Pages: The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter

The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter

August 26, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Library Card Sign-Up Month:

One Card, Endless Possibilities

It may be small, but a library card packs a mighty punch. Borrow museum passes, board games, and even sports equipment from the library’s collection. Take part in engaging programs like book clubs, concerts with local musicians, and lectures. Access technology, Wi-Fi, and career resources to support your goals. It’s one card with endless possibilities!

To highlight the value of your library card, we're launching a library savings calculator September 2 for Library Card Sign-Up Month. Input the materials you check out and the library resources you use to automatically calculate your monthly or yearly savings.

Library Savings Calculator

PS: Don't miss your chance to get the limited-edition Grogu library card! This card will no longer be available after October 2025. If you already have a library card, you are welcome to replace it with a different design. Please note the Grogu design is only available to Bettendorf residents.

LIBRARY NEWS:

Live, Online Tutoring is Back with HelpNow!

We've brought back live, online tutoring and homework help just in time for the new school year! Bettendorf Public Library cardholders once again have access to Brainfuse HelpNow, a dynamic suite of tools for tutoring, homework help, writing assistance, and skills building.

Brainfuse HelpNow was previously offered to cardholders through the State Library of Iowa. However, due to federal budget uncertainty, the State Library's contract with Brainfuse HelpNow was not renewed over the summer. We've brought back this resource to ensure every Bettendorf citizen has access to the tools they need to succeed.

Explore HelpNow

New Events Emails and Change to Pages

Sign up now and never miss a library event again! We are offering monthly emails that feature all library events in your preferred age range: adult, teen and tween, or children. Sign up for one list or a combination of the three. Events emails will be sent toward the end of each month.

With this new addition to our communications, Pages will be reduced from a biweekly to a monthly schedule. Pages will continue to be our primary source for delivering library service announcements and news about large-scale events and programs, and we hope to expand our community news, reading recommendations, and more. Pages will begin the monthly schedule on October 7 and will be sent the first Tuesday of each month.

Upcoming Library Closures

The Library will be closed Monday, September 1. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, September 2.

The Library will also be closed Wednesday, September 24, for staff in-service. Regular hours will resume Thursday, September 25.

Sunday Hours Resume in September

The Bettendorf Public Library's Sunday hours will resume September 7. The library will be open 1-4 p.m. on Sundays through Memorial Day.

FEATURED EVENTS

Global Gathering Vietnam
September and October

Explore the vibrant country and culture of Vietnam this fall—without leaving home! Throughout September and October 2025, the Bettendorf Public Library is hosting programs and activities, displaying objects and art, and offering new library materials for checkout—all related to Vietnam and its people.

Pick up a spice kit starting September 4 (while supplies last) for a spice sample, recipes, and information on how Vietnamese cooks use the spice. Then learn about the biggest and most popular festival in Vietnam—Tet—on September 13. Maybe even join a new book club!

Click the button below to explore all Global Gathering Vietnam events.

Learn More

All-ages events

Homeschool Creator Club

Monday, September 8

11–12 p.m.

One card, endless possibilities. Unlock the potential of your library card for your homeschool journey! Get reacquainted with the library for the new school year while celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month by exploring all the kits, games, and resources the library has to offer. All ages are welcome.

Learn More

Bettendorf Public Library Chess Club

Saturday, September 6

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Stop in and join us for friendly games of chess! No experience is required; we are happy to teach you the rules to get you started. This club meets every other Saturday, and all skill levels are welcome.

Learn More

Youth events

After School Kids Lab: Secret Decoders

Wednesday,

September 3

3–4 p.m.

After School Kids Lab is a program for school-age kids to have fun on early-out Wednesdays with STEAM-based activities. Drop-ins are welcome. The first week, we'll be exploring secret decoders. Come create, have fun, and explore something new!

Learn More

StoryDance: Move and Groove with Books!

Thursday, September 4

1:30–2 p.m.

