Bettendorf Public Library Updating Creation Studio Thanks to Generous Donation

Thanks to a $35,000 grant from the Arconic Foundation, the library is updating the Creation Studio. The makerspace gives community members access to new and emerging technologies that inspire interest in creativity, design, and STEAM activities. The Creation Studio continues to see growth, with a 40.7% increase in use in fiscal year 2024-2025 compared to the previous year (Source: Annual Report FY 2024-2025).

The grant will go toward purchasing new equipment, including laptops, that will enable the library to expand its programming and technology offerings in the Creation Studio. The money will also be used to update some of the older machines in the makerspace and to cover two years of recurring material costs, allowing the Creation Studio to continue offering a variety of creative activities.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Arconic Foundation for its generous investment," said Library Director Jillian Aschliman. "This support will help us expand opportunities for creativity, hands-on learning, while also providing library users of all ages access to new and emerging technologies. We are excited about what this partnership will make possible for our community."

To learn more about the Creation Studio, click here.