27 Feb 2015

Get Tech Help in March at the Rock Island Public Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Assistance with figuring out that new smartphone or tablet is as close as the nearest Rock Island Public Library. The library will offer more programs in March on using Kindle Fire, Apple and Android devices, on using free library services to add content to your device, and drop-in "Gadgets and More" sessions for asking other questions.

A series of "Getting to Know your Device" classes on Mondays in March will cover basic functions, settings, organizing apps, tips, and more general information on using a particular brand or operating system of computer tablet and smartphones. Participants should bring their devices. Classes include :

  • Getting to Know Your Android device: 6:00 pm, Monday, March 2, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.
  • Getting to Know Your Apple device: 6:00 pm, Monday, March 9, also at the Main Library.
  • Getting to Know Your Kindle Fire tablet: 6:00 pm on Monday, March 16 at the Main Library.

"Download This," a class on using free library content services to download magazines, music and movies, will be offered at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 3 at the Main Library. Participants can bring their devices and library card and try out the services, which currently include Flipster for popular magazines, Freegal Music and Freegal Movies and TV.

"Gadgets and More" drop in sessions will be offered at the 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street. The Gadgets and More sessions allow participants to bring in their new device and get one-on-one tips and answers to questions about using it. Staff will be available in the bookstore room on Tuesday, March 17 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and on Thursday, March 19 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Participants should bring a fully-charged device, with the set-up phase completed.

No registration is necessary for any of the above programs. For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323.

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Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.
27 Feb 2015

APPy Hour Meets Wednesday, March 11 at Cool Beanz

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Mobile apps can support your goals, make routine tasks easier, and provide access to educational and entertaining content on your tablet or smartphone. Learn more about them at monthly APPy Hours, presented by the Rock Island Library.

The Rock Island Library will offer "APPy Hour" at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Cool Beanz Coffeehouse, 1325 30th Street,  Rock Island. The informal gathering gives smartphone and tablet owners to way to learn about new apps and to share their personal favorites with the group. The next meeting is March 11.

APPy Hours are free and open to the public, and will focus on apps of interest to adults and teens. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the coffeehouse.

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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

16 Feb 2015

Teen programs get creative in late February

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Teen programming takes a turn for the creative at the Rock Island Public Library in late February.

Rock Island's Teen Science Cafe, 6:00 pm on Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Main Library, will focus on helping teens make YouTube videos for the Quad City wide teen short film contest coming up in March. The library will supply flip video cameras for use that night, help with editing and provide details on how to enter. Videos are due March 3, and all entries will be shown at a free Premiere Party on March 12.  The Quad City-wide contest is open to ages 13 to 19, and is sponsored by the Putnam Museum.

On Thursday, Feb. 26, Rock Island Library holds its monthly Teen Gaming Night at 5:45 pm at the Main Library, 401 19th Stree. Teens ages 12 to 18 can play  Xbox 360 and Wii video games, or with board games. Snacks will be provided.

A free teen movie set against a college-wide singing contest wraps up the month at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Feb. 28. The 2012 movie carries a PG-13 rating, and is very loosely adapted from "Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory," by Mickey Rapkin. Ages 13 to 18 will be admitted to the free showing.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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12 Feb 2015

Rock Island Children's Events Feb. 16-28

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Rock Island Library children's programs for the latter half of February will let families read, pop, build and catapult their way through the doldrums of winter. Free programs include

Bluestem Book Club, 5:30 pm, Monday, Feb. 16, Rock Island Main Library: Activities and book discussion for children in grades 3-5 on three books on this year's nominee list: Frindle by Andrew Clements, The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, and Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick. The Bluestem Book Awards are presented to books chosen by students in Grades 3 to 5 from a list of nominees collected by the Illinois School Library Media Association.

Make-it Play-it Take-it Days: 4:00 pm, Wednesdays, Feb. 18 and 25, Main Library: The library offers free science and art based after-school activities in the Main Library children's room twice a month. This month's activities include "POP Science" on Feb. 18 and "Catapults" on Feb. 25. Suggested ages are 3rd-6th grades.

LEGO-brand brick building: 4:00 pm, Wednesdays, Feb. 18at the 30/31 Branch and Feb. 25 at Southwest Branch. Kids from pre-K to 6th grades use their imaginations to build creations with LEGO bricks.

Blizzard Bash: 3:00 pm, Saturday, Feb. 21, Main Library. Beat the winter "nothing to do" blahs with a blast of indoor activities that make winter fun. Family activities include indoor snowball fights, obstacle course, snow crafts and "snow" many books. The event celebrates the library's Pop Open a Good Book winter reading campaign for all ages, which concludes Feb. 28.

Toddler Tales: 10:30 am, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at the 30/31 Branch, Southwest Branch, and Main Library, respectively. Stories, songs and fun for children ages birth to five. Upcoming story and activity theme include toys (week of Feb. 16) and friendship (week of Feb. 23.)

Read with Rover and Pajama Storytime, Monday, Feb. 23, Southwest Branch. Kids get a chance to practice reading aloud with a certified therapy dog at 5:30 pm, immediately followed by a pajama storytime at 6:30 pm for ages birth to five with stories about friendship.

Rock Island Libraries include the Main Branch at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Branch at 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch at 9010 Ridgewood Road.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

06 Feb 2015

Jeanie B! Rocks the Rock Island Library for Hug-A-Book on Feb. 12

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: With a headliner like the Jeanie B! Trio, the floors may be shaking during next week's Hug-A-Book Dance Party at the Rock Island Library. The energetic children's performer is known for involving her young audience with dancing, sing-a-longs, music shakers, soap bubbles, and even bubble-wrap stomping.

