Event List

Filters
Age Group
Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge, cartoon Capybara reading on beach scene

Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge

All Day 1/26 - 1/31
All locations
Program Type:
Reading Challenge
Age Group:
Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Offsite Event
Library Branch: All locations
Age Group: Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: Reading Challenge
Event Details:

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Mental Health Spotlight: Seasonal Depression

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Mental Health, Presentation
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

Have you ever had a case of the "winter blues?" You are not alone!

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Program Type: Mental Health, Presentation
Event Details:

Have you ever had a case of the "winter blues?" You are not alone!

Sew Much Fun Encore - Sewing 101

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:30pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Teen, Adult, Family

Due to the overwhelming popularity of Sew Much Fun, the library is providing an encore of its Sewing 101 Class.

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult, Family
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

Due to the overwhelming popularity of Sew Much Fun, the library is providing an encore of its Sewing 101 Class.

Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge, cartoon Capybara reading on beach scene

Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge

All Day 2/2 - 2/7
All locations
Program Type:
Reading Challenge
Age Group:
Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Offsite Event
Library Branch: All locations
Age Group: Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: Reading Challenge
Event Details:

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Bucolic scene book cover of The Grapes of Wrath

Alpha Book Club

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult

This month's Alpha Book Club selection is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck! This 1939 classic will be sure to spark a great conversation! All are welcome to join and registration is not required.

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

This month's Alpha Book Club selection is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck! This 1939 classic will be sure to spark a great conversation! All are welcome to join and registration is not required.

Blue goodwill logo

Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance w/ Goodwill of the Heartland

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adult

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs?

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion
Event Details:

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs?

QC Chordbusters with bridge and music notes

Tuneful Tuesday Series: QC Chordbusters

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
Adult, Everyone

Join us for a FREE musical concert with the QC Chordbusters. This concert is suitable for music lovers of all ages. Light refreshments will be provided.

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult, Everyone
Program Type: Performance
Event Details:

Join us for a FREE musical concert with the QC Chordbusters. This concert is suitable for music lovers of all ages. Light refreshments will be provided.

A man resembling Abraham Lincoln posed in front of an American Flag.

An Afternoon with President Lincoln

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
America 250, Presentation, Performance
Age Group:
Adult, Family, Everyone

Meet 16th President of the United States and Illinois's favorite son, Abraham Lincoln! Mr. Lincoln will speak about his life and the impact he made on our country.

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: America 250, Presentation, Performance
Event Details:

Meet 16th President of the United States and Illinois's favorite son, Abraham Lincoln! Mr. Lincoln will speak about his life and the impact he made on our country.

Dual book covers

Book Signing with Local Author Rita R. Melissano, Ph.D.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Adult

Join us as we celebrate local author, Rita R.

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Join us as we celebrate local author, Rita R.

Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge, cartoon Capybara reading on beach scene

Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge

All Day 2/9 - 2/14
All locations
Program Type:
Reading Challenge
Age Group:
Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Offsite Event
Library Branch: All locations
Age Group: Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: Reading Challenge
Event Details:

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Blue goodwill logo

Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance w/ Goodwill of the Heartland

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adult

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs?

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion
Event Details:

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs?

An image of Stack (in red) and Smoke (in blue), the twins from the movie "Sinners."

Monster Movie Monday

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Movie
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

Join us for Monster Movie Monday, where we're showing one of 2025's most thrilling vampire films. Join us for snacks and a monstrous movie!

Note that this film is Rated R for violence and gore.

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Program Type: Movie
Event Details:

Join us for Monster Movie Monday, where we're showing one of 2025's most thrilling vampire films. Join us for snacks and a monstrous movie!

Note that this film is Rated R for violence and gore.

