22 Jul 2014

Rebuilding Together Seeks Home Repair Applications from Local Vets

By Lisa Lockheart
Quad Cities/IA-IL: Rebuilding Together Quad Cities, a volunteer based home repair organization, is seeking applications from military veterans who will need assistance with major home repairs this fall.

The organization is currently working with two generous corporate donors on a fall 2014 project that would provide home repairs for local veterans. To qualify for the free assistance, veterans must:
•       Have received an honorable discharge from their branch of the service;
•       Own their own home in either Scott or Rock Island Counties,
•       Meet Rebuilding Together Quad Cities income guidelines, and
•       Show a need for major repairs that would provide a safer home environment or otherwise add to the veteran's quality of life.

Applications are available to owners of standard (stick-built) homes. Mobile homes do not qualify. Repairs should be ones that the veteran or their family are either physically or financially unable to do on their own. Repairs  will be provided at no cost to the selected homeowners.

Applications are available on the group's website at www.rebuildingtogetherquadcities.org. For all other questions, please call 563-322-6534.

The veteran-assistance project is an addition to the group's standard fall workday on Sept. 27, where Rebuilding Together volunteers from local corporations, churches and civic organizations will provide home repairs for elderly, low income and disabled homeowners. Rebuilding Together Quad Cities was founded as Hearts and Hammers in 1990, and, with the help of generous community volunteers and supporters, has completed more than 800 home repairs in the Quad Cities and surrounding area.

Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe home for every person.

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18 Jul 2014

Rock Island Library Seeks Volunteers to Help with Smithsonian Exhibit

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL-– The Rock Island Library is seeking volunteers to help install the Smithsonian Exhibit, "Hometown Teams," when it arrives at the Main Library in early September.

The six-person installation team will help put together the national exhibit on the 2nd floor of the Rock Island Main Library on Sept. 9 and 10, and take it down on Monday, Oct. 27. Installation requires no special skills. A step-by-step guide and video from the Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street program is available.

"If you've ever put together kit furniture, you can do this," said Lisa Lockheart, hometown teams project coordinator for the Rock Island Public Library. She is also searching for volunteers who can serve as exhibit guides. Training will be available on Sept. 11, at a time to be announced later.

If you can assist with either need, please contact Lisa Lockheart at the Rock Island Public Library by calling 309-732-7303 or emailing lockheart.lisa@rigov.org.

Hometown Teams is a celebration of hometown sports, and its impact on nearly all aspects of American culture. The Rock Island Library is also looking for local memorabilia to display alongside the national exhibit from Sept. 13 to Oct. 25. Focus areas include :

  • Photos of high school teams, past and present, for "Hometown Teams" photo walls;
  • Softball items from traveling tournaments held at Douglas Park in Rock Island, and
  • Items from the Rock Island Independents football team and the Tri-City Blackhawks basketball team.

Donated items will be displayed in locked cases, and will be returned to their owners after the six-week run of the exhibit. To discuss what you have, call the library's Hometown Teams project coordinator Lisa Lockheart at 309-732-7303, or email lockheart.lisa@rigov.org.

Hometown Teams will be displayed at the Rock Island Main Library from 11:00 am, Saturday, Sept. 13 to 4:30 pm, Saturday, Oct. 25. Free public programs on the area's unique sports heritage will also be offered. Additional local sports displays may also be viewed this fall at Moline Public Library, Rock Island County Historical Society and the Karpeles Manuscript Museum.

Hometown Teams is part of the Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program, a partnership between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC). MoMS brings Smithsonian-quality exhibitions to local museums, historical societies, libraries, and community centers. Other Illinois towns chosen to host the exhibit are in Cobden, Mattoon, Nokomis, Waterloo, and Nauvoo, IL.

 

 

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11 Jul 2014

Entries Sought for July 26 Wiener Dog Dash at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer.

Register for the Wiener Dog Dash at Rock Island Library

Rock Island, IL: July is National Hot Dog Month, and to celebrate, the Rock Island Public Library will offer a "dog days of summer" celebration on July 26  -  complete with a "wiener dog dash" race for dachshunds. The event kicks off the final week of the library's "Paws to Read" summer program of reading contests, events and education.

The Dog Days Celebration on Saturday, July 26 is open to dogs and owners of all ages, and also includes stories, games and crafts for children and families. Events start at 11:00 am in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. Activities include the dachshund dash, balloon rocket races for kids who do not have a dog to race, a bean bag toss into Rocket the dog, and dog crafts. Free Oscar Mayer wiener whistles have been provided by Kraft Foods.

