Whether your interests include history, civil rights, movies, technology, women’s history, board games, gardening, or reading, you’ll find something for you this coming week at the Rock Island Public Library. Whatever your interests, begin here!
History, Movies, Streaming documentary, Board Games and More!
Whether your interests include history, civil rights, movies, technology for teens, women’s history, board games, gardening, or reading, you’ll find something for you this coming week at the Rock Island Public Library. Whatever your interests, begin here!
Tuesday, March 18:
Learn more about local Native American history with videos about Sauk leader and warrior Black Hawk, 2pm, Tuesday, March 18, at the Rock Island Public Library Downtown, 401 19th Street. The 21-minute video “Black Hawk and the Black Hawk War: June 1832” covers conflicts of the war that occurred after Black Hawk led his tribe back to Illinois. His action was a response to treaties that stripped away their traditional lands along the Rock River.
The second video, "Black Hawk's Final Resting Place," is a 26-minute short by Russ Fry. Black Hawk’s grave was robbed in 1839, and some accounts say his remains were destroyed in a museum fire at a Burlington, Iowa. The film suggests differently. This event is free and open to adults.
Wednesday, March 19:
Learn how the watch is made, Wednesday, March 19 at 2pm, with the 1922 video “How to Make a Watch.” The free presentation at the Rock Island Downtown Library features a step by step instructional film by the Illinois Watch Company of Springfield, IL. Who knows, you may be able to assemble a pocket or wrist watch after watching it! Just like silent films of the 1920s, there’s no audio, other than musical accompaniment.
Later that night, catch a presentation by former Rock Island educator Dave Markward, as he shares his personal journey of understanding racism in America, in his book, “From Dubuque to Selma & Beyond.”
The free event takes place from 6 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 19, at the Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street. From Dubuque to Selma & Beyond is a powerful memoir that explores the complexities of race in America. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, the author invites readers to reflect on their own biases and work toward a more just and equitable future. Dave Markward is a former Superintendent of the Rock Island - Milan School District and a seasoned educator and author with a passion for social justice.
Thursday, March 20:
If it’s movies and storms you like, catch the 2024 remake of a famous movie about supercell tornados and storm chasers at the monthly Downtown Movie Club. The free, PG-13 rated movie will be shown (with complimentary popcorn,) from 1pm to 3pm at the Rock Island Downtown Library. It’s free and open to the public.
Friday, March 21:
Steam on Wheels rolls into the Downtown Library on March 21 to provide teens with free experiences in laser cutting, virtual reality, and 3D printing. The free event for ages 12 to 17 is from 4pm to 6 pm at the Downtown Library. Registration is requested.
The library’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) activities for teens are provided through a Project Next Generation grant funded by the Illinois State Library, using federal Library Services and Technology Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS.)
Friday through Sunday, March 21-23:
Library patrons from anywhere can also sign up to view “9to5, the Story of a Movement,” streaming online from Illinois Libraries Present from Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23. The documentary highlights the creation of the 9to5 movement, established to fight for workplace equity and against wage discrepancy and was the basis for the feature film, 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin.
In the early 1970s, secretaries in Boston decided to fight against humiliating, harassing and illegal work environments. Their movement became national and is a largely forgotten story of U.S. 20th century history. Director Julia Reichert was an Academy Award and Emmy Award winning documentarian. To sign up for the free online events, visit the Rock Island Library website or https://bit.ly/ILP_9to5
Registered participants will be sent a participation link. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS,) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Saturday, March 22:
Looking for something fun to do together? Join in an all ages Board Game Day on Saturday, March 22, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Rock Island Downtown Library, outer rotunda off elevator. It’s open to all, and a wide selection of board games will be available.
Also on Saturday, the Teen Graphic Novel Book Club will discuss the illustrated novel “Ironheart,” from 11am to 11:30 am. The event is followed by a meeting of the Teen Advisory Group from 11:30 am to noon. Both are at the Downtown Library this month. The Teen Advisory Group is an informal get-together to give teens ages 12 to 17 a voice in library programming and services for teens. It’s free and open to all. Volunteer service hours are available for Advisory Group participation.
Monday, March 24:
On Monday, get some garden inspiration with another class in the Spring Vegetable Gardening Series, offered in conjunction with Illinois Extension. The free class on growing cool season vegetables is just in time for early spring planting. It’s offered from 11 am to 12:30 pm on Monday March 24, at the Watts-Midtown Branch. To register, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.
If you’d like to be in the know, learn how your library card can let you read the Dispatch/Rock Island Argus at no charge. The free-how to class on using Newsbank to read local, regional, and national newspapers is Monday, March 24 at 2pm in the Downtown Library.
Ongoing events for toddlers and preschoolers each week include a 10:30 am Toddler Tales Storytime on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Watts-Midtown Branch, and the Winter Toddler Playgroup from 10 am to noon on Thursdays at the Downtown Library. Elementary Afterschool Activities are offered from 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Tuesdays at Watts-Midtown and Thursdays at our Southwest Branch.
Library events are free and open to all, no library card required. For more information about library services and upcoming events for a wide range of ages, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow the Rock Island Library Facebook and Instagram social media sites.