Jeanie B! and her band perform "kids' music for everyone" at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Feb. 12 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street, as part of the library's Hug-A-Book early learning event. Programs celebrate books with a blend of music, movement and other activities. Children ages two to five receive a free picture book to take home. The library sponsors four Hug-A-Book education events per year as part of its mission to create young readers

Jeanie B! is the stage name of Jeanne Bonansinga of Evanston, IL. She is the award-winning creator of original songs, including When You Open a Book, Sugar Buzz and Bubble Wrap, which can be found on her albums Sugar Buzz, Joy, Mommy Knows Best, and I'm a Kid. Mommy Knows Best won awards from the Parent's Choice Foundation and the Parent to Parent Foundation.

The Hug-A-Book Dance Party with Jeanie B! is free and open to all ages. Funding for the Hug-A-Book program is provided by the Merrill Harris memorial fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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02 Feb 2015

Rock Island Library Event Cancelled

By Lisa Lockheart

Weather Related Cancellations for Monday, Feb. 2

Rock Island, IL: Tonight's Read with Rover and Pajama Storytime events, at 5:30 and 6:30 pm at the Rock Island Library 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, have been cancelled due to weather conditions.

For event updates, check the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org

30 Jan 2015

Pop into the Rock Island Library Next Week for Pop Up Crafts and More

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Library's Pop Open a Good Book winter reading contests for children, teens and adults continue through Saturday, Feb.28, and while you're reading, you can also pop-in for some free fun.

The Children's Department will offer free after school crafts at three locations next week. Children ages eight and up can make a pop-up dog card at 4:00 pm on Feb. 3 at the 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, on Feb. 4 at the Main Library, 401 19th Street, and on Feb. 5 at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Materials will be provided. The craft is free.

Other children's events next week include morning Toddler Tale storytimes at the 30/31, Southwest and Main Library branches, a "Read with Rover" program at the 30/31 Branch, and a Pajama Storytime, also at the 30/31 Branch. For details, please visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Upcoming programs for teens next week include a "Tape to Make It" program at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the 30/31 Branch. Teens ages 12 to 18 will make crafts using colorful duct tape. Materials will be supplied.

Special events for adults include next week's Know Your Kindle Fire class at 6:00 pm on Feb 2 and the Know Your Android or Apple device class at 6:00 pm on Feb. 3. Both events are at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Participants should bring their devices to learn about basic features, settings, organizing apps and more.

The library will also show a free independent movie for adults at 5:30 pm on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Main Library. The monthly movie starts earlier than usual due to the film's running time. The unrated movie, which is set in Japan with English subtitles, includes popcorn and a discussion.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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26 Jan 2015

Read with Rover at Monthly Rock Island Library Events

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Starting in February, kids can read with a dog again at the Rock Island Library.

The twice-monthly Read with Rover events allow children from PreK to 6th grades to practice reading aloud to a therapy dog at the Rock Island 30/31 and Southwest Branches. The library first introduced the popular read with a dog events this summer.

Read with Rover events will be offered from 5:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday, Feb. 2 and Monday, March 16 at the 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, and Monday, Feb. 23 and Monday March 30 at the Southwest Branch. Sessions are scheduled through May. For more dates, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Each drop-in session pairs a young reader with a certified therapy dog and handler from the Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network (QC CAN). No registration is necessary.

"Reading aloud has great benefits for kids of all ages, from developing vocabulary to attention, and the dog provides a patient and loving audience,"  says Ranell Dennis, a children's librarian from the Rock Island Public Library.

Families who stay for the 6:30 pm Pajama Storytimes offered immediately after Read with Rover can experience a story, song and craft on different story themes and learning concepts, including "backwards" stories on Feb. 2 and friendship stories on Feb. 23. The free Pajama Storytimes are designed for ages birth to five.

For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323.

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23 Jan 2015

Tech Help as Close as the Nearest Rock Island Public Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: If you're still figuring out that new smartphone or tablet, help is as close as the nearest Rock Island Public Library. The library continues to offer programs on downloading eBooks and other content, and on using Kindle Fire, Apple and Android devices. Upcoming classes include :

How to Download eBooks and eAudiobooks:

  • Jan. 29 at 2:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

The download classes show attendees how to use free library services to check out content for personal eReaders, computers, tablets, and Mp3 players. Downloadable library services include OverDrive for eBooks and audiobooks, Flipster for magazines, and Freegal for music and movies. Participants should bring their devices.

Getting to Know classes cover basic functions, settings, organizing apps, tips, and more general information on using a particular brand or operating system of computer tablet and smartphones. Participants should bring their devices. Classes include :

  • Getting to Know Your Kindle Fire tablet: 6:00 pm on Feb. 2 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.
  • Getting to Know Your Android or Apple device: 6:00 pm on Feb. 3 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch.

No registration is necessary. For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323.

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Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.
21 Jan 2015

John Looney Local History Program Jan. 27 at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Learn about 1920's crime boss John Patrick Looney from "Citadel of Sin" co-author Roger Ruthhart at a January 27 local history presentation at the Rock Island Library.

Ruthhart's remarks on Citadel of Sin: The John Looney Story will be presented at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Ruthhart is the managing editor of The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus newspapers, and co-wrote a book of the same name in 2007 with local historian Richard Hamer.

Working from his base in Rock Island, Looney (1865-1947) maintained a criminal empire of gambling, prostitution, illegal liquor, stolen cars, and blackmail from Missouri to Wisconsin in the teens and 1920s. Though many associate him mainly with the scandal sheet newspaper that he used to slander and blackmail his enemies, FBI agents considered his crime ring as the "prototype for organized crime organizations that would spring up throughout the country," according to book jacket copy.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

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