13 May 2014

End May with Stimulating Rock Island Library Programs on Shakespeare, D-Day Anniversary

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library is the place to begin a search for stimulating ideas, cultural offerings and understanding history. Get started with two free programs at the Main Library in May:

 

Tuesday, May 27, Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, 6:30 pm. The Waldorf Theatre Company, a professional touring company sponsored by The Waldorf College Theatre Department in Forest City, Iowa, proudly presents a 45 minute version of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Waldorf College prides itself on "original practices" from Shakespeare's time, and will present a fast-moving, fun-filled play full of mistaken identities, fairies, and puppets.

Saturday, May 31, The Men of the Normandy Invasion, 2:00 pm. Just in time for the 70th anniversary of D-Day, historian, author and guide Robert Mueller, of French Battlefields, will present the story of the American forces' seaborne and airborne invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. His presentation details the critical roles of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who parachuted into France shortly after midnight and of the 1st, 4th, and 29th Infantry Divisions which landed in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944. The lecture describes the invasion through the actions of individual soldiers; some of whom returned home and some who didn't. His presentation includes clearly drawn maps of the battlefield terrain, along with historic and contemporary photographs of battle sites. The presentation ends with a visit to Normandy American Cemetery, site of the bloodiest fighting and now a fitting tribute to the sacrifices of American troops at D-Day.

Retirement brought Robert Mueller the opportunity to visit and study the battlefields of Europe. After five years of on-site research, he completed Fields of War: Fifty Key Battlefields in France and Belgium, which has received four national book awards including a Bronze Medal from the Military Writers Society of America. His second book, Fields of War: Battle of Normandy, launches a series of visitors' guides describing sights and individuals of the Second World War's European battlefields. This volume presents the Allied assault to liberate France from German occupation starting with the invasion of the Normandy coast to the climactic Battle of the Falaise Pocket and eventual liberation of Paris.

Both events are in the 2nd floor Community Room of the Main Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island. 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-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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30 Apr 2014

Paws to Read at Rock Island Library this Summer! Entries for Pet Parade, Summer Education Program Enrollment Open Now

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 with Paws to Read Summer Reading contests, education and fun for all ages from June 2 to August 2.

To kick off summer in a big way, the Rock Island Library will host the Paws to Read Summer Reading Carnival from noon to 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 7. Activities include summer reading registration and prizes, hourly prize drawings, a children's bounce house, games, mascot visits, free face painting, magic, chalk art, and special presentations, including a K-9 police demo, and a costumed pet parade.

Entries are being accepted now for the Paws to Read pet parade. The costumed pet parade is open to any pet with paws that can walk on a leash or be carried in a secure carrier. Entry forms are available at Rock Island Public Libraries, or via the library website at the Summer@ Your Library menu. Pets and their owners earn prizes for best reading theme, best pet-owner match and most original entry. Entries should be returned to Rock Island Libraries by May 31.

Parents of school-age children can also enroll their children now in free six-week long summer education programs that start the week of June 9 at the Main Library:

·         Paws for Drama, for grades 4 to 8, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays;

·         Paws for Art, for grades 3 to 7, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays, and

·         Paws for Math, grades 2 and up, from 3:15 to 5:15 pm on Tuesdays.

Registration is required. To sign up, call the Children's Room at 309-732-7360. Paws for Art and Paws for Drama are sponsored by the Geifman Memorial of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

Registration and entry forms for the library's summer reading contests for children, adults and teens will be available starting June 2. The first 500 people who register will receive a prize. Beyond free summer fun, Rock Island Library events help prevent summer learning loss. Free educational activities for children and families range from weekly storytimes and reading with therapy dogs to special music performances, "Mad Science" and "Reptile Experience" events. According to national research, students without access to summer learning score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer, and may lose up to two months of grade level math computation skills. Summer reading also helps students maintain vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Summer events also 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 June 27 late-night Star Gazing program for ages 12 and older, technology topics, and presentations on dog obedience, native mammals, and more.

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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30 Apr 2014

Short Shakespeare, D-Day Bravery, Pet Parade, Summer Programs!

