21 Dec 2012

eBook demos, movies and more from the R.I. Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Technology Under the Tree? Try These Free Programs!

Your library is gearing up in January to help you learn how to use the technology Santa brought. Try these free programs:

 

Getting Started with Downloading eBooks:

2:00 pm, Wednesday, Jan. 2, MAIN Library, and

5:30 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 15, SOUTHWEST Branch

 

From smartphones to tablets, there are all sorts of devices that will allow you to check out eBooks and eAudiobooks  for free at the Rock Island Library. We'll show you how! Free, no registration required.

 

And if Santa brings a new computer, try this class:

 

Getting Started with Computers:

1:30 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 29, MAIN LIbrary. Whether you've never touched a computer before or just want to learn some new things, this class will help you get more comfortable. Space is limited; registration required for this class only. Call 309-732-7341 to sign up.

 

More Events for the first week of January 2013

 

Catch a free independent movie showing at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Jan. 3, at the Rock Island Main Library. This month's film is Queen of Hearts (French with English subtitles). Independent films are not rated. Free popcorn. (Watch it, and join an online discussion on the Rock Island Library Facebook page after the movie.)

 

Thirty-something Adele is devastated after a painful breakup. With no close friends or family, her distant cousin, Rachel, reluctantly takes her in and graciously attempts to salvage Adele's personal and professional lives.

 

Teen Fun @ Your Library

 

 

Read to Survive, Survive to Read Teen READ challenge is Jan. 6-Jan. 26. Forms will be available by Friday, Jan. 4 at all Rock Island Library locations. Read, survive and win!

 

After you pick up your challenge form, take part in a Teen Read Scavenger Hunt, at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Jan. 10, at the Rock Island Main Library.  Test your survival skills and see if you have what it takes to follow the clues and stay alive in this battle of endurance and wits! Come and try your luck for a chance to win great prizes! Ages 12-18.

20 Dec 2012

Closing announcement: Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart
All locations closing today at 4:00 pm due to weather.
16 Nov 2012

November and December Library Programs at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Looking for a Break from Holiday Cooking and Shopping? Look to Your Rock Island Library

If you're ready for a short break from the annual holiday runaround, take advantage of free November and December programs at the Rock Island Library. From programs for job seekers to a celebration of the culture that originally gave us the first Thanksgiving, library programs offer entertainment and education for everyone in the family. Among the offerings are:

Free programs for job seekers:

  • POSTPONED. Getting that Job: Tips on Making the Cut: Tuesday, November 20, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Frustrated with your job search or just getting started? A panel of experts will provide tips on everything from filling out the application, what to avoid on your resume, and what to do (and not to do) during an interview. No registration is required.
  • Resume Tips: Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 11:00 am, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Need some help putting together a resume? Library staff will help you work through the process. This is a hands-on class, so registration is required.  Please call 732-7341.

Entertaining events:

  • Native American Heritage Month celebration, Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 6:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The library celebrates Native American Heritage Month with an evening of storytelling, singing and sharing by the Thunder Medicine drum group.
  • Gift Guides: Thursday, November 29 from 2:00-4:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Looking for a special gift for a book lover or technology fan? Librarians will help attendees sort through the choices to find the perfect gift during the holiday season.
  • Lord of the Rings movie events: As part of a lead-up to the mid-December release of The Hobbit, the prequel to the Lord of the Rings saga by J.R. Tolkien, the Rock Island Public Library will show part 2 of the movie trilogy starting at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 27 and part 3 staring at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The early start is due to the extended running times of both movies. Participants are encouraged to show up whenever they can to catch up on both classic stories.

Special programs just for teens:

  • Teen Trivia Night, Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Rock Island Southwest Branch Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. A millionaire-style trivia game, just for teens ages 12 to 18. Participants may play in teams or as individuals to answer questions about a variety of topics for a chance to win prizes.
  • Hobbit Party, Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.  Fans of Lord of the Rings can celebrate the upcoming release of the movie based The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, with snacks, trivia, and a costume contest for those who choose to come in costume. (Costumes not required to attend.) Ages 12-18 only.
  • Teen Gaming Nights: Thursday, Nov. 29, and Thursday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 pm, at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Participants ages 12 to 18 can play Xbox 360 Kinect, Wii or old-school board games while enjoying snacks.

