Winter Reading Program theme announcement, food donations, and more!

The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
November 4, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON:
The Necessity Nook
Did you know the library has been accepting non-perishable food donations year-round since 2023? Donations go to our Neccesity Nook. Those in need are welcome to take items from the shelves, and any extra goes to the Bettendorf Food Pantry on a quarterly basis.
Last week, we put out a call for donations on social media, as our shelves were sparse during a time of need for our community—and you all delivered!
 
We have been overwhelmed by the support of our community. So many donations were brought in that we expanded our Necessity Nook to a second set of shelves!
READING PROGRAMS:
Winter Reading Program: Reading Rave
January 5–31
Dance through a world of stories and fun events with this year's Winter Reading Program, Reading Rave! From January 5 to January 31, book lovers of all ages are invited to come groove with us and read their way to prizes. Online registration will open December 29. More information on each reading challenge and events will come soon!
All Reading Programs
LIBRARY NEWS:
Upcoming Closure
The Bettendorf Public Library will close early on Wednesday, November 26, at 5:30 p.m. and be closed on Thursday, November 27. Regular hours will resume Friday, November 28.

Tonies Now Available!
A Toniebox is an innovative audio player designed to bring audio stories, music, and learning to life for kids of all ages. Whether at home or on the go, kids can enjoy endless entertainment while sparking their imagination screen free.
Tonies, which check out for one week, are now on our shelves and have been extremely popular! These new audio players may be placed on hold for pickup at the Bettendorf PUblic Library.
Browse Available Tonies
Celebrate National Picture Book Month with crafts in the Creation Corner! Make your own button or bookmark out of picture book covers starting November 5.
 
Plus, check out this list of newer picture books you may have missed!
FOUNDATION NEWS:
From the Foundation Director
Step inside the Bettendorf Public Library on any given day and you’ll see children discovering new worlds, teens gathering after school, and adults finding inspiration for lifelong learning. It's a place where lives are enriched, making our community stronger, more vibrant, and more welcoming.

The Bettendorf Public Library Foundation plays a vital role in making these experiences possible. While City revenue supports essential operations, it is your generosity that enables the programs and enhancements that transform a good library into a great one. With your help, the Foundation supports:
 
  • Free Comic Book Day: inspiring a love of reading in every generation
  • Youth Summer Reading Program: helping kids stay engaged and ready to succeed in school
  • Summer Concert Series: bringing families together for music and memories
  • Discovery Fair: sparking imagination and curiosity
  • Creation Studio: opening the door to innovation, design, and lifelong learning
This year, the Foundation is raising funds for two exciting projects that will shape the future of our library: refreshing the front lobby for a more inviting first impression and creating a safe and welcoming Teen Zone.

Your gift today will help ensure the library continues to offer extraordinary opportunities that go beyond what tax dollars provide. Please join us in creating a space where community members of all ages feel inspired, connected, and supported by making your year-end contribution to the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

With sincere gratitude,
Sharon Sarver, Foundation Director
FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS:
3D Design with Tinkercad
Tuesday, November 11
9:30–11:30 a.m. 
Tweens and teens ages 10-18 will learn how to use Tinkercad, a free, web-based design platform, to make a custom keychain for 3D printing.
 
Registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
Register

Dog Man Party
Tuesday, November 11
4:30–6 p.m. 
Celebrate the release of Dan Pilkey's latest Dog Man novel—Dog Man: Big Jim Believes! Enjoy Dog Man themed crafts, games, and BINGO.
Learn More

Cozy Winter Tea Blending Workshop
Friday, November 14
1–3 p.m. 
Adults and teens can cozy up with all things tea in this fall/winter tea blending class! Learn about tea and take home your own blend.
Registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Register

Small Business Class Powered by the SBA
Tuesday, November 18
5:30–7 p.m. 
Join our Small Business Class on problem solving for all businesses!
 
This isn't just a lecture; it's a hands-on blend of workshop, coaching, and think tank designed to grow and develop your new or existing business. Advisors from SCORE, the Small Business Development Center Iowa, and the U.S. Small Business Administration are ready to help fuel your ideas. Light refreshments will be available.
 
Registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Register

Community Connections:
Eerie Iowa
Thursday, November 20
1:30–2:30 p.m. 
Discover the eerie side of Iowa with tales of the weird and mysterious. Learn about a 1903 terrestrial sighting, Bigfoot glimpses in Calhoun County, and a lake monster in Lake Okoboji. Five-time Bram Stoker Finalist author Michael McCarty and Professor Emeritus Bruce Walters, authors of Eerie Iowa, will be your guides.
 
Community Connections is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn More

Movie & Pajama Party
Wednesday, November 26
1–3 p.m. 
Enjoy the day off of school with a movie and pajama party for kids! We will be showing How to Train Your Dragon (2025). Popcorn will be available.
Learn More

Looking for more events? View them on our events calendar or sign up for our events emails!
VISIT US
LIBRARY HOURS
 
Monday-Thursday:
9 a.m.-8 p.m.
 
Friday-Saturday:
9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
 
Sunday (Sept.-May):
1-4 p.m.
FRIENDS BOOKSTORE HOURS
 
Monday-Thursday:
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
 
Saturday:
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
DRIVE-UP WINDOW HOURS
 
Monday-Thursday:
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
 
Friday-Saturday:
10 a.m.-5 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
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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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