By Lisa Lockheart

A performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 45 minutes? Join us at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, May 27 at the Rock Island Main Library for a fast-paced tale of mistaken identities, fairies and puppets, with The Waldorf Theatre Company, a professional touring company sponsored by The Waldorf College Theatre Department in Forest City, Iowa. Waldorf College prides itself on "original practices" from Shakespeare's time. Join us for a free program! Where? Main Library Community Room, 401 19th St. FREE

Celebrate D-Day Bravery: The Men of the Normandy Invasion, 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 31, Main Library Community Room. 2014 marks the 70th anniversary of the June 6 D-Day invasion. To celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of the US troops, Robert Mueller of French Battlefields will present the story of the American forces' seaborne and airborne invasion of Normandy, France. His program details the critical roles of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and of the 1st, 4th, and 29th Infantry Divisions, describing events through the actions of individual soldiers. Mueller's presentation includes battlefield maps, historic and contemporary photographs, and ends with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery, site of the day's bloodiest fighting.

Kick Off Summer With Family Fun, Pet Parade! 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.


Children's Storytimes, Legos, Crafts!  Evening Storytime: 6:30 pm, May 5, 30/31 Branch Evening Storytime, 6:30 pm, May 13, Southwest Branch Wind down your day with a story for your little ones! Morning Storytimes, 10:30 am at these locations: Tues., May 6, 30/31 Branch Wednesday, May 7, Southwest Branch Friday, May 2 & May 9, Main Library Fun story, song & activity for ages birth to five. Lego Block Club, 4:00 pm, these locations: Wed., May 7, Main Library May 14, 30/31 Branch May 21, Southwest Branch Develop creativity and building skills, ages K-6. Kid's Crafternoon - 4:00 pm, May 28, Main Library. Fun make & take spring crafts for ages K-6. To get a head start on more than 85 FREE events for summer, download our June & July calendars now!

23 Apr 2014

Rebuilding Together home repair workday on Saturday

By Lisa Lockheart
Rebuilding Together Quad Cities, a volunteer-based home rehabilitation group, will be working on six home repair projects in Davenport, Rock Island, Moline, and Coal Valley this Saturday, April 26, as part of National Rebuilding Day.

Work is performed at no cost to the homeowners, who were chosen for assistance based on income, disability or age. Work begins at 8:00 am and continues until projects are completed, usually mid to late afternoon.

More than 50 volunteers will help elderly and disabled homeowners with repairs to sub-flooring, ceilings, bathrooms and railings, painting, window replacement, and yard work. Volunteers include retirees, LOTUS and NEON employee groups from Deere & Company, Youth Build, Davenport Jaycees and Home Depot. Lunches will be provided to volunteers with a grant from the Davenport Women's Club.

The group's work is funded by a variety of grants and donations, including the Scott County Housing Council, Davenport Jaycees, Doris and Victor Day Foundation, Iowa Mortgage Association, the Moline Foundation and the Amy Helpenstell Foundation.

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 repair projects in the Quad Cities. With affiliate chapters across the United States, Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest non-profit organization dedicated to the goal of a safe and healthy home for every person.

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21 Apr 2014

Rock Island Library Adds New Children's Card to Support Early Learning Needs

By Lisa Lockheart

Begin Reading Here - With My First Library Card!

Rock Island, IL: Great beginnings start with reading, and to help children build the habit, the Rock Island Public Library has rolled out a brand-new library card just for children under age 6.

My First Library Card acts like a library training card, introducing children ages birth to six to the wide variety of library materials that help develop their reading skills. Research shows that reading to children actively builds brain cells, strengthening existing connections, and adding new ones.

"We know that reading, and being read to, builds brain development, especially in the first five years," says Susan Foster, Rock Island Library Children's Services director. "Getting books into the hands of children is critical to their healthy development, and to their later capacity for reading and learning."

The card features the image and shape of Rock Island Library mascot Max Reader Mouse, and includes built in limits to help parents control use and teach good library habits. Children can use the card to check up out up to 10 children's items at Rock Island Library locations, with no overdue fines. "The limit helps parents keep track of what their children have checked out, and to help teach children how to take care of library items. Having your own library card is a simple way to build both responsibility and the love of reading at a young age," adds Foster.