Suggested ages for kids activities are preschool through second grades. The dachshund dog dash is open to all ages. Advance registration is requested for entrants in the wiener dog dash. Leashes will be required. To enter your pup in the dash, call the library's Children's Room at 309-732-7360. The event is free.

Additional events for the final week of Rock Island Library Paws to Read include children's storytimes at 10:30 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (see website for locations), a Native Mammals education program with Nahant Marsh director Brian Ritter at 6:30 pm on Tuesday July 29 at the Main Library, and the final Read with a Dog program at 10:30 am Wednesday, July 30-at the Rock Island Southwest Branch. The library's summer reading contest for children, teens and adults ends at 5:00 pm on Saturday, Aug. 2.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

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09 Jul 2014

Make Tracks for Free Rock Island Library Events this July!

By Lisa Lockheart

Paws to Read Offers Reading Contests, Free Events & Education through Aug. 2

 

Rock Island, IL: The tail end of summer may be approaching, but Paws to Read education events continue at the Rock Island Public Library with something for animal lovers of all stripes.

If your pup needs to learn a few new tricks, make plans to attend "Tails Up, Paws Down," a free dog obedience event at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 16, at the Rock Island Southwest Branch Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Members of the Quad City Dog Obedience Club will demonstrate some of the tricks and simple exercises owners and their dogs can learn together. The event is free and open to all ages.

To learn about the wild animals all around us, make tracks for "Native Mammals" at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, July 29 at the Main Library. The Native Mammals program features speaker Brian Ritter, director of Nahant Marsh and the Program Director for Conservation Technology through the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) and the Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC). He teaches EICC courses on site and uses Nahant preserve as an outdoor classroom. Brian has began and sustained many environmental education programs, biological research projects, and natural resource management practices. The event is free and is open to all ages.

The library also continues its popular summer series of "Read with a Dog" events. Members of QC Canine Assistance Network (QC CAN) bring certified therapy dogs into Rock Island Library locations so children can read to the dogs, providing reading practice and encouragement. Upcoming Read with a Dog events are at 10:30 am on Friday, July 18 at the Main Library, 401 19th Street, on Tuesday, July 22 at the 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, and on Wednesday, July 30, at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. The events are free and open to children of all ages.

Additional summer events for children include Lego Block times on Wednesday July 16 and 23, weekly storytimes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and a free family movie event at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 25 at the Main Library. Check the library's online calendar for full details.

In July events for teens ages 12 to 18, the library will offer a Teen Crafting event at 5:00 pm on Monday, July 14, a teen scavenger hunt at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 22, and a Teen Iron Chef program at 6:00 pm on Thursday, July 24. All of the above events are at the Main Library, 401 19th Street.

And if you're still working on those Paws to Read reading logs and contest entries, don't pause too long. The tail end of summer reading is approaching. Remember to return them to any Rock Island Library by Saturday, Aug. 2. Prizes will be drawn after Aug. 4, with rewards including t-shirts, bags, water bottles, stuffed dog toys, lanyards, and games for children, a NOOK tablet and gift cards for teens, and an Amazon Kindle Fire HD tablet and more than $500 in gift cards for adults.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

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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.
02 Jul 2014

Musical Performers Tune Up July at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Summer events take a tuneful turn next week at the Rock Island Library in July, with two new musical performers for children and families.

On Monday, July 7, the library will host a "Boogie in the Barnyard" dance party featuring musician, author, and chicken dancer John Duggleby. The all ages music event is from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Duggleby, of Madison, Wis., plays about 75 one-man shows per year, at venues ranging from coffeehouses, to senior centers, to libraries, to festivals. Along with his own material, his songbook ranges from Stephen Foster and George M. Cohan to Beatles and Bruce Springsteen, performed on guitar and who knows what else. Oh, and yes ... there will be chicken dancing, so warm up your wings!

Duggleby is the author of 10 books, including "Artist in Overalls, the Life of Grant Wood," and hundreds of magazine articles. He made his professional performing debut at age five at the Sunset Supper Club in Muscatine, Iowa, singing, "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" after the piano man bribed him with a nickel. As an adult his bio states he "labored in several underappreciated folk, 60s rock, Cajun, bluegrass and world music ensembles." John also leads drum circles and kitchen bands for groups including seniors, kids and disabled people, as well as hosting a monthly Songwriters Showcase at a Madison-area listening room.

