A spooky escape game full of local haunts makes for a timely addition to the Rock Island Public Library’s programming treats for October. Escape rooms are a fun way to try creative problem solving with family and friends. Ages 12 and up can sign up now to take on the Library’s Haunted Escape Room game on Tuesday, October 22. Participants will take on the role of a ghost hunter, and attempt to unlock the mystery of the haunted library in just 30 minutes.  Not all ghosts are friendly, so there may be obstacles to your escape! The free event is offered from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rock Island... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library Foundation and the Lorene Evans Watts Fund for Children’s Materials will host the “Books for Kids” Trivia Night on Friday. November 1, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island. Donation to play is $10 per person. Participants can increase their chances to win by purchasing mulligan and doubler round stickers or bidding to win answers for a round from the night’s celebrity genius. Snacks are welcome and a cash bar will be available from the Botanical Center. All beverages must be purchased from the... Read More

The 22nd Annual Frieze Lecture Series at the Rock Island Public Library will note the 50th anniversary of the “Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities” at Augustana College, and the 40th anniversary of the assassination of one of Augustana’s most extraordinary graduates, by considering the nature and impact of student activism here and around the world. Free and open to the public, the Frieze Lectures begin at 2:00 pm on the last two Tuesdays in October (22 and 29) and the first two Tuesdays in November (5 and 12), all in the community room of Rock Island’s Downtown Library, 401 19th... Read More

It’s the beginning of the witching season, as Halloween is just around the corner, but there are a lot of treats going on in terms of positive news and people in the Quad-Cities! Here’s some of the good news going on around the community!   Family Museum Earns New Autism-Friendly Designation Family Museum has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, which is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and demonstrates Family Museum’s dedication to providing a supportive environment for guests with autism and other sensory... Read More

Local author William Hampes will explore the depiction of courage in television and movie westerns in “Cowboy Courage,” a free talk at Rock Island Public Library. “Cowboy Courage: Westerns and the Portrayal of Bravery” will be offered at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 16, at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. Hampes, author of the book “Cowboy Courage,” uses discussion and video clips from film and television westerns to show how courage and lead to, and even enrich, other virtues such as redemption, authenticity, love, friendship, community allegiance, justice,... Read More

As the leaves are turning colors and the temperatures cool, Rock Island Public Library is going to be falling over itself to make autumn a fun season for area families! The library has a full slate of events upcoming. Here’s the lowdown: Back to School! August – December 2019 Events Adults, General Audiences New: Bangtan Book Club. Monthly on Thursdays at 5:30 pm, see date for location. Do you know BTS, the Korean-pop band? Then you know their music is filled with literary influences! Join us monthly as we meet to discuss the books that have inspired certain BTS albums. Starting... 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

When books or other materials are censored from the shelves of public libraries, we’re all in the dark. Banned Books Week, September 22-28, 2019, recognizes the right to access books without external censorship, and keep the light of intellectual freedom on. In celebration of freedom of expression and ideas, the Rock Island Public Library and the Midwest Writing Center will host their 6th Annual Banned Books “Read-In” on Tuesday, September 24, at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. The event starts at 5:30 pm with refreshments, and continues with live public readings from... Read More

As the leaves are turning colors and the temperatures cool, Rock Island Public Library is going to be falling over itself to make autumn a fun season for area families! The library has a full slate of events upcoming. Here’s the lowdown: Back to School! August – December 2019 Events Adults, General Audiences New: Bangtan Book Club. Monthly on Thursdays at 5:30 pm, see date for location. Do you know BTS, the Korean-pop band? Then you know their music is filled with literary influences! Join us monthly as we meet to discuss the books that have inspired certain BTS albums. Starting... Read More