Kent County Public Library
Dover's county branch runs a weekly Preschool Story Time and sends a mobile library out to rec centers, schools and country stores around Kent County.
497 S Red Haven Ln, Dover, DE 19901
Hours
9 AM – 8 PM
Show the week Hide the week
| Fri | 9 AM – 8 PM |
|---|---|
| Sat | 1 PM – 5 PM |
| Sun | 1 PM – 5 PM |
| Mon | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Tue | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Wed | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Thu | 9 AM – 8 PM |
Last checked 2026-09-22
- Cost
- Free
- Best for
- All ages
- Indoor / outdoor
- Indoor
- Typical visit
- 45 minutes to an hour and a half
Open every day of the week, and it runs roughly 300 free programs a year; Delaware library cards are free to residents.
The Quick Version
- • Preschool Story Time runs most weeks, plus PAWS for Reading sessions with therapy dogs.
- • The branch also runs a mobile library that stops at spots around Kent County — the rec center, Holy Cross High School, Byler's Country Store, DAFB playground and several neighborhoods.
- • Free, like all Delaware public libraries; the branch is located in Longacre Village Shopping Center.
Best Ages
All ages
Plan For
45 minutes to an hour and a half
Admission
Free
What to Expect
The kids' draw here is the recurring program list. Preschool Story Time runs most weeks, and PAWS for Reading brings in therapy dogs for kids to read aloud to — low-pressure practice for a new reader. A Summer Drama Workshop with First State Improv has also been on the calendar.
The branch runs something most libraries don't: a mobile library that parks at spots around Kent County, including the rec center, Holy Cross High School, both Byler's Country Stores and the DAFB playground. If Dover is a drive, a stop may come closer to you.
The library sits in Longacre Village Shopping Center off S Red Haven Lane, so parking is shopping-center parking. It's open seven days, but Saturday and Sunday are short — 1pm to 5pm only.
Who It's Best For
Preschool Story Time is aimed at the under-5 crowd. Early readers do well with PAWS for Reading, where kids read aloud to a dog. Everything else is a standard county branch — borrow, browse, sit and read.
Highlights
Preschool Story Time
Under 5The regular weekly story time, and the main reason to put this branch on a preschooler's rotation.
PAWS for Reading
Early readersKids read aloud to a therapy dog — easier on a nervous reader than reading to an adult.
The mobile library
All agesStops at rec centers, schools, stores and neighborhoods across Kent County, so the library comes to you.
Logistics
Admission
Free admission
Free, like all Delaware public libraries. Some programs need sign-up.
Membership tip: A free Delaware library card also lets you reserve free passes to Delaware State Parks and the Brandywine Zoo through the libraries' Museum Pass program (one pass per card at a time).
Getting There
Parking
Located in Longacre Village Shopping Center.
The branch sits in a shopping center; specific lot details aren't confirmed in our notes.
Entrance
497 S Red Haven Ln, Dover.
Parent Logistics
Not confirmed in our notes — call ahead if you need step-free access.
Public restrooms in the library.
Not confirmed — ask at the desk.
Indoors.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. No food service — it's a library.
Snack strategy: Eat before or after; plenty of options along the Dover corridor.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Weekends are short: 1pm to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday. Weekdays run 9am to 8pm.
- ✓ Check the calendar before you drive over — some programs need sign-up, and the mobile-library stops run on their own schedule.
- ✓ Get the free library card while you're there; it opens up the statewide museum-and-park passes.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 1pm-5pm and Sun 1pm-5pm. Check the calendar for story time and program times, since some programs need sign-up.
Seasonal Notes
Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 1pm-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm. Program schedules shift between summer and the school year — check the library's page before you go.
Rainy Day?
A free indoor hour in Dover, best timed to story time or a PAWS session.
Upcoming Events
Families can visit the Kent County Mobile Library at the Dover Air Force Base playground. The mobile library offers books and audio/visual materials for checkout, library card registration, hold pickups, material returns, and registration for library programs. Visitors can also use public access laptops, limited printing services, and a free public Wi-Fi hotspot.
More infoChildren are invited to dress in costumes for a special evening spooky story time. Participants can visit various "haunted" stations to receive a free treat.