On Thursday, July 10, award-winning children's musician Jeanie B! brings her rock and roll music show for kids and families to two Rock Island Library locations. The free performances are from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, and from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

The winner of the 2012 Parents' Choice for her CD, Sugar Buzz, and a 2006 Parent-to-Parent Adding Wisdom Award for Mommy Knows Best, Jeanie B! is a lifetime singer/songwriter who started playing guitar at age 12.  Her sound is kid's music for everyone, leaning toward rock and roll, folk and country. Her high-energy concerts have been called "Velcro for kids" and are packed with dancing, sing-a-longs and interactive music. She involves the audience with movement, dancing, singing, and jumping, providing a rocking good time for both parents and children.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

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.

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24 Jun 2014

RiverShare Libraries Introduce New OverDrive eBooks System by July 1

By Lisa Lockheart

Readers Gain a Local Platform for Checking out eBooks at RiverShare Libraries

Readers of eBooks at libraries in the bistate RiverShare Libraries consortium will gain easier access to eBooks and eAudiobooks, thanks to the formation of a new, local eBooks platform on July 1 by their member libraries.

In this first phase of the project, RiverShare Libraries have formed their own OverDrive eBook buying group, moving eligible titles over to a new site, rivershare.lib.overdrive.com. Local eBook and audiobook readers will have easier access and less competition for popular titles. The site will appear slightly different, but work much the same. Phase Two will move OverDrive titles to the library's central catalog. Patrons will be able to view and check out eBook titles in the same catalog where all other library materials are available, providing one-stop shopping for both print and digital titles. This second phase is expected to be complete later this year.

"The entire goal is to make the checkout process of digital titles as easy as possible for RiverShare patrons," said Maria Levetzow, chair of the transition project for the Rivershare consortium. "A smaller pool of libraries makes for shorter hold lists. It will be easier to login, as there's no longer a need to select a library from a long list."

Area libraries had provided access to the OverDrive eBooks engine alongside hundreds of other libraries through separate websites. That forced readers to compete for access to those books with hundreds of patrons, driving up wait times for popular titles. It also prevented any sharing of eBook collections between Iowa RiverShare and Illinois RiverShare Library members.

OverDrive is compatible with most e-readers, tablets, computers, and smartphones. To try out OverDrive or ask questions about the new platform, please visit your RiverShare member library for information and assistance.

About RiverShare Libraries: RiverShare is a consortium of 20 libraries with 30 locations in the Quad Cities and surrounding area.  Member libraries serve over 200,000 patrons and provide access to over 2 million items.  More information about RiverShare can be found at www.rivershare.org/about-us, at Facebook at Riversharelibraries or twitter @RiverShareLib.

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06 Jun 2014

"Paws" for Free Educational Performers in June at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

As part of the Rock Island Library's Paws to Read Summer Reading program, the Library will host a variety of free educational and fun performances for children and families this June.

Go Mad for Science with Free Educational Shows at Rock Island Library

Rock Island, IL: Children and families will go absolutely mad for science, with two performances from Mad Science of Iowa Plus on Monday, June 16 at Rock Island Public Libraries.

The show of hands-on, kid friendly science experiments will be presented at 10:00 am at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, and again at 1:00 pm, at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Presented by Jim Birkel, each show includes experiments that fizz, pop, and spark a child's interest in science, with many opportunities for kid volunteers to get in on the action. The educational fun includes short stories about the scientists and concepts involved in the experiments.

Each show is free and open to the public. The special performances are part of the Paws to Read Summer Reading program, which offers reading contests and educational fun for all ages from June 2 to Aug. 2 at Rock Island Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branch Libraries.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

Slither into the "Reptile Experience" at Rock Island Library

Rock Island, IL: If snakes, spiders and other creepy-crawly creatures are your thing, Serengeti Steve has just the show for you. The highly energetic and fearless reality television contestant brings just a small portion of his collection of more than 200 species of reptiles and arachnids to the Rock Island Main Library from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 19.

Join us in our Community Room at 401 19th Street for a fun and informative program with plenty of audience participation. In previous shows, Serengeti Steve has been known to hold a live scorpion in his mouth, set lizards on kids' heads, let audience members hold a snake, see a huge spider up close, and hug an alligator. The result is an educational, entertaining program that shows, tells and thrills audiences of all ages. The show is free and open to the public.

The special performance is part of the Paws to Read Summer Reading program, which offers reading contests and educational fun for all ages from June 2 to Aug. 2 at Rock Island Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branch Libraries.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

Juggle in Some Fun with a Free Juggling Show and Workshop

Rock Island, IL: Everyone becomes a juggler, with two performances of the See a Juggler! Be a Juggler! show coming to the Rock Island Public Library on Thursday, June 26.

