Plenty for Readers and Booklovers To Appreciate with Rock Island Library’s Summer Programming! 

At 7pm on Wednesday, June 21, Rock Island Library presents another virtual author “visit” made possible through Illinois Libraries Present. Best-selling author Robin Wall Kimmerer will speak via Zoom on Braiding Sweetgrass and the Honorable Harvest. This is an online only event, and the link to participate will be sent after registration. To sign up, call the library at 309-732-7341, or visit the library event calendar .

Kimmerer is the award-winning author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Her first book has received widespread praise and has become a touchstone in the movement towards rethinking our relationship with the earth. In this insightful and inspiring talk, Robin will share her unique perspective on the interconnectedness of humans and nature and the importance of recognizing and respecting the gifts of the earth. She will delve into her own experiences as a botanist, indigenous science professor, and environmental advocate, and offer insights into her journey of learning to listen to the voice of the natural world.

Robin will be joined in conversation with Cindy Crosby, the author, compiler or contributor of more than 20 books, including Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History, and The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction (both from Northwestern University Press). Cindy earned a master's degree in natural resources/environmental communication from University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point in 2014. She is a steward on the Schulenberg Prairie at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, and coordinates dragonfly monitoring activities as a steward for the Arboretum and for Nachusa Grasslands, a Nature Conservancy site with bison in Franklin Grove, IL.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, 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, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

At 2pm on Thursday, June 22, the Rock Island Public Library will host an in-person visit with local author John Donald O’Shea at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19^th Street. O’Shea’s talk, entitled “Memories of the Great Depression” features real-life stories of life during this era that he gathered in his two books, Memories of the Great Depression, A Time Forgotten, and Memories of the Great Depression, A Time Remembered.

In addition to his books, John Donald O'Shea is the author of three plays published with Brooklyn Publishers, and fifteen other plays with other publishers. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Notre Dame Law School. He served in the United States Naval Reserve, reaching the rank of Lt. Commander. He served as an Assistant States Attorney for Rock Island County, IL, and as Corporation Counsel for the City of Moline, IL. In January 2000, he retired as a Circuit Judge for the 14^th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, after serving for twenty-six years.

If you just can’t get enough to read and want to build your To Be Read (TBR) pile, the Library’s 4th Friday Book Sale is always a great place to pick up some real reading bargains. The monthly book sale now takes place on the 4^th Friday of each month (with the exception of November and December) at the Rock Island Downtown Library Community Room, 401 19^th Street, Rock Island. Sale hours this month are 10 am to 1pm on Friday, June 23. The sale is open to anyone, and is ran by PALS (People Advocating for Library Services) volunteers with the Rock Island Public Library Foundation. Unless specially marked, items are offered on a “fill a bag for a donation” basis. Shopper bags are available.

While you’re at the sale, ask volunteers for details on becoming a Library PAL, or purchase a reusable library book bag. All proceeds benefit special library projects, including the library’s new fine-free lending policy for Rock Island Public Library cardholders.

All events presented at no charge, and open to anyone. Rock Island Public Libraries are located at 401 19^th Street (Downtown Library,) 9010 Ridgewood Road (Southwest Branch,) and 2715 30^th Street (Watts-Midtown Branch.)

For more news about events and services at the Rock Island Public Library, visit the library website, follow library social media, or call 309-732-READ.

Find Your Voice this summer with reading and events for all ages, June 1 through July 31 at the Rock Island Public Library Downtown Library, Southwest Branch, Watts-Midtown Branch, and Library2Go locations.