On Wednesday, July 10, the Rock Island Library hosts "Rope Warrior" David Fisher in an amazing, family friendly performance of incredible jump rope stunts. His performance takes place at 10:00 am at the Rock Island Southwest Library location, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

Fisher holds three world records for rope jumping, and has performed his interactive and visually entertaining jump rope show all over the world for the last 24 years. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! recognizes David as The World’s Best Rope Jumper, and he is scheduled to be nominated for induction into the Fitness Hall of Fame. Fisher performs live for about 5000 school children/week throughout the school year with Ropenastics shows and workshops. Notable career highlights include: performances for Boris Yeltsin in Russia, and for Presidents Clinton and Bush at their inaugurations. He has made over 100 national television appearances including: America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, The NBC Nightly News, and Good Morning America!

Musical performer Duke Otherwise (Noah Riemer, of Madison, Wis) brings zany, clever music-making to the library on Monday, July 15. His performance takes place at 10:30 am at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island. With his guitar, tap shoes, and distinct baritone, Duke performs a hilarious, charming, and highly interactive musical program for all ages.

As the slightly off-kilter stage character Duke Otherwise, Riemer's show features clever and thoughtfully composed  original songs, wild dancing, and storytelling which all highlight his offbeat sense of humor. Duke's original songs bring audiences to laughter, applause, dancing and interaction, and include some of the wittiest and most fun tunes you'll ever hear.

Performing family shows is Duke’s signature. “It’s a delight to scan the crowd,” says the Duke, “and see the children in uproar and really enjoying themselves. But it’s just as gratifying to see the adults reacting the same way and the beautiful camaraderie between them and the kids. I love it when I see them exchange glances and smiles after a funny lyric or an unexpected twist in the song.” After a stint with a touring folk band, Ticklepenny Corner, Riemer discovered children's music and began performing at schools, festivals, and libraries. Eventually, House of Mercy Recordings in St. Paul, MN offered a record deal for his debut album, “Creepy Crawly Love."

Next, Iowa-based Jester Puppets bring adventures in fun and learning with "Space Cadets" on Monday, July 22. The 2:00 pm interactive puppet show takes place at the Downtown Library. Using their unlimited imaginations, kids will travel through space with cadets of the Academy as they problem solve, overcome challenges, and work together as a team. Incorporated into to the voyage are elements of STEM, stimulating and encouraging young minds.

Jester Puppets is a professional puppet team specializing in summer reading, school and anti-bullying programs. Stuntman Kevin Coble brought professional jousting to Iowa through JoustEvolution, with puppetry following in 2012. The creative performances of Jester Puppets bring imagination and laughter together for children to enhance education.

Summer events are a great time to check out something, both to complete a summer reading challenge log, and to earn points with the Rock Island Library's free My Library Rewards incentive program. The new service awards points for checking out items at a Rock Island Library. For more details, visit the my library rewards website. 

For more events in the library's Universe of Stories programming, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ or follow the Rock Island Library on social media.