Help for the technology-perplexed:

If you've discovered that your new device didn't come with a manual, or you simply want to start 2013 with a better grasp of technology, the Rock Island Library will offer an ongoing series of "getting started" demonstrations and classes on technology. Upcoming classes include :

  • Getting Started with eBooks and audiobooks: Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 6:00 pm, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Free demonstration on how download eBooks and audiobooks for free, by using the library's OverDrive and OneClickdigital services. Know someone who's getting an eReader? Another session will be offered at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 2,, 2013 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.
  • Getting Started with Email Basics: Thursday, Dec. 20 at 1:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Are you looking to get started with Email or not sure how to use the Email you have? Library staff will help you learn the basics. This is a hands-on class, so registration is required. Please call 732-7341. More "Getting Started" classes will be offered in 2013. Details are available online at www.rockislandlibrary.org or at library locations.

Rock Island Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branch locations close early at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 21 to observe the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday. All Rock Island Library locations will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, Nov. 23. For more library events, pick up a winter program brochure or monthly events calendar at any Rock Island Library, check the library calendar or news sections at www.rockislandlibrary.org, or sign up for news by email. For questions, please call 309-732-7323 (READ).

31 Oct 2012

Rock Island Library Announces Menu for a Flavorful Fundraiser on November 8

By Lisa Lockheart

With more dining stations and food choices on the menu, book lovers attending the Rock Island Library Foundation's Food for Thought fundraiser will have plenty of tasty ways to "eat, drink, and support their library" on Nov. 8. Food for Thought runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. To set up for the event, the Main Library will close to the public at noon on Nov. 8 and reopen to Food for Thought guests at 5:00 pm.

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Participating chefs Brad Scott, Eudell Watts, III, Eric Hand and Craig Joos, Kyle Verschorre, Martha Cleaveland and Robert Lewis will be offering samples of dishes ranging from starters to desserts. The menu includes:

  • Antipasto station with assorted Cabot Creamery cheeses, warm spinach artichoke dip and garlic dip, assorted olives, vegetables, salami and fresh fruit, Sauté station featuring creamy garlic butter risotto with lagostino and shrimp, both presented by Chef Brad Scott and the Scott Community College culinary arts academy.
  • Mediterranean shrimp and pasta with tomato, olives and garlic from Eric Hand and Chef Craig Joos of the Rock Island HyVee.
  • Bite-size pita with gyro topping, mini-pulled pork sandwich and crostini toast served by Chef Kyle Verschorre, of Doc's Inn
  • A flavorful and healthy chicken stir-fry prepared by Chef Robert Lewis, the "happy diabetic chef,"
  • Fancy fettucchine with artichokes and chicken, accompanied by creamy mushroom and panzanella bruschettas, served by Eudell Watts, III, of Eudell's Specialty Foods.
  • Dessert prepared by Chef Martha Cleaveland, Blue Cat Brew Pub.

Food for Thought transforms the historic 1903 library building into a spot for dining, socializing and silent auction bidding. Admission includes wines poured by Thad Miller, craft brew samples from Dan Cleaveland of the Blue Cat Brew Pub, complimentary soft drinks, and musical entertainment by the BHC Jazz Combo and Lee Blackmon.

Guests can bid on 35 books signed by their authors, as well as other unique gift items, including a private home dinner party for four, home pizza party, baskets and packages from local businesses. One-of-a-kind tote and book bags, made by Adventure Orange DIY boutique from retired library banners, will also be included in the silent auction.

The fundraising event helps the Rock Island Public Library Foundation grant requests for special programs and projects that are outside the Rock Island Library's normal operating budget. Rock Island Library Foundation dollars support special purchases of materials, equipment, beautification projects. Previous Foundation grants have funded the library's Bookletters service, renovations to the children's room and self-check machines.

