The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
March 3, 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON:
Legislation Affecting Iowa Libraries
We've been receiving questions and want to provide a bit of information. Iowa is in the legislative session, a time during which lawmakers convene to propose, debate, and vote on legislation that will impact the state. Two bills that would affect Iowa libraries have now passed out of subcommittee and committe and remain eligible for consideration.
Iowa Legislation:
 
HF2324: Public Library/Mobile Library Agreements
Prohibits school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from entering into agreements with public libraries that allow students to use school-issued ID cards to access library resources. It also prohibits these schools from allowing mobile libraries to visit school property for book lending events. Definitions for 'mobile library' and 'public library' are established.
 
HF2622: Public Library Regulation
Requires public libraries to adopt and enforce age-appropriate policies restricting minors' access to inappropriate materials, and to submit annual reports proving age-appropriate policies to the state department. Definition for ‘age-appropriate’ is established. Allows parents or guardians to access library records of their minor children upon request, overriding previous confidentiality rules. The bill transfers all authority of city library boards to local governing bodies, reconstituting boards as advisory only and establishing new procedures for reviewing and challenging library materials. It also clarifies the standards used for state library accreditation and appropriates funding based on compliance.
To learn more about these bills, visit the Iowa Library Association's website.
 
You can also listen to Iowa Public Radio's River to River program discussing HF 2324 and HF 2622 with ALA President (and Iowa resident) Sam Helmick, Rep. Helena Hayes (R-New Sharon), and Rep. Heather Matson (D-Ankey).
 
LIBRARY NEWS:
Library Closed April 5
The Bettendorf Public Library will be closed Sunday, April 5. Regular hours will resume Monday, April 6.

New K-12 Author Talk Series
The Bettendorf Public Library offers monthly virtual author talks featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world—and we've just added a K-12 series! Now on top of talks from authors of both fiction and nonfiction adult works, the whole family can tune in to authors of children's or young adult works each month.
 
Our first two K-12 series authors are Kate Messner and Jason Reynolds.
 
Click the button below to register for upcoming live talks and to browse past recordings.
Online Author Talks

Seed Exchange Now Open!
Take up to three seed packets per month—no checkout required. Located within the Creation Corner on the first floor, the Seed Exchange is open and accessible during library hours. It includes vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, all of which are open-pollinated and non-GMO.
 
You can also pick up a seed starting kit while supplies last. Plus, starting next this week, use provided supplies to make your own newspaper seed starting pots throughout March!
Learn More
Dr. Seuss's birthday was yesterday, March 2, but you can celebrate in the youth area all week with a photo station—complete with props!—and themed coloring activities. Follow us on social media for more updates like this.
Facebook
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FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS:
Spring Break
March 16-20
Staying close to home for spring break? Check out what activities we have planned, including Yoga and Stories, Family Bingo, and more!
 
If you're heading out of town, don't forget you can take the library along. Enjoy ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics, manga, and graphic novels wherever your travels take you with our digital library services. Digital content for all ages is available.
View All Spring Break Events

Business Class Powered by SBA
Friday,
March 6
3-5 p.m. 
Unlock your potential and step into a free class that's all about powering your small business with modern tools. 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. Register by Thursday, March 5, to attend.
Register

Community Connections: Designing the QC
Thursday, March 12
1:30-2:30 p.m. 
Travel to the past with architectural historian Ellen Shapley and learn about:
  • Trends and styles of Quad Cities architecture
  • Carrara glass of the 1930s and ‘40s
  • Chicago’s renowned Burnham family of architects and their impact on QC cityscapes and waterfronts
  • Davenport’s own award-winning architect James Goettsch
Learn More

Brown Bag Lunch
Friday, March 13
12-12:45 p.m. 
Learn More
Pack a lunch and enjoy a 45-minute performance by Greenmore!
 
Greenmore offers a delightful mix of traditional Irish jigs, reels, and ballads. The talented lineup features John Kinser on guitar and Bohdrán, Traci Rogers on fiddle, Heather Nobling as vocalist and concertina player, and Rob Dahms on guitar, mandolin, and vocals.
 
Coffee and water are provided. Funding for Brown Bag Lunch performances is provided by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

Looking for more events? View them on our events calendar or sign up for our events emails!
 
Women's History Month
Champion remarkable women this March.
Browse Materials
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
Lynn Lawler
Library Administration
Jillian Aschliman, Director
Hayleigh Covella, Administrative Assistant
 
Library Division Heads
Heather Gibbs, Customer Service Manager
David Otten, Collection Services Manager
Andrew Miller, 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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