Rock Island Libraries Closed Thursday, April 23

All physical library locations closed for Staff Development Thursday, April 23. Book returns and online services will be available. 

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

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This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
RIPL Citizen's Academy - Shield with stylized open book and star under text

Library Citizens' Academy

Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

We're opening the book on what it takes to run a public library! Join us on four Mondays for the first-ever RIPL Library Citizen's Academy, and become a library expert.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Registration Required
Event Details:

We're opening the book on what it takes to run a public library! Join us on four Mondays for the first-ever RIPL Library Citizen's Academy, and become a library expert.

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
This event is in the "Family" group
This event is in the "Everyone" group
Logo for Consumer Reports research company

How to Buy a Car -- and Other Stuff: Consumer Reports at Your Library

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Presentation
Age Group:
Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone

Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1936 dedicated to providing unbiased product testing, investigative journalism, and consumer advocacy.

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

Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1936 dedicated to providing unbiased product testing, investigative journalism, and consumer advocacy.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Early Learning" group
This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
This event is in the "Family" group
This event is in the "Everyone" group
The Free Comic Book Day logo, which features all capital letters (in white) on a blue and black background, under which appears the phrase "1st Saturday in May!"

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Watts-Midtown Teen Area at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone

Join us in celebrating Free Comic Book Day at the Watts-Midtown Branch! Grab a free comic while supplies last, enter our art contest, and enjoy other fun (and free) activities. Also, we'll have snacks!

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Teen Area
Age Group: Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Join us in celebrating Free Comic Book Day at the Watts-Midtown Branch! Grab a free comic while supplies last, enter our art contest, and enjoy other fun (and free) activities. Also, we'll have snacks!

This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
This event is in the "Family" group
A stormtrooper from the Star Wars universe (in full white armor), holds a large beige book with "Star Wars" written in gold letters on the cover.

Star Wars Trivia Night

Monday, May 4, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
School Age, Teen, Adult, Family

Celebrate May the 4th with Star Wars Trivia! Get ready for the release of the latest film from the Star Wars Universe with five rounds of five questions. 

Prizes include bragging rights, free Star Wars stickers, and more. 

Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: School Age, Teen, Adult, Family
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Celebrate May the 4th with Star Wars Trivia! Get ready for the release of the latest film from the Star Wars Universe with five rounds of five questions. 

Prizes include bragging rights, free Star Wars stickers, and more. 

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Library Citizens' Academy emblem_title plus abstract art of open book

Library Citizens' Academy

Monday, May 4, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

We're opening the book on what it takes to run a public library! Join us on four Mondays for the first-ever RIPL Library Citizen's Academy, and become a library expert.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Registration Required
Event Details:

We're opening the book on what it takes to run a public library! Join us on four Mondays for the first-ever RIPL Library Citizen's Academy, and become a library expert.

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Very small quilt block made up of orange, peach, blue, and green strips in the shape of a log cabin.

Sew Much Fun

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:30pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

Join us on the second Saturday of each month from 10:30am - 12:30pm at the Downtown Library to learn how to step up your sewing game! 

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

Join us on the second Saturday of each month from 10:30am - 12:30pm at the Downtown Library to learn how to step up your sewing game! 

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Library Citizens' Academy emblem_title plus abstract art of open book

Library Citizens' Academy

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

We're opening the book on what it takes to run a public library! Join us on four Mondays for the first-ever RIPL Library Citizen's Academy, and become a library expert.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Registration Required
Event Details:

We're opening the book on what it takes to run a public library! Join us on four Mondays for the first-ever RIPL Library Citizen's Academy, and become a library expert.

This event is in the "Teen" group
Rock Island Public Library logo, in which the first two letters and an arrow appear in red, "Public Library" appears in light blue, and the words "Begin Here" are at the bottom.

Teen Advisory Group

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Watts-Midtown Teen Area at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Discussion
Age Group:
Teen

Looking for volunteer hours? Join us for Teen Advisory Group, and learn about volunteering at the library. At TAG, you will:

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Teen Area
Age Group: Teen
Program Type: Discussion
Event Details:

Looking for volunteer hours? Join us for Teen Advisory Group, and learn about volunteering at the library. At TAG, you will:

This event is in the "Teen" group
A slice of cheese pizza on a white paper plate sits on a grey counter.

