Boasting sumptuous period designs, spellbinding stage effects, one of the world's most iconic scores, and some of the United Kingdom's fiercest dance talents, the 2016 performance of the Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker will be available for online viewing December 16 and 17 through the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, the presentation of this holiday staple by Britain's flagship ballet company made possible by the statewide collaboration Illinois Libraries Present.

On December 9 and 10, one of the Quad Cities' most adored holiday traditions returns to Davenport's Adler Theatre when the professional talents of Ballet Quad Cities perform Tchaikovsky's holiday dance classic The Nutcracker, this eagerly awaited family experience boasting choreography by Artistic Director Courtney Lyon, live musical accompaniment by Orchestra Iowa, a cast of 60, and the return of popular guest artist Domingo Rubio, the longtime portrayer of the company's dancing Dracula.

Delivering a blend of comedy, music, and improv that's both familiar and like nothing seen before, entertainer Michael Leahy brings his alter ego Clownvis to Davenport's Raccoon Motel on December 13, this singular figure having toured with Insane Clown Posse, Neil Hamburger, and Mac Sabbath, and boasting a stage act that was lauded by L.A. Weekly as "better than the real Elvis."

Delivering a a thought-provoking conversation about mental health in anticipation of the winter holiday season, a New York Times bestselling author and co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast will present a special virtual program on December 6 presented by the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, with Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb made possible by the statewide collaboration Illinois Libraries Present.