libraries state-wide!
Applying for a Virtual Delaware Library CardWhen you
sign up online you gain access right away to all
eMedia! Download eBooks, read eMagazines, use online resources for FREE!
Get the
Mobile App and get access to your card right from your device, plus you can manage your account, place holds and much more.
It’s that easy! And it’s all FREE!
Applying for a Physical Delaware Library Card
Want more? Visit your public library to transfer your online account to a
full account, providing use of library computers and access to all materials, programs and services.
You can save some time on your first visit by filling out a library card application form (
https://lib.de.us/help/librarycard/) in advance, printing it out, and then heading to Kent County Public Library to complete your registration.
Do I need a card?
If you already have a public library card, perhaps issued by another Delaware library (
https://lib.de.us/list-of-libraries/) you can use it here. Only a few of our services, such as the use of Mango Languages, are restricted to Kent County Public Library- or Kent County Mobile Library-issued library cardholders.
If you have a card from an academic library, you will still need a Delaware public library card to use our library.
Who can get a card?
- Delaware residents or property owners
- Those employed in Delaware
- Delaware public or private school/college students
- Owners of property in Delaware
- There is an annual fee for out-of-state individuals to obtain a library card
Where can I get a card?
What do I need to bring with me to get a card?
Photo ID with current address
- Delaware driver’s license or
- Delaware state identification card
If your photo ID does not have your current address on it, please bring along one document from each of the following two sections:
Current Photo identification:
- Passport
- Alien Resident Card
- Government issued cards, such as Military ID
- State-issued photo ID including:
Welfare
Medicaid
FID card
- University or school ID
Proof of current local address (must include your name):
- Lease agreement
- Utility bill or tax bill (dated within the last 60 days)
Not acceptable as proof of current address:
- Rent receipts
- Personal letters
- Post Office Box
- Business address
Cards for children
Ages birth to 17:
- A parent or guardian must be present
- Parent/guardian signature
- Parent/guardian must have photo ID and proof of address
After contacting the Kent County Public Library (302-744-1919 or kcpl@co.kent.de.us) to coordinate the visit and group library card registration, organized school visits will require:
- Previously signed application form for child
- Address verification with school directory list
Meeting Room Application -- Library-sponsored programs/events receive preference in scheduling the building's meeting room. Please review, print, and complete the meeting room request application on this website; for most groups, there is an hourly charge for using the meeting room. Food and drink are not permitted. We try to respond to meeting room requests within two business days. Submitting an application does not guarantee use of the meeting room and even approved applications may be subject to change. Fees for meeting room use must be paid in their entirety prior to using the space.
Catalog
The Delaware Library Catalog provides enhanced access to information through a single online library database to Delaware residents. Delaware library cards are accepted at 35 public libraries, 8 academic libraries, 7 special libraries, and multiple public school libraires across the state. Click on the link on the menu on the left to access this extensive collection of materials and resources. You may need your library card number + PIN to use some features.
Libby/Overdrive - Libby is a free app that gives users access to e-books and audiobooks across multiple devices -- both on- and offline. Titles are automatically returned and removed from your device at the end of the lending period. Visit your device's app store or lib.de.us to download the Libby app.
Hoopla -- Hoopla is the new free digital media service offered by Delaware public libraries that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, e-books, ccomics/manga, and even TV shows via multiple devices including your TV. you can stream or download for viewing/reading offline. Titles are automatically returned and removed from your device at the end of the lending period. Visit your device's app store or lib.de.us to download the Hoopla app.
Flipster -- Read your favorite magazines on various devices -- 100s of titles to choose from. Visit your device's app store or lib.de.us to download the Flipster app.
Ask a Delaware Librarian -- Got a question? Email, text, or chat with a Delaware reference librarian who will help you find an answer. (Depending on the depth of the information requested, it may take up to 24 hours for a response.) Visit
http://answers.delaware libraries.org/for more information.
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The following online services are available only with a Kent County Library Card-issued barcode number + PIN:
- Mango Languages: Click on the tab in the left column of this page, and use your Kent County Library Card barcode number + PIN to get started learning a foreign language -- FREE!
- HelpNow is on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning. Features include HomeworkHelp, Skills-Building, Personalized eLearning Tools, 24-Hour Writing Lab, Homework Send Question, Adult Learning Center, and Foreign Language Lab. All services offered in English are also available in Spanish.
- JobNow provides live online job coaching every day from 2-11 pm EST. Receive live job coaching, real-time interview practice, full-service resume lab, and 24/7 access to local job resources. Other features include resume assistance, skills-building, and Spanish-speaking support.
- VetNow connects users with an expert to learn more about eligible VA benefits and community resources. Interact with a live, real-time Veteran Navigator for job coaching, resume assistance, tutoring and testing support, career resources, skills-building and Spanish-speaking support.
Volunteering
Kent County Public Library is not currently seeking volunteers. Volunteers assist staff in a variety of activities. To join our corps of dedicated volunteers, you must be age 16 or older, with reliable transportation.
Please print the volunteer application, complete it, and return it to the library. At that time, register for a volunteer orientation session or volunteer workshop. We do not accept subsidized work applicants from other government and non-profit programs; we are not a site that supervises court-ordered community service.
Friends of Kent County Public Library
The Friends of Kent County Public Library is a nonprofit organization made up of our greatest supporters. In addition to volunteering and fund-raising, Friends are our greatest advocates and educators. The Friends constantly seek to make our library better and to spread the news about our great programs, services, and collections! The Friends' group provides an opportunity to contribute ideas on events and activities and be part of the local cultural scene. (They are also a lot of fun!) An application form is provided to the left.
Library Advisory Committee (LAC)
The purpose of the Kent County Library Advisory Committee is to study, research, plan, and make advisory recommendations regarding the direction of libraries in Kent County for the future. The LAC consists of seven members, one from each of Kent County's Levy Court Districts. Members are appointed by Commissioners of the Kent County Levy Court.