Rock Island, IL: From April 12 to 18, the Rock Island Library will join libraries nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, and the unlimited possibilities available through libraries.
The week recognizes the work that libraries and librarians do to transform lives with innovative educational resources and forward-thinking programming. At Rock Island, much of that work has been guided over the past year by a strategic plan that emphasizes creating young readers, enhancing literacy among all ages, stimulating imaginations and exploring personal interests, and improving library spaces.
Recent examples of the library's work to create young readers and enhance literacy includes a new well-baby and well-child literacy kit partnership with Community Health Care, the introduction of the My First Library Card for ages under five, and the expansion of Hug-A-Book early learning programs.
Free public programs that show those strategies in action next week include :
- · Monday's Read with Rover program at the 30/31 Branch, which encourages kids to read to therapy dog,
- · Tuesday and Saturday kite art crafts at the Southwest Branch that allow families to create and imagine together,
- · Engaging local history programs for adults, including a Monday program on the life of a World War I flying ace from Illinois and a Wednesday event that uncovers treasures from Rock Island Library history,
- · a Wednesday Marshmallow Engineering program in the Main Library Children's Room that teaches geometric shapes with a sweet reward,
- · A Thursday Teen Superhero program at Main featuring a superhero movie, trivia, crafts, and button-making for ages 12 to 18, and
- · A Saturday Community Shred Day at the Main Library that provides a money-saving way to securely shred personal papers and protect your financial identity.
In a living example of the work libraries do to level the playing field and respond to community needs, the library will be hosting dozens of English Language Learning (ELL) students on Wednesday as part of an ongoing partnership with the Black Hawk Family Literacy program.
"Libraries level the playing field by providing free access to information and technologies that many in our communities would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Whether it's offering eBooks and technology classes, resources for job seekers, or introducing children to the joy of reading, libraries have always been places of unlimited possibilities," said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director. "Whatever your interest or need, the library and the library staff are here to provide you the resources you need to accomplish your goals and dreams."
For information on any of the programs and services mentioned, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.
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