Beige square with vegetables and text reading "healthy cents series" and the Illinois Extension logo

Healthy Cents Series

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Presentation, Discussion
Age Group:
Adult

Healthy Cents Series:

Cancelled
Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Presentation, Discussion
Registration Required
Event Details:

Healthy Cents Series:

Army Sustainment Command Logo depicting a sword, globe, and grenade and the words "On the Line"

n/a - see internal note

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
America 250, Presentation
Age Group:
Adult, Everyone
Cancelled
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult, Everyone
Program Type: America 250, Presentation
A light up frame sits on a white table with a black background; for this project, we'll pair this with a metal bookend.

Light Up Bookend Craft

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
School Age, Teen, Adult

February is Library Lovers Month, so join us for this creative bookend craft! Design your own light up bookend to take home, and give your bookshelves a literal glow-up.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room
Age Group: School Age, Teen, Adult
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

February is Library Lovers Month, so join us for this creative bookend craft! Design your own light up bookend to take home, and give your bookshelves a literal glow-up.

Army Sustainment Command Logo depicting a sword, globe, and grenade and the words "On the Line"

Rock Island Arsenal Lecture Series: American Independence

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
America 250, Presentation
Age Group:
Adult, Everyone

This year's lecture series explores the events surrounding American Independence, from the colonial era to the writing of the Constitution.

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult, Everyone
Program Type: America 250, Presentation
Event Details:

This year's lecture series explores the events surrounding American Independence, from the colonial era to the writing of the Constitution.

coFFEE

Coffee & Conversations

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Southwest Community Room at Southwest Branch
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adult

Meet neighbors and create community at Coffee & Conversations every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Southwest Library! Coffee, light refreshments, and optional activities will be provided.

Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion
Event Details:

Meet neighbors and create community at Coffee & Conversations every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Southwest Library! Coffee, light refreshments, and optional activities will be provided.

Black and gray floral shopping tote bag.

Sew Much Fun

Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:30pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
School Age, Teen, Adult, Family

Expand your sewing knowledge by using a sewing machine to make a simple tote bag. Attendees will learn how to read a pattern, cut fabric, sew straight seams, press fabric, pin, and finish a versatile, reversible, tote.

Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: School Age, Teen, Adult, Family
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

Expand your sewing knowledge by using a sewing machine to make a simple tote bag. Attendees will learn how to read a pattern, cut fabric, sew straight seams, press fabric, pin, and finish a versatile, reversible, tote.

Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge, cartoon Capybara reading on beach scene

Escape to Book Island Winter Reading Challenge

All Day 2/16 - 2/21
All locations
Program Type:
Reading Challenge
Age Group:
Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Offsite Event
Library Branch: All locations
Age Group: Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: Reading Challenge
Event Details:

Tired of winter? Escape to Book Island with our tropical-themed winter reading challenge! Imagine yourself reading on a beach and escape winter! 

Library program announcement reading "Adult Knitting Circle" with an image of yarn in various colors and the Rock Island Public Library logo

Adult Knitting Circle

Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Adult

Calling all yarn enthusiasts - we would love for you to join our Adult Knitting Circle!

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: DIY
Event Details:

Calling all yarn enthusiasts - we would love for you to join our Adult Knitting Circle!

Blue goodwill logo

Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance w/ Goodwill of the Heartland

Monday, February 16, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Adult

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs?

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Discussion
Event Details:

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs?

sunset image of reds, yellow, purples, and greens with black text

Midtown Readers Book Club

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult

Join us as we discuss Horse by Geraldine Brooks! Reserve a copy through our library system HERE.

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Join us as we discuss Horse by Geraldine Brooks! Reserve a copy through our library system HERE.

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

African-American men carrying guns stand in a line in a defensive posture.

"Deacons for Defense" - Remembering Black History

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Movie
Age Group:
Teen, Adult, Everyone

Remembering Black history.....

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult, Everyone
Program Type: Movie
Event Details:

Remembering Black history.....

Silent Book Club - Rock Island Chapter logo

Silent Book Club®

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Book Club, Mental Health
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

Looking for a book club with no assigned reading or focused discussions? Then joining our Silent Book Club® may be for you!

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Program Type: Book Club, Mental Health
Event Details:

Looking for a book club with no assigned reading or focused discussions? Then joining our Silent Book Club® may be for you!