Readers of all ages will explore all things space this summer as Rock Island Public Library presents “A Universe of Stories” as part of their 2019 summer library program. Activities include a summer of space-related events, art projects, science and engineering experiments, performer shows, movies, creative crafts, Navy Bands and tasty treats, and more. The library’s 2019 Summer Reading Challenges are open to all ages, including children, teens, and adults. All feature goal-oriented reading missions, incentives, and more. Participants may enter and track their reading progress either... Read More

The Rock Island Library’s Universe of Stories programming and reading challenges launch June 1 at all Rock Island Libraries and online. People of all ages can stay busy exploring new worlds of learning this summer, with weekly art, science, math, summer reading challenges, reading challenges, and a whole galaxy of free events at the Rock Island Public Library.   Registration is open now for weekly programs offered on Monday and Tuesdays for kids in Kindergarten through Sixth grades. STEAMAZING Mondays, Carle’s Creators, Art is Universal, and Blast Off Math all start the week of... Read More

The Rock Island Library’s Hug-A-Book early learning program and the Quad City Botanical Center’s KinderNature program have teamed up this spring help grow young readers with a Garden Starters event. The Hug-A-Book Garden Starters event is Tuesday, April 9, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am in the tropical sun garden of the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island. The event features stories and songs from the library’s Hug-a-Book program and nature fun and crafts from the botanical center’s KinderNature series. Preschoolers will plant a seed to take home their... Read More

History is all around us in the Quad Cities, including at our local cemeteries. The Rock Island Public Library will introduce guests to some of that history in a reservation-only guided tour of Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport. Rock Island Public Library presents A Walking Tour of Oakdale Memorial Gardens from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Wednesday, April 17 at the historic cemetery at 2501 Eastern Avenue, Davenport. Reference Librarian Jason Kirchofer and cemetery personnel will lead guests through a tour of the grounds. Founded in 1856, Oakdale is listed on the National Register of Historic Places,... Read More

Rock Island Public Library has events for all ages at its various branches throughout the rest of 2019! Check out their full rundown of cool stuff going on:   Southwest Craft Nights (open to all, registration needed.) 6:00 pm, 2nd Tuesday of each month, Rock Island Southwest Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Free, materials supplied. Register online at www.rockislandlibrary.org or call 309-732-7338. March 12: Spring Bouquet (paper cut flowers) April 9: Floral Easter Basket (paper cut flowers) May 14: Color your own pinwheel June 11: Magnet/Foam Photo Frame July 9: Embellished Seahorses August... Read More

Readers who are looking forward to hearing award-winning author Jason Reynolds speak in the Quad Cities can learn more about his work in advance on March 19. Readers who are looking forward to hearing award-winning author Jason Reynolds speak in the Quad Cities can learn more about his work in advance on March 19. “Whether you want to know where to start reading, or you want to discuss one of his books you’ve already read, we can help,” says Emily Tobin, a Young Adult Librarian at Rock Island Public Library. Tobin will host an informal talk about Jason Reynolds’ books at... Read More

The Rock Island/Milan School Break may be one week shorter than usual, but there are still plenty of things for kids, families and adults to do at Rock Island Libraries. Checking out a culture pass to the Putnam Museum, Figge Art Museum, German-American Heritage Center or the Quad City Botanical Center is one option for a no-cost family getaway. The library also checks out family games and learning puzzles at its Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, and a collection of video game titles at all locations. Library visitors will also find a wide range of books, music, and movies, in both physical and... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library will introduce the works of award-winning writer Jason Reynolds to readers via two book talk discussions before the writer visits the Quad Cities in person in late March.  Library staff will host informal discussions on Tuesday, February 19, starting at 5:30 pm at Rozz-Tox Coffeehouse, 2108 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, and again on Tuesday, March 19, also starting at 5:30 pm, at Cool Beanz Coffeehouse, 1325 30th Street, Rock Island. Guests can purchase a coffee or beverage and learn a little about Reynolds’ books or share thoughts about ones they’ve... Read More

There’s always positive news happening in the Quad-Cities, and we here at QuadCities.com, in collaboration with KWQC-TV6’s “Paula Sands Live,” are happy to bring it to you! Every month we team up to present What’s The Good News? It’s a column on our website that promotes cool things happening in the Q-C that are positive and upbeat. In conjunction with the release of the column, I, Sean Leary, appear on “Paula Sands Live” to talk about the awesome good deeds of our local folks. Ready to get some good news? Let’s get started…   Well Suited For Success   Quad-Citian... Read More

The century of the French Moderns brought in  turbulent change and innovation, not only in the art world, but also in society, literature, and politics. The 2018 Frieze Lecture series, presented by the Rock Island Public Library and Augustana College, will ponder some of those changes with a look at other “Modern Lives” in France and beyond. The 21st annual lecture partnership takes its thematic cue from an community wide celebration of all things French as part of the Figge Museum exhibition, French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950. The series of four lectures by Augustana... Read More