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Blonde haired woman sitting in a green chair reading a blue book to five small children

Toddler Tales @ Watts-Midtown Branch

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Early Learning

Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs.

For ages 0 - 5 years old.

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs.

For ages 0 - 5 years old.

Image of a street sign and a large, pink Victorian home

Broadway Historic District Walking Tour

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Offsite
Program Type:
Tour
Age Group:
Adult

Join us on Friday, May 15th, for a daytime walking tour in the Broadway Historic District in Downtown Rock Island!

Open
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Offsite
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Tour
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us on Friday, May 15th, for a daytime walking tour in the Broadway Historic District in Downtown Rock Island!

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.

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:

Bucktown Americana Music Show

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
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. 

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.

Mobile Library vehicle parked on the street.

Library2Go Route - Blue Week

All Day 5/18 - 5/19
Library2Go Mobile Library
Program Type:
Outreach
Age Group:
Everyone

We're back in the swing of things and we look forward to seeing you at our current lineup of alternating route stops.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Library2Go Mobile Library
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Outreach
Event Details:

We're back in the swing of things and we look forward to seeing you at our current lineup of alternating route stops.

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, May 18, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Collaboration Area 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 Collaboration Area
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, May 18, 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?

Reading the Rock Island Public Library

Monday, May 18, 2026 at 3:15pm - 4:45pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Presentation, Special Event
Age Group:
Adult, Everyone

Join students in Augustana College's History Research Methods course, a class for history majors with a focus on the Midwest, as they explore the library's place in the community.

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

Join students in Augustana College's History Research Methods course, a class for history majors with a focus on the Midwest, as they explore the library's place in the community.

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.

storytime

Toddler Tales @ Watts-Midtown Branch

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Early Learning

Young children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of short books, action rhymes and songs.

For ages 0 - 5 years old.

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Young children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of short books, action rhymes and songs.

For ages 0 - 5 years old.

The book's cover features a girl sitting while holding her knees.

Freedom to Read 'em Book Club -- Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adult, Everyone

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson blurb

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

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson blurb

Downloadable poster of May Afterschool activities

Afterschool Activity @ Watts-Midtown

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Watts-Midtown Community Room at Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
School Age

Fun activities and crafts every week Tuesdays at Watts-Midtown and Thursdays at Southwest!! Come for fun every week for Elementary age kids (K-6)!

 

This week we will be making homemade fidget spinners from resin! 

Library Branch: Watts-Midtown Branch
Room: Watts-Midtown Community Room
Age Group: School Age
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Fun activities and crafts every week Tuesdays at Watts-Midtown and Thursdays at Southwest!! Come for fun every week for Elementary age kids (K-6)!

 

This week we will be making homemade fidget spinners from resin! 

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Purpose of Meeting:

Monthly meeting of the Library Board of Trustees. Open to the public. 

Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Community Room
Purpose of Meeting

Monthly meeting of the Library Board of Trustees. Open to the public. 

Green book cover for Bessie's Prayer

Midtown Readers Book Club

Tuesday, May 19, 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 Bessie's Prayer: "I am Walter, Bessie's son": that made all the difference! by Walter Braud with the author!

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 Bessie's Prayer: "I am Walter, Bessie's son": that made all the difference! by Walter Braud with the author!

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.

OUTREACH ~ RIFAC Preschool Storytime

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 9:45am - 10:30am
Outreach
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Early Learning

Miss Ranell will visit RIFAC preschool for storytime. 

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Outreach
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Miss Ranell will visit RIFAC preschool for storytime. 

blonde haired woman sitting in a green chair reading a blue book to five children at her feet

Toddler Tales @ Southwest Branch

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
All locations
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Early Learning

Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs. 

For ages 0 - 5 years old. 

Offsite Event
Library Branch: All locations
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy this story time full of books, action rhymes and songs. 

For ages 0 - 5 years old. 

Men standing between front and back wheels of 150 Case - largest steam driven tractor

Rock Island Knows Tractors Part 1 -- Steam to Gasoline, the very beginning

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Movie
Age Group:
Adult, Family, Everyone

Rock Island Knows Tractors Part 1: Steam to Gasoline, the very beginning

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

Rock Island Knows Tractors Part 1: Steam to Gasoline, the very beginning

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.

Babel_On with R.F. Kueng, Illinois Libraries Present May 20 online at 7 pm

ILP Event: Babel-On with R.F. Kueng

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
All locations
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Adult

Babel-On with R.F. Kuang

Offsite Event
Library Branch: All locations
Age Group: Adult
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Babel-On with R.F. Kuang

Disclaimer(s)

Illinois Libraries Present Registration Limits

This program made possible through Rock Island Public Library membership in Illinois Libraries Present. By Illinois Libraries Present policy, registration is limited to cardholders of the Rock Island Public Library, or to residents of Rock Island or the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District without cards. ILP events are not available to patrons of non-member libraries.  If you are not a RIPL cardholder or resident of our two service areas, please check to see if your home library is an ILP member. 

Early Learning Outreach-RIMSD HeadStart & Preschool For All Visits

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Offsite
Program Type:
Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Learning

Youth Services staff will be reading and sharing literacy activities with the RIMSD Head Start and Preschool for All classes.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Offsite
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

Youth Services staff will be reading and sharing literacy activities with the RIMSD Head Start and Preschool for All classes.

Early Learning Outreach-RIMSD HeadStart & Preschool For All Visits

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Offsite
Program Type:
Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Learning

Youth Services staff will be reading and sharing literacy activities with the RIMSD Head Start and Preschool for All classes.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Offsite
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

Youth Services staff will be reading and sharing literacy activities with the RIMSD Head Start and Preschool for All classes.

Downtown Movie Club

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Movie
Age Group:
Adult

Do you love the smell of popcorn and the thrill of watching movies with others? Join in on the fun and come to our Downtown Movie Club! This month's selection is an 2025 Oscar nominated film about the life of Shakespeare and his wife Agnes.

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

Do you love the smell of popcorn and the thrill of watching movies with others? Join in on the fun and come to our Downtown Movie Club! This month's selection is an 2025 Oscar nominated film about the life of Shakespeare and his wife Agnes.

Downloadable poster of May Afterschool activities

Afterschool Activity @ Southwest

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Southwest Community Room at Southwest Branch
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
School Age

Fun activities and crafts every week Tuesdays at Watts-Midtown and Thursdays at Southwest!! Come for fun every week for Elementary age kids (K-6)!

 

This week we will be making homemade fidget spinners from resin!

Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: School Age
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Fun activities and crafts every week Tuesdays at Watts-Midtown and Thursdays at Southwest!! Come for fun every week for Elementary age kids (K-6)!

 

This week we will be making homemade fidget spinners from resin!