National Library Week is April 3-9, 2022

 National Library Week is a great time to connect or reconnect with your Rock Island Public Library (RIPL). As part of that effort to help community members explore and access all that the library offers, RIPL will offer two major ways to help patrons find their way back to the library.

Thanks to a unanimous vote by the Rock island Public Library Board of Trustees, Fridays in April will now be Fine Free at Rock Island Library locations. This limited-time offer applies to overdue late charges that would have otherwise been assessed on current checkouts returned on a Friday.

“I am thrilled to offer this opportunity to anyone with a Rock Island Public Library card. We recognize that a library fine can sometimes be a barrier to people who want and need to use the library. Fine Free Fridays will encourage returns, and help our library cardholders use our resources and services again by getting their cards in good standing,” said Angela Campbell, library director.

Fine Free Fridays applies to standard library items still in the catalog, such as books, music, movies, and magazines, that are returned at a RIPL location on a Friday. Returns at other PrairieCat libraries do not qualify. Remaining replacement, damages, or other non-overdue fees remain the responsibility of the patron. 

For those who want to pay their good fortune forward, the library offers a fine forward donation jar and the Lift up Little Readers donation tree. Community members who want to connect a child to reading by restoring library use can take a tag off the Wish Tree and pay some or all of the account fees listed. To donate through the wish tree, visit the Rock Island Downtown and Southwest Library locations through May 28.

 "Fine Free Friday" may only be in April, but the Rock Island Public Library Foundation is hoping to assist the library towards a fine-free future. The library’s charitable partner will dedicate all 2022 Birdies for Charity donations to go towards fine-free efforts at the library. "With the launch of our new strategic plan, the library is being more deliberate in our efforts to be more inclusive and equitable in our community. This is just one of the ways we can achieve these goals and allow people to explore life-long learning opportunities," said Campbell. The library hopes to achieve this strategic goal by 2024. 

 From checking out books and other items in person to downloading digital resources, there are more reasons than ever to reconnect with your library.  “Cardholders will find ever-evolving collections of items to check out, from new paper shredders to online services, such as Scholastic Printables home learning support, and our JobNow career development database. Access starts with a functioning library card,” noted Christina Nobiling, director of Circulation.  Card use is restored once fines and other charges are below $10.

The Rock Island Public Library encourages all community members to visit their Downtown, Southwest,   Library2Go, and online locations to explore and access a wide array of services of programs available in person or from the comfort of home. In addition to those already mentioned, events this week include book club meetings, registration for a free Hug-A-Book learning through play kit for ages 2-5, Online and in-person storytimes, teen and children's online book recommendations, the Tuneful Tuesday concert with Jarabe Mexicano, bookmobile routes, Seed Library availability, and a Family Fun Day for Recycled Art. For more details, check the April calendar online. 

National Library Week highlights the vital role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The week’s “Connect with Your Library” theme promotes the valuable work of libraries in helping people get connected to technology, of connecting with ideas and entertainment through books, other materials, programs, and classes, and ultimately, of connecting communities to each other.

Libraries of all types continue to keep their communities connected by expanding resources and embracing inclusion in their programming, resources and collections. Libraries like Rock Island make a difference in people’s lives with wide access to physical materials, electronic learning resources like online homework help, and computers and WiFi for those who may lack internet access at home. This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting their library in person or online, following them on social media and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. The 2022 celebration is April 3-9.

For more events and services, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow Rock Island Public Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.