Teen After Hours Event

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Watts-Midtown Teen Area at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Teen

Join us for a night of fun at the Watts-Midtown Branch! We're taking advantage of our extended hours (thanks Bucktown!) to offer a free evening of snacks and entertainment for teens. Join us for retro gaming and pizza in the Teen Space. 

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Teen Area
Age Group: Teen
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Join us for a night of fun at the Watts-Midtown Branch! We're taking advantage of our extended hours (thanks Bucktown!) to offer a free evening of snacks and entertainment for teens. Join us for retro gaming and pizza in the Teen Space. 

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Painting example

Paint Class: Create! Quad Cities

Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

This program is made possible by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds designated by the City of Rock Island.

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

This program is made possible by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds designated by the City of Rock Island.

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.

Attendance

The Rock Island Public Library's policy states that patrons who habitually register but do not attend a program will be considered a “no show” and may be blocked from registering for future programs.

Photo Guidelines

We often take photographs during library events. If you do not want us to take or publish photos of your child, please notify library staff at the program.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Early Learning" group
This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
This event is in the "Family" group
This event is in the "Everyone" group
Actors performing on stage at the Lincoln Park platform in Rock Island Illinois

Genesius Guild Presents

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Presentation
Age Group:
Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone

   Genesius Guild Presents is is a special performance by the Genesius Theatre Guild of the Quad Cities in preparation for its summer season at Rock Island's Lincoln Park.

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
Age Group: Children, Early Learning, School Age, Teen, Adult, Family, Everyone
Program Type: Presentation
Event Details:

   Genesius Guild Presents is is a special performance by the Genesius Theatre Guild of the Quad Cities in preparation for its summer season at Rock Island's Lincoln Park.

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Silent Book Club - Rock Island Chapter logo

Silent Book Club®

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference 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: Norm & Janet Moline Conference 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!

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teen" group

Illinois 4H Candle Making Workshop

Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Southwest Community Room at Southwest Branch
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Children, Teen

Join 4-H Teen Federation for a fun, hands-on candle making workshop! Youth participants will create their own custom candles to take home or gift. This youth-led program is perfect for anyone ready to get creative!

Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Children, Teen
Program Type: DIY
Event Details:

Join 4-H Teen Federation for a fun, hands-on candle making workshop! Youth participants will create their own custom candles to take home or gift. This youth-led program is perfect for anyone ready to get creative!

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.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Green bead succulent with wooden background

DIY: Forever Succulent

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Southwest Community Room at Southwest Branch
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

Love plants but not the upkeep? Try a forever succulent! These beauties are made with glass beads and no watering or repotting is required. 

In this DIY session you will make one mini succulent plant. All supplies will be provided.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

Love plants but not the upkeep? Try a forever succulent! These beauties are made with glass beads and no watering or repotting is required. 

In this DIY session you will make one mini succulent plant. All supplies will be provided.

This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
The cardboard head of a cat resembling the feline from the movie "KPop Demon Hunters" appears on a brown carpet background.

KPop Demon Hunters Cat Craft

Friday, June 12, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
School Age, Teen, Adult

Join us for a fantastic feline craft: make a wall hanging inspired by Derpy from "KPop Demon Hunters." We'll provide the cardboard head, so come ready to paint!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
Age Group: School Age, Teen, Adult
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a fantastic feline craft: make a wall hanging inspired by Derpy from "KPop Demon Hunters." We'll provide the cardboard head, so come ready to paint!

This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
This event is in the "Family" group
Five metal dissection tools on a blue background.

Dissection Event

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Downtown Collaboration Area at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
School Age, Teen, Adult, Family

Join us for a unique evening of learning about animal biology with science educator Andrea Martinez!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Collaboration Area
Age Group: School Age, Teen, Adult, Family
Program Type: Special Event
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a unique evening of learning about animal biology with science educator Andrea Martinez!

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Silent Book Club - Rock Island Chapter logo

Silent Book Club®

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Watts-Midtown: Norm & Janet Moline Conference 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: Norm & Janet Moline Conference 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!

This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
An image of Garfield the cat appears in a grid: this is a perler bead pattern that consists of orange, black, white, pink, and various yellow beads.

Garfield's 50th Birthday Bash

Monday, June 22, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
Watts-Midtown Teen Area at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
School Age, Teen

It's Garfield's 50th Birthday!* Join us for a morning of retro crafts at the Watts-Midtown Branch: you can create your own perler bead or pony bead keychain art, or make a button celebrating the famous feline!

