The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
June 2, 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON:
Kick Off the Summer Reading Program
with Live Ocean Animals!
Monday, June 8
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is bringing their Ocean Odyssey Touch Tank, offering you the chance to pet live sharks! The touch tank will be set up in the lobby, so pass through at any time between 10 a.m annd 2 p.m.!

After petting the sharks, continue into the library to register for the Summer Reading Program. The Summer Reading Program is open to all ages, Bettendorf and non-Bettendorf residents, and is completely FREE! To win prizes, all you have to do is sign up and read!

Children's Summer Reading Programming is presented by: Title Sponsors Ascentra Credit Union and Eye Surgeons Associates, and Authorized Edition sponsors TwinState and Necker's Jewelers through the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
About the Summer Reading Program
Looking for books to complete the Summer Reading Challenge?
Read on theme with a title from this currated list of recommendations for all ages.
Browse list
LIBRARY NEWS:
The front entrance of the library
Closed July 4
The library willl be closed Satuday, July 4. Regular hours will resume Monday, July 6.
 
As a reminder, the library is not open on Sundays throughout the summer. Sunday hours will resume in September after Labor Day.

Giveaway at the Summer Concert Series!
Don't let the heat scare you off—we have cooling towels! This year, we'll be giving away a limited number of cooling towels to Summer Concert Series attendees. Towels will be available at each concert on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we run out for an evening, that's it! You can try your luck at a future concert.
A hand holding a blue cooling towel
The Summer Concert Series provides free live music from talented local bands every Thursday evening throughout the summer. Join us for the highly anticipated season opener on June 4, featuring the Tailfins Band. And don’t forget to pack your favorite lawn chair or cozy blanket! Food trucks will be on-site at every concert, ready to serve up delicious bites. Or, feel free to bring your own picnic—food and drinks are always welcome! Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and wrap up at 8 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be held inside the library.
Summer Concert Series Schedule
The Summer Concert Series wouldn't be possible without the generous support of the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation and our sponsors: Title Sponsors TBK Bank and REM Iowa Host Home Program, and Autograph Edition Sponsors Bettendorf Rotary Club and Duck Creek Tire & Service.
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:
a large group of Tapestry Farms volunteers at an urban farm
Tapestry Farms: Growing Food and a Vibrant,
Thriving Community
Monday, June 15
7-8 p.m.
Tapestry Farms is a nonprofit urban farm system dedicated to welcoming and supporting refugees in the Quad Cities. By combining urban agriculture with social services, Tapestry Farms helps families put down roots and thrive in their new home. Join us as Executive Director Ann McGlynn shares what makes Tapestry Farms special and how it impacts our local community.
Learn more

Hamilton movie cover
Hamilton Sing-Along
Saturday,
June 6
2-5 p.m.
For the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, come sing along with Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, the Schuyler sisters, and, of course, Alexander Hamilton! Have some popcorn and raise a glass of lemonade to freedom!
 
This event is offered as part of the Bettendorf Public Library's America 250 programming series and is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library. Learn about more America 250 events.
Learn more

Tunnel Books
Saturday, June 13
2-3:30 p.m. 
In this 90-minute workshop for adults, you'll learn the basics of Victorian paper engineering and use collage elements to build a miniature layered scene that's entirely your own. No art experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to play. Registration required.
 
A Tunnel Books workshop for ages 10-18 is available on June 24, 2-3:30 p.m. Registration opens June 3!
 
These workshops are funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Register for adult workshop

Kids can enjoy thousands of picture books in more than 65 languages—with English translations! Free with your library card.
Learn more
A child with only their hands showing playing with playdough
Playdough Palooza
Friday,
June 19
10:30-11:30 a.m. 
Share in the fun of playdough without the worry of a mess! No registration is required for this free, drop-in event. All ages are invited to participate in the fun. Playdough and tools are provided.
 
This event is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library
Learn more

Discovering Quad Cities Civil War History 
Saturday, June 20
10-11:30 a.m. 
Learn about the history of Camp McClellan, a former Union Army camp located in Davenport, and its importance during the American Civil War. Founded in August 1861, Camp McClellan served as a training area for new recruits, a hospital for injured soldiers, and eventually a prison camp. The renowned Iowa 8th Infantry Regiment began their service here, participating in notable battles, including Shiloh, Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg.
 
This program is presented by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War-Robert Mitchell Camp No. 206 of Dubuque, Iowa, and is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more

Touch a Tractor
Saturday, June 20
10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Explore different trucks and tractors, including vintage tractors from the Deer Valley Collectors group!
Learn more
Online Author Talk June 23 at 1 p.m.
Book cover of the Disapora Spice Co. Cookbook, alongside Kadri, CEO & Founder of Diaspora Spice Co., and Loupy, Renowned Food and Recipe Writer
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
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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