Though Rock Island Public Library Buildings are closed for the Governor’s Executive Order, the Library Services Go On! Staff are working from home, checking messages daily from patrons about how to use digital library services, how to get a digital library card, and trouble-shooting other issues. If you need help, here’s how to contact them: Our Reference Department Email Private Message us via our Rock Island Library Facebook Page Need your library PIN reset? Question about your library card? Something else? Contact Us via our Library website. If you know someone who needs a Digital... Read More

As a result of the Illinois Governor’s extension of the Stay-at-Home order, all Rock Island Public Libraries will continue to be closed through April 30, 2020. Library book drops are closed, and patrons are requested to keep checked-out materials until the library reopens at a date to be named later. PrairieCat is extending due dates as well All due dates for physical materials extended to May 29 Card expirations extended to June 1 Expiration dates for previously placed holds extended to June 12 No fines will be assessed while libraries are closed. Library patrons can continue to use... Read More

Are your kids ready to rock some reading? With distance learning becoming the norm, and more time at home leading to more time for reading, the Rock Island Library is stepping up to help parents and kids with an all-ages online reading challenge that the whole family can do together! The stay-at-home challenge offers six virtual reading badges and six for completing online activities, such as trying World Book online, checking out a magazine from RB Digital, or learning something new with HelpNow or JobNow from Brainfuse. Complete just six badges (you choose which ones) to complete the... Read More

You can keep up on your reading and check out a lot of great media through Rock Island Library’s digital systems! During the closure, we have expanded RIPL eCard access to any resident ages 14 or older of Rock Island or Milan who does not already have a card. This eCard allows use of all our digital services. You only need an eCard if you don’t have a full-access RIPL card. Your standard library card already offers full access to digital services. If you know someone who can benefit from our RIPL ecard, the application is online, under Get a Card. We are filling these online... Read More

QuadCities.com proudly presents the third installment of our new feature, FUN10, a list of the top 10 things to do in the Quad Cities this week, and every week! Every Sunday, we’ll drop a new FUN10, to give you a head start on your week and a heads up on what’s going on over the coming seven days. Check out FUN10 every Sunday for the details on ten awesome events happening around town. It’s a cool read, and a great way to get started planning your entertainment for the week. Due to the cancellation of so many regularly scheduled events in the Quad Cities – with more coming in every hour... Read More

Developing the next stage of reading is the goal of a Rocket into Reading event for ages 5 through 8 at the Rock Island Public Library onThursday, September 27. The free event is 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. Rocket into Reading is aimed at the learning needs of children in Kindergarten through 3rd grades. Launch the reader in your home with super sports-themed fun and the gift of a free book and sports bag. The event includes free sports games, crafts, and activity stations designed to improve skills and interest in reading. Rocket into Reading is the next stage... Read More

There’s a scene in Nick Hornby’s “High Fidelity” where the lead character, played by John Cusack, asks whether or not it’s fair to judge people largely on their music tastes. So, is it? What kind of music do you like? Who are your favorite singers? What’s your favorite song? When I was younger, particularly in high school and early college, I was inclined to judge potential friends and girlfriends in large part on their musical and pop-culture tastes. Yes, I was an entertainment snob. Hard to believe, I know. In comparing preferences in music, TV shows, movies, and books, I felt... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library’s Hug A Book program series will offer a special early learning art event  this Thursday for ages five and under. Hug-A-Book, Make Some Art offers a story and several related art projects designed for children ages to five. The free event is at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Aug. 31 at Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, in the second-floor Community Room. Each child receives a free book and an art apron, courtesy of the Merrill Harris Fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation. The Hug-A-Book event  serves as the preview for a new art monthly program... Read More

John LaBella wants to help you find your next favorite book. The area author is helping to organize a string of events at various locales which feature local authors reading and signing their books. The next is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at High Ground Café, 301 E Market St., Iowa City. “This event is one in a series,” LaBella said. “At each event anywhere from 4 to 6 authors are present. For the first hour the authors interact with visitors directly – answer individual questions. For the second hour we have a roundtable discussion where the authors answer questions and... Read More