Rock Island, IL – This week, Rock Island Public Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through transformative services, programs and expertise during the 60th anniversary of National Library Week.
National Library Week, April 8-14, is an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. The theme of Libraries Lead recognizes the many ways libraries lead their communities to learning and discovering.
Just as Rock Island Library recently introduced a Seed Library, Wi-Fi Hotspots, and BiblioBoard Library to help people read, write and create locally (www.readwritelocal.com,) libraries are much more than places to borrow books or study. Today's libraries are also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate, gain equal access to technology, and develop their skills and passions.
"National Library Week is a great reminder that the public library is the only source that offers universal, free access to balanced information, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities that positively impact the quality of life for each and every citizen. It's the greatest place on earth, and can take you anywhere. The only limitation is your imagination," said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director.
Libraries of all types have long been evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Resources like e-books and drop-in technology sessions, materials for English-language learners, an upcoming Quad Cities Big Table talk, and the JobNow online database of job search tools, are just a few ways libraries and librarians are transforming to lead their communities. Community residents can also develop their own leadership skills at the library, with endless opportunities to build skills and confidence through resources and programming.
From the area's widest selection of digital eBook, audiobook, streaming movies, music and music download services to innovative programs and services, such as a recent Q&A with a local wrestler and BookMate personalized reading recommendations, the Rock Island Library leads by providing widespread access to crucial services and lifelong learning.
Events presented by the Rock Island Public Library as part of National Library Week include:
Tuesday, April 10 (National Library Workers Day)
· HUG-A-BOOK: RAIN & RAINBOWS learning for ages two to five, 10:30 to 11:30 am, at the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue. Free admission, stories, science fun, crafts, a free book for each child.
· SOUTHWEST CRAFT NIGHT, paper spring flower craft, 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Register at branch or online.
Wednesday, April 11
· SOUTHWEST TODDLER TALES, stories, songs, and craft for ages birth to five, 10:30 to 11:30 am, Southwest Branch. No registration required.
· STEAM-AZING, Amazing Egg Drop event, afterschool science fun for grades K-6, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Rock Island 30/31 Library, 3059 30th Street. Participants get a kit of materials to make a carrier for their egg. The goal is for egg to make to the ground without breaking.
· BAD ART NIGHT for adults, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. No-pressure night of fun and creativity for adults. Worst piece of art wins a tacky trophy. All materials supplied.
Friday, April 13:
· TECHNOLOGY OPEN LAB, drop in tech help for adults, 9:00 am to 1030 am, Rock Island Downtown Library.
· DOWNTOWN TODDLER TALES, , songs, and craft for ages birth to five, 10:30 to 11:30 am, Downtown Children's Room.
Saturday, April 14:
· SEW MUCH FUN: T-SHIRT QUILT project. Observation-only slots open (or bring your own sewing machine.) 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Rock Island Downtown Library. Participants must bring their own materials, which are listed under the event on the library website.
Rock Island Library staffers will also conduct ongoing outreach at HeadStart classes and at the Martin Luther King afterschool program this week.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.
For more information, visit the Rock Island Downtown, 30/31 or Southwest Library locations, call 309-732-READ or visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org.
