From Black history to Army history, coffee-time and crafts, death and grief conversations, and a watercolor class for adults, February 10-15 offers multiple ways to explore lifelong learning and interests at your library.
From Black history to Army history, coffee-time and craft connections, ongoing death and grief discussions, and a watercolor class for adults, the second week of February offers multiple ways to explore lifelong learning and interests at Rock Island Public Library locations.
Black History Month programs this week include the documentary “The Lost Story of Emmett Till, Then and Now,” by NBC Chicago investigative journalist Marion Books, at 2 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. The video traces the events surrounding Till’s brutal murder on August 28, 1955, and uncovers new facts that update the story. Some elements may disturb sensitive viewers.
On Wednesday, Army Sustainment Command historians from the Rock Island Arsenal continue tracing the 250-year history of the United States Army with the lecture, “A New Nation, A New Army, 1784-1860.” The Feb. 12 talk is at 2 pm at the Rock Island Downtown Library. 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
This week also offers another opportunity to meet new people with Coffee and Conversations, offered from 10 am to noon on Thursday, Feb. 13 (and again on Feb. 27) at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. The twice-monthly drop-in events on the 2nd and 4th Thursday offer chances to connect and create community over coffee, treats, and activities. Later on Thursday, crafters can meet up at the Library’s “Knit and Lit” series, Thursday, Feb. 13, held from 1pm to 3:30 pm at the Rock Island Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street. Participants can bring a craft, or choose from options at the event, and work as they watch a literary movie. This month’s film is based on “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
If art is your thing, sign up while spots last for a Saturday watercolor class with Gloria Burlingame. Celebrating Franz Marc will highlight the German Expressionist’s 1911 work, “The Yellow Cow” (reportedly painted as an homage to his new wife.) The artist became well known for boldly painted animals in natural settings, including “Blue Horse 1, Tiger, and The Foxes.”
The free class is from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Feb. 15 at the Downtown Library Participants will learn watercolor techniques and discover more about the artist (born Feb. 8, 1880) as they create their own bovine work of art. The event for adults is free, with all supplies provided, but requires registration. To sign up, visit the library website or call 309-732-7341.
Saturday also marks another meeting of the monthly Death Talk Café conversation group, from 11 am to 1 pm, Feb. 15, at the Watts-Midtown Branch. It’s immediately followed by the Navigating Grief Book Club at 1pm, discussing “The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World” by Laura Imai Messina. Both sessions are facilitated by Jackie Hauer of Sacred Mournings, a member of International End-Of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) and holder of INELDA End of Life Doula Certification.
For more information about library services and upcoming events for a wide range of ages, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow the Rock Island Library Facebook and Instagram social media sites.
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