Category: Library news

Library Closed for Labor Day

- Stephanie Leave a comment

All three Davenport Public Library locations will be closed Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor day. All three buildings will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3rd: Main (321 Main Street) 9am to 5:30pm, Eastern (6000 Eastern Avenue) 9am to 8pm, and Fairmount (3000 N Fairmount St) noon to 8pm.

Even though our physical locations will be closed, you can still access free digital content for all ages. Your Davenport Public Library card gives you access to free eBooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, movies, and music through Libby, Freegal, TumbleBooks, QC Beats, and Kanopy!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Library Closed for Independence Day

- Stephanie Leave a comment

All three Davenport Public Library locations will be closed Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. All three buildings will reopen with regular business hours on Friday, July 5th: Main (321 Main Street) 9am to 5:30pm, Eastern (6000 Eastern Avenue) 9am to 5:30pm, and Fairmount (3000 N Fairmount St) 9am to 5:30pm.

Even though our physical locations will be closed, you can still access free digital content for all ages. Your Davenport Public Library card gives you access to free eBooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, movies, and music through Libby, Freegal, TumbleBooks, QC Beats, and Kanopy!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Welcome New Trustees!

- Jeff Collins Leave a comment

Exciting news! We have three new friendly faces joining The Davenport Public Library Board of Trustees!

On June 12th, Major Mike Matson appointed Honey Bedell, Bob Davis, and Jerry Skalak with confirmation by the Davenport City Council. They officially started their new roles on July 1st. These new additions come as we say goodbye to our long-time Trustees: Steve Imming, Judie Lance, and Sylvia Roba, who have made a huge impact on The Library.

Our Board of Trustees play a crucial role in governing and setting policies for Davenport Public Library. Made up of nine community members who serve 6-year terms, the Trustees are responsible for advocating for The Library, planning for its future, evaluating its effectiveness, adopting governance policies, and overseeing the Library Director.

The Library Board of Trustees meet monthly on the third Tuesday at noon at the Main Library, and are open to the public. You can find past and upcoming meeting agendas and minutes on The Library’s website. Meetings are also recorded and posted online. Trustees follow a Code of Ethics and complete annual education requirements to ensure The Library’s continued success.

While we will miss Steve, Judie, and Sylvia, we are thrilled to welcome Honey, Bob, and Jerry as the newest guardians of your public library. Here’s to a bright future ahead!

Honey Bedell

Honey held a leadership position at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) for 32 years, with 27 of those years spent working closely with the EICC Board of Trustees. She retired in June 2023 as Chief of Staff. Her experience includes strategic planning, professional development, legislative advocacy, marketing, and communications. A lifelong volunteer, she has been actively involved in numerous community organizations and continues to serve in volunteer roles with the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library, River Bend Food Bank, and Davenport Community School District. She and her husband, Daniel, have been married for 31 years and are proud parents of two grown sons who graduated from Davenport Schools.

Bob Davis

Bob, the Outreach Program Manager at Community Health Care, plays a key role in providing healthcare to individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as those in shelters, treatment centers, and correctional facilities. Previously, he spent sixteen years counseling teenagers at Valley Shelter Homes before transitioning into the position of Assistant Director. Bob began his career as a practicum student at St. Ambrose while pursuing a degree in Psychology/Sociology. With over nineteen years of experience at Community Health Care, Bob is deeply connected to the community and possesses valuable resources that he hopes to bring to the Board, particularly to advocate for people of color.

Jerry Skalak

Jerry has been residing in Davenport since 1988. His wife is a retired music teacher and they have three grown children. He holds degrees in Geography and Water Resources Management. Jerry worked for over 30 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has also worked as an adjunct professor for Scott Community College. He is actively involved with RiverAction’s annual Upper Mississippi River conference and volunteers with Living Lands and Waters, Humility Homes and Services, and Nahant Marsh. Additionally, he is a member of many Quad Cities quality of life assets, including the Figge, GAHC, QC Botanical, and more.

Library Closed for Juneteenth

- Stephanie Leave a comment

All three Davenport Public Library locations will be closed Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. All three buildings will reopen with regular business hours on Thursday, June 20th: Main (321 Main Street) 9am to 5:30pm, Eastern (6000 Eastern Avenue) 9am to 8pm, and Fairmount (3000 N Fairmount St) 12pm to 8pm.

Even though our physical locations will be closed, you can still access free digital content for all ages. Your Davenport Public Library card gives you access to free eBooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, movies, and music through Libby, Freegal, TumbleBooks, QC Beats, and Kanopy!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

- Stephanie Leave a comment

Are you an adult who likes to read young adult books? If so, join the See YA Book Club! In June, we met to discuss The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White. More information about See YA can be found at the bottom of this blog post. Let’s get back to The Chaos of Stars!