Join us for a joyful, movement-filled storytime designed for young children ages 3–5 and their grown-ups. Weekly themes are presented. No registration is required.

This event is presented in collaboration with the Family Museum.

Learn More

Reading Assistance Dogs

Thursday,

September 4

6–7 p.m.

Children have the opportunity to read aloud to dogs from Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network.

This is great practice for kids and helps them build their vocabulary and self-confidence. No registration is required.

Learn More

Teen and tween events

Teen Leadership Committee

Saturday, August 30
2–3 p.m.

Led by the Young Adult Librarian, TLC organizes teen-focused events and programs to help make the library a fun and welcoming place for all teens. Monthly meetings offer a chance to brainstorm and finalize plans while developing skills in teamwork, leadership, and civic engagement. Teens are welcome to join at any time!

Learn More

Fan Club: Cozy Games

Thursday, September 4
4-5 p.m.

Share your fandom love for all things cozy gaming (think Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and more) and make new friends with shared interests!

You are welcome to bring your own handheld device and game. We'll have themed snacks, crafts, and more.

Learn More

Code Club

Friday, September 5

4–5 p.m.

Join our new tween code club registered with the Raspberry Pi Foundation! Kids aged 9-12 will cultivate problem-solving and creative thinking in this basic coding class. Registration is required.

Teen Anime Day at the Figge Art Museum

Saturday, September 13
12-3 p.m.

Registration is now open for a fun afternoon of manga, anime, Japanese culture, and art! We'll be giving out prizes for a Super Smash Bros tournament, an art workshop, a drawing contest, a cosplay contest, and more. New for 2025: Bring one finished art piece to enter into the Art Contest or draw something at the event for the Sketch Contest!

Learn More & Register

Adult events

Intro to Laser Engraving and Cutting

Thursday, August 28
7-8 p.m.

The Library's laser can engrave and cut a variety of materials including wood, acrylic, fabric, cork (pictured), slate, glass, and so much more.

During this free class, Library staff will demonstrate how to prepare artwork for engraving and cutting. You'll also learn how to operate the laser and the safety measures required.

This program is sponsored by The Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.

Learn More

Coffee and Conversations

Tuesday, September 2

9–11 a.m.

Senior citizens of retirement ages are invited to stop in for socializing and optional activities. We'll have coffee, water, and short activities available for participants. We look forward to seeing and visiting with you!

Learn More

Get Lit: The Chosen and the Beautiful

Tuesday, September 9
7-8:30 p.m. at Adventurous Brewing

Join us for a Global Gathering Vietnam book discussion of The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo!

Treated as an exotic attraction by her peers, Jordan Baker, queer and Asian, has the world of illusion, magic, and mystery at her fingertips, but the most important doors remain cloed to her until she can figure out a way to open them.

A limited number of books are available at the Library on a first-come basis.

Learn More

Check out our calendar for a complete list of upcoming programs and events!

Full Calendar of Events

Explore all the new materials for Global Gathering Vietnam!

Browse Materials

VISIT US

LIBRARY HOURS

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Friday-Saturday:
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday (Sept.-May):

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

FRIENDS BOOKSTORE HOURS

Monday-Thursday:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday:
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

DRIVE-UP WINDOW HOURS

Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday-Saturday:
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

ADDRESS

2950 Learning Campus Dr.
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Library Board of Trustees
Val Horvat, President
Darrin Lindquist, Vice President
John Rabine, Secretary

Doug Lindstrom
Archana Wagle
David Pratt
[Vacancy]

Library Administration

Jillian Aschliman, Director

Hayleigh Covella, Administrative Assistant

Library Division Heads

Heather Gibbs, Customer Service Supervisor

David Otten, Collection Services Manager

Paul Odell, Programming & Public Services Manager

CONNECT WITH US

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Bettendorf Public Library
2950 Learning Campus Dr. Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
Phone: (563) 344-4175

The Library is a department of the City of Bettendorf. The City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against by an action of the City may grieve such action by filing the appropriate notice. Forms are available at all City Facilities.

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