Watts-Midtown Driveway Work

Work began this morning on repairing the driveway leading into our Watts-Midtown Branch and the RI YMCA. Please note that there is one lane in and out of the parking lot. Please alternate when entering or leaving the lot, and note that there is no left hand turn onto the drive off 30th Street. 

Remember that you can return items to any Rock Island Library, even if it was checked out at the branch. Miss Ranell's Friday storytime will move to our Downtown Children's Library for Friday. Thank you for your patience as the YMCA repairs this driveway. 

Plans & Reports

Library Planning

The following links will provide more information about our four-year strategic plan, which is a short-term road map for library priorities, and our longer-term building plan, which provides the library with a guide for improving our facilities over time. Both documents work together, and as living plans, are subject to revision and change.

Documents

2021 Annual Outcomes Report

2022-2025 Strategic Plan

2020 Annual Outcomes Report

YMCA + RIPL new location banner: Building Health Minds & Bodies Together

Library/YMCA Capital Campaign for Tri-City Jewish Center Project

The Capital Campaign for this exciting joint project is in full force! The Community phase of fundraising launched on June 29. All donations are welcome, and no pledge is too small. Together, we can do this! This joint fundraising campaign is being led by volunteer campaign chairs and a volunteer cabinet of Rock Island Public Library Foundation and Two Rivers Y personnel. 

For a look at what we plan to accomplish with this new site, see the RI YMCA/LIBRARY project website, or download this document with a look at gains for our community.

  • If you have any questions about the Capital Campaign, please contact the Rock Island Public Library Foundation Executive Director Kathy Lelonek at 309-732-7326 or at riplfoundation@gmail.com for more information.
  • If you have questions about the library’s building plan, which includes this project, plus ongoing maintenance and improvements to our Downtown and Southwest locations, please contact Rock Island Public Library director Angela Campbell at 309-732-7300 or campbell.angela@rigov.org

Light, Heat & A/C Improvements

The Rock Island Public Library is participating in the City of Rock Island’s Energy Performance Program with Johnson Controls, which will involve major upgrades to the Downtown Library’s aging (and ailing) HVAC systems, as well as improvements at select City-owned buildings. Interior and exterior lighting improvements are also part of the Library’s portion of the project.

The City of Rock Island Performance Contract upgrades mechanical systems and lighting with a goal of securing long-term energy and cost efficiencies. The project involves local sub-contractors, and qualifies for energy rebate programs.

Work at library sites is expected to last through Summer 2021. Please pardon our dust while the project is underway. We hope to keep disruptions to a minimum, and appreciate your patience as we work to improve your library experience and comfort. 

Building Sale

The sale of former Rock Island 30/31 Library building to the American Doll and Toy Museum concluded Friday, August 7, 2020. To contact the Museum, visit their Facebook page. For information about the bid process for the sale of Library real estate, see this Link to City of Rock Island bid page.