Isadora is a normal teen. Well, except for the fact that she is the mortal human daughter of the immortal ancient Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris. As a sixteen-year-old, Isadora is annoyed with the drama from her family who can’t even remember her name. When Isis starts having dark dreams that portend deadly chaos in the future, she offers Isadora the opportunity to move to California to live with her brother. Isadora is ecstatic to finally escape her family. California, however, turns out to be more complicated and menacing than anyone expected. While in California, Isadora finds friends, meets a boy she really likes, and confronts her ideas of what she wants out of life vs what her parents expect. She spends her time working, hanging with her friends, and hating her family. As much as Isadora wishes she could escape her family and hopes she has done so by living in California, Egypt continually calls to her. The trouble she thought she left behind comes back deadlier than ever, forcing Isadora to decide what she really wants out of life.

I adored all the tidbits of mythology dropped in the story, which left me hoping for a sequel (sadly, this is a stand-alone title). Isadora is angry and angsty and at times heartless and annoying, but if you step back, you see that she is going through normal teenage growing pains on top of having to deal with a family of gods and goddesses.

This was a relaxing, easy read for me, but I was left wanting more: more information about the Egyptian gods and mythology, more character development. Isadora also adapted very quickly to the modern world, which I felt was unrealistic, but also interesting to watch her learn more about the world outside her family. I also recognize that as an adult, I am not the target audience for this book. While adult Stephanie wanted more, teen Stephanie would have adored and devoured this book.

More Information about See YA

Join our adult book club with a teen book twist. See why so many teen books are being turned into movies and are taking over the best seller lists.

Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Eastern Branch. We meet the first Wednesday of the month at Eastern at 6:30pm.

Library Closed for Memorial Day

- Stephanie Leave a comment

All three Davenport Public Library locations will be closed Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. All three buildings will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28th: Main (321 Main Street) 9am to 5:30pm, Eastern (6000 Eastern Avenue) 9am to 8:00pm, and Fairmount (3000 N Fairmount St) noon to 8:00pm.

Even though our physical locations will be closed, you can still access free digital content for all ages. Your Davenport Public Library card gives you access to free eBooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, movies, and music through Libby, Freegal, TumbleBooks, QC Beats, and Kanopy!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Social Work Spotlight: Prioritizing Your Mental Well-Being

- Stephanie Leave a comment

PRIORITIZING YOUR MENTAL WELL-BEING

May is Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness and promote the importance of mental health and well-being. Mental health is integral to our overall wellness, deserving as much attention as our physical health. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about mental health prevent people from seeking the help they need.

The reality is that mental health issues are widespread. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness annually. These issues span from anxiety, panic attacks, and depression to more severe conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The good news is that many effective treatments and self-care modalities can alleviate symptoms, and with proper support, individuals can and do recover.

Seeking help can feel daunting, often due to fears, shame, or misunderstandings surrounding mental health. However, it is essential to remember that you are not alone. Many resources are available to support your mental health journey, including professional help, therapy, support groups, and trusted loved ones.

Your primary care provider can be a valuable starting point in your mental health journey. They can offer guidance on whether a referral to a mental health specialist is necessary and provide that referral if needed. Additionally, local community mental health centers offer walk-in options that provide direct access to mental health professionals.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organizes both in-person and virtual sessions to provide support for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges. There are also local support groups available to help foster a sense of community and connection, providing a safe and supportive space for sharing experiences and emotions. Additionally, mental health hotlines are available for individuals who require immediate assistance and support.

In addition to seeking professional help, taking care of oneself is crucial for promoting mental well-being. Sleeping, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing can contribute to overall wellness.

Here are some suggestions for activities that individuals and families can engage in to prioritize self-care:

Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out by calling or texting 988 for support.

May is Mystery Month!

- Michelle Leave a comment

One of my favorite months of the year is May, which is Mystery month!  With dozens and dozens of new releases out this spring, below are a few noteworthy releases.  As this is just a sampling, visit Reading Recommendations on the library’s website for many more mysteries.  This is the perfect time to check in with your favorite author and see if a new title is on the horizon.

Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz – In this novel, the fifth installment of the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, Detective Hawthorne is called on to investigate the apparent murder of an unpopular resident who resides on a quiet street inside a gated community.   The residents of the community have paid large amounts of money to feel safe and secure, seemingly protected from the outside world.  The murder victim was a known troublemaker and strayed from the strict community rules which made him very unpopular with his neighbors.  Was someone mad enough with him breaking the rules to resort to murder?

