April 4 through 10th is National Library Week, when the nation celebrates libraries, library workers, and the use and support of libraries. The 2021 theme is “Welcome to Your Library.” The Rock Island Public Library kicked off their Grow a Reader giving campaign this week to welcome young users back to the library. Grow a Reader donation “trees” are on display at the Rock Island Downtown and Southwest Libraries. Each display contains tags with an account balance of over $5 or more for an anonymous young person between 6 and 18 years of age with an active library card. Donors can choose... Read More

If you just can’t wait for new releases from your favorite fiction authors, good news! The new Best Sellers Club at Rock Island Public Library could help you read those new titles earlier. The new service allows library patrons to sign up for automatic holds on new titles from their favorite adult fiction authors. Signing up is simple, and available to anyone with a valid library card from a PrairieCat member library. You choose the authors you want to follow from the list. When new titles arrive, Rock Island Library staff will place a hold for you. Members will receive a courtesy notice... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library recently introduced a Homebound Resources service to deliver library materials to Rock Island and Milan residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound. “Though we’ve always allowed patrons to designate an official representative to pick up and return materials for them, that’s sometimes not convenient or even possible,” said Victoria Schoess, Director of Circulation Services for the Rock Island Public Library. “We created the Homebound Resources service to deliver materials to those who don’t have a representative and can’t get out.”  Homebound... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library Children’s Department continues to ZOOM into entertaining learning online and at home with new and returning events this September. On Wednesday, September 9, the library offers a Virtual Superhero Party from 10:30 am to 11:15 am via its ZOOM meeting software. Ages 5 and under can listen to a book read by Children’s Librarian Ms. Ranell, and then work on crafts and activities together via ZOOM. The activity kit is available for pickup by registered participants, who will also receive a link to the online event. Recurring children’s events include virtual online... Read More

Distribution looks different this year for the Rock Island Public Library Seed Library. This free resource is still a great way for Rock Island and Milan-area residents and organizations to cultivate their gardens this spring. The Seed Library is a free collection of seed packets suitable for the local Zone 5 growing area. Using the online form on the RIPL website, participants can request one of the following pre-selected packages: ·         Vegetable garden bundle ·         Flower garden bundle ·         Herb garden bundle ·         Grab Bag (mixed bundle) Each... Read More

To help fill the need for digital connectivity while library buildings are closed for COVID-19, the Rock Island Public Library is temporarily repurposing its Library2Go vehicle as a traveling hotspot. Starting Tuesday, May 26, the mobile library will make stops Monday-Thursday in selected neighborhoods to provide mobile WiFi connections for up to 30 devices at a time. The new service assists Rock Island and Milan residents who need an internet connection to fill out the Census, apply for jobs, check on unemployment, or other tasks. There will be no public entry onto the vehicle. Weekly WiFi stops... Read More

Even though the physical buildings have been shut down due to coronavirus concerns, the Rock Island Library continues to offer digital services through OverDrive, eRead Illinois, Hoopla digital, Kanopy, RB Digital magazines, and the New York Times online. Many of our digital services are offering extended use during this time of need. For example, Kanopy has opened up unlimited access to a collection of films that can be viewed without using monthly credits. The Kanopy Kids collection is also available for unlimited use for 30 days. As a resident in the area served by RAILS, Rock Island Public... Read More

Build a Cat Castle is clawing its way in 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Wednesday, December 4, at Rock Island Downtown Library! Your cat is already king (or queen) of the castle. Time to build him or her a structure worthy for feline royalty. Our Cat Castle event comes just in time for holiday gift giving! Build your furry friend a customized cardboard castle (or boat, food truck or airplane) for play and naps. The library will supply cardboard boxes and embellishments; you supply the creativity. Instructions and guidance available. Fun for all ages, please register online or call the library. www.rockislandlibrary.org or... Read More

Families staying in town during the two-week Rock Island/Milan school break will find fun and learning at the Rock Island Public Library. In scheduled events for all ages, the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, will host a Family Bingo Night where participants will play for candy. The free event is Thursday, October 10 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Community Room. All ages are welcome, and children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. To sign up, visit the library website or call 309-732-7360.   Other events at the Downtown Library include “Petite... Read More

Build a Cat Castle is clawing its way in on Wednesday Dec 4 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Rock Island Downtown Library! Your cat is already king (or queen) of the castle. Time to build him or her a structure worthy for feline royalty. Our Cat Castle event comes just in time for holiday gift giving! Build your furry friend a customized cardboard castle (or boat, food truck or airplane) for play and naps. The library will supply cardboard boxes and embellishments; you supply the creativity. Instructions and guidance available. Fun for all ages, please register online or call the library. www.rockislandlibrary.org or... Read More