Today's hours
We're open 9:00AM to 5:30PM
This page provides additional information about borrowing library materials, including drop-off, late fees (there are none!) and renewal. If you would like a library card or need to set up an account, please visit our Library Card & Account page.
If you need your checked out library materials for longer, most things can be renewed once, unless someone has a hold on it or it came from a library outside of the RiverShare consortium. There are three ways to renew materials:
Auto-renewal of library items started on January 1, 2022, for all RiverShare Libraries!
This feature automatically renews eligible items that are on your account.
Each item has a set number of allowed renewals. As long as there is not a hold on that item, it will be automatically renewed. If there is a hold on it, or the item has run out of allowed renewals, then it will be due on the original due date.
We encourage all patrons to monitor their account through the library’s website. This is the best way to keep up with your item’s due dates, especially if you have multiple items with different due dates. Also, if you haven’t signed up for email or text notifications, we can help you with that too.
Almost overdue and Auto-Renew notifications are sent out 3 days before the due date. If you receive email notifications, it will detail what has been able to be auto-renewed along with the new due date and/or materials that are due soon. If you get text notifications, use that as a reminder to check your account to see what has been auto-renewed and what is due soon. Due to character limitations on text notifications, they cannot convey the same detail as an email notification.
If you have phone selected for notifications, you will only receive automated calls for holds when they are ready. If this applies to you, just call the library and staff will be happy to assist you.
ILL items are not eligible for auto-renew. Only items from RiverShare member libraries are eligible.
Access the login screen here, or by clicking the Library Account link at the top of our web site.
Your username will be your barcode, found on your library card. Enter all 14 digits, with no spaces. Your pin is initially set as either the last four digits of your phone number for the account or the last four digits of the barcode. From there you can look at what is checked out on your account, place holds, and so much more!
If you have trouble, contact the library and staff will be happy to assist you!
Start a new chapter at Bettendorf Library!
The Bettendorf Public Library believes in providing all library patrons with fair and equitable access to library resources. On January 1st, 2023, the Bettendorf Public Library and RiverShare member libraries are eliminating overdue fines on most library materials and forgiving fines for BPL cardholders.
Collections with low quantities/high demand or hard-to-replace items will continue to collect overdue fees. Those collections are Reference Materials, Hotspots and Courtesy Admission Passes. Their fee schedule is $1.00 per day.
Why remove overdue fines?
Overdue fines create unequal access to library materials and resources. They disproportionally affect low income households, and the stigma of fines and late materials often cause people to stop using the library entirely. By removing a financial barrier, the Bettendorf Library is better fulfilling its mission in “…providing access to information and ideas for all.”
How will the library get materials back?
The library will continue to send courtesy notices to cardholders with overdue materials. Patrons will be unable to check out additional materials if they have 5 or more overdue items on their account.
Do I still need to pay for lost or damaged materials?
Yes. If an item is not returned 30 days after its due date, the library charges a replacement fee. The replacement cost is waived if the material is returned in good condition. Accounts with a balance of $10 or more will be blocked from checking out additional materials.
If I have any long-overdue items, can I bring them back?
Yes, please! Bringing back long-overdue items (in good condition) will allow us to waive the replacement costs.
I paid overdue fines a few weeks ago. Can I get a refund?
No. We are unable to provide refunds for fines already paid.
How will this affect the library’s budget?
Fines and fees make up less than 1% of the library’s budget. Additionally, removing fines reduces staff time needed to collect fines and reconcile accounts—that means more time for positive and impactful interactions with our library users!
Libraries that have adopted fine-free policies have noticed little difference in turnaround rates for returned materials.
