The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
December 2, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON:
Winter Reading Program
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. Complete your challenge and you'll win a prize! You do not need a Bettendorf Public Library card to participate.
How to Participate:
  • Register early online beginning December 29 or at the library starting January 5
  • Track your progress online with Beanstack (app also available) or with a physical log you can pick up at the library beginning January 5
  • Complete your challenge by January 31 and return to the library to collect your prize!
Select Events:
  • The youngest readers (ages 0-4) can kick off the program a few days early and ring in the New Year with a Baby Rave the morning of December 31! Enjoy music, lights, and family fun.
  • Older kids are invited to test their Nintendo Switch skills and show off their moves at our Just Dance Party on Saturday, January 3.
  • For teens ages 13-18, were hosting an after-hours Silent Disco on Janurary 9! Registration is required.
Learn More
The Winter Reading Program is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
LIBRARY NEWS:
Holiday Hours
The Bettendorf Public Library will be closed Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25. On Wednesday, December 31, the library will close early at 5:30 p.m. and will also be closed January 1.

Annual Report
The Bettendorf Public Library Annual Report is now available! The report provides a comprehensive overview of the library's activities, finances, and community impact over the last fiscal year.
Download Report

Certified Autism Center™ Renewal
The Bettendorf Public Library and Family Museum—which make up the City of Bettendorf's Learning Campus—have both renewed our Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) certifications through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards! This certification must be renewed every two years and requires training and certification of at least 80% of public-facing staff in autism and sensory differences. To learn more, visit www.bettendorf.org/CAC.
Friends of the Library Bookshop
Shop for gently used books, puzzles, magazines, and more at The Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library bookshop, located right off the library's lobby. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. 
FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS:
StoryDance: Move and Groove with Books!
Thursday, December 4 & 18
1:30–2 p.m. 
Join us for a joyful, movement-filled storytime designed for young children ages 3–5! In this interactive storytime, we bring beloved picture books to life through creative dance and playful movement, exploring the characters, settings, and emotions of the book. No dance experience is needed.
 
This event is presented in collaboration with the Family Museum.
Learn More

Community Connections
Thursday, December 11
1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. 
Follow author Dave Markward's transformative journey from a
predominantly white community to a life enriched by diversity, as detailed in his memoir, From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America.
 
This free presentation intertwines his personal growth with significant historical events and figures, exploring America's racial divides. Two identical, hour-long presentations are available: one at 1:30 p.m. and one at 6:30 p.m.
Learn More

Kids Book Club
Saturday, December 13
3:30–4:30 p.m. 
Read and discuss Anne of West Philly by Noelle Weir—a graphic novel retelling of Anne of Green Gables! This book club is recommended for children ages 9-12. Pick up the book at the Youth Services Desk to read prior to the discussion. Registration is required.
Register

Brown Bag Lunch: Lojo Russo
Friday, December 19
12–12:45 p.m. 
Enjoy a 45-minutes lunchtime performance by Lojo Russo! Russo’s music reflects the dynamic nature of the Mississippi River she calls home. With a self-taught approach and a history filled with diverse bands, Russo has refined her writing and music into a unique, free-spirited blend of rhythm and roots.
 
Attendees are invited to pack a lunch to enjoy during the performance. Coffee and water are provided. This event is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn More

Make Your Own Vision Board
Tuesday, December 30
10 a.m.–12 p.m. 
Set goals for 2026 and make your own vision board! Open to all ages. No registration required.
Learn More

Looking for more events? View them on our events calendar or sign up for our events emails!
 
STAFF HIGHLIGHT:
Retirement Party for Paul Odell
Help us celebrate the retirement of Paul Odell, current Programming and Public Services Manager (previously titled Youth Services Manager)! Wish Paul well at his retirement party—open to the public—on Friday, December 12, 2-4 p.m. at the Bettendorf Public Library.

Congratulations, Jillian!
Jillian Aschliman, Director of the Bettendorf Public Library, was recently elected as Vice President of the Iowa Library Association for 2026! 🎉
 
We can't wait to see the contributions she will make in this new leadership role.
 
Staff Favorites
The annual Bettendorf Public Library Staff Favorites are here! Pick up a booklet at the library or view the list here to see library staff's favorite reads, watches, and listens.
 
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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