Many kids are reading books in a series and anxiously await the release of the newest title. We try our best to keep up with the hundreds of series out there. Here are some of the latest releases we’ve received. If you need help locating any of them (or you see a series you aren’t familiar with and want to find the first one) just ask at the Youth Services Desk for some assistance.
Next in the Series . . .
November 22nd, 2011
Junie B. Jones Is Coming to the Library!
November 19th, 2011
In a partnership with Circa ‘21 we will be hosting Junie B. Jones on Tuesday, December 6 from 4:15-5 p.m. Actress Sunshine Ramsey who portrays Junie B. in Circa’s production of “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (PS So Does May)” will be reading portions of the book aloud to kids. No registration is required. Be sure to bring your cameras for a closeup with Junie B.!
The Circa ‘21 production begins November 25 and runs through December 31. For more information about the show contact Circa ‘21 at 309-786-7733 extention 2.
A Sampling of New Holiday Picture Books
November 10th, 2011Take a look at some of the new holiday picture books we’ve added!
Need help in locating any of our holiday books, just ask at the Youth Services Desk for assistance.
Reading Assistance Dogs Come to the Library
October 14th, 2011Do 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.
Toddler/Preschooler Reading Program Begins October 3
September 19th, 2011It’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
If You Have It, They Will Come!
August 21st, 2011Oh, 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!
The Kids’ Experience Is Next Saturday!
August 11th, 2011In case you haven’t heard, one of the biggest programs the library offers for kids is taking place on Saturday, August 20 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Kids’ Experience is a day full of short classes on subjects of interest to kids. Families come and spend as much time as they want, moving from class to class or trying some of the other activities. We hope that these introductory classes will give kids enough of a taste of a subject that they will want to explore it more through the materials in the library’s collection. Everything is FREE this day including a hot dog lunch! Classes include: money matters, face painting, balloon sculpting, magic, sign language, watercolors, pencil drawing, storytelling, origami, string stories, juggling, paper rockets, and illustration. Other activities include Miller’s Petting Zoo, music by Jeff Smallwood, and bubbles with the Family Museum. New this year is a visit from the LemonAid car and crew plus readings of a new book by Mike Whalen and Bill Douglas about the car.
Kids’ Experience is sponsored by Quad City Bank and Trust and the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation. Additional partners for this year’s event are the Friends of the Bettendorf Library, Greenspace Associates, Tracy Wachal Naab, State Farm Insurance and Doyle and Keenan, PC. Their support of the event means we can continue to offer everything for FREE! Thanks to all of them for their support!
No registration is required. A complete listing of the class schedule will be posted the week of the event on this website. For more information contact the Youth Services Department at 344-4178.
FUNKY MAMA CONCERT MOVED TO THE LIBRARY
July 28th, 2011Tonight’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.
Last Week of Summer Reading Program
July 25th, 2011It seems as if we just started registration and here we are in the last week of the summer program. Don’t forget that reading logs need to be turned in by Saturday, July 30 to be guaranteed a reading award. Participants must complete at least half of the program to receive an award. We will take logs the following week, but prizes are only guaranteed through Saturday.
There have been so many kids reading this summer and we want to congratulate each of them, as well as their families for choosing reading as an important part of their summer plans. In all about 2,025 children and teens participated in the reading portion and many more attend special programs.
We’d like to offer a special thank you to Trinity Regional Health System, the Bettendorf Library Foundation and the Friends of the Bettendorf Library for sponsoring this summer’s program. In addition, our partners from Chick-Fil-A and Noodles and Company get a round of thanks for bringing many smiles to the kids’ faces with their free meal awards. We couldn’t do it without your support!
We still have a few programs left this week, with the finale at Trinity’s Bettendorf location on Thursday night. Our Celebration of Reading Concert with Funky Mama Music will begin with free ice cream at 6:30 p.m. and the concert at 6:45 p.m. Remember to bring lawn chairs or a blanket and join us in the Healing Gardens for the FREE event! In case of inclement weather we will gather at the Library.
A Dozen New Titles for the Picture Book Crowd
July 5th, 2011
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.
