Editor's note: This is the debut of a new feature in the River Cities' Reader highlighting news, events, and other information about local libraries.
· In celebration of William Shakespeare's birthday, the Rock Island Public Library will present "A Whole Lotta Shakespeare Going On," hosting many Shakespeare-related activities for the culture hound. The series has already started with a "Write Like Will" contest, accepting entries through April 16. On April 18, event programming begins with Professor Karin Youngberg from Augustana College presenting a talk entitled "The Prince & the Poet," discussing politics and Shakespeare. A full schedule of events can be found on the library's Web site at (http://www.rbls.lib.il.us/rip).
· The Prairie Area Library System (PALS), of which Quad Cities-area libraries are members, is hosting an author visit "as an effort to help unite member libraries in the newly merged system," according to the PALS Web site. The "One System, One Book" program has arranged to have D. D. Dunn, author of Bindertwine & Bandaids, make appearances at many Quad Cities library locations. Upcoming visits in this area include the downtown Moline Public Library on April 4 at 6 p.m. and the Andalusia Public Library on April 7 at 2 p.m. Funding was made available through the Illinois State Library. For more information, visit the PALS Web site at (http://www.palsnet.info).
· "QCA Reads," formerly "Davenport Reads," will have the author of Motherland: Beyond the Holocaust - A Mother-Daughter Journey to Reclaim the Past speak at the Davenport Public Library. Fern Schumer Chapman will discuss her critically acclaimed memoir at the Main Library on Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Chapman's mother will be visiting as well, giving her insights on Holocaust-era Germany. For more information about this program and QCA Reads, visit (http://www.qcareads.org).
· The LeClaire Community Library will be hosting its Jazz on the Bluff fundraiser at the Iowa Welcome Center in Leclaire, Iowa. This annual event will be held April 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will showcase the Scott Silver Chicago Jazz Quintet. The fundraiser will also include a wine tasting courtesy of Tabor Winery and a silent auction featuring birdhouses painted by local artists. There is a minimum donation of $15 to attend. For more information, visit (http://www.leclairelibary.org).
· The Bettendorf Public Library will be featuring several cultural events this spring. The many offerings include a history film series, brown-bag lunch performances, and author book signings. The most prominent event, however will be the outreach program given by Ballet Quad Cities on April 9 at 10 a.m. The event is being done in conjunction with the ballet company's performances of The Sleeping Beauty on April 23 and 24 at the Adler Theatre. According to the library event calendar, "Gwen Livingston Pakora will be sharing the 'behind the scenes' look at the ballet, and one of the dancers will share her experiences and some of the costumes." The Bettendorf Library has its entire spring event schedule at (http://www.bettendorflibrary.com).
· The Prairie Area Library System (PALS), of which Quad Cities-area libraries are members, is hosting an author visit "as an effort to help unite member libraries in the newly merged system," according to the PALS Web site. The "One System, One Book" program has arranged to have D. D. Dunn, author of Bindertwine & Bandaids, make appearances at many Quad Cities library locations. Upcoming visits in this area include the downtown Moline Public Library on April 4 at 6 p.m. and the Andalusia Public Library on April 7 at 2 p.m. Funding was made available through the Illinois State Library. For more information, visit the PALS Web site at (http://www.palsnet.info).
· "QCA Reads," formerly "Davenport Reads," will have the author of Motherland: Beyond the Holocaust - A Mother-Daughter Journey to Reclaim the Past speak at the Davenport Public Library. Fern Schumer Chapman will discuss her critically acclaimed memoir at the Main Library on Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Chapman's mother will be visiting as well, giving her insights on Holocaust-era Germany. For more information about this program and QCA Reads, visit (http://www.qcareads.org).
· The LeClaire Community Library will be hosting its Jazz on the Bluff fundraiser at the Iowa Welcome Center in Leclaire, Iowa. This annual event will be held April 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will showcase the Scott Silver Chicago Jazz Quintet. The fundraiser will also include a wine tasting courtesy of Tabor Winery and a silent auction featuring birdhouses painted by local artists. There is a minimum donation of $15 to attend. For more information, visit (http://www.leclairelibary.org).
· The Bettendorf Public Library will be featuring several cultural events this spring. The many offerings include a history film series, brown-bag lunch performances, and author book signings. The most prominent event, however will be the outreach program given by Ballet Quad Cities on April 9 at 10 a.m. The event is being done in conjunction with the ballet company's performances of The Sleeping Beauty on April 23 and 24 at the Adler Theatre. According to the library event calendar, "Gwen Livingston Pakora will be sharing the 'behind the scenes' look at the ballet, and one of the dancers will share her experiences and some of the costumes." The Bettendorf Library has its entire spring event schedule at (http://www.bettendorflibrary.com).
