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

Following suit with Governor JB Pritzker’s call for all restaurants and bars to shut their doors, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is closing through March 31. Circa made the following announcement on their Facebook page today: CIRCA ’21 IS CLOSED THROUGH MARCH 31. Because of the state-mandated restrictions on restaurants & bars, Circa ’21 is closed for the next two weeks. We will call everyone who has tickets for March performances to reschedule. Please do not call the ticket office as phones will be off until Monday, March 23. We apologize for the inconvenience... 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

The Rock Island Public Library has issued a statement on the coronavirus and its potential impact on customers and patrons. The library’s comments are as follows: As a library, we are monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation nationally, within the Quad Cities, and within our greater library service region. Our interest is to continue serving your library needs while maintaining the safety and health of our staff and public. We are receiving a great deal of guidance from our library system and the State Library. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will update staff and patrons... Read More

It’s time for the only bi-state St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the country! And it’s right here in the Quad Cities! The Grand Parade XXXV takes place Saturday Mar 14. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street in Rock Island. It will then wind its way west through downtown Rock Island following 4th Avenue to 20th Street, then to 3rd Avenue to 17th Street and finally to 2nd Avenue to the Centennial Bridge. The parade then crosses the Mississippi River to Gaines Street in Davenport. From there, it will go north to 3rd Street and then east on 3rd to the River Center.... Read More

Listen to all the hits with the Manny Lopez Big Band this Friday Mar 13 at the Circa ’21 Speakeasy (1818 3rd Avenue Rock Island). Doors open at 5 p.m. and concert begins at 6 p.m. Manny Lopez and his 13-piece big band will be performing all your favorites from such legendary artists as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Henry Mancini, and Stan Kenton, just to name a few! This band includes musicians from the Quad Cities area in addition to others from across the Midwest! You’ll hear some of the greatest hits from the big band era during this two-hour show! Lighter fare menu... Read More

PREMIERE DRAG SHOW IN THE QUAD CITIES! On Friday, March 6, The Speakeasy is thrilled to welcome back the areas premiere drag show VIVA LA DIVAS! ***March’s special guest performer will be Speakeasy favorite Gemini.  He does an amazing lip sync performance to many of Prince’s greatest hits!******* Now in its ninth year, Viva La Divas is the longest running drag show in the Quad Cities bringing you some of the United States best performers! Viva La Divas has three multiple title holders and Speakeasy favorites… Dementia Jaide, Jamie Summers and Milange Cavalli! This outstanding... 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