Guests who RSVP in advance receive a preferred admission rate of $30 per person or $50 for a couple. To receive the preferred admission rate, guests should reserve by calling 309-732-7302 by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Without a reservation, walk-in admission is $35 per person. With either rate, admission is payable at the door by cash, check or credit. Donations to the 501c3 Rock Island Library Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Additional support for the event was received by Modern Woodmen of America, Cabot Creamery cheeses, Friendship Manor, and the Printer's Mark.

For more information, visit the library webpage at www.rockislandlibrary.org or call 309-732-7302.

16 Oct 2012

Library Lines - Rock Island Public Library - Oct 2012

By Lisa Lockheart
Learn More About Your Family Tree: Wednesday, Oct. 17, a program on Computer Genealogy. Main Library Community Room at 401 19th Street. No registration is required.

 

Thinking of buying a new computer, eReader, tablet or cell phone? The library will offer Technology Basics, a free showcase on what to look for in technology, at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

 

Learn more about social media, with Facebook and Twitter: What You Want to Know, at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Library employees will answer some common about the features of both Facebook and Twitter, and how people use them to build connections with others.

 

Magic Workshops with Rick Eugene. Participants have a choice of two dates and locations: Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 pm, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street or Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 pm, in the Rock Island Southwest Branch Community Room, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Children from second grades on up will learn how to do magic tricks with professional magician Rick Eugene.

 

To register for any of the above events, call the Rock Island Library Children's Department at 309-732-7360.

 

Other events during the school break include :

  • Evening Storytimes: 6:00 pm,  Oct. 15 at the Southwest Branch;
  • Wednesday Lego Time: 4:00 pm, Oct. 17 at the 30/31 Branch;
  • Saturday Lego Time: 10:30 am, Oct. 20, Southwest Branch
  • Saturday "STEM-tivity:" 11:30 am, Oct. 20, Southwest Branch. Why do things float? Explore this topic with a fun, hands-on project around concepts in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math.)
On Oct. 18, the library will celebrate the Teen Read Week theme of "It came from the library!" with a free murder mystery party for ages 12 to 18. The murder mystery party is from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, and features chances to play a murder mystery game, enjoy snacks, and win prizes. Teen Read Week dares teens to "read for the fun of it," from Oct. 14-20, 2012.

 

Learn how to survive a zombie attack with a Teen Zombie party, 5:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library. Teens ages 12 to 18 will watch a zombie movie, enjoy snacks, and share tips on zombie survival.

01 Oct 2012

Food for Thought Offers Tasty Ways to Support the Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

The Rock Island Public Library Foundation will offer book-loving guests a tasty way to 'eat, drink and support their library" with the 8th annual Food for Thought, a signature event from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 8 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

The one-night only event transforms the historic library into a spot for dining, socializing and bidding on books signed by best-selling authors. Admission includes tastes of Rock Island from six guest chefs, wines poured by Thad Miller, wine and spirits manager at the Rock Island Hy-Vee and craft brew samples from Dan Cleaveland of the Blue Cat Brew Pub, and music by the BHC Jazz Combo and Lee Blackmon.

Food stations include selections prepared by Brad Scott and the Scott Community College Culinary Arts Academy, Martha Cleaveland of Blue Cat Brew Pub, Eudell Watts, III, of Eudell's Specialty Foods, Chef Robert Lewis, "the happy diabetic," Chef Craig Joos of the Rock Island Hy-Vee and Chef Kyle, of Doc's Inn.

Guests can bid on more than 30 books signed by their authors, as well as other unique gift items, including a private home dinner party for four, baskets and packages from local businesses.

The 8th annual fundraiser helps the Rock Island Public Library Foundation fulfill requests for special programs and projects that are outside the Rock Island Library's normal operating budget. Rock Island Library Foundation dollars support special purchases of materials, equipment, beautification projects and more.

The Main Library is open to Food for Thought guests only that night, with admission payable at the door by cash, check or credit. A new feature this year is preferred admission to reward those who RSVP. Admission with an RSVP is $30 for one person or $50 for two. Without an RSVP, admission is $35 at the door per person.

