A wide selection of summer events designed to provide positive activities for kids and teens while halting the summer learning slide continue as part of the Rock Island Library's Reading by Design summer programming.
Teens can cool off and test their engineering skills with a Teen Water Balloon Building Challenge, Thursday, June 15 at the Rock Island 30/31 Library, 3059 30th Street. The 2:00 pm event is outside on the library lawn. The activity challenges teens ages 12 to 18 to build a tower or other structure out of water balloons. The tallest structure that holds the most balloons wins. Teens can choose to work on their own, or as part of a team.
Also on Thursday, the library hosts Quad City magician T.J. Regul for two family performances. Regul’s high energy performance features audience participation and comedy. The free magic shows will be presented on June 15 at 10:30 am at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, and again at 1:00 pm at the Rock Island Southwest Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Performances are open to families and all ages.
On Monday, June 19, library staff will lead an all-ages Pokémon Walk through The District downtown. Participants should meet at the Rock Island Downtown Library at the 19th Street steps no later than 3:00 pm to go on an hour-long Pokémon Go hunt. The walk visits nearby Gyms and Poke stops in a hunt for the elusive Pokémon. Library staff will bring a portable charger, but participants should bring a fully-charged phone with the Pokémon Go app installed.
Additional teen events from June 19 to 24 include a science program on dissection. The library’s Dissection Day event is from 3:00 to 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 22 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. Guest scientist Andrea Martinez will lead participants in examining the inner workings and structures of squid and starfish. The event is free and open to ages 12 to 18. Call 309-732-7315 if you plan to attend.
All events are free and open to the public.
The library’s summer reading and learning program runs until Saturday, July 15. Participants may register now for summer reading contests for kids, teens, adults, and families, either online or at any Rock Island Library location. For information or to register online, visit the library website. For details about more events for all ages in June and July, pick up a library Summer Guide while supplies last, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.