High-energy professional juggler Jason Kollum presents his interactive, juggling participation show at 10:00 am in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street, and again at 1:00 pm at the Rock Island Southwest Branch Community Room, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Part entertainment show, part learning workshop, Kollum's show starts with a rock and roll juggling variety show, and then moves to a hands-on skills workshop where everyone learns balancing and juggling skills.

His See a Juggler! Be a Juggler! shows are free and open to the public, and are ideal for all ages and families. The special performances are part of the Paws to Read Summer Reading program, which offers reading contests and educational fun for all ages from June 2 to Aug. 2 at Rock Island Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branch Libraries.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

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.

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22 May 2014

Summer Fun at the R.I. Libraries

By Lisa Lockheart

Paws to Read

Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival - All Ages!

Saturday, June 7, Noon to 3:00 pm,

Rock Island Main Library parking lot, 401 19th Street.

Come to our carnival to register for summer reading and pick up your summer reading registration prize, while supplies last. The carnival includes events for the whole family -- adults, children and teens! The fun includes a bounce house, animal events, costumed pet parade, K-9 police dog demo, special games, mascot visits, face-painting, and magic.

The carnival schedule includes:

  • Noon - registration, games & snacks

  • 1:00 pm - Costumed pet parade - enter now!

  • 2:00 pm - K-9 police dog demo by the Rock Island Police Department

Free hot dogs and pop will be available, and you can also purchase Kona Ice for dessert.

Register your pet now for our costumed pet parade by May 31. If your pet has paws and can walk on a leash or be carried in a secure carrier, it qualifies! Prizes for best reading theme, best pet/person match, most original entry.

To sign up your pet, download this entry form and return it to any Rock Island Library.

 

Paws for Reading. A reading program with therapy dogs.Promotes continued reading over the summer as children read to therapy dogs, who provide a calm, loving and non-judgmental audience. All ages in the family. Offered from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at:

  • 30/31 Branch - June 10, July 1, July 22

  • Southwest Branch - June 18, July 9, July 30

  • Main Library - June 27, July 18

Lego Block Club. Use your imagination to build something out of Lego-brand blocks. All ages. Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:00 pm, at:

  • Main Library - June 11 and July 9

  • 30/31 Branch - June 18 and July 16

  • Southwest Branch - June 25 and July 23

Morning Storytimes. Help your child get ready to read with talking, singing and reading activities. Ages birth to five.10:30 am to 11:15 am at:

  • 30/31 Branch - Tuesdays, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29

  • Southwest - Wednesdays, June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30.

  • Main Library -  Friday, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25. No storytime July 4 due to holiday.

Paws for Math Club. Explores math concepts in a fun new way. June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 3:15 to 3:45 pm. Main Library.  For ages going into 2nd grades and up.

 

Friends of the Rock Island Library Half-price Book Sales, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thurs., June 5. 2014, Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street. Used book and material sale. Sales good at 30/31 Branch only. Pick up a treasure or two!

 

Monday, June 16, Mad Science of Iowa Plus, Hands-on science experiments that make science fun and approachable. All ages, family program. 10 am to 10:45 am, Main Library. Repeats at 1:00 pm, at Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

 

Thursday, June 19, Reptile Experience, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Main Library. Join us as reality television contestant Serengeti Steve brings his reptile experience show of snakes, aliigators, lizards and more creepy-crawlies for a fun program with plenty of audience participation. Steve shows, tells and thrills audiences of all ages with just a small portion of his collection of more than 200 species of reptiles and arachnids. One performance only.

 

Friday, June 20, Living Lands and Waters, 2:30 to 3:30 pm, Main Library. Mike Coyne-Logan, of Living Lands and Waters, will talk about the history and mission of the group, the importance of rivers, recycling, and how one person can make a difference.  For ages 13 and older.

 

Thursday, June 26, See a Juggler! Be a Juggler! High energy pro-juggler Jason Kollum presents a funny, interactive, total participation program where the audience becomes the juggler.  First the Rock n' Roll variety show, then the fun continues with a hands-on skills workshop. Everyone learns cool balancing and juggling skills. Perfect for all ages & families. 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Main Library. Repeats at 1:00 pm at Southwest Branch.

 

Friday, June 27, Family Movie Fest, 1:00 pm, Main Library. Come in out of the heat and watch a newer movie with popcorn - for free! All ages.

