Rock Island Public Library Buildings are still closed for the Governor’s Executive Order but the Library Services Go On in a Virtual Way. Late last week, the Illinois Governor revised and extended his Executive Stay-At-Home executive order to May 30. For details, see this page from the Illinois Department of Public Health As a result, all Rock Island Public Library buildings remain closed until further notice. The library is working on a phased plan for re-introducing library services to our community, which includes a gradual reopening. This gradual reopening will most likely include... Read More

Although more than 60 years have passed since the first National Library Week celebration, the original goals of celebrating libraries, promoting reading for leisure, improving incomes and health, and developing strong and happy family life are still relevant today. National Library Week began Sunday, April 19, and though the celebration looks different than in any previous year, the goal is the same: to educate about what libraries offer, and to inspire use. Due to social distancing restrictions, this year’s theme has shifted to “Find the Library at YOUR Place.” That theme recognizes the... 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

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

Hey, let’s face it, we all know this is a troubling time. With all of the precautions, panic and precarious situations surrounding the coronavirus, it’s gotten very difficult to maintain a positive outlook. However, no matter how negative things may get, there are always people out there helping, there are always people out there trying to do the right thing, there are always people out there being kind and trying to make the world a better place, and those people and their actions are all the more significant and impactful now. That’s why this column, and the live segment on KWQC-TV6’s... Read More

As part of the Rock Island Public Library’s commitment to work within health guidelines and help prevent or mitigate the spread of COVID-19,  all Rock Island Public Library locations will be closed to the public from 8:00 pm today, Monday, March 16 through Saturday, April 4.  At the present time, the library plans to reopen to the public on Monday, April 6. This announcement includes routes for our Mobile Library2Go, which will be suspended until the time being.  The book drop will also close for the duration. Please do not return your items to any library. As part of this process, all... Read More

Rock Island Public Library, out of an abundance of caution, has cancelled all Rock Island Public Library event programming and use of Community Rooms until Saturday, April 4, 2020. If you are registered for an event that has been cancelled, you will receive a separate email noting that the event has been cancelled. If the event is later rescheduled, we will contact all registered participants with the new date. Outside groups who have reserved rooms for their events will also be contacted. The response to COVID-19 is evolving quickly, and we appreciate your patience as we work through... Read More

If your idea of the perfect day involves chocolate, the Rock Island Public Library is the place to be on February 22.  The Rock Island Public Library will offer a Chocoholic Paradise evens that allow chocolate lovers to learn more about their favorite treat. The library will offer a hands-on learning experience in chocolate making with Randyl Mohr later in February. The Chocoholic Paradise Create class occurs from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 22, also at the Downtown Library. Participants will develop their own chocolates. Registration is required, with enrollment opening at 1:00... Read More

February is Library Lovers’ Month, and the Rock Island Public Library is offering a way for patrons to encourage the gift of reading all month long. Special Have a Heart for Reading donation trees will be available at Rock Island Downtown and Southwest Library locations from February 3 through 29. The trees contain hearts listing an anonymous library card account balance for a child aged 6 through 17 years old. These cards may not be currently used due to excess fines and other charges.   To participate, simply select a heart, take it to desk staff, and pay part or all of the amount to... Read More

The February 4 Tuneful Tuesday performance at the Rock Island Public Library features classical saxophone by Danelle Kvapil, of Davenport.  The free performance starts at noon in the Rock Island Downtown Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. With accompaniment by pianist Jody Johnston-Mohr, Kvapil’s program features works by classical composers and arrangers Henri Eccles, George Frideric Handel, Sigurd Rascher, Jules Massenet, Ronald Binge, and Carl Anton Wirth, as well the hymn Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy and a polka arrangement, The Wild Rose, by H.A. VanderCook.   Kvapil... Read More