In order to prepare for the event, the Main Library will close at noon on Nov. 8. The Rock Island 30/31 and Southwest Branches will be open until normal hours.

To RSVP, please call Foundation secretary Amy Penry at 309-732-7302 by October 31. Donations to the 501c3 Rock Island Library Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

More information also available on the Support Your Library and News pages at www.rockislandlibrary.org
01 Oct 2012

Rock Island Library Offers More Ways for Adults to Learn this Fall

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Learning isn't just for schoolchildren. Beyond the thousands of books, DVDs and other resources at Rock Island Public Library locations, fall brings plenty of ways for adults to learn something new with free programs on genealogy, technology and job searching.

Learn More About Who You Are:

With the help of two new genealogy programs at the Rock Island Main Library, participants can learn how to find out more their family ties. On Tuesday, Oct. 2, the Rock Island County Genealogical Society presents Genealogy: Getting Started, for an introductory look at how to start a family tree. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the library and the Genealogical Society will offer Genealogy: Online Resources, for a look at how to use computerized research databases, such as Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest. Both programs start at 6:00 pm in the Main Library Community Room at 401 19th Street. No registration is required.

 

Learn More About Using and Buying Technology:

If you're discovering the world of digital books, the Rock Island Library offers OverDrive, which contains a large number of eBooks, and a small number of eAudiobooks; and OneClickdigital, which contains more than 3,500 eAudiobook titles that can be checked out for free. The library will offer a demonstration on using OverDrive at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 10 and Wednesday, Nov. 14, both  at the Rock Island Southwest Branch Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. No registration is required. Time is provided for questions and one-on-one help after each demo.

If you're considering a purchase of new technology (or putting some devices on your gift list), the library will offer a showcase of what to look for in a new computer, eReader, tablet or cell phone, and an overview of their compatibility with library products, such as OverDrive, OneClickdigital and Mango online languages. All three products offer mobile apps to help patrons use them on mobile devices. Technology Basics will be offered at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

Learn more about social media, with Facebook and Twitter: What You Want to Know, at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Library employees will answer some common about the features of both Facebook and Twitter, and how people use them to build connections with others.

 

Learn More About Finding and Landing a Job:

In a crowded job market, knowing how to present knowing how to present yourself can be the edge you need to stand out in the crowd. The Rock Island Library Reference and Information department will host two free programs to help you do just that:

Getting That Job: Tips on Making the Cut will be presented from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 20. Participants will hear tips from a panel of experts on how to fill out the application, what to avoid on a resume, and what to do during an interview. No registration is required.

Getting That Job: Resume Tips will be presented from 11:00 am to noon on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Participants will hear tips and suggestions for putting together a resume. Registration is required for this course, as computers are limited. To sign up, call 309-732-7341.

 

Both programs will be presented in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

 

For more computer tip workshops and other hands-on demos for adults at the Rock Island Library, visit the library calendar at www.rockislandlandlibrary, call 309-732-7341 or follow the library on Facebook.

01 Oct 2012

Sign up Now for Intersession Workshops for Children at Rock Island Public Library Events for Teens and Adults, Too!

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Library is offering a number of free events to keep children, teens and even adults occupied during the Rock Island/Milan schools intersession break in October.

Parents or caregivers can sign their children up for several free workshops from Oct. 10 to 17:

Art with Gloria Pop-up Book Workshop: Wednesday, October 10, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Participants will make a pop-up book in this workshop for children in 3rd through 8th grades. This workshop is sponsored by a donation from Artists Unlimited, and is taught by art instructor Gloria Burlingame.

Tech Tools: Animoto Workshop: Thursday, Oct. 11. Children in 3rd grades and up may sign up for either the 3:30 to 5:00 pm or the 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm workshop in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. Participants will create professional videos using their own pictures, video clips and music. Images, music and video should be brought in on a portable flash drive.