The card is available to children ages birth to six living in the Rock Island Library service area, which includes residents of Rock Island, and of the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District. To apply, a parent or guardian must sign for the child and present a photo ID and proof of residency. Lost or damaged items will be billed to the parent or guardian.

Due to the fine forgiveness feature, My First Library Card may be used by the child only at Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, for Rock Island items. The card automatically expires on the child's sixth birthday, at which time the child will be invited to apply for a "big kid" library card.

Before the introduction of My First Library card, cards were only available for ages six and older.

For more information about Rock Island Library services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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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11 Apr 2014

Celebrate How Lives Change @ Your Rock Island Library During National Library Week!

By Lisa Lockheart

National Library Week, April 13 to 19, 2014. This year's theme, "Lives Change @ your library," marks the positive impact of libraries on communities across the nation.

"Libraries are great equalizers of knowledge. Lives Change at Your Library is such a fitting theme because our new Rock Island Public Library brand, "Begin Here," recognizes that our libraries are a great place to begin something new," said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director.

Libraries also provide enrichment, education and entertainment, with free access to books, digital media and online resources, and free public programs. The following types of free events are available next week at Rock Island Public Libraries:

·         Free learning opportunities for adults, such as "Getting to Know Your iPad/Tablet" on April 14; How to Download eBooks, and "Celebrate Shakespeare with the Prenzie Players on April 15; Download THIS - Magazines, music and movies on April 16, and Putting Some Herbs in Your Life, on April 17.

·         Educational and entertainment events for children and teens, including an evening storytime for all ages, and a Teen Iron Chef program for ages 12 to 18 on April 14; Morning storytimes for ages birth to five on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; a "Lego Block" club on April 16, a Friday family movie fest on April 18; an Earth Day storytime, and Spectacular Saturday frog party, both on April 19.

·         Registration for the free Children's Summer Art program, which features five weeks of art classes for children approaching 3rd to 8th grades, also starts Monday. To sign up for the Paws to Read summer art program, call the library's Children's Department at 309-732-7360. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited class openings.

Nationally, the American Library Association will also use the week to release the 2014 "State of America's Libraries Report," which highlights trends in the library world. Recently,  the Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project reported 91 percent of the respondents said that libraries are important to the community, and 76 percent said that libraries are important to them and their families. The report showed that libraries are especially appreciated because people view them as leaders in technology. Seventy-seven percent want libraries to coordinate more closely with local schools, and 77 percent want free early literacy programs for children, and both of these factors are key elements in the Rock Island Library's five-year strategic plan.

To show their support for libraries during National Library Week, area residents can also sign the "Declaration of the Right to Libraries," to be displayed at the three Rock Island Libraries April 14 to 19.The Declaration is an opportunity to make a public statement about the value of libraries to individuals and their communities. The Declaration for the Right to Libraries is the cornerstone document of ALA President Barbara Stripling's presidential initiative, Libraries Change Lives, intended to  build  sustained support for America's right to libraries of all types.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an annual observance by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

For more information about Rock Island Library services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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Events during National Library Week at Rock Island Library locations:

April 14:

Summer Art Program registration begins. All day. Call 732-7360.

Getting to Know Your iPad/Tablet, 2:30 pm at Main Library.

Teen Iron Chef Program, 6:30 pm, Main Library. Ages 12-18.

Evening Storytime, 6:30 pm, at 30/31 Branch. Children of all ages.

April 15:

Morning Storytime, Chicks & Bunnies, 10:30 am, 30/31 Branch, Ages birth to five.

Library How-To: Download Books, 2:00 pm at Main Library.

Celebrating Shakespeare with the Prenzie Players, 6:30 pm at Main Library.

 

April 16:

Morning Storytime, Chicks & Bunnies, 10:30 am, Southwest Branch, Ages birth to five
LEGO Block Club, 4:00 pm, at 30/31 Branch. Pre-K to 6th grades.

Download This!: How-To On Downloading Magazines, Music, and Movies from the Library,  6:30 pm at Main Library. 

 

April 17:

Putting Some Herbs in Your Life, with Peg Christensen of QC Herbs, 6:30 pm at Main Library

 

April 18:

Morning Storytime, Chicks & Bunnies, 10:30 am, Main Library, Ages birth to five.

Friday Family Movie Fest, 1:00 pm, Man Library. Rated G. Call library for title.

