Freedom to Read Events at Rock Island Public Library

Readers and friends of the written word have two opportunities to stand up for the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, Oct. 1-7, 2023. Banned Books Week is an annual national awareness event celebrating the freedom to seek out and express ideas.

Banned Books Week event include:  

On Monday, October 2 at 7 pm, the Rock Island Public Library joins libraries across Illinois in co-hosting "Book Challenges on the Rise, How to Support Your Freedom to Read," via Zoom. The event is held...

Library Booksale Extended to 2 Days in September

If you’re looking to build your reading stockpile, you’ll have a little extra time in September. The Rock Island Library’s monthly PALS book sale will be open for browsing on Friday Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23.

September Book Sale Extended to Friday and Saturday - Special For Library Sign Up Month! 

If you’re looking to build your reading stockpile with great deals on pre-owned books and other items, you’ll have a little extra time in...

Fire Hydrant Flushing Program

On September 18th, the Water Treatment Plant will temporarily switch to free chlorine which is an approved water treatment practice widely used to maintain water quality. On Sunday, October 1st, at 11:00 PM, the Fire Hydrant Flushing Program will begin.

On Monday, September 18^th, the City of Rock Island’s Water Treatment Plant will temporarily switch to free chlorine which is an approved water treatment practice widely used to maintain water quality. During this period, some residents may notic...

Detour for Bike Path Bridges

Beginning on Monday, September 18th, there will be a temporary closure of the east/west bike path bridges for necessary maintenance and upgrades.

Beginning on Monday, September 18^th, there will be a temporary closure of the east/west bike path bridges for necessary maintenance and upgrades.

The first phase will involve the east bridge.   Upon its completion, work will transition to the west...

Rock Island Library Documentaries Bring History to Light

As part of its 150th anniversary year, the Rock Island Public Library has been bringing local history to the forefront. One of those projects is a new fall video series coming up at the Downtown Library.

As part of the library’s continuing focus on local history, the Rock Island Public Library is presenting four video documentary screenings on Rock Island history. From the first railroad bridge to span the Mississippi to legacy architecture, the...

Update Rock Island - September 11, 2023

Update Rock Island is a segment at city council meetings given by Mayor Mike Thoms focusing on news in Rock Island. The video segment from the meeting is available on YouTube.

Come shine a light this Wednesday at Lincoln Park 

The Lighted Lantern Festival and Party in the Park is Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park. A parade of homemade lanterns will march through the park as part of the Library’s...

Mel McKay Pickleball Courts Closing for Renovations

New Pickleball Courts Coming!

Construction on the Mel McKay pickleball courts will begin on September 25th, 2023 by Langman Construction. The courts will be closed for play until the project has been completed. The current courts will be replaced with six new courts and the parking lo...

2023 Citizen of the Year award winners announced: Aubrey Barnes wins Individual Category

Rock Island announces the 2023 Citizen of the Year award winners

Rock Island announces the 2023 Citizen of the Year award winners

The City of Rock Island has chosen the winners for the 36^th Annual Citizen of the Year awards. Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for thos...

Thursday Night GROOVE: Free Concert Series in Schwiebert Park

Rock Island Parks & Recreation is proud to announce the annual Thursday Night Groove Concert Series..

Rock Island Parks & Recreation is proud to announce the annual Thursday Night Groove Concert Series, presented by Rock Island Happy Joes, and additional sponsorship from Alternating Currents, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Friendship Manor, Gas &am...

11 Street Water Main Replacement, 25-42 AV

During the week of March 13, 2023, Langman Construction Inc. will begin the water main replacement project on 11th Street between 25th Avenue and 42nd Avenue.

During the week of March 13, 2023, Langman Construction Inc. will begin the water main replacement project on 11^th Street between 25^th Avenue and 42^nd Avenue. This work is expected to continue through the summer and possibly into the fall of 2023.

&nbs...