Rock Island, IL –Rock Island Public Library will spend National Library Week, April 10 to 16, celebrating the dynamic changes of not only libraries, but of how library patrons can transform themselves using library services.

"Libraries today are more about what they do, for and with library users, as opposed to what they have for patrons," says Angela Campbell, Rock Island Library Director. "Libraries can be many things to many people. Whether it is through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, early literacy initiatives, engaging materials, or community space, service to the community is always the focus," added Campbell.

Transformative service will be in full display during National Library Week. For example, on Tuesday, the Rock Island Main Library Community Room will hold a public meeting hosted by the "Bicycle Rock Island" group, while on Wednesday, library staffers will use the Community Room to help immigrants and refugees learn a new language and culture. On Thursday, the library will debut a brand-new eBook solution, eRead Illinois. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, representatives from WQPT-TV will be at library Toddler Time storytimes to talk with parents about how to use PBS programming to support early learning. And on Friday, preschoolers from a HeadStart class at Horace Mann will visit the Children's Room of the Main Library.

Campbell adds that the library card in your wallet can be used to access digital services, check out non-traditional items such as cake pans, Cricut cartridges, and cultural passes, and open thousands of options for stimulating imagination, escaping into a story or educating yourself. "Rock Island Public Library staff are continually listening to our patrons to provide the best possible user experience. If you have an idea for a new service or materials, please contact us at any of our locations," she said.

Also during National Library Week, library patrons can show their support for libraries through the Libraries Transform Shelfie Contest. Patrons can borrow a selfie stick from the Rock Island 30/31 Branch circulation desk and take a "shelfie" with a favorite book or favorite spot in the library. To enter your shelfie, post it on the Rock Island Library's 30/31 Branch Facebook page by 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 16. Participants can take photos at any Rock Island Library location, but only the 30/31 Branch has a selfie stick to lend. Winner will be chosen based on the most" likes" received on their shelfie.

Library users can take advantage of a variety of public programs happening at Rock Island Library locations from Saturday, April 9 to Saturday, April 16:

  • Taste of China cultural performance, Saturday, April 9,. 2:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.
  • Tween Gaming Night for ages 8 to 12, Monday, April 11, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Main Library Community Room.
  • Learning with PBS, 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 12 at 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street, Wednesday, April 13 at Southwest Branch Library, and Friday, April 15 at Main Library. Stories, activities and tips for parents from Michael Carton of WQPT-TV Quad Cities on using PBS programming for early learning.
  • Southwest Family Craft, Tuesday, April 12 at 6:00 pm, and again on Saturday, April 16 at 10:00 am, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Participants can make a magnetic frame and card for mom. Sign up encouraged - call 309-732-7338.
  • STEM-AZING - Eggs-cellent Egg Drop, Wednesday, April 13, 4:00 pm, 30/31 Branch. After-school science fun for school age kids. Can you design a carrier to get your egg safely to the ground?
  • The River's Song: Midwestern Waterways musical performance, Wednesday, April 13, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Songs and stories of Midwestern rivers, with singer,storyteller and multi-instrumentalist Barry Cloyd, of West Peoria.
  • Play and Grow Time, Thursday, April 14, 10:30 am at 30/31 Branch. Early learning and structured play for toddlers ages three and under and their caregivers.
  • Last Chance Tax Prep Day with United Way, Thursday, April 14, 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Free tax preparation by trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers. Appointments necessary - call United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or 563-355-9900. Library staff cannot take appointments.

    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.

    For more information about Rock Island Library hours, services and programs, visit the library's new website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

    (end)

      Support the River Cities' Reader

      Get 12 Reader issues mailed monthly for $48/year.

      Old School Subscription for Your Support

      Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
      $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

      Click this link to Old School Subscribe now.



      Help Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93!

       

      "We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993.

      So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support. With your financial support the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities' area's most comprehensive cultural coverage." - Todd McGreevy, Publisher