Celebrate National Library Week!

The Bettendorf Public Library Newsletter
April 8, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON:
National Library Week: Drawn to the Library
Celebrate National Library Week with our Tiny Art Show and zine making! 
 
Dive into a world of creativity and imagination with mini masterpieces created by you, our community. Then, if you’re feeling inspired, drop by the Creation Corner to make your very own zine (a handmade magazine filled with whatever you feel drawn to put in it).
 
First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country “to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.”
 
You can help the Bettendorf Public Library showcase how libraries strengthen communities by sharing your personal library story. Why are you drawn to the library? Drop off a note to one of the physical drop boxes at the library or submit your story now – including photos and videos!
 
Whether you are a regular, haven’t visited in a while, or are curious about what the library offers, National Library Week is a great opportunity to explore our programs, services, and resources that ensure access to education, inspiration, and connection for all.
View the Tiny Art Show Online
LIBRARY NEWS
Closed April 10 and
April 20
The Bettendorf Public Library will be closed Thursday, April 10, for staff in-service, as well as Sunday, April 20.

Birdies for Charity
National Library Week is a time to celebrate the incredible role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our community. What better way to show your appreciation for the Bettendorf Public Library than by supporting the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation through the Birdies for Charity program? Together, these three outstanding community organizations create a powerful partnership that stretches every dollar further.
 
  • 100% of your donation goes directly to the Library’s programs and services thanks to the John Deere Foundation, which covers all administrative costs.
  • Your support grows even more impactful with an additional 5–10% bonus added to the final pledge total through the Birdies for Charity program.
Your gift ensures that the Bettendorf Public Library can continue to offer vital programs, promote literacy, and serve as a cornerstone of connection and learning in our community.
 
Let’s celebrate the vital role the library plays in our community by making a difference together—one pledge at a time. To show your gratitude and join this powerful collaboration...
 
Thank you for supporting the Bettendorf Public Library and helping us strengthen our community!
More About the Foundation
FEATURED EVENTS
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 3
Save the date for Free Comic Book Day! We'll have free comics and crafts available throughout the day, as well as an interactive comic book workshop for teens. Registration is required for the teen workshop. More details to come!
Teen Comic Book Workshop
All-ages events
Homeschool Creator Club
Monday, April 14
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Topic image
Celebrate National Poetry Month with a blackout poetry craft! Plus, learn about and read age-specific poetry.
 
Homeschool Creator Club provides a fun art or science adventure on the second Monday of each month. Activities are tailored for tweens but a blast for a wide range of ages.
Learn more
English Language Learners Conversation Club
Thursday, April 17
English language learners and ESL students of all ages can chat with teen volunteers to practice English in a relaxed, real-world environment!
 
No registration is required. 
Learn more
Youth events
Storytime in the Park
Tuesday, April 15
10-10:30 a.m.
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Storytime in the Park is back! Meet us at Veterans Memorial Park for an outdoor storytime. In the event of inclement weather, storytime will be canceled.
Learn more
Lego Club
Every Saturday
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Children can enjoy free build time every Saturday with our Lego Club!
 
We have plenty of Legos to go around, so bring the kids and let their imaginations run wild!
Learn more
Teen events
Mario Kart Tournament
Friday, April 18
3-5 p.m.
Test your Mario Kart skills during this viedo game tournament on a no-school day. Enjoy snacks and compete with friends new and old for prizes! Registration is required to compete.
Register
Mystery Recycling Craft
Tuesday, April 22
5-8 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with a mystery craft! We're challenging you to complete a prompt by recylcing a provided bag of old craft supplies.
 
Drop by the Creation Studio at any point during this event to participate.
Learn more
Teen Book Club - Fantasy
Monday, April 28 
4-5 p.m.
Get ready to dive into a reimagining of The Arabian Nights with our April Teen Book Club pick, The Wrath & the Dawn! This fast-paced book by Renee Ahdieh is perfect for teens looking for a tale of intrigue and romance set in lush world. Register now and pick up a copy of the book at the library!
Register
Adult events
Cooking the Books
Monday, April 14
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Explore our cookbook collection and make a dish to share with the group!

Welcome to Cooking the Books, our new cookbook club. Each quarter, we’ll explore a new theme or ingredient while diving into recipes from the library’s cookbook collection. Bring an on-theme dish to share and enjoy sampling creations while discussing culinary tips, tricks, and inspiration with fellow attendees.
 
The theme for our first meeting is chocolate! If possible, bring your recipe and choosen cookbook to share with the group. Space is limited and registration is required.
 
This book club is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Register
Intro to Laser Engraving and Cutting
Monday, April 14
7-8 p.m.
Learn the basics of using the library's laser for engraving and cutting!
 
The library's laser can engrave and cut wood, acrylic, fabric, cork, rubber, slate, glass, and so much more. During this free class, you'll learn how to prepare artwork for engraving and cutting, how to operate the laser, and the safety measures required.
 
This program is sponsored by The Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.
Learn more
Community Connections
Thursday, April 17
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Get inspired to create a native habitat in your own backyard!
 
Ken Wellnitz of Wild Ones Quad Cities will guide you through choosing the best native plants for your landscape.
 
Wild Ones is dedicated to promoting environmentally sound landscaping practices to aid native plant communities. The Quad Cities chapter offers monthly local events, including a native plant sale in the spring and a seed swap in the fall.
 
This event is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Learn more

Check out our calendar for a complete list of upcoming programs and events!
Full Calendar of Events

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
CONNECT WITH US
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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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