Magic Workshops with Rick Eugene. Participants have a choice of two dates and locations: Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 pm, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street or Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 pm, in the Rock Island Southwest Branch Community Room, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Children from second grades on up will learn how to do magic tricks with professional magician Rick Eugene.

To register for any of the above events, call the Rock Island Library Children's Department at 309-732-7360.

In other events during intersession, the Children's Department will offer day and evening storytimes, a free Friday movie, a weekday Lego time and a Saturday Lego time and science "STEMtiviity" event:

  • Evening Storytimes: 6:00 pm, Oct. 8 at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, and Oct. 15 at the Southwest Branch;
  • Morning Storytimes: 10:30 am, Oct. 9 at 30/31 Branch; Friday, Oct. 12 at the Main Library;
  • Friday Fest Family Movie, 1:00 pm, Friday, Oct. 12, Main Library;
  • Wednesday Lego Time: 4:00 pm, Oct. 17 at the 30/31 Branch;
  • Saturday Lego Time: 10:30 am, Southwest Branch
  • Saturday "STEMtivity:" 11:30 am, Southwest Branch. Why do things float? Explore this topic with a fun, hands-on project around concepts in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math.)

In events for other ages, the library's Young Adult Department will offer Teen Trivia from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm on Oct. 9 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch. On Oct. 18, the library will celebrate the Teen Read Week theme of "It came from the library!" with a free murder mystery party for ages 12 to 18. The murder mystery party is from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, and features chances to play a murder mystery game, enjoy snacks, and win prizes. Teen Read Week dares teens to "read for the fun of it," from Oct. 14-20, 2012.

And in events for adults during the first part of October, the library will host the Knit for Peace group at 6:00 pm on Oct. 9 at the Main Library, offer a demo on downloading free eBooks from OverDrive at 6:00 pm on Oct. 10 at the Southwest Branch, hold a "Technology Basics" product showcase with tips on what to look for when buying tablets, eReaders, and cell phones at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Main Library, and present a computer genealogy workshop at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 17, also at the Main Library. No registration is required for any of these free events for adults.

For more information on the 35 events offered for all ages at the Rock Island Library in October, visit the library calendar at www.rockislandlandlibrary, call 309-732-7323 (READ), sign up for an email newsletter, or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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01 Oct 2012

October Art Show at Rock Island Main Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island artist Bill Marsoun will exhibit his works at the Rock Island Main Library second-floor art gallery, 401 19th Street from Oct. 2 to 31.

Marsoun's work may be well known to local theater patrons. For the past 40 years, he has been the principal scenic artist for the Quad City Music Guild, painting full-stage scenic backdrops on canvas measuring 16 by 40 feet, as well as directing shows. "Over the years, I have worked in almost every high school and community theater in the Illinois Quad Cities," says Marsoun.

More recently, Marsoun has concentrated on a more professional approach to art, selling works on a broader scale. He enjoys working in watercolor and acrylic, painting floral scenes, landscapes and presentations of golf holes. His work is presented at Stardog Gallery in the Bucktown Arts Center in Davenport, and in a showing at Creekside Winery in Coal Valley. In December, Marsoun will show his works in Creston, Iowa. His paintings can also be seen in local pubs, vineyards and restaurants.

Marsoun taught math and art at Washington Junior High in Rock Island for 35 years, and is a graduate of Alleman High School and Illinois State University. He resides in Rock Island with his wife, Cathy.

For more news about library events and hours, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, sign up for an email newsletter, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323 (READ.)

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07 Jun 2006

Rock Island Public Library Hosts 75th Anniversary of Talking Books

By Lisa Lockheart
{mosimage}Rock Island Public Library Hosts 75th Anniversary Celebration of Talking Books: An Intergenerational Event  Rock Island, Illinois - Childhood memories last a lifetime. A program at the Rock Island Public Library in downtown Rock Island is designed to help the memories last longer.  The Rock Island Public Library, in cooperation with the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center, will host a multi-generational program designed to capture the imaginations of 8- to 80-year-olds on Thursday, July 20 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Rock Island Public Library, 401-19th Street, Rock Island, IL

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