The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
October 6, 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON:
Graphic advertising a hobby fair, featuring photos of woodturning, a couple bird watching in a forest, a young man playing the violin, hands holding a garden shovel and planting flowers, and a ham radio
Hobby Fair
Saturday, November 7
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Find a new hobby! Visit with local hobby groups, check out the library’s makerspace with tool demonstrations, and explore library resources to discover your new pastime. Visit with groups like Quad Cities Master Gardeners, Quad Cities Woodturners, Quad City Audubon Society, and more!
 
The Hobby Fair is funded with support from the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation and Title Sponsor Arconic Foundation.
Learn more
LIBRARY NEWS:
PIN Required for Libby and Kanopy Starting Oct. 12
Starting October 12, Libby and Kanopy will require you to enter the PIN for your library account, in addition to the barcode number on the back of your library card, when you log in. If you are already logged in on October 12, you will be asked to re-verify your library card and input your PIN. 
  • What is my PIN? This is the same PIN or passcode that you use to log in to the library’s catalog to see your due dates, holds, and more. If you’ve never changed it, your default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number.
  • My default PIN didn’t work—what do I do? When logging in to your account through the library's catalog, select "forgot PIN" and follow the steps to change your PIN. You may also contact the library by calling (563) 344-4175 or emailing info@bettendorflibrary.com. We are happy to help!
  • Why is a PIN now required? This change was made by OverDrive, owner of the Libby app and Kanopy, in order to provide more security to users.

New Look for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!
Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program has a brand new booklet with built-in space for commemorative photos, plus a completion certificate for your child's kindergarten teacher! New this October, registrants also receive a tote bag at sign up. Will you take up the challenge to read 1,000 books to your little one before they enter kindergarten?
Tan tote baf featuring blue straps and center blue logo with a cartoon bear, the Bettendfor Library logo, and the text "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten," alongside loose pages from a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading tracker booklet
More about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

POE-try Contest Submissions Due October 31
We are excited to announce our judge for the POE-try Contest: 2026/2027 Iowa Student Poet Ambassador Josie Nabhan-Warren! The Iowa Student Poet Ambassador program is the highest recognition given to a young writer in Iowa. It provides a platform for young artists to share their work and connect with and inspire other young writers all across Iowa. You have one more month to craft the perfect Edgar Allan Poe-inspired poem for Nabhan-Warren to judge! The POE-try Contest is open to all ages. 
About the POE-try Contest

FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS:
Mad Scientist STEAM Lab
Saturday, October 10
3-4:30 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween in the library's Mad Science Lab! Do science experiments and themed STEAM activities, including candy corn slime, magnetic flying ghosts, and more! Best for ages 6-12. Funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more
Woman in lab coat and white-haired wig pours a substance from one test tube into another in front of a chalk board with formulas on it

Graphic of a closed book with a portrait of Edgar Allen Poe behind a red lace mask
Morbid Curiosities: An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe
Thursday, October 15
6:30-8 p.m.
Edgar Allen Poe, the master of Gothic horror, comes from beyond the veil to talk about his life and share his best stories and poetry, including “The Masque of the Red Death,” “The Raven,” and “The Tell Tale Heart.” Performed by professional storyteller Darrin Crow. Free to attend thanks to funding from the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more

Silence Please! Mostly Silent Reading Time for Teens and Adults 
Monday, October 19
6:30-8 p.m.
Need to set aside a little time to read? Bring your own book, magazine, or audiobook (with headphones) and we'll supply some treats to fuel an hour of silent reading! At the end of the hour, stay for a few minutes to chat about your book if you like. 
Learn more

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party
Tuesday, October 20
4:30-6 p.m.
Celebrate the release of the latest installment of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Fight or Flight, with Diary of a Wimpy Kid games, crafts, and book trivia.
 
Funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Fight or Flight book cover

"Recycling Only" sign above bins overflowing with cardboard
What Bin Does It Go In?
Monday, October 26
10-11 a.m.
What happens after your garbage or recycling is picked up from your curb? Find out with the Waste Commission of Scott County! During this all-ages event, think about ways to decrease the amount of trash you make, watch a video tour of sorting recyclables at the Scott Area Recycling Center, play a sorting game, and have time to ask questions.
Learn more

Looking for more events? View them on our events calendar or sign up for our events emails!
 
Covers of eight book celebrating Hispanic heritage
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage!
A month-long celebration takes place each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to commemorate the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Browse titles
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
Kurt Lokenvitz
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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