In October sessions of the 16th Annual Frieze Lecture Series at Rock Island Library, Augustana College professors considered the generational impacts on how people perceive their ethnic identity and shown how African cultures use ceremonial objects and textiles to reinforce social lessons, spiritual connections and status.

Two remaining lectures in November will explore global connections in literature. Presentations begin at 2:00 pm in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street, and are free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, visiting professor Dr. Benjamin
Mi  er-Cruz, of the Augustana College department of German and Scandinavian, will speak on the exploding popularity of the Swedish Crime Novel. From works such as "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by the late Steig Larsson to the Wallander novels by Henning Mankell, what is behind the huge popularity of violent crime fiction in a relatively tranquil national culture? Novels by Camilla Läckberg, the Swedish author of "The Hidden Child" and "The Lost Boy" have been translated into 33 languages.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Prof. Katie Hanson, Augustana Education Department, will speak on one of Britain's foremost authors, Japanese-born Kazuo Ishiguro. Hanson will consider how the author's background as somewhat of a cultural outsider influenced his perceptions of the Western world. Ishiguro has become one of the most celebrated contemporary fiction authors in the English-speaking world, receiving four Mann Booker writing prize nominations, and winning the 1989 award for his novel, The Remains of the Day. His 2005 novel, Never Let Me Go was the common summer reader for this year's entering class. Find out why!

This year's theme,  "It IS a Small World After All: Globalism's Impact on Literature, Art and Culture" was chosen to illustrate the global connections between the humanities.

Rock Island Public Library, in partnership with RBdigital from Recorded Books, is pleased to announce the availability of Zinio for Libraries, the world's largest newsstand.

Through the library website, Rock Island Public Library cardholders will have free, unlimited multi-user access to complete digital magazines, easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices.  62 of the most popular magazine titles are available, including Popular Science, Smithsonian, The Food Network, EatingWell, National Geographic, O, The Oprah Magazine, Rolling Stone and Women's Day. Patrons can browse from the library's collection of popular titles with no holds, no checkout periods, no waiting lists, and no limit to the number of magazine downloads.

This service was made possible to patrons of the Rock Island Public Library by funding from the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District. Free Zinio Reader apps for a wide variety of devices are available for download at the Rock Island Library Zinio site.

For help with using Zinio. call 309-732-7323 (READ.)

The Rock Island Public Library Foundation will offer book-loving guests a tasty way to enjoy "A Night of Roaring Reads" with Food for Thought, a fundraising event from 5:00 pm. to 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 14 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island.

A Night of Roaring Reads transforms the historic library into a jazz-age night spot for dining, socializing and bidding on books signed by best-selling authors. Admission includes food stations from guest chefs, complimentary beverages, and jazz music by the Edgar Crockett Duo.

Guests also enjoy a night at the library, with dining at six food stations, including selections from Brad Scott of the SCC Culinary Arts Academy, Martha Cleaveland of Blue Cat Brew Pub, Eudell Watts, III, of Eudell's Specialty Foods, Chef Craig Joos of Rock Island Hy-Vee , Cool Beanz of Rock Island, Chef Kyle Verschoorre, of Doc's Inn in Silvis.

Complimentary beverages in the library 'speakeasy' include wine tasting selections personally selected by Thad Miller, craft brew samples from Dan Cleaveland of the Blue Cat Brew Pub, soft drinks and coffee. A silent auction includes bidding on more than 30 signed books, as well as unique gift items and packages from local businesses.

The Main Library will be open to Food for Thought guests only that night, with admission payable at the door by cash, check or credit. Guests who RSVP in advance receive preferred admission prices of $30 for one or $55 for two. Without an RSVP, walk-in admission is $35 at the door per person. RSVPS are requested by Nov. 6.  Walk-ins are allowed. The Main Library will be closed to the general public after noon on Nov. 14.

To RSVP, please call 309-732-7303 or 732-7305 or email lockheart.lisa@rigov.org.

Donations to the 501c3 Rock Island Library Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.