Upcoming Events

March 31, 2020 marked 40 years since the Rock Island Railroad rolled into history as being one of the nation's largest railroad shutdowns. …. It was a sad day for the system and it left many towns empty-handed taking years for many of ...

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs? Drop-in on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6pm at the Downtown Library for one-on-one assistance from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center. No appointment or c...

Monthly meeting of the Rock Island Public Library Board of Trustees. Time is available for public comment during the meeting.  ...

Relaxing and casual fun for kids 5 and younger with their caregiver.  Toys and activities will be set out from  10 am to noon at the Downtown Library, Children's Room.   Drop in to spend time with new friends young and old.&nbs...

Paper quilling, also known as filigree, is an art form that has been practiced since the early 15th century. Join us for this Introduction Level class taught by a local expert! No prior experience required. All supplies will be provided, including so...

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs? Drop-in on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6pm at the Downtown Library for one-on-one assistance from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center. No appointment or c...

Relaxing and casual fun for kids 5 and younger with their caregiver.  Toys and activities will be set out from  10 am to noon at the Downtown Library, Children's Room.   Drop in to spend time with new friends young and old.&nbs...

Quarterly book sales, fourth Friday and Saturday, from the Library Foundation's PALS (People Advocating for Library Services). Each sale is 2 days long! Join us in April, July, and October to bag up deals on books and other items. Otherwise otherwise...

Quarterly book sales, fourth Friday and Saturday, from the Library Foundation's PALS (People Advocating for Library Services). Bag up great deals on books and other items, April, July, and October. Otherwise otherwise marked, sales are by donation. F...

There are few Chicago historical figures whose life and work speak to the current moment more than Ida B. Wells, the 19th century investigative journalist, civil rights leader, and passionate suffragist. Freed from slavery just six months after sh...

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs? Drop-in on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6pm at the Downtown Library for one-on-one assistance from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center. No appointment or c...

Looking to share your love of reading with others? Check out Alpha Book Club! This book club reads a variety of genres and discussion is always fun and interesting. This club is open to the public and no registration is required! This month's book...

   One of the most exciting and productive tools for doing the fun work of genealogy is Ancestry.com, frequently considered the 'grandaddy' of family records searches. Their extensive databases not only help to find materials about your fam...

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs? Drop-in on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6pm at the Downtown Library for one-on-one assistance from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center. No appointment or c...

Join the Army Sustainment Command Historians as they explore the history of the Rock Island Arsenal, the US Military, and the Quad Cities. This year, the lecture series will explore the U.S. Civil War at both a national and local level. This lectu...

Do you love the smell of popcorn and the thrill of watching movies with others? Join in on the fun and come to our new Downtown Movie Club! This month's selection is The Holdovers (2023). Light refreshments will be provided.  ...

Join us this spring for one of our "Job Searching" sessions! Presented by Angela Striegel, Career Planning and Placement Coordinator at Black Hawk College, this program will provide a broad overview of creating a professional resume, as well as revie...

It was a bitter fight for supremacy in Asia. Japan had provoked the US in the Pacific War. The Second World War now spanned the entire globe. The two naval nations competed against each other on the world’s largest ocean and fought battles on an u...

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs? Drop-in on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6pm at the Downtown Library for one-on-one assistance from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center. No appointment or c...

Do you love to knit or crochet? We would love for you to join our Adult Knitting Circle! Whether you are in the middle of a project or looking to start something new, this club is open to anyone who wants to work on a fiber arts project among fellow ...

Is British Rock 'n Roll really based on the Rock Island Railroad's theme song?  Come, and see. Billy Bragg on how one song - Rock Island Line - kickstarted the skiffle craze in 50s Britain and gave birth to the great British bands of the 60s....

Looking for assistance with computer skills and searching for jobs? Drop-in on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6pm at the Downtown Library for one-on-one assistance from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center. No appointment or c...