The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
September 1, 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON:
Library Card Sign-Up Month
September
Graphic advertising the opening of a Bettendorf Public Library store. Features a gray T-shirt with a grid of the Bettendorf Library icon in logo colors and a white mug with a retro library item checkout index.
Online Library Store
 
In honor of Library Card Sign-Up Month, we've launched an online library store! Individuals who sign up for a library card or renew their current card during the month of September will receive 15% off their order.
 
The online store is open now, so show off your love for the library while supporting our programs and services! All items are made to order and will ship directly to your address. Proceeds benefit the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Shop now!

Behind-the-Scenes Library Tours
 
We're 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:

Freedom to Read Library Crawl
 
Celebrate your freedom to read by exploring local libraries and collecting stamps to enter prize drawings! Each stamp you collect counts as an entry into the drawing, with a maximum of 12 entries per passport. Winners will be notified by November 18. How to particpate:
  • Pick up a passport at the Bettendorf Public Library (or another participating library)
  • Visit libraries listed within the passport to collect stamps
  • Return the passport to a participating library by November 7
LIBRARY NEWS:
BettConnect Has Arrived!
We are proud to introduce BettConnect, the Bettendorf Library's new outreach vehicle. Over the next two weeks, staff will train on vehicle operation, get it outfitted with materials, and prepare for our first outing with Story Time in the Park on September 11.
Library staff stands outside a library outreach vehicle van with an awning extended. The van is branded BettConnect and features colorful library icons.
Plus, save the date for a ribbon cutting open to the public on September 30 at 5 p.m.! More information will come soon.
 
We want to send a huge thank you to all the sponsors and donors who made the outreach vehicle a reality, including, but not limited to: the Scott County Regional Authority, the Regional Development Authority, Arconic Foundation, the Bechtel Trusts, and contributions from library users.

We can't wait to get out into the community and bring the library to you!

The front entrance of the library
Upcoming closures and Sunday hours
The library willl be closed Monday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 22. 
 
Sunday hours resume September 13. From Labor Day through Memorial Day, the library is open 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.

Book Sale This October
Save the date for the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library fall book sale! Shop gently used books of all genres, puzzles, children's books, DVDs, and more. The sale is cash only.
Graphic announcement for Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, featuring a person looking through boxes of books
Preview sale for Friends of the Library members
Friday, October 2, 5-7:30 p.m.
 
Public sale
Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 4, 12-3 p.m.
Not a Friends of the Library member but want early access? For as little as $5, sign up at the door the night of the sale or fill out the form below and return it to the library. There are no requirements for membership, and membership fees go directly back to the library for materials and programming.
Friends Membership Form

A group of teens walks down a school hallway with their backs turned, with one teen girl looking back and smiling at the camera
Back to School!
Prepare yourself for a great school year by getting to know the free library resources that can help you succeed.
FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS:
Blank paper and open notebooks with writing on them lay on a table scattered with dried flowers
POE-try Contest and Workshop
We are now accepting submissions for the Bettendorf Public Library POE-try Contest! Select a word from our Edgar Allen Poe-inspired word bank and write your own poem. 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.
 
Plus, don't miss the opportunity to learn from award-winning poet Kelsey Bigelow! During the Poetry Writing Workshop September 24, Kelsey will discuss the poetic techniques of Edgar Allen Poe, followed by writing time and prompts, and time to share your writings. Working as a mental health poet, Kelsey Bigelow is also the founder of the Des Moines Poetry Workshop, the chair for the Iowa Poetry Association Poetry Slam, and much more.
 
Teen writers are also welcome to join our Teen Writing Club, which meets every month. Whether you love writing poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, you can spend time on your work, meet other writers, and share your writing.
About the POE-try Contest
About the Workshop
About Teen Writing Club

Community Connections: Scenic America Coast to Coast
Thursday, September 10
1:30-3 p.m.
Join John Lynn as he shares stories from his 4,000-mile trek across the U.S., featuring stunning photographs. Highlights include the Columbia River, mountain passes, and biking from North Dakota to the Mississippi River.
 
Community Connections is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more
Arts and crafts projects on a table

Three squares on the left of anime-style drawings of teens. To the left is anime art of a large group of teens, above which is a close-up of a hand drawing anime
Teen Anime Day
Saturday, September 12
12-3 p.m.
Dust off your cosplay and grab your sketchbooks! Teens ages 11-19 are invited to the Figge Art Museum for an afternoon of manga, anime, Japanese culture, and art. We will be giving out prizes for cosplay, art, gaming, and more!
Registration required

National Voter Registration Day
Tuesday, September 15
5-7 p.m.
Check your voter registration status and sign up with assistance from a librarian. Can't attend? Learn more about registering, checking your status, and voting on the Scott County Elections website.
Learn more
Two adults stand a small high-top table filling out paperwork

Silhouette of a child looking through a telescope in front of a large moon advertising stargazing a the Bettendorf Public Library with the Popular Astronomy Club
Stargazing at the Bettendorf Public Library
Thursday, September 17
7-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a fun night under the stars for the whole family! Learn about the Popular Astronomy Club, check out the night sky using their telescopes and mobile observatory, and pick up a space-themed take & make craft for kids. 
Learn more

Freedom to Read Celebration with Steven Pico
Monday, October 5
6:30-8 p.m.
Celebrate your freedom to read with a special documentary screening and panel discussion. Kick off the evening with a screening of FREADOM on Trial, a short film by Bettendorf student Adrian Gillette about the landmark Supreme Court case Island Trees School District v. Pico. Afterward, join a panel discussion hosted by Bettendorf Library Director Jillian Aschliman, featuring Steven Pico, Linda Smithson, and Brittany Jacobs, to explore censorship and the freedom to read.
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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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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