This week we observe National Library Week - a good time to think about the important contributions our libraries and librarians make in our communities.  First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.  This year's theme is "Communities thrive @ your library" - and I could not agree more.   Libraries have always been there for our communities.  Today they provide a place for people - no matter their income - to access the internet and all the information it provides.  And they still serve, as they always have, as places to do in depth research, to discover a new book, to hold discussions or just a place for kids to escape into their imagination. 

The growth of public libraries in Iowa is a unique story.  Between 1892 and 1917 Andrew Carnegie provided funds for 101 community libraries - 49 of which are still in use today - and seven academic libraries across the state.  In fact, Iowa was one of the top beneficiaries of Carnegie's efforts to promote libraries.

And these libraries could not function without the dedication of our librarians.  These trained professionals often go un-thanked but really play an important part in preserving our literary history and helping us get the information we need.  I am grateful to them for all of their hard work.

During National Library Week, we are also reminded of the importance of reading skills in a child's development.  Unfortunately, a wide literacy gap exists between our nation's disadvantaged children and those with greater resources, but parental efforts to read to and with their children on a daily basis can promote the literacy of all children.  Research proves that reading aloud with children is the single most important activity for helping them become successful readers.  I fondly remember being read to as a child and reading to my two daughters when they were young.  That's why every week I participate in a program called "Everybody Wins!"  The organization's mission - one mentor, one child, one book at a time - is a testimony to the impact volunteers can have on a child's life.  Many libraries and schools across the country offer a similar program and during this week I encourage everyone to read to the children in their lives and consider participating in a similar program in their community.

Libraries all over the county, whether public or academic, are doing their part in bridging the literacy gap this week and all year, often hosting guest speakers and poetry readings, providing library assistance programs, arts and crafts sessions and other programs.  I recommend you check out your local library to participate or volunteer or even find out more about getting a library card.

For more information on National Library Week, please visit:  http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm

MOLINE, IL?A social worker, a retired police officer, a PhD, a Plumber, a US Army Reserve Sergeant, and the QC's own celebrated black belt and world record holder, invite you to join them for Morrow's Hour of Power?a lunch hour of push-ups to kick-start your weekend with a rush of adrenaline and sense of wellbeing.

The Hour of Power is a chance for the not-faint-of-heart to find their power by doing push-ups. John Morrow hosts the event every Friday at noon. "Each person finds his or her own number," says Morrow. "It's about how many push-ups you can do per minute for an hour." Morrow's number is 41. (Others in the group range from 4 to 18 push-ups per minute.)

Morrow is out to set a world record for the most push-ups by a group of people in one place in one hour?an event scheduled for May 1st at St. Ambrose University called Push-Ups for Peace. The event will benefit Kids Against Hunger and Quad City Children's Therapy.

"The Hour of Power" began as our way to prepare for May 1st," explained Morrow. "But we are having so much fun as a group, we decided to do it every Friday at lunchtime just for fun. We play classic rock from the Doors to the Beatles and have a great time. We're inviting people to join us and find their own personal power number."

Known very locally as "the village people", Morrow's group of five includes Jeanette Gibson, a social worker; Ian Fink, retired Bettendorf police officer, Dr. Dustin Derby from the Palmer College research department, John Olvera, a plumber and Sgt. Terry Timmons, US Army Reserve. They are led by John Morrow of push-up and martial arts fame.

"All you have to do is show up," says Morrow. The Hour of Power takes place at Morrow's Academy, every Friday from noon to 1pm. It's located at 1321 Fifth Ave. in downtown Moline. For information about Push-Ups for Peace, the Hour of Power, or Morrow's Academy, call John Morrow at 309-764-1929 or visit www.morrowsacademy.com.       

# # #

Every two years, the Community Marketing program of Renaissance Rock Island conducts a telephone survey to determine statistically valid perceptions about Rock Island. Personal Marketing Research, Inc. (PMR) was contracted to administer the survey in the fourth quarter of 2009. The sample for the study was comprised of 800 respondents, allowing for an overall margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points at 95% level of confidence. 400 Rock Island residents and 400 non-residents were questioned.

The 34-page executive summary can be downloaded at this link  http://www.liveri.com/index.php/business/community-profile/community-survey

Overwhelmingly, Rock Island residents believe that Rock Island is a good place to live (91%). The majority of residents have a positive view of Rock Island (65%) and non-residents have a neutral perception (56%).

When rating City services and the School District, residents gave more positive answers than in 2007. Residents feel that the amount of property taxes paid for City services (46%) and School District services (48%) is appropriate. All City services were rated above average by residents. Residents think the schools are better or much better than five years ago (36%).

Respondents state that Rock Island has the best downtown (39%). This has changed dramatically since 1990 when respondents thought Rock Island had the worst downtown. People go downtown for entertainment, dining, and bars and this has remained consistent since 1990.

Residents and non-residents agree with the Rock Solid, Rock Island brand statements - now five years old: Rock Island is a welcoming environment, a place that supports entrepreneurial spirit, and a place that celebrates a diverse environment. Rock Island offers a wide variety of residential housing options, has innovative public and private schools, offers a complete set of recreational and leisure activities, provides outstanding city and governmental services and is a regional leader in downtown development.

Respondents feel that Rock Island is safe (76% stated very safe or safe), and more residents stated so (87% stated very safe or safe). Residents feel safe in their neighborhoods (84% stated very safe or safe). Respondents feel that Rock Island properties are well kept (63%), with residents feeling more so (71%). Respondents feel downtown Rock Island is safe (49% stated very safe or safe), while more residents felt safe (54% stated very safe or safe).

Perceptions of Rock Island have improved since 1990, due to continual improvements in the city. However, just as stated in the conclusions of the 1990 market research, work will need to continue.