Explore a Universe of Stories, Fun & Learning this Summer! 

Rock Island Public Library Universe of Stories programming and reading challenges launch June 1 at all Rock Island Libraries and online. Kids of all ages can stay busy exploring new worlds of learning this summer, with weekly art, science, math, summer reading challenges, and more free events at the Rock Island Public Library.

Free library events and summer reading challenges help families avoid the summer slide, a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur when school isn't in session. Numerous studies show that kids who don't read during summer vacation actually slip in reading ability by the time school rolls around, and that the affect can be cumulative.

Registration is open now for weekly programs offered on Monday and Tuesdays for kids in Kindergarten through sixth grades. STEAMAZING, Carle's Creators, Art is Universal, and Blast Off Math all start the week of June 3 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street.

STEAMAZING provides hands on learning in science, technology, engineering, art and math on Mondays, June 3 to July 15 for kids in grades K-6. Projects range from Strange New Planet, where kids plan out missions to a planet, to the Mega Levitator and Big Bang Bubbles shows by Absolute Science. Art related activities include two sessions with the Figge art educator and a family tie-dye event. While most STEAMAZING events start at 3:00 pm, the June 24 Family Tie Dye event is offered as a drop-in event from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and the July 1 Big Bang Bubbles show is offered from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

From Tuesday, June 4 to July 9, the library offers the Carle's Creators art program for children in K-3 grades, and Art is Universal, for children going into 3rd to 8th grades. Both programs are offered from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at the Downtown Library, allowing families to bring siblings of different ages. Registration is required for both programs, which are made possible by funding from the Geifman Memorial for art and drama of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

• Carle's Creators, named in honor of children's illustrator Eric Carle, offers hands-on art projects inspired by picture book illustration styles and methods. It's the best option for little or beginning artists who want to explore art techniques in charcoal crayons, watercolor, scratch art, and mosaic.
• Art is Universal explores more advanced art techniques and projects with help from instructor Gloria Burlingame. Participants will view the works of a famous artist, followed by a project that replicates that look or technique. 

Immediately following both art programs, Blast Off Math allows kids in grades 2 through 6 to explore how math makes up the universe. Rock Island math tutor Elizabeth Russell leads fun, hands-on math projects from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm, June 4 to July 9 at the Downtown Library.

Families can register for individual dates or for the whole series. Events that require registration are marked with a book symbol in the library calendar. Sign up online at the library website or call the library children's department at 309-732-7360.

The Library's RockTown Reading Challenge launches June 1 and splashes down July 31. Reading challenges for all ages encourage children, teens, and adults to read for fun, learning and prizes. Early online and in-person registration starts May 25, with a free "I'm in the Mood for Reading" cup, while supplies last. To sign up visit any Rock Island Library, or participate online via Beanstack.

For more events in the library's Universe of Stories programming, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ or follow the Rock Island Library on social media,