Kickoff a Great Summer of Reading Beyond the Beaten Path at the Quad City Botanical Center
The Rock Island Library’s “Camp iRead” summer activities and all-ages reading challenge offers more than 118 opportunities to read, learn, and have fun beyond the beaten path. Available options cover all ages, and include camp-themed craft kits, in-person events at libraries, movie showings, library outreach around town, and chances to explore new interests.
Full details on all the Camp iRead fun to be had this summer will be available at the Beyond the Beaten Path Summer Kickoff, Wednesday, June 1 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island. “We’re so happy to partner with the Botanical Center on this free event, which brings our patrons outside to experience nature with activities and fun for all ages,” said Susan Foster, Rock Island Public Library youth services director.
Kickoff guests can sign up for summer reading, visit the Library2Go bookmobile, pick up a free “Summer Reader” yard sign, roam the Botanical Center gardens, play oversized yard games, and enjoy free outdoor activities from the Rock Island Library, Quad City Botanical Center, and community partners, including the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department, Metro, Nahant Marsh, Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Extension Service, Rock Island County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Spring Forward Learning Center. Admission and all activities are free and open to anyone.
In the event of light rain, activities move into the Botanical Center pavilion, but actual thunderstorms will cause the event to move to June 2. Follow the Library and Botanical Center Facebook pages for weather-related updates.
The library’s all-ages reading challenge starts June 1 via the library’s Beanstack website and mobile app. Registrants can earn their very own Summer Reader patch while supplies last, and check off digital badges for meeting pre-set reading and activity goals. Each badge earned equals a digital ticket to enter into online drawings for several prize baskets. Those who earn at least 10 badges of any type may also earn special rewards, including an end-of-summer pool party for children and teens, and a RIPL camp hat for adults (perfect for keeping the sun off your face while you read outside.) Both of these special incentives are available while supplies and capacity lasts.
Just like any library event, the Camp iRead Summer Reading challenge is open to anyone from anywhere. Prizes must be picked up locally. To sign in and participate, follow the Reading Challenges menu link from www.rockislandlibrary.org. A printable paper form is also available.
Want to explore new interests? Blaze a trail to your library!
The first week of “Camp iRead” starts off strong with a number of free events, including a chance to explore the woods. The library will host a free Guided Nature Hike at Black Hawk State Park on Saturday, June 4 from 10 am to 11:30 am. A park volunteer will lead the way and discuss the nature and history of the site. Walkers should be prepared for uneven terrain, and bring a water bottle. The hike is free and open to adults and families, and requires registration. Sign up via the library calendar or call.
Distribution of free weekly crafts for kids starts Tuesday, May 31. The weekly “camper crafts” are available while supplies last for ages 12 and under from May 31 to July 25. “Camp crafts to go” for teens and adults will be available from June 6 to July 25, also on a first-come, first-served basis.
Events for adults that week include a reveal of the latest historical documents that library staff have scanned for convenient access. This first installment of Treasures from the History Room covers contagious disease reports collected by the Rock Island City Clerk from 1880 to 1908. The event takes place at 2 pm on June 1 in the Downtown Library Community Room. The library will also offer a community viewing and discussion of the American Experience PBS documentary “Stonewall Uprising,” at 2 pm on Friday, June 3. The free event is for adults, and marks the start of Pride Month.
All ages can sign up for a “Dinosaur Interactive Movie” on Monday, June 6, offered at 3 pm in the Downtown Library Community Room. Offered just before the release of the latest movie in the long-running dinosaur film franchise, participants can experience the original masterpiece in an interactive style. Interactive movies combine a movie showing with props and cues for participant interaction. Registration is required, so sign up via the library’s website calendar or call. Though the free event is for all ages, some of the on-screen dinosaur mayhem may be a bit intense for very young viewers.
For more summer events as big as the great outdoors, pick up or download the Library’s Camp iRead Summer Guide newsletter, or visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. For questions, call 309-732-READ (READ.)
