Library Lines: Organizing Tips, Computer Class, Hug-A-Book and more!

Do you spend more time looking for things than actually using them? Want some tips for getting better organized when the kids go back to school?

If any of those statements describe either you or someone you live with, take advantage of a free program in August from the Rock Island Public Library, "5 Steps to Getting Organized." The free presentation by professional organizer and national speaker Mona Brantley of "Organize That"  is Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

Mona will provide logical and helpful hints, tips, and tricks that will make a difference in your life.  You will discover the one difference between organized and disorganized people, while also understanding why you have trouble getting or staying organized.

The program is free and open to the public.

Join us for "Tunes for Tots" at this year's Hug-A-Book event for early learning! 

Musician Chris Dunn, of Rock Island, will provide music for children ages two to five from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 22 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Each child attending the event will also receive a free children's book and Hug-A-Book bag to keep, courtesy of the Merrill Harris Hug-A-Book Memorial Fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

Each Hug-A-Book event includes an educational program aided to support the early learning needs of two-to-five-year-olds. Music helps very young children practice language, recognize sounds and develop reasoning ability - all skills that help your child become more ready to read and learn!

Hug-A-Book is free and open to the public.

City of Bones Teen Party, Wed., Aug. 21, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Main Library. Celebrate the release of the film based on the popular teen novel, "City of Bones," by Cassandra Clare. Shadowhunter trivia, snacks for mundanes and downworlders, and a movie. Ages 12 to 18 only.

See a vanishing slice of the environment, with an exhibit of Midwest Prairie Paintings by Davenport artist Pamela Bradner Ohnemus. You can view the show during library hours from Aug. 2 to 30 on the second floor of the Main Library, 401 19th Street.

Ohnemus works in acrylics and notes that, "Prairies have been reduced to isolated fragments that require conservation and preservation.  Less than one percent of the pre-settlement tall grass prairie remains."

Her highly detailed works involve layers of color over complementary under paintings, bringing delicate flowers and plants to life with subtle texture and natural patterns. Her website is www.pamohnemus.com.

Getting Started with Computers, Monday, August 26th, 2:0 0 to 3:00 pm, Main Library. If you've never used a computer before or just are not comfortable with one, this is the class for you!  This one-hour class starts with the very basic lessons on computers and how to start using them.

Registration is required - space is limited.  Call the Rock Island Library's Reference Desk, 309-732-7341, to register. No computer skills required.