Fun and learning for teens gets creative with programs on cooking, making graphic novels, and tie-dye, all at the Rock Island Public Library. All events are free and open to the public. The library’s Reading by Design theme celebrates creativity and making, with the following events for ages 12 to 18:

• Teen Iron Chef: 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Thursday, June 29, Downtown Library. Design a culinary masterpiece in our annual Teen Iron Chef Challenge! Prepare a snack for our brave judges with the ingredients provided. Compete against your friends for fun and prizes, and see who will be voted our next Teen Iron Chef!
• Make Your Own Graphic Novel, 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Tuesday, July 11, Downtown Library. Learn how to design your own Graphic Novel! Get tips on creating characters, writing a story, structuring your comic, and the basics of posting comics online.
• Library Mini-Golf, 3:00 to 4:30 pm, Tuesday, July 18, Downtown Library. Come to the library for a round of mini-golf! Our second floor becomes a book, movie, and pop culture themed mini golf course for one-day only. Play solo or with friends to see who gets the best score, and win prizes.
• Teen Tie-Dye, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Friday, July 21, Southwest Library lawn. Bring a shirt or other cotton (or cotton-blend) clothing and create your own wearable art. Wear something you don’t mind getting dye on - creativity can be messy!

Rock Island 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 Summer Guide, call 309-732-READ,  or follow the library on Facebook and Twitter.