 

Clock Struck Murder by Betty Webb – Expat Zoe Barlow is at it again in 1920s Paris in the second book in the Lost in Paris series.  During the weekly poker game hosted at her apartment, a fellow player accidentally breaks Zoe’s beloved vintage clock.  On a quest to find a replacement in the Montparnasse neighborhood flea market, Zoe finds the perfect replacement clock and purchases it immediately from her favorite shopkeeper, Laurette.  Upon arrival at home, Zoe discovers her clock is wrapped in the most beautiful Chagall canvas, which Zoe recognizes immediately.  Almost more impressed with the artwork, Zoe is desperate to find out more about the paintings and tracks down the vendor only to find her murdered!  With police resources scarce, Zoe turns into an amateur detective and finds out the paintings are stolen and may have been played a role in the murder of Laurette.

 

Death in the Details by Katie Tietjen  – A historical mystery based on the life of the “mother of forensic science”, Katie Tietjen has written a unique mystery where a skilled creator of doll houses uses her talent to recreate crime scenes in miniature.  In the years after WWII Maple Bishop is still learning to live without her husband, Bill, who was killed in the war.  She soon learns that he has left her with no income and she risks losing their family home in Vermont.  Maple has no choice but to turn to her natural talent to earn a living – making miniatures for dollhouses.  On her way to make a delivery to her first customer, she discovers his lifeless body in a barn.  She decides to make a miniature of the crime scene in the hopes of putting the pieces together as an amateur sleuth.  She teams up with a new police officer to get to the bottom of the crime before she risks becoming a victim herself.

 

Locked in Pursuit by Ashley Weaver  – Electra McDonnell’s safecracking skills have made her indispensable to the British Government in this fourth installment of Ashley Weaver’s Electra McDonnell series set in WWII London.  Electra gets wind of a series of burglaries carried out by expert thieves and contacts her elusive handler, Major Ramsey, who just happens to be a member of the British government in order to garner more information. The two of them start on a journey that leads to Portugal and includes the delivery of a mysterious package that could break the case wide open.  As the group of thieves grow bolder, Electra and Ramsey hope to outwit the thieves with their own game.

 

Other exciting mystery titles coming out this spring :

Murder in Rose Hill By Victoria Thompson

Patchwork Quilt Murder by Leslie Meier

Nest of Vipers by Harini Nagendra

The Last Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal

The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear

Dead Tired by Kat Ailes

 

 

Social Work Spotlight: Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

- Stephanie 1 Comment

SENIOR FARMER’S MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

This month, our resource spotlight shines on the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), an initiative dedicated to enhancing senior health and wellness. SFMNP offers eligible seniors a $50 voucher to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from participating farmer’s market vendors.

Administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in partnership with the Iowa Division of Aging and Disability Services, this program ensures seniors have convenient access to nutritious produce, promoting their overall well-being. SFMNP plays a vital role in fostering community health and wellness by supporting local farmers and encouraging healthy eating habits among seniors.

Area Agencies on Aging facilitate the distribution of vouchers to eligible seniors, with Milestones Area Agency on Aging serving as the administering organization for the seventeen counties in their planning and service area, which includes Scott County. To apply for SFMNP benefits, seniors must meet specific age and income criteria and complete an application. Seniors who received vouchers last year will automatically receive an application by mail by mid-May. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact Milestones Area Agency at (563-324-9085) to request an application. Applications will be accepted exclusively through the mail, and Farmer’s Market vouchers will also be sent to recipients via mail. Please be aware that no business transactions will occur at any Milestones office, and there are no distribution centers.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be at least 60 years of age or older.
  • Your annual household income should not exceed 185% of the Federal poverty level. This means an individual’s yearly income should not exceed $27,861 or $2,321.74 monthly, or $37,814 or $3,151.71 monthly for a two-person household. You can find the income guidelines at https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/sfmnp-ieg-2024-25-memo.pdf
  • Seniors must reside within the service area of the Area Agency on Aging.

For more information about the Farmers Market Nutrition program, please visit https://www.milestonesaaa.org/nutrition-programs/farmersmarket/ or contact Milestones Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085. You can also find a list of eligible Farmers’ Markets by visiting Eligible Farmer’s Market Locations.

Library Closed for Staff In-Service

- Stephanie Leave a comment

The Davenport Public Library will be closed on Thursday, April 25th for a Staff In-Service day. It’s an opportunity for us to get more training, work on setting goals, and figure out more ways to make Davenport the best library possible. All three buildings will reopen with regular business hours on Friday, April 26th: Main (321 Main Street) 9am to 5:30pm, Eastern (6000 Eastern Avenue) 9am to 5:30pm, and Fairmount (3000 N Fairmount St) 9am to 5:30pm.

Even though our physical locations will be closed, you can still access free digital content for all ages. Your Davenport Public Library card gives you access to free eBooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, movies, and music through Libby, Freegal, TumbleBooks, QC Beats, and Kanopy!