If you’re looking for free things to do during the Rock Island/Milan school break, the Rock Island Public Library offers events for everyone in your household from October 10 to 15.
Fall Into Fun and Learning at Your Library! October 10-15 Events From the Rock Island Public Library
If you’re looking for free things to do during the Rock Island/Milan school break, the Rock Island Public Library offers events for everyone in your household from October 10 to 15.
Events at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road
All ages can register to make a “It’s Halloween, Jack” pumpkin paper garland at the Southwest Branch on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Starting this month, the craft takes place in person, from 6 to 7 pm in the community room of the 9010 Ridgewood Branch. Those who want to work on their craft at home can pick up their kit the next day. Registration is required. To sign up, visit the library website or call 309-732-7338.
Also at the Southwest Branch, little ones ages five and under can enjoy messy art with Petite Picassos, offered at 11 am on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The event is free and does not require registration. A child-size art apron will be supplied.
Events at the Downtown Library, 401 19th Street.
Adults can learn more about the history of the Rock Island Arsenal with a free lecture at 2pm on Wednesday, Oct. 12 in the Downtown Library Community Room. This month’s topic is “An Arsenal for Democracy.” Historians from the Army Sustainment Command will discuss how the Arsenal has supplied a world at war over its 160-year history. No registration is required.
Kids ages 8 to 15 can learn the craft of paper quilling with a free class on Saturday, Oct. 15. This ancient art makes pictures from curled, shaped, and glued paper. The free Paper Quilling for Kids class will be offered from 11 am to 1 pm, also in the Community Room of the Downtown Library. Registration is required.
Children of all ages can drop into the Downtown Library Children's Room anytime during library hours next week for a free "Craft Buffet." Kids and families can create anything they want, using imagination and a wide variety of library art supplies. The Children's Room is available on the ground floor of the library. Registration is not required for this drop-in activity.
Events Offered Elsewhere
Outside the library, the Rock Island Public Library is offering a free Fall Foliage Hike on Saturday, Oct. 15. The guided hike takes place at Black Hawk State Historic Site from 10am to noon, and is for adults, teens, and families. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.) Registration is required. Terrain will be uneven, so participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for hiking.
In the online space, the library is partnering with Illinois Libraries Present to offer a free online talk by best selling author Jesmyn Ward, author of Sing, Unburied, Sing, Salvage the Bones, and the memoir Men We Reaped.. The two-time National Book Award winner will discuss how her literary vision and personal experiences address urgent questions about racism and social injustice. Registration is required for the event, which is offered via Zoom webinar at 7 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 12. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events.
To register for any of the above events, visit the library calendar or call the Library Reference Desk at 309-732-7341.
For more information about library events and services, visit the library website, call 309-732-7323 (READ,) or follow library social media pages.