Families of all artistic abilities are invited to “Paint the Lot” at the Family Museum on Saturday, October 3. The event will run 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. Cost is $50 per parking spot and participants must be registered prior to event. All proceeds will go to the Family Museum Foundation. The Museum held its first Paint the Lot event in 2017 as a fundraiser for its 20th anniversary. Families painted original designs that have withstood many Iowa winters and summers. The Museum staff decided to bring back the event since it lends itself well to social distancing – the event is outside and the... Read More

Decorating your home for Halloween won’t be a problem with the help of the Bettendorf Public Library. Starting on September 24th, take home kits designed for people ages 16 through adults will available for pick up at the library located at 2950 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf while supplies last. This month’s Take Home Workshop features pompom eyeball garlands. The kit contains supplies needed to follow along on the Bettendorf Public Library’s Take Home Workshop YouTube playlist and is free thanks the support of the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library. The Bettendorf Public Library... Read More

With a confluence of crises happening simultaneously, it’s obvious that we’re living through some very historic times. The Davenport Public Library and Putnam Museum & Science Center want you to be part of that history as it’s collected, by submitting your personal, written impressions, documents, photos and/or video about life in the Quad-Cities during the Covid-19 era. Both Davenport institutions are collecting individual or group reflections about how life has changed since the pandemic began early this year. With this collection, present and future generations of Quad Citizens will... Read More

Join the Library’s youth services department on the Facebook Live every Wednesday beginning in September at 10:00 am for some storytime fun! We’ll read stories, sing songs, share interactive games & fingerplays, and hopefully, brighten up your day. We also love to say “Hi!” to our storytime friends who are watching live, so grownups (or kids if they have their grownup’s permission) are invited to drop a name in our Storytime Live comments for a fun shout-out. Each storytime video will remain on the Library’s Facebook at www.facebook.com/davenportlibrary/... Read More

On Friday, you can gaze up at the summer night sky and watch the stars in wonder. Join well-known local storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis this Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. for a fun, family-oriented evening of American Indian Star Stories at The Twinflower Inn, 110 N. Olson Street, Bishop Hill. Safe social distancing guidelines will be in effect. Fox is an author and storyteller of Cherokee heritage. There will be drumming songs and a chance to sing long. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, bring a snack, and bring a friend. The evening is sponsored by the Twinflower Inn and Fox Tales International.... Read More

Good news: Rock Island Public Library buildings will open for Limited Hours and Building Access starting July 6! This follows news that the State is moving soon to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.[News Release] The July 6 start date allows us time to implement revised procedures and to ensure safety protocols are in place.  In keeping with state health guidelines, masks and social distancing will be required for library entry. Curbside is still a great way to pick up your library materials. If you need assistance with choosing library materials or placing items on hold, we’re happy... Read More

Join the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department for a Drive-in Movie in the Park on Saturday, June 13th. Abominable, a family friendly movie, will be the feature presentation at the Campbell Sports Complex located at 8399 29th St W, Rock Island. Gates will open for cars to park at 7:30 pm. All cars must be parked by 8:15 pm, for the movie to begin at 8:30 pm. Staff will be directing vehicles to park every other space so all vehicles are six feet apart. People must remain in their vehicles to watch the movie. A concession stand (cash only) will be available. This drive-in movie is presented... Read More

Summer 2020 looks a lot different, yet the Rock Island Public Library is still offering readers of all ages plenty of ways to immerse themselves in a story through special summer reading events from June 1 to July 31. The Library has transformed its Imagine Your Story summer reading challenges and events into online, virtual, and take-home offerings. Most programs require registration, for ease in contacting participants about picking up kits via Curbside. Incentive-based reading challenges are available for children, teens, and adults. Participants can read anything they like, track it, and earn... Read More

Rock Island Public Library is rockin’ it with activities for families this summer! The library sent out a massive list of events and other cool stuff, and here are all the details: Children’s Events: Registration required for most programs, so we can contact participants with links, videos, and instructions on kit pick-up, if applicable. Each kit will contain supplies and instructions. Register via our online calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org or call our Children’s Room phone at 309-732-7360. Absolute Science: VIEW on demand. By special arrangement with our friends at Absolute... Read More

Bettendorf’s Family Museum and Davenport’s Figge Art Museum have taken different approaches to re-opening after shutdowns caused by the Covid-19 crisis. Since Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds allowed museums to re-open (among other places) on May 22, the Family Museum opened that day, while the Figge will open June 9, following members-only opening June 6 and 7. Kim Kidwell, director of the Family Museum, used the two-month closure to completely clean the facility, do needed renovations and train staff in disinfecting and safety guidelines. “We have been getting ready to reopen, pretty much over the... Read More