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

If you’ve been spending time stress cooking or baking during the COVID-19 quarantine, the Rock Island Public Library wants your recipes. In partnership with libraries throughout the Quad City area, the Rock Island Public Library is collecting recipes for a Quad City Quarantine Cookbook. Contributors are encouraged to share what they’ve been making or baking to document life during the historically-significant pandemic of Covid-19. “People have been quarantining themselves with their families, cooking from their pantries, and limiting trips to the grocery store. We believe it’s important... Read More

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

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

All Rock Island Public Libraries will close to the public through Saturday, April 4, 2020. This includes Library2Go routes, which will be suspended. This decision reflects the library’s commitment to work within federal, state, and local health guidelines, and as a prevention strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19 within our community. At the present time, the library plans to reopen to the public on Monday, April 6. Closing limits potential exposure to our patrons and staff. Programs and community room use were previously cancelled until Saturday, April 4, 2020. As part of this closing.... 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

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

Due to circumstances beyond their control, regarding concerns about the coronavirus, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton performance originally scheduled for Monday at Rock Island Public Library has been postponed. The new date is not available at this time. Please watch for an announcement at a later time. Library officials appreciate your patience with this rapidly changing situation.  Read More

The Rock Island Library is reviewing all library programming for the next two to three weeks and expect to make an announcement after Tuesday’s board meeting in regard to postponement or cancellation. If you are registered for a program, you will receive an automatic email from our online registration system if it is cancelled. If the program does not require registration, watch for email updates from us. We also recommend checking our online calendar. Please stay tuned for updates by email and social media. Older adults and those with chronic illnesses are more at risk for COVID-19... Read More

Spring intersession break for Rock Island/Milan Schools is coming up March 9. If you’re a parent, grandparent or other caregiver looking for some fun ways to keep the kids occupied, the Rock Island Public Library has some free activities for you! The Rock Island Public Library has planned a mix of free scheduled and drop-in activities for school-age children during the two-week period. Scheduled activities include: Roblox Gaming for ages 12 to 18: Tuesday, March 10, at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. The Library’s Community Room will be open from 3:30 to 5:00 pm for 90 minutes... Read More