The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
August 4, 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON:
Learning Campus Discovery Fair
Saturday, August 15
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Join us for a fun day at the Learning Campus! Enjoy four hours of exciting activities and learning opportunities at the Bettendorf Public Library, the Family Museum, and Faye’s Field. Designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds, the Discovery Fair is the perfect mix of fun and education for children of all ages.
Activities:
  • Foam blasters
  • Caricature drawings
  • Petting zoo
  • Arts and crafts
  • Balloon animals
  • Face painting
  • Giant bubbles
  • And much more!
This exciting day of discovery and delight is generously funded by Quad City Bank & Trust through the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
View the full schedule
LIBRARY NEWS:
Library Card Sign-up Month
We're launching something brand new this September for Library Card Sign-up Month: a library store! Show off how much you love the Bettendorf Public Library while supporting our programs and services. Watch our social media for designs to be revealed soon! All proceeds will benefit the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation. Those who sign up for a library card in September or renew their current card will receive 15% off their order from the library store.
We're also bringing back behind-the-scenes library tours, offering new and lifelong library users the opportunity to witness all that goes into running the library. Register for one of the following dates:
Get Your Summer Reading Program Logs Returned!
Bettendorf Library staff lined up outside the library entrance intheir Summer Reading Program T-shirts
Thank you to everyone who helped us meet our goal of at least 3,000 participants for the Summer Reading Program! We finished at 3,134 registered readers! Make sure you get your logs submitted by Saturday, August 8, to be eligible for the raffle prize drawings.
Track on Beanstack
Children's and Teen Events on Break
With the exception of the Reading Assistance Dogs August 6 and the Discovery Fair August 15, children's and most teen programming is taking a break to recuperate from the Summer Reading Program. We'll be back with plenty of activities in September, including the return of After School Kids Lab, new Open Gaming, and more!
Little girl working on a puzzle in a library

POE-try Contest
Bring out your inner Edgar Allen Poe with the Bettendorf Library’s POE-try contest this September through October! Select a word from our Poe-inspired word bank and write your own poem for submission. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category: Youth, Teen, and Adult. Submissions are due October 31. Participants will have the opportunity to read their work aloud at the poetry celebration on January 16!
 
Check our website September 1 for the word bank and full contest rules.
Covers of eight short story collections
From Book to Screen
Is The Odyssey fueling your desire for more book-to-screen adaptions? If so, check out this list and read the source! 
Browse list
FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS:
Cooking the Books
Now meeting monthly!
We heard you! Our Cooking the Books book club is so popular, attendees requested we change it from a quarterly program to a monthly one, and now we have! Come see what the fuss is all about. Each month, you'll explore the library's collection and online resources to find a recipe that matches that meeting's theme. Bring that dish to the meeting, along with the recipe and cookbook/resource you used, and sample everyone's dishes while sharing cooking tips and tricks. August's Cooking the Books is full. Registration for September's, with the theme Mexican cuisine, will open August 17!
Arts and crafts projects on a table
Learn more
Intro to Laser Engraving and Cutting
Saturday, August 8
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, and you'll also learn how to operate the laser and the safety measures required.
 
This program is sponsored by The Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
Learn more

A child with only their hands showing playing with playdough
Retirment University
Thursday, August 20
6:30-8 p.m. 
Explore Social Security, retirement income, and tax planning basics to help you discover the peace of mind that comes with feeling secure in your retirement plan.
 
Topics include:
  • How new Social Security rules effective January 2025 could impact your benefit
  • Required minimum distributions
  • How Roth conversions and smart tax planning can maximize your income
  • How to reduce your overall tax burden
  • Structured income plans
This event is offered in partnership with the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA). Registration is required. Contact Julie Duran of SOFA at (708) 221-7012 or jduran@sofausa.org with questions and to register.
Learn more

Coffee and Conversations
Tuesday, September 1
9-11 a.m. 
Are you retired and looking for a new social group? Stop by our monthly Coffee and Conversations program for socialization and optional activities! Coffee is provided. This event is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more
Billions of records in census data, military records, directories, photos, and more. Start your family research today!
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
Archana Wagle, Secretary
Doug Lindstrom
David Pratt
Lynn Lawler
[Vacancy]
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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Please do not reply to this message. Replies will not be routed to or seen by library staff. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@bettendorflibrary.com or call us at (563) 344-4175.

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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