April 19:

Saturday Earth Day Storytime & crafts, 11:00 am, 30/31 Branch

Spectacular Saturday Frog Party, Stories, games and crafts for all ages, 2:00 pm, 30/31 Branch.

Locations include the Main Library at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Branch at 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch at 3059 30th Street. More library events at www.rockislandlibrary.org

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.
07 Apr 2014

Rock Island Library Event Offers Safe Shredding of Personal Papers - For Free!

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Tax season is always a good time to clear out old files, and you can safely dispose of those papers at a Community Shred Day presented by the Rock Island Public Library, Document Destruction and Recycling Service and the Money Smart Week Quad Cities project. The drive-up and drop-off event is from 10:00 am to noon, Saturday, April 12, outside the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island.

For confidentiality, materials will not be shredded onsite. Papers are collected in locked bins by bonded representatives of Document Destruction and Recycling Services (DDRS) and shredded under monitored conditions at the DDRS plant in Davenport.  Participants do not need to remove staples or paper clips from materials.  There is no charge or limits for this annual service, which is open to anyone.

Additional Community Shred Day events will be held at Moline Public Library on Saturday, April 5; Davenport Fairmount Branch Library on Wednesday, April 9, and at Bettendorf Public Library on Thursday, April 10. Contact the presenting libraries for more information or visit www.moneysmartweek.org for a calendar of Money Smart events.

For more information about Rock Island Library services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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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04 Apr 2014

Half-price Book Sale Offers a Chance to Stock Your Shelves

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Friends of the Rock Island Public Library will a half-price book sale from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 3 at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street.

And if the weather cooperates, you can also visit the sale room's outside patio for free, all you can take book sale finds The every other month book sale helps the Friends of Library clear space for new donations.  The next half-price book sale is Thursday, June 3, although the room is always open during 30/31 Branch hours.

Friends of the Library half-price sales are good at the 30/31 location only.

For more information about services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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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01 Apr 2014

No Fooling - No Fees to Checkout DVDs Now at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Effective today, April 1, you can keep your dollar when checking out a feature-length seven-day DVD or Blu-ray movie from the Rock Island Public Library. The same is true when you're trying to catch up on past seasons of True Blood, Mad Men or Game of Thrones.

The Rock Island Public Library has eliminated the $1 checkout charge on its entertainment collection, which includes both feature-length movies and collected seasons of television series on DVD and Blu-ray. The library's educational (non-fiction) collection of DVDs and Blu-rays never had a checkout fee.

Cardholders may check out up to five DVDs/Blu-rays from the entertainment collection, in any combination of movies and television series. Movies check out for seven days; television series for 21. The change applies only to DVDs and Blu-rays owned by Rock Island Public Library, including collections at the library's Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches.

Late fees do still apply, so cardholders will want to return those DVDs on time. To help you remember that due date, sign up for free phone, email or text courtesy reminders from the library. Cardholders can change their notification preferences by visiting the library, or by using the "My Account" feature in the online catalog.

For more information about services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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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28 Mar 2014

Dance with Pete the Cat at a Spring Hug-A-Book Event at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Parents and children of all ages are invited to dance along with "Pete the Cat" at a spring Hug-A-Book early learning event on Monday, April 7, at 6:00 pm, at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

Based on the popular children's books about the groovy blue cat by Eric Litwin and illustrator James Dean, the Pete the Cat series includes Four Groovy Buttons, Rocking In My School Shoes, and Magic Sunglasses. "Meet Pete, the groovy blue cat. He likes movin', groovin' and schoolin.' No matter where he goes, Pete the Cat always keeps his cool!"

The party includes dancing, Pete the Cat stories, a sing-a-long and Pete the Cat crafts, including shoe decorating and making a Pete the Cat puppet. Attendees can also pick up some fun giveaways, including bags and bookmarks, and enter a random drawing for a stuffed Pete the Cat toy. To really get in the Pete the Cat spirit, guests can dress like Pete the Cat. Wear your groovy buttons or cool shoes and join the fun!

This Spring Hug-A-Book event is funded by the Merrill Harris Memorial of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation. Hug-A-Book is an early learning program designed to build a love of books and reading in children. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about upcoming programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

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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