Do you have a child that needs some practice with their reading? Does your child have some self-esteem issues? Pups Assisting the Disabled is a group that can help with these issues through their reading assistance dogs program. The dogs and their owners have been trained to work with kids one on one where they get a chance to read to the dogs. The group has been providing similar programs at other libraries and we are thrilled to have them on board with us.

The first Wednesday of each month the pups will be available from 6-7 p.m. the first session will be on November 2 in the Youth Services area. We will monitor the number of kids that come to participate so that everyone gets a chance to read. The amount of time available will be dependent on how many show up. For right now, we will not be taking reservations for time, but if the need arises we will make that announcement.

Everyone is welcome to come read, find some new books and explore the library!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

It’s time for our fall reading program designed for children ages birth-age 5. This is a perfect opportunity for families to read to their young children and promote literacy skills that will be helpful to them as they grow. “Reading Is the Key” is the theme and kids will receive a simple reading log where adults will help them record the books that they read. Each child that completes the set reading goal will receive a new book. Registration begins on Monday, October 3 and will continue through October 24. All completed logs must be returned by Saturday, October 29 to be guaranteed a new book.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library

Oh, did we have a good time at  Kids’ Experience on Saturday! It was such a great day and fun to see so many families enjoying all that we offered. When you plan events like these, you keep your fingers crossed that someone will come. Well, many did! And without a way to officially count attendees, we use the hot dog lunch as a barometer. We served over 400 hot dogs in 1 1/2 hours. Knowing some people come for part of the day and don’t partake in lunch - we estimate approximately 900-1000 people spent some time with us! That is amazing! Thanks to everyone for supporting the event!

I’d like to thank our sponsors – Quad City Bank and Trust and the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation. Also, thanks to our partners, Doyle and Keenan, PC for sponsoring the lunch, Tracy Wachal Naab for sponsoring Miller’s Petting Zoo, and to Greenspace Associates and the Friends of the Library for sponsoring the supplies needed throughout the day. Your support of the event continues to allow us to offer everything for FREE to the families and that is a great community gift!

We have more programs being planned, so keep an eye out for details!

Tonight’s Funky Mama Concert scheduled to be at Trinity’s Healing Gardens will be moved to the Library due to the rain . Grounds are too wet and more rain is predicted for early this evening.

We will be in the Bettendorf Room on the second floor with plenty of room for everyone.  FREE ice cream will be given out beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 6:45 p.m. No registration is required.

For more information contact the Youth Services Department at 344-4178.

TYRANNOSAURUS DAD by Liz Rosenberg (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Brown Bin)

Tobias’s father is different from other dads, not only because he is a tyrannosaurus but also because he is busy all of the time, but when disaster looms during Field Day at Tobias’s school, his dad comes through in a big way! Sure to be a hit for dinosaur lovers and story time with dad.

PLANTING THE WILD GARDEN by Kathryn O. Galbraith (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Bright Green Bin)

A beautifully illustrated story about the way wind and water, birds and animals, plants and people – all of us together – plant the wild garden. A sort of cycle of life offering that helps kids understand how things grow wildly rather than in gardens like we plant in our yards and fields.

SHAPE BY SHAPE by Suse MacDonald (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Orange Bin)

A simple introduction to some basic cut-out shapes that one by one are added to create the dinosaur shown on the front cover. Could definitely be paired with a a craft for kids to create their own shape art.

I’M A SHARK by Bob Shea (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Dark Green Bin)

A boastful shark is not afraid of anything, which impresses his underwater friends until they ask about spiders.

PONYELLA by Laura Numeroff and Nate Evans (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Orange Bin)

This twist on the classic Cinderella  tale will be a delight to both princess and pony lovers alike. Ponyella wants to impress Princess Penelope but her two mean stepmares make her do all the chores, then laugh at her dirty coat and tangled mane. Will her fairy godmare be able to help? Little ones will recognize the story right away and will join in the fun as Ponyella and Princess Penelope find a happy ever-after life together. 

PLAY BALL, JACKIE! by Stephen Krensky (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Black Bin)

On April 15, 1947, Matt Romano and his father watch the Brooklyn Dodgers season-opener, during which Jackie Robinson, a twenty-eight-year-old rookie, breaks the “color line” that had kept black men out of Major League baseball. Includes facts about Jackie Robinson’s life and career.

SUMMER WONDERS by Bob RAczka (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Brown Bin)

Perfect for the hot days of summer this book includes illustrations and rhyming text that celebrate the sights and sounds of summer, from days of diving and swimming to nights of stargazing and fireflies.

DOG LOVES BOOKS by Louise Yates (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Purple Bin)

Dog loves books so much, he decides to open his own bookstore. When no one shows up for the Grand Opening or during the ensuing days, he occcupies himself by reading the books in the store which prepares him quite well for his first customer.

LOTS OF DOTS by Craig Frazier (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Yellow Bin)

Take a look at the world around you and you will find dots everywhere!  Written in rhyme, this one is sure to open up a discussion of what other dots you might find – also will make a perfect supplement to an art project for those learning shapes.

HIDE AND SHEEP by Andrea Beaty (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Red Bin) (Back cover shown here)

Farmer McFitt must round up his sheep, which have strayed all over town, in order to shear them to make wool so that he can knit clothing. A cute counting book full of rhymes and a few slightly familiar characters.

BETTY BUNNY LOVES CHOCOLATE CAKE by Michael B. Kaplan (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Black Bin)

From her first bite, young Betty Bunny likes chocolate cake so much she claims she will marry it one day, and she has trouble learning to wait patiently until she can have her next taste. A fun way to share a lesson on patience with a bit of good eating habits thrown in.

JOB SITE by Nathan Clement (JUV PICTURE BOOK – Blue Bin)

A bulldozer, excavator, loader, and other heavy machinery have a job to do at the job site. They roll through the pages of this bold graphic book until the big job is done. Perfect for little ones that know the name of each piece of equipment and a great way to introduce them to those that don’t.

Mark your calendars for this Thursday, June 30 at 10 a.m. as we host our first ever Community Drum Circle with local musician, Terry Hanson. If you have a rhythm instrument (drum, shaker, bells, etc.) bring it along – we will have some to share as well. Everyone will get to participate as we learn what a drum circle is and what part we play in the community. The program will last until 11 a.m.  All ages are invited to attend – kids and adults! No registration is required!

Kids ages 3-10 are invited to join us on Tuesday, June 21 from 1:30-3 p.m. for a visit from the Cat in the Hat and staff and volunteers from WQPT Public Television. The Cat in the Hat is always discovering new things and for this event children will have a chance to explore some activities from different cultures. The Cat in the Hat will make appearances at 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. but you can stop by anytime during the program to try out the activities. No registration is required!