Guests can stand up for literacy, technology, conversation, outreach, better libraries, and many more activities at the Rock Island Public Library Foundation's "Stand Up for Your Library" Food for Thought fundraiser on Thursday, April 11. The event takes place from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the historic Watch Tower Lodge in Blackhawk State Park, 1800 46th Avenue, Rock Island.

Food for Thought offers heavy hors d'oeuvres, complimentary wine, craft beer, and soft drinks, silent auction bidding, a mystery wine and beer pull raffle, music by Myers Brothers, and sparkling conversation with other library lovers. The event is held during 2019 National Library Week, "Libraries = Strong Communities."

Activities of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation include supporting community leadership and community conversations for the library's strategic and long-term planning, supporting Hug-A-Book and Rocket into Reading literacy programming, funding Head-Start preschool visits, and assisting with the library's Jason Reynolds author programming.

Rock Island food and beverage companies are lending their talents to the event, including local favorites such as Eudell Watts, III of Eudell’s Specialty Foods, Martha Cleaveland, formerly of Blue Cat Brew Pub, William Clay of Pee Wee's Restaurant, Kitchen Express of Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, and Annette Hutto of Cool Beanz Coffee House. Beverages include complimentary beer tastings from Bent River Brewing Company of Rock Island, wine, coffee, soda, and water.

The admission of $40 per guest includes all food, drink and entertainment, including chances to bid generously for the cause in a silent auction. Guests may pay at the door with cash, check, or credit card, or drop off a cash or check payment in advance. For more information, please call Kathy Lelonek, Foundation Director, at 309-752-3014 or email RIPLFoundation@gmail.com. 

Foundation grants to the library support special initiatives, programs, technology, community outreach, and improvements that fall outside of the library's limited operating budget. Donations to the 501(c)3 Rock Island Public Library Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

About the Rock Island Public Library Foundation: The Rock Island Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that was established nearly 30 years ago to support the valuable extras that go far beyond the library’s city supported budget.

About the Rock Island Public Library: Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library provides resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination through the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities.