Free Summer Fun at Your Local Libraries: Collaboration between Moline and Rock Island Libraries to Spread Awareness:  Two local libraries want to remind you that free summer fun is as close as your local library. The Rock Island Public Library and Moline Public Library are working together on a special joint marketing campaign funded in part by a Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) “My Library Is” grant.  

The Rock Island and Moline Libraries were awarded a joint grant of $3,562, supporting their ongoing efforts to increase library awareness, use, and visibility in their respective communities. The result is Your Free Pass To…, a joint marketing campaign to spread the message of the free nature of library services and the benefits of obtaining a library card.

The libraries’ current message -- Your Free Pass to Summer Fun!” -- can be viewed on multiple billboards, online advertisements, and on a combined landing page,  yourlibrarypass.com. A second campaign is scheduled to run in September during Library Card Sign-Up Month.

“We want to be part of everyone’s summer plans,” said Callahan Herrig, Development Manager of the Moline Public Library. “By providing free, family-friendly events and services available to all, we hope to create lasting memories and show how libraries are valuable and vital to the community.”

For those who haven’t visited in a while, the libraries also want to remind patrons about what’s new. Both the Moline and Rock Island Public Library are fine-free, which means that their respective cardholders aren’t charged late fees for traditional items (books, etc.) that may be returned a few days late. (Specialized or scarce items still have late charges.) For details, check with the library that issued your card.

“Libraries add new materials and services all the time, and this campaign also gives us an opportunity to invite people back to see what’s new,” said Lisa Lockheart, Rock Island Public Library.  For example, Rock Island just added golf clubs to its Library of Things, and Moline is building a large outdoor garden area.

The fun doesn’t stop with summer. The campaign also reminds residents that they can get a library card in their city with proof of identity and residency for free. Once you get your Illinois-side library card, you can use it to check out physical items at any Illinois Quad City library, thanks to the PrairieCat network.

Among the many offerings from Rock Island Public Library and Moline Public Library this summer are events and performances for all ages (Magician Mikayla Oz, Musical comedian, The Spoon Man), useful services (free passes to local museums and attractions, free Wi-Fi, mobile printing), and annual Summer Reading Programs, open to all ages. Library events are always free and open to anyone and do not require a library card. Readers can participate in more than one Summer Reading challenge, and rack up the rewards.  

For more information about the collaborative campaign, please visit library websites.