A combination of significant behind-the-scenes budget work, coupled with hours changes and improvements in the assessed valuation of homes, should keep the Rock Island Library’s 30/31 Branch open past January 2017, according to a working document presented at Monday night’s Budget Review Session before the Rock Island City Council. Angela Campbell noted that the budget situation has evolved a great deal since a preliminary summary earlier this summer. “Between July and now, much has happened. Although we are still looking at a deficit for 2017, we are moving closer to a balanced budget.... Read More

Are you ready for Christmas? Is your house decorated from roof to foundation? Is your radio station set to Christmas songs that you will be humming for the next month? If you are ready to be in the festive spirit, come to Augustana College and experience one of the many Christmas themed events they are having over the next month. On Wednesday, November 30th, Augustana College is holding their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. President Bahls will be conducting this ceremony in the quad on the south side of Old Main, which is located at 3600 7th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201. You can contact... Read More

The unofficial herald of Christmas in the Quad-Cities, Festival of Trees, trumpeted its first notes over the weekend, rolling into 10 days of holiday fun which will go through Sunday, Nov. 27 at Davenport’s RiverCenter. More than 30,000 people are expected to check out the event, getting a look at elaborately decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses and more, while enjoying holiday music and feasting on various treats. “It really brings the community together in a lot of ways,” said festival-goer Wendy Orman, 28, of LeClaire. “The performers on stage, the trees, the rooms, the wreaths,... Read More

You probably already knew this already, but just in case you aren’t feeling the psychic powers at this moment, you should know that the Q-C Psychic And Paranormal Expo brought a ton of fun and good vibes to the i-wireless center in Moline over the weekend. The two-day event, the fourth annual of its kind, drew over 1,000 people to check out vendors, performers and speakers from throughout the country. Speakers talked about everything from aliens to angels to spirit guides to shamanism and vendors offered colorful crystals, aura readings and pictures, conversations with spirit guides and angels... Read More

The Rock Island and Colona Public Libraries will each explore major events in US history this November with two separate presentations by speaker Jim Gibbons. First, the Colona Public Library observes the 53rd anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s untimely death with a program on Tuesday, Nov. 22. In the 6:30 pm program on “The Kennedy Assassination,” Gibbons considers the events of that fateful day in Dallas. As Gibbon states on his website, “If you were alive at that time you may remember where you were and what you were doing that fateful day in Dallas. If not, you will... Read More

Renaissance Rock Island will celebrate three businesses with a rolling ribbon cutting on Friday, November 18th. J Wild Marketing, LLC is celebrating a year in the McKesson Lofts building with an official ribbon cutting. Avenue Studios opened at 100 19th Street earlier this year after relocating from another downtown Rock Island location. Taste Buds moved from the College Hill District to downtown Rock Island in August, and is celebrating with a ribbon cutting as well. Attendees will move from business to business during the rolling ribbon cutting, allowing them to see what each new business has... Read More

Celebrate!, a special events and attire consignment shop has now been open in the Shoppes on 2nd, Rock Island’s first retail incubator, for a year. The move to Rock Island meant doubling in size, and have since expanded within The Shoppes on 2nd, doubling the size of Celebrate! once more. “We didn’t think of it as anything more than a tiny boutique and a hobby. However, the Quad Cities really responded well and made it clear a store like ours is needed,” says Celebrate! owner, Sheleigh Martin. Since opening in November of 2015 Celebrate! now has the space for over $100,000 in inventory,... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library will build on the excitement of the release of the new movie in the Harry Potter world with a “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” party for all ages on Thursday. The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Party is Thurs, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Main Library, 401 19th Street. Bring the whole family and hunt for magical monsters, take part in wizard sparring. enjoy Fantastic crafts, snacks and prizes. The event is for all ages and is free. For more information about Rock Island Library hours, services and programs, visit the library’s... Read More

Quad-Cities music fans packed into the Village Theater in the village of east Davenport Saturday night for the latest Moeller Nights concert featuring headliner Mr. Little Jeans, with opening acts Trace and Liv Carrow. MC Mik Stel loudly whipped the crowd up as music aficionados ages four to 74 checked out a few hours of excellent tunes that ran the gamut from folk to trip-hop to electronic pop. “Pretty cool night,” said promoter Sean Moeller. I’d have to agree, and I’m sure those who showed up do as well . . .  Read More

“This year” finally came for the 2016 World Series Champions Chicago Cubs, and if you want to see if they can continue their winning streak, the Classic Wrigley Field Rooftop Experience silent auction package at Food For Thought might just be the ticket. The Rock Island Public Library Foundation fundraiser, Thursday night from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, supports the library’s literacy efforts with a wide range of ways to bid and win at the silent auction. The home run item may be the Cubs Rooftop experience for two, which includes watching a Chicago Cubs... Read More