The Bettendorf Public Library is dedicated to lifelong learning, and we offer a wide variety of programs for all ages and interests. You can see all of our programs and events on our calendar of events. For those programs that require registration, that can be done online through the calendar of events, by calling 563-344-4179 or at a service desk in the Library.
During social distancing, the Library is offering programs for you to enjoy at home!
Contemporary Books Discussion Group Online: Astoria by Peter Stark
Wednesday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Please register to join us for an online discussion of Astoria by Peter Stark.
Here's a list of books that have been discussed by the Contemporary Books Discussion Group.
This meeting will take place online via GoToMeeting. After registering, you will receive an email with the GoToMeeting login information.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Contemporary Books Discussion Group Online: The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Wednesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Please register to join us for an online discussion of The Library Book by Susan Orlean.
Here's a list of books that have been discussed by the Contemporary Books Discussion Group.
This meeting will take place online via GoToMeeting. After registering, you will receive an email with the GoToMeeting login information.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Brown Bag Lunch Remote Edition: Lojo Russo
available during the month of May
Enjoy a short performance of original songs by Lojo Russo, available during the month of May. The video will be available starting May 1, through the end of the month.
Lojo Russo has been making music along the ‘Big Muddy’ most of her life. Keeping the Mississippi River always to the East she traveled from Minnesota to Iowa and now makes her home in the Quad Cities. The easy life of Iowa has had an influence on her music – where once she wrote dramatic and ethereal folk-rock ballads Russo now finds herself pursuing a more roots and Americana flavor.
Russo’s musical style is as varied and unexpected as the river she calls home. One moment she’s laying down a furious rhythm on the guitar punctuated with a wailing vocal the next we’re drifting along gracefully carried by intricate finger-picking and a voice as intense and haunting as her lyrics.
Brown Bag Lunch is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Take Home Workshop: Pamphlet Stitched Sketch Booklet
Thursday, May 20
Make your own notebook for journaling, to-do lists or sketching!
Teens and adults can pick up a Take Home Workshop kit from the Library (while supplies last). Learn how to create paperbag baskets with a quick video we will post online or use the printed instructions in the kit. On Thursday, May 20, kits will be available for curbside pickup or in the Library, and the video will be posted on our Take Home Workshop YouTube playlist.
Adult and teens aged 16 and up only, please. This Take Home Workshop is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Community Connections: George Davenport and the Founding of the Quad Cities
Thursday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a virtual edition Community Connections where we will learn about George Davenport and the early history of the Quad Cities. Local historian Gena Schantz will trace the many careers of George Davenport and examine how he adapted his talents to serve and foster the development of the communities that surrounded him.
Gena Schantz is a local historian. She has presented many programs on the Davenport House, the Davenport Family, Fort Armstrong, and the earliest town foundings surrounding Rock Island. She has been involved with several organizations including the Davenport House, Heritage Documentaries, River Action’s Channel Cat Tours, and CommUniversity. Gena's book, The Trader at Rock Island: George Davenport and the Founding of the Quad Cities, was recently published.
Community Connections is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
This program will take place virtually via GoToMeeting. Admission is free, however, advance registration is required to receive an invitation and password to join the event.
The Bettendorf Public Library Adult Chess Club is currently meeting online! We have a group page on Facebook for discussions and club news, and will play matches on the completely free chess site, Lichess. We look forward to visiting with everyone online.
Adult Chess Club is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Final Friday Trivia
Friday, May 28, meeting room opens at 6:30 p.m., trivia starts at 7:00 p.m.
Get your team together to try and earn bragging rights to the title of Trivia Champion!
You can participate by yourself, with your family at home, or arrange other communication and play with friends who can't be with you. One team member will submit your answers via the chat feature in GoToMeeting. Only one team member needs to register.
Take Home Workshop: Lemony Gardeners Hand Scrub
Thursday, June 3
Make your own fresh hand scrub!
Teens and adults can pick up a Take Home Workshop kit from the Library (while supplies last). Learn how to create this Lemony Gardeners Hand Scrub with a quick video we will post online or use the printed instructions in the kit. On Thursday, June 3, kits will be available for curbside pickup or in the Library, and the video will be posted on our Take Home Workshop YouTube playlist.
Adult and teens aged 16 and up only, please. This Take Home Workshop is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
Get Lit: Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Tuesday, June 8, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Get Lit is a book discussion group for those adventurous souls who would like to read a little something different. Get Lit is currently meeting virtually. Please register to receive an invite and access information. Can't make the meeting? Join us online in our Goodreads group Get Lit - Bettendorf Public Library or drop by our Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/bplgetlit. For more information email dotten@bettendorf.org.
Get Lit is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.
