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

Check out some of the incredible events for adults, teens, and children happening at the Rock Island Public Library in the second week of September. The super line up of events for Sept. 10-17 includes: Coffee and a Movie Morning, 9:30 am, Monday, Sept. 10, Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. See the classic adventure tale by Stephen Spielberg featuring Indiana Jones, the globe-hopping archeologist. In this first installment of film franchise, our hero is trying to outrun a group of Nazis searching for the Ark of the Covenant. Free movie and coffee. Small Business and Non-Profit Website... Read More

Pokémon trainers unite! Your defending skills are in need. Whether you are a long-time Pokémon Go trainer or want to see what all the fuss is about, head to the Niabi Zoo this Saturday Oct 14 for a Pokémon Go Expedition! That’s right, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. the zoo will be stocked full of virtual Pokemon in-waiting. You will be able to discover 20 Pokestops, with lures attached to each. Four gyms will be available for battles with other players. Train tickets will only be $10 for four rides, so you can also relax and enjoy the scenery while hatching eggs. Your courage will pull you through... Read More

Ice cream socials, parades and apple pie contests? Oh my! It must be time for Walcott Day! Walcott Day is upon us, and this year’s theme is SuperHeroes for a SuperTown! Most activities will take place Victory Park, 202 East Otis Street in Walcott. Here is a full list of activities for the weekend: Friday July 14 6-7:30 p.m.          Ice Cream Social at Courtyard Estates (Proceeds go to Girl/Cub Scouts) Pulled Pork Dinner at Courtyard Estates (Proceeds go to Splash Pad) 7:30-8:30 p.m.  Kid’s Run- ¼ Mile for ages 6 and under, ½ Mile for ages 7-12 at Prairie View Park Dusk                        ... Read More

With summer in full swing so are the carnivals, car shows and parades! This weekend is no exception. Coal Valley Days are upon us! Friday July 7 and Saturday July 8, Coal Valley is hosting their annual Valley Days celebration! All events take place at the Coal Valley Municipal Park on First Street. Come out for carnival rides, a car show, parade and more! Here is the full schedule for the weekend: Friday July 7 5-11:30 p.m.                         Carnival and Beer Garden 6-6:30 p.m.                          Clown-A-Round (Magic show for the kids) 7-11:30... Read More

A Year With Frog and Toad, the latest children’s production at Circa ’21, is wonderfully done, a show which perfectly captures the tone, feel and look of one of America’s most popular children’s-story series. The terrific, literate show, which was nominated for three 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is masterfully done, and I, as an adult watching it, truly enjoyed it. I think adults watching it will likewise appreciate its subtle, well-crafted style, and smaller children will particularly like it, especially if they are fans of the book. It is a bit slow-moving, and pre-teens... Read More

Looking for something fun and educational to do with the entire family this weekend? Then look no further than the Figge Art Museum! On Saturday June 24, the Figge is hosting a FREE Family Day! That’s right, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. you and your family can help celebrate the new exhibitions with a variety of hands-on projects and experiences, for FREE! From making your own Clothespin Dolls to creating Haitian art, there will be no shortage of fun projects for everyone to love. Enjoy some free play in the Artica, the museum’s most kid-friendly space! Or you can stop by the lobby for some free... Read More

Fun and learning for teens gets creative with programs on cooking, making graphic novels, and tie-dye, all at the Rock Island Public Library. All events are free and open to the public. The library’s Reading by Design theme celebrates creativity and making, with the following free events for ages 12 to 18: Teen Iron Chef: 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Thursday, June 29, Main Library. Design a culinary masterpiece in our annual Teen Iron Chef Challenge! Prepare a snack for our brave judges with the ingredients provided. Compete against your friends for fun and prizes, and see who will be voted our next... Read More

Parents and grandparents looking for ways to keep kids occupied over the summer should make plans to visit the Rock Island Public Library. The library’s Reading by Design summer reading and learning program offers a blueprint for family learning and fun with a wide range of free events for children and families. Summer activities for children from ages birth to 12 include a combination of ongoing events, drop-in activities, special events, and performers:   Ongoing Events: Toddler Tale story times, offered three times per week for infants through age five at the Rock Island 30/31, Southwest... Read More

One of America’s most popular children’s-story series gets a fun-filled stage makeover when Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse presents its debut of the charming, hilarious family musical A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD. Nominated for three 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical, this hour-long theatrical treat to sure to entertain kids of all ages, and is being brought to life by an exceptional cast and crew of professional talents. Circa ’21 will present A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD on scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings and afternoons from June 13 through July... Read More