Over the past spring and summer, the Bettendorf Public Library restructured its internal positions, leaving an opening for a new young adult librarian. Pleasant Valley alumni Katie Jackson was hired and is now leading teen programming, outreach and more.
Jackson attended the University of Northern Iowa after graduating from PV in 2015. There, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English. However, she was not yet considering library or information sciences as a profession. “There were lots of signs I was going to end up in libraries that I ignored because I didn’t think being a librarian was cool. I initially wanted to go into publishing, which I thought was very glamorous and cool,” Jackson shared.
After graduating, she moved back to the Quad Cities for work. This job eventually led her into the library field. “I finally decided to pursue library science while working in healthcare during the pandemic,” said Jackson. “I decided I needed a change and knew that I liked books and community/non-profit work. So, put those two together and you get librarian!”
Jackson then received her Master’s Degree in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Iowa in 2021 and worked as the Outreach Services Librarian for the Eldrige branch of the Scott County Library System. At the end of May, she moved to the Bettendorf library.
Since then, Jackson has added opportunities for teens to build community and find joy at the library. “There are programs to attend, a dedicated teen space to hang out in and tons of volunteer opportunities. Not to mention reading challenges where you can win prizes,” she added. Each month, there have been a variety of dedicated teen programs, including a bookbinding event, Freedom to Read Celebration for National Banned Books Week and most recently, an after-hours teen movie night.
November will feature her biggest event yet — the library’s first annual Teen Environmental Summit. Students from the area can stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 to learn how they can contribute to sustainability, complete craft challenges, enjoy snacks and get to know like-minded teens. The event will feature local environmental organizations, including the Iowa Wildlife Federation, Green Iowa Americorps, the Waste Commission of Scott County and more.
Jackson not only provides these fun experiences but involves teen input in every step of the process. She works closely with the library’s Teen Leadership Committee (TLC) to brainstorm ideas and plan events. “I like volunteering with the TLC because we can pursue the projects we truly think teens will like, and we get a lot of hands-on organizing events,” shared senior Jocelyn Bock. Through biweekly meetings, the group works with Jackson to host one teen event each month as well as decide on take-home activities, select book club picks and promote reading challenges.
Through her time at the Bettendorf Library, Jackson has also introduced new recurring programs. The monthly English as a Second Language (ESL) Club and Teen Art Committee provide chances for teens to volunteer as well as contribute to their community.
Middle or high school students can attend the ESL club as English learners or English-speaking volunteers to have casual conversations with others who hope to improve their speaking. Teen Art Committee members meet to discuss and implement art and design at the library, including creating seasonal decorations, displaying artwork, and making changes to the teen quad.
In just her first couple of months, Jackson has improved and expanded the scope of teen programming. “[She] has brought a lot of experience with design and attention to detail, which makes our programs way more fun,” said Bock.
Jackson’s upcoming library initiatives continue to display this ambition. She will be running January’s teen winter reading program, organizing the annual Eastern Iowa Regional Battle of the Books and launching a new 100 Books before Graduation reading challenge.
In the future, she hopes to further increase teen involvement and event engagement. “Long-term, my goal for BPL teen programming is a dynamic, teen-led structure that changes as needed to suit the wants and desires of local teens at any given time. That means, teen-led programming, volunteering, outreach and teen input on everything!” Jackson concluded.
To learn more, explore teen programming on the library’s website.