 

Friday, June 27, Star Gazing, 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm,
Rock Island 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street. Head  to the 30/31 Branch for a special evening program with the Popular Astronomy Club and their Mobile Observatory. Club members will help you see stars and planets. Bring your questions! Parking available at the Greek Orthodox Church.The Library will be open for this special night-time event. Ages 12 and older.

19 May 2014

Celebrate "The Fault in Our Stars" at Rock Island Library on June 4

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the release of the film version of "The Fault in Our Stars," by John Green, can celebrate with other fans at the Rock Island Library this summer.

The library will host a "The Fault in Our Stars" celebration at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 4, in the Rock Island Public Library's Community Room, 401 19th Street. The event celebrates the upcoming movie release with crafts, trivia, showings of "vlogbrothers" videos by John and Hank Green, and refreshments. Due to the book's strong crossover readership, the event is for both teens and adults.

Published in January 2012, The Fault in Our Stars debuted at the number one spot on The New York Times  best seller list, and held that position for seven consecutive weeks. It also made USA Today's list of the top 10 books of 2012. The book tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet in a cancer support group. The film leads are played by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.

June 2 marks the start of the library's Paws to Read Summer Reading program, which offers reading contests for children, teens and adults, education and entertainment events through Aug. 2. Other events during that week include :

Getting to Know Your iPad or Tablet: 6:30 pm, Tuesday, June 3, Main Library. The free demo for all ages covers basic features and tips and tricks for using an iPad or Android tablet. Participants are encouraged to bring their devices.

Library Independent Movie Night: 6:00 pm, Thurs., June 5, Main Library. The event includes a free movie showing, discussion and popcorn. The comedy, in Dutch, German and English, is the story of a family who suddenly reinvents themselves when Eva, their youngest and only girl, invites a German exchange student into their home. Independent movies are not rated.

Friends of the Rock Island Public Library Half-price Book Sale, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 5, 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street. Half-price sale on used books and other items to benefit Rock Island Library programs. Sale prices good at 30/31 Branch location only.

Paws to Read Summer Carnival and Pet Parade: Noon to 3:00 pm, Saturday, June 7, Main Library parking lot. Free games, bounce house, face-painting, magic, chalk art, free hot dogs and pop, hourly prize drawings, and special presentations, including the pet parade and a K-9 police dog demo by the Rock Island Police Department. The library requests that pet parade entrants pre-register. Forms are available at libraries and online. Event attendees can also sign up for summer reading and pick up a prize, while supplies last. In the event of rain, most events will move inside.

The majority of the library's children's summer education programs, including weekly reading practice with a therapy dog, children's storytimes, Lego block clubs, math club, art, and drama workshops, start in the second week of June. On Monday, June 16, the library hosts two free performances of Mad Science of Iowa Plus, and on Thursday, June 19, an appearance by Serengeti Steve, with his live "Reptile Experience" show.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

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.

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16 May 2014

Call to Entries - Rock Island Library Paws to Read Costumed Pet Parade is June 7

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: With more than 86 events on the summer schedule, reading "goes to the dogs and cats" at Rock Island Public Libraries from June 2 to Aug. 2, with Paws to Read Summer Reading contests, education and fun for all ages.

Pets will get their chance to "raise a paw for reading" with a costumed pet parade in the library parking lot at 1:00 pm on  Saturday, June 7.

The parade is part of an afternoon full of activities for all ages, including summer reading registration, hourly prize drawings, a children's bounce house, games, face-painting, walk-around magic, chalk art, free hot dogs and pop, and special presentations, including the pet parade and a K-9 police dog demo from the Rock Island Police Department. Events run from noon to 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 7. In case of rain, most events will move inside.

Pet owners are asked to register their pets now for the costumed pet parade, which is open to any pet with paws. Pets must be on a leash or be carried in a secure carrier to participate in the parade. Entry forms are available at Rock Island Public Libraries, or via the library website at the Summer@ Your Library menu. Prizes will be awarded for best reading theme, best pet-owner match and most original entry. Entries should be returned to Rock Island Libraries by May 31.

Registration and entry forms for the library's summer reading contests for children, adults and teens will be available starting June 2. Summer events include a June 4  "The Fault in Our Stars" celebration for teens and adults, Teen Robot Building, Mini-Golf and Survival Day events for ages 12 to 18, and lifelong learning events, including a Know Your iPad or tablet event on June 3 and a late-night Star Gazing program for ages 12 and older on June 27.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.)

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.

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