The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
April 7, 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON:
National Library Week
April 19-25
Celebrate National Library Week April 19-25 and uncover the joys of reading, learning, and creating! This year’s theme, "Find Your Joy," brings behind-the-scenes library tours that offer a glimpse at library operations and the facility. Feeling nostaligic? Visit the Creation Studio during Open Work Hours to heat-press the library's logo from the 1990s onto personal items. And in the Creation Corner, solve a crossword puzzle to reveal the name of the library's new outreach vehicle—coming this summer! Dive into the festivities and explore the library’s diverse programs and services.
White sweatshirt with the 1990s Bettendorf Public Library logo
LIBRARY NEWS:
Teen Space Refresh
With support from the Scott County Regional Authority, the Bettendorf Rotary Club, and the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation, the library recently refreshed its teen space—The Quad—with new furniture for an inviting and comfortable environment. The project was planned and laid out by the Young Adult Librarian and the library’s Teen Leadership Committee, with input from focus groups at the Bettendorf High School and the Bettendorf Middle School. By focusing on providing more individual study spaces, the Quad now better reflects how teens use and want to use their space.
Learn more

Childrens Events on Break in May
We're gearing up for the Summer Reading Program! In order to plan a full slate of exciting events over the summer, we're taking a break in May. With the exception of the Reading Assistant Dogs on May 7, there will be no children's events starting the first full week of the month. Keep an eye out for more Summer Reading Program information to come soon!
Summer Concert Series lineup coming May 1!
Watch the library's website and social media pages.
People in lawn charis in an open field around a gazebo, where a band performs. The Bettendorf Public Library is in the background.
FOUNDATION NEWS:
Graphic with the Birdies for Charity logo and text
Support the Library with Birdies for Charity
Do you love the Summer Concert Series? The Children’s Summer Reading Program? Creation Studio programming? These programs and more are all possible thanks to the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation. Tax dollars cover library operations, but the Foundation ensures all the extras you love about the library remain available for everyone.
 
Show your support by donating to the Foundation through the Birdies for Charity program! One hundred percent of every Birdies for Charity gift goes directly to the Foundation and back to library programs, and they sweeten the deal by matching your gift with a 5-10% bonus annually, maximizing your impact.
 
Show your love for the library and make a donation of any size today! We are so grateful for your support.
Donate here
*Donate by June 30 and use bird number 590 for the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS:
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 2
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dive into the thrilling world of comics with a selection of Free Comic Book Day titles and fun crafts that will spark your imagination and unleash your inner hero.
  • Select your own free comics and create family-friendly crafts in the Creation Studio.
  • Enter our raffles for a gift card to In This Issue Comics, mystery prizes, and other comic book merchandise—and don your best (library-appropriate) costume to receive an extra entry.
  • Commemorate the day at our selfie station in the youth area and show us the superhero within you!
This day is made possible thanks to the generous support of BankORION, the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation, and In This Issue Comics.
Learn more
April Book Clubs
Find the book club that's right for you!
Learn more
Death Cafe
Tuesday,
April 14
5:30-7:30 p.m. 
Gather to discuss death over coffee and treats with no agenda, objectives, or themes. This is a group-directed discussion of death rather than a grief support group. All are welcome to attend and participate to what extent they are comfortable. 
Learn more

Write On: Kids Creative Writing Group
Thursday, April 16
4-5 p.m. 
Kids in grades 3-6 are welcome to learn about creative writing, work on their writing skills, and share their works with others by joining this creative writing group.
Learn more

cork circle laser engraved with kitchen utensils and the text
Intro to Laser Engraving and Cutting
Saturday,
April 18
2-3 p.m. 
Learn the basics of using the Library's laser for engraving and cutting! 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 that are required.
 
This program is sponsored by The Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
Learn more

Middle-aged white male with gray hair and glassess sitting down and playing guitar
Brown Bag Lunch
Friday, April 24
12-12:45 p.m. 
Enjoy a lunchtime concert with Tony Hoeppner! A singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Tony performs in the Quad Cities and shares his lifelong love of music by teaching guitar. His shows feature a mix of blues, rock, country, American songbook classics, and original pieces, along with engaging stories from his musical journey.
 
Attendees are invited to bring a sack lunch. Coffee and water are provided. Funding for Brown Bag Lunch performances is provided by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more

Artful Insights in Fiber: Award-Winning Art Quilter and Author Diane Murtha 
Saturday, April 25
2-3 p.m. 
Join award-winning fiber artist Diane Murtha as she shares insights from her 50-year journey in quilting, transitioning from traditional quilting to creating original designs. Her art and articles are included in books, magazines, and multiple juried exhibits and international shows, including the prestigious National Quilt Museum and International Quilt Festival.
 

Looking for more events? View them on our events calendar or sign up for our events emails!
Autism Acceptance Month
Celebrate our differences this April.
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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