While Rock Island public schools are returning to the classroom in early August, there’s still plenty of summer left at the Rock Island Public Library. The library is offering a number of ways next week to explore creativity and new interests.
There is still plenty of summer left at the Rock Island Public Library, with a number of events to explore creativity, make a new start, and pursue new interests in the first week of August. The Rock Island Library’s “Find Your Voice” summer reading challenge wraps up Monday, July 31. Participants need to finish logging their reading minutes and activities by that date to qualify for prize drawings. For questions, please contact the Rock Island Library.
Tuesday, August 1 marks the start of weekly drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance workshops with Goodwill of the Heartland. If you’re looking for one-on-one help, drop by the Downtown Library’s first-floor computer lab from 4 pm to 6 pm each Tuesday for help from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center. No appointment or computer skills are necessary. The free drop-in events allow participants to choose what they want to learn, and at their own pace. Options include help with career assessments, resumes, online job search tools and job applications, learning Word, Excel, or Powerpoint, Microsoft or Google productivity tools, and tips on using email, Internet, and social media safely.
On Wednesday, August 2, kids ages 5 through 12 can explore art through a free Art with the Figge program from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Rock Island Downtown Library community room, 401 19th Street. Art educator Kelsey from the Figge Art Museum will lead an art project using concepts from their exhibit, The Life and Art of Charles M. Schultz. The event is free and open to all, with registration encouraged. To sign up, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org or call 309-732-7360.
On Thursday, August 3, the library offers another Getting Started with Genealogy workshop for adults. The free hands-on workshop on finding free genealogy sites to add information to a family research project is offered from 11am to noon in the Downtown Library community room. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org or call 309-732-7341.
Finally, on Saturday, August 5, all ages can drop into any Rock Island Public Library location between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm to start the process of making a cardboard shadow-box lantern. The free construction workshops at the Downtown, Southwest, and Watts-Midtown Branches will supply cardboard, basic materials, and guidance. Participants will bring their creativity and supply a battery-powered light source. Registration is not required.
All ages are welcome to make a lantern, to be carried or pulled in a vintage lantern parade at Lincoln Park. The parade, which is also open to organizations, is one of many activities planned for the Party in the Park on September 13. For more details about the lantern parade or the Party in the Park, please contact the Rock Island Public Library or Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department.
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. Rock Island Public Library locations include the Downtown Library at 401 19th Street; the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, the Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street, and the mobile Library2Go bookmobile.
###