If January felt like three months in one, you can escape winter cabin fever with free events this week at the Rock Island Public Library.
On Tuesday, February 3, the library hosts QC Chordbusters for a free live music show of barbershop and choral harmonies. Offered as part of the library’s Tuneful Tuesday series, the free program starts at noon in the Downtown Rock Island Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The music program is sponsored by Carol Horstmann, and her late husband, James Horstmann. Guests are welcome to bring a sack lunch and enjoy some noon tunes. It’s open to all ages.
On Wednesday, February 4, the 16th president of the United States pays a visit, just in time for his February birthday. Expert Lincoln performer Randy Duncan presents a first-person portrayal in “An Afternoon with Abraham Lincoln.” The free performance for all ages is Wednesday at 2 pm, in the Rock Island Library Watts-Midtown Branch auditorium, 2715 30th Street. Come meet Illinois’s first favorite son, and wish him a happy birthday!
Also on February 4, meet local author Rita R. Melissano, Ph.D. and celebrate the launch of her two books, AIKU The Way of Love: a story told in haiku and The Way of Love: a collection of tanka. The event, held from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Rock Island Downtown Library, features her readings of passages from each book, question and answer time, and book signing. Rita R. Melissano, Ph.D. is a Touchstone Award nominated Poet, who has been published in national and international poetry journals, anthologies, and featured on websites and podcasts. She’s a first-time author, and is also celebrating her birthday on February 4. A third volume in her Way of Love series will debut at the end of 2026.
If you’re looking to entertain the kids this week, there’s a new graphic novel book club starting up Tuesday, February 3. The first Friday book club just for kids meets at 5 pm at the Watts-Midtown Branch. Kids will be reading and discussing “The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza,” by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris. It’s free and open to kids in grades K-6.
The library’s two afterschool activity times also meet to make valentine’s day cards. The drop-in activities for grades K to 6 are held on Tuesdays at the Watts-Midtown Branch, and Thursdays at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, both from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.
Parents of younger preschool children can also take advantage of Tuesday storytimes at 10:30 am at the Watts-Midtown Branch, and a Wednesday storytime at 11 am at the Southwest Branch. All are free and open to ages birth to five accompanied by an adult caregiver. They feature a few stories, a fun activity, and a song or two.
Please note that all Rock Island Public Libraries open late on Friday, February 6 due to a morning meeting and training for all staff. The Rock Island Downtown, Southwest and Watts-Midtown Branches all open at noon this Friday. As a result, there's no Friday storytime at the Watts-Midtown Branch this week.
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.