More infoKCPL Mobile Library -- Byler's Country Store (Harrington)
Tuesdays · next Tue, Oct 27 at 9:30 AM (3 dates)
The Kent County Mobile Library offers a convenient way to access library services, including checking out books and audio/visual materials, getting a library card, and picking up holds. Visitors can also return materials, register for programs, use public access laptops, and utilize limited printing services or the free public Wi-Fi hotspot.
More infoFamilies can visit the Kent County Mobile Library to check out books and audio/visual materials. Visitors can also get a library card, pick up holds, return materials, use public access laptops, and access printing services or a free public Wi-Fi hotspot.
More infoKCPL Mobile Library -- Holy Cross High School
Wednesdays · next Wed, Oct 28 at 10:15 AM (3 dates)
The Kent County Mobile Library offers a convenient way to access library services, including checking out books and audio/visual materials. Families can also get a library card, pick up holds, return items, and register for library programs. Public access laptops, limited printing, and a free public Wi-Fi hotspot are also available.
More infoKCPL Mobile Library -- Kent County Administrative Complex
Wednesdays · next Wed, Oct 28 at 10:30 AM (3 dates)
The Kent County Mobile Library visits the Kent County Administrative Complex, offering a range of library services. Families can check out books and audio/visual materials, get a library card, pick up holds, return items, and register for library programs. The mobile library also provides public access laptops, limited printing services, and a free public Wi-Fi hotspot.
More infoFamilies can visit the Kent County Mobile Library to check out books and audio/visual materials. The mobile library also offers services such as getting a library card, picking up holds, returning materials, using public access laptops, and accessing free public Wi-Fi.
More infoFamilies can visit the Kent County Mobile Library to check out books and audio/visual materials. The mobile library also offers services such as getting a library card, picking up holds, returning materials, registering for programs, and using public access laptops or a free Wi-Fi hotspot.
More infoKCPL Mobile Library -- Tre Sorelle Dolce Ice Cream Shop (Wyoming)
Thu, Oct 29 at 3:30 PM
Families can visit the mobile library at a local ice cream shop to browse books and media, apply for a library card, pick up holds, return materials, or use a public laptop and free Wi-Fi. The setup offers a relaxed, community-focused stop that combines library services with a casual outing.
More infoFamilies can visit the Kent County Mobile Library at the Spring Meadow clubhouse parking lot in Smyrna. The mobile library offers books and audio/visual materials for checkout, library card registration, hold pickups, material returns, public access laptops, limited printing services, and a free public Wi-Fi hotspot.
More infoChildren aged 6 and under are invited to participate in a program featuring stories, songs, and crafts. An accompanying adult must be present.
More infoFamilies can visit the Kent County Mobile Library to check out books and audio/visual materials. Visitors may also get a library card, pick up items placed on hold, return materials, or use public access laptops and free public wi-fi.
More infoFamilies can wear their costumes and play multiple rounds of Bingo. Participants have the chance to win a small prize. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
More infoFamily Movie Night at Kent County Recreation Center -- "Toy Story 5"
Fri, Oct 30 at 7:30 PM
Families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of Toy Story 5 at the Kent County Recreation Center, with the option to move indoors if weather permits. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, pillows, and snacks for a cozy movie experience under the open sky.
More infoChildren can practice reading aloud to a friendly therapy dog in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Each child gets a 10-minute session with a dog from PAWS for People, and teens and adults are also welcome to participate.
More infoFamilies can enjoy a 60-minute performance by the Mid-Del Sax Quartet, featuring a curated mix of popular music spanning multiple decades. The event takes place in the library’s public area, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
More infoFamilies can browse a selection of used books and gifts, along with various items from local vendors and artisans. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at this fundraising event.
More infoThis program guides preschoolers through stories, music, and movement activities. It is designed for young children and has limited space, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
More infoThis STEAM program allows participants in grades 4-8 to construct a kaleidoscope and observe the reflective patterns created. The program is offered in partnership with the Delaware Nature Society, Abbott's Mill, and preregistration is required due to limited supplies and space.
More infoKnow when something good is on near Kent County Public Library
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