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Teen Area
Age Group: School Age, Teen
Program Type: DIY
Event Details:

It's Garfield's 50th Birthday!* Join us for a morning of retro crafts at the Watts-Midtown Branch: you can create your own perler bead or pony bead keychain art, or make a button celebrating the famous feline!

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Photo of a butterfly diamond art craft

DIY Craft: Butterfly Diamond Art

Monday, June 29, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Southwest Community Room at Southwest Branch
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

Looking to add to your summer decor? Join us on Monday, June 29th, to make a diamond art butterfly! All supplies will be provided. 

Registration is required.  

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

Looking to add to your summer decor? Join us on Monday, June 29th, to make a diamond art butterfly! All supplies will be provided. 

Registration is required.  

This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
This event is in the "Family" group
Two paper lanterns made with pressed flowers appear glowing against a dark background.

Paper Lantern DIY Craft

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Watts-Midtown: Terrace/Patio at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
School Age, Teen, Adult, Family

Looking to make your own summer decor? Join us for this DIY event, where you'll make a paper lantern using pressed flowers and papier-mâché! Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy and/or bring a smock.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown: Terrace/Patio
Age Group: School Age, Teen, Adult, Family
Program Type: DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

Looking to make your own summer decor? Join us for this DIY event, where you'll make a paper lantern using pressed flowers and papier-mâché! Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy and/or bring a smock.

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.

Attendance

The Rock Island Public Library's policy states that patrons who habitually register but do not attend a program will be considered a “no show” and may be blocked from registering for future programs.

Photo Guidelines

We often take photographs during library events. If you do not want us to take or publish photos of your child, please notify library staff at the program.

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
Image of patriotic-themed ornaments hanging from a small, artificial tree

Diamond Painting Class: Patriotic Hanging Star Ornament

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
America 250, DIY
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

To celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, come make your own patriotic hanging star ornament! This diamond painting class will be led by Debbie Ford from Parkside Treasure House.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Age Group: Teen, Adult
Program Type: America 250, DIY
Registration Required
Event Details:

To celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, come make your own patriotic hanging star ornament! This diamond painting class will be led by Debbie Ford from Parkside Treasure House.

Disclaimer(s)

Attendance

The Rock Island Public Library's policy states that patrons who habitually register but do not attend a program will be considered a “no show” and may be blocked from registering for future programs.

Photo Guidelines

We often take photographs during library events. If you do not want us to take or publish photos of your child, please notify library staff at the program.

This event is in the "School Age" group
This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
This event is in the "Family" group
The Pokemon Go Logo (rendered in blue and yellow letters) appears surrounded by confetti, a mostly green background implying the outdoors, and a Pikachu wearing Ash's hat from the TV series jumping in celebration.

Pokemon Go 10th Anniversary Party

Monday, July 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Watts-Midtown Teen Area at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
School Age, Teen, Adult, Family

Celebrate ten years of Pokemon Go with us as we enjoy crafts, snacks, and a trading card swap! You can bring cards to trade, or you can see what we have to offer as far as free cards are concerned. 

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Teen Area
Age Group: School Age, Teen, Adult, Family
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Celebrate ten years of Pokemon Go with us as we enjoy crafts, snacks, and a trading card swap! You can bring cards to trade, or you can see what we have to offer as far as free cards are concerned. 

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group
A white puzzle piece has been placed partially atop a black surface, and you can see from the other white pieces surrounding it that it will fit in the gap.

Jigsaw Puzzle Contest

Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Watts-Midtown Teen Area at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

Do you love jigsaw puzzles? Do you usually compete them pretty quickly? Now's your chance to compete! Gather a team of two to four people and spend an hour trying to compete a 500 piece puzzle.

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

Do you love jigsaw puzzles? Do you usually compete them pretty quickly? Now's your chance to compete! Gather a team of two to four people and spend an hour trying to compete a 500 piece puzzle.

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.

Attendance

The Rock Island Public Library's policy states that patrons who habitually register but do not attend a program will be considered a “no show” and may be blocked from registering for future programs.

Photo Guidelines

We often take photographs during library events. If you do not want us to take or publish photos of your child, please notify library staff at the program.

This event is in the "Teen" group
This event is in the "Adult" group

DIY: Plantable Seed Paper

Monday, July 13, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
DIY
Age Group:
Teen, Adult

More details to come!

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

More details to come!