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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!

Mobile Library vehicle parked on street.

Library2Go Route - Blue Week

All Day 5/4 - 5/7
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.

book cover for The Frozen River featuring woman running through snow shot from above

Alpha Book Club

Monday, May 4, 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 Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon! This suspenseful mystery 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 Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon! This suspenseful mystery 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, May 4, 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?

storytime

Toddler Tales @ Watts-Midtown Branch

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Storytime
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: Storytime
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.

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

Toddler Tales @ Southwest Branch

Wednesday, May 6, 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. 

Early Learning Outreach-RIMSD HeadStart & Preschool For All Visits

Thursday, May 7, 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.

Digital Literacy Class with American Job Center

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Presentation
Age Group:
Adult

Join us for a free, basic digital literacy course! Presented by American Job Center, this class will cover the following: 

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

Join us for a free, basic digital literacy course! Presented by American Job Center, this class will cover the following: 

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

Toddler Tales @ Watts-Midtown Branch

Friday, May 8, 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.

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! 

Upcoming
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! 

Mobile Library vehicle parked on street.

Library2Go Route - Red Week

All Day 5/11 - 5/14
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.

Blue goodwill logo

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

Monday, May 11, 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?

storytime

Toddler Tales @ Watts-Midtown Branch

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Watts-Midtown Branch
Program Type:
Storytime
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: Storytime
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.

messy art with toddler

Petite Picassos @ Southwest Branch

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Southwest Community Room at Southwest Branch
Program Type:
Early Learning
Age Group:
Early Learning

Do your toddlers love to get messy?  Bring them to Petite Picassos where they can use all of their senses with hands on art.  We will take care of the mess as they create their masterpieces.  

Library Branch: Southwest Branch
Room: Southwest Community Room
Age Group: Early Learning
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

Do your toddlers love to get messy?  Bring them to Petite Picassos where they can use all of their senses with hands on art.  We will take care of the mess as they create their masterpieces.  

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

Rock Island Arsenal Lecture Series: American Independence

Wednesday, May 13, 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.

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.

Early Learning Outreach-RIMSD HeadStart & Preschool For All Visits

Thursday, May 14, 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.

Outreach Skip A Long - Milan - Preschool Visit

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 9:45am - 10:15am
Outreach
Program Type:
Outreach, Storytime
Age Group:
Early Learning

Miss Ranell will visit Skip a Long preschool for storytime. 

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

Miss Ranell will visit Skip a Long preschool for storytime. 

Outreach Skip A Long - Milan - Preschool Visit

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 9:45am - 10:15am
Outreach
Program Type:
Outreach, Storytime
Age Group:
Early Learning

Miss Ranell will visit Skip a Long preschool for storytime. 

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

Miss Ranell will visit Skip a Long preschool for storytime. 

coFFEE

Coffee & Conversations

Thursday, May 14, 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.

Early Learning Outreach-RIMSD HeadStart & Preschool For All Visits

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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.

Logo reading "Huiscamp Collins" with an umbrella between the two words. Printed below is "Insurance Solutions"

Medicare 101

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Community Room at Downtown Library
Program Type:
Presentation
Age Group:
Adult

Prepare to navigate the world of Medicare with confidence!

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

Prepare to navigate the world of Medicare with confidence!

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.

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
Downtown Parking Lot at Downtown Library
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!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Downtown Parking Lot
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: