Celebrate Black History Month

The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
January 28, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON:
Celebrate Black History Month with the Bettendorf Public Library
Join the Library in honoring Black History Month with enlightening programs and curated reading and viewing lists!
Historic Voices: Lucy Pettengill
Thursday, February 6
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Assisting freedom seekers on their way north is secretive, dangerous work, and you're invited to hear all about it from Lucy Pettengill, station operator on the Underground Railroad. Join Laura Keyes of Historic Voices, portraying Lucy, for this deeply moving presentation about the abolitionist movement in Western Illinois.
 
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library and is best suited for ages 12 to adult.
I Am Nobody's Slave: Virtual Author Talk with Pulitzer Prize Finalist Lee Hawkins
Tuesday,
February 18
1 p.m.
Join the Library Speakers Consortium and journalist Lee Hawkins as he discusses his memoir exploring his family’s legacy of post-enslavement trauma and resilience.
 
Register for the link to attend this virtual program live, to submit questions for the author, and/or to get a link to the recording after the event.
Register
Check out this Black History Month list of physical materials curated by library staff (contains books for all ages, as well as a few DVDs).
Films and documentaries to stream:
Kanopy is a video streaming service that provides instant access to thousands of critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, and kids' favorites. Kanopy partners with studios like A24, The Criterion Collection, PBS, and more to bring you access to thoughtful entertainment with your Bettendorf library card.
 
Find more great reads on Libby
Explore e-book and audiobook Black History Month titles on Libby. Make sure you are signed in with your Bettendorf Public Library card to see all available titles!
FEATURED EVENTS
Winter Carnival
Saturday, February 1
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The City of Bettendorf Winter Carnival, featuring free activities across the whole city, is THIS Saturday!
 
Activities at the Library include storytimes, a special wintry craft activity, and a Little Hands Site with activities for ages 5 and under.
 
At 2:30 p.m., we'll have a showing of a family-friendly movie with, of course, popcorn! Click the button below to see the movie title.
 
The Bettendorf Public Library's Winter Carnival activities are sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library and the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
 
Activities will also be held at the Family Museum, the Landing Ice Rink, Faye's Field (weather permitting), and Palmer Hills Golf Course (weather permitting).
Learn more about Library activities
Learn about City-wide activities
All-ages events
English as a Second
Language Club
Thursday, February 6
6 - 7 p.m.
ESL students of any age can chat with teen volunteers to practice English in a relaxed, real-world environment.
 
This group now meets twice a month, providing you with even more opportunites to sharpen your skills!
Chess Club
Saturday, February 8
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Stop in and join us for friendly games of chess! No experience is required; we are happy to teach you the rules to get you started. All skill levels welcome!
Learn more
Youth events
After School Kids Lab
Every Wednesday
3 - 4 p.m.
This is an opportunity for school-age kids to have fun on early-out Wednesdays. We'll alternate between making crafts, doing science experiments, playing games, and learning new skills. Drop in between 3 and 4 p.m. to create, have fun, or explore something new!
 
Please note there will be no After School Kids Lab Wednesday, January 29.
 
This program is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Reading Assistance Dogs
Thursday, February 6
6 - 7 p.m.
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Children have the opportunity to read aloud to dogs from Quad City Canines.
 
This is great practice for kids and helps them build their vocabulary and build self-confidence. No registration is required.
Learn more
Teen events
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Teen Open Gaming
Every Wednesday
1:30 - 4 p.m.
Chill with your friends and play video games, board games, and tabletop games on early-out Wednesdays.
 
Play an old favorite or learn a new game from your peers! Middle and high schoolers are welcome to drop in at any time during this program.
 
If you want to voulunteer to teach a game and receive service learning hours, join our Teen Leadership Committee!
Learn more
Self-Care Valentine's Party
Thursday, February 13
5 - 7 p.m.
Celebrate you this Valentine's Day with crafts, snacks, and friends!
 
This program is best for those in grades 6-12. A movie will play for the duration of the program, but feel free to drop in! 
Learn more
Adult events
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Coffee & Conversations
Tuesday, February 4
9 - 11 a.m.
Senior citizens of retirement ages are invited to enjoy lively convsersations over a cup of coffee!
 
The Library provides coffee, water, and short activities for this program. We look forward to seeing and visiting with you!
Learn more
Take Home Workshop
Thursday, February 6
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Learn how to create bleeding tissue notecards with a quick video we will post online, or use the printed instructions in the kit. Adults and teens aged 16 and up can pick up a kit starting February 6, while supplies last.
 
This Take Home Workshop is sponsored by The Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
Learn more

Check out our calendar for a complete list of upcoming programs and events!
Full Calendar of Events
LIBRARY NEWS
Share Your Library Story
February is Library Lover's Month, and we're inviting you to celebrate with us by sharing your library story! Inspire others and showcase how libraries strengthen communities by telling us how the library has helped you. To submit your story, use one of our "Share Your Library Story" drop boxes inside the library or click the button below to submit online.
Share my story

Winter Reading Program
We are now halfway through the Winter Reading Program! If you haven't yet begun, you still have time to dive in. We have challenges for all ages, and every participant who completes their challenge receives a free book!
Learn more and sign up
VISIT US
LIBRARY HOURS
 
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 
Friday-Saturday:
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
 
Sunday
1:00 - 4:00 p.m
FRIENDS BOOKSTORE HOURS
 
Monday-Thursday:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Saturday:
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
DRIVE-UP WINDOW HOURS
 
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
 
Friday-Saturday:
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Note: The Library is closed on Sundays in June, July, and August.
ADDRESS
 
2950 Learning Campus Dr.
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Library Board of Trustees
Doug Lindstrom, President
Val Horvat, Vice President
Archana Wagle, Secretary
Darrin Lindquist
David Pratt
John Rabine
Stacy Schmit
Library Administration
Jillian Aschliman, Director
Hayleigh Covella, Administrative Assistant
 
Library Division Heads
Heather Gibbs, Customer Service Supervisor
David Otten, Collection Services Manager
Paul Odell, 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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