FROM THE DIRECTOR

We have some exciting changes happening over the next few months! We have completed moving the young adult book shelves to create a reading space for teens and have moved all of our Spanish books to the main floor so that they are all in the same location. Next we are creating a story time space in the children's area of the library and moving some book shelves to create a tween reading space. On the second floor we will be changing the Hoffman room into a special collections room. All of our special collection books will be moved into this room. The space will still contain study tables and be available for patrons to reserve, but food and drink will not be allowed in the room. Also on the second floor we will continue adding tables so there are more work and study spaces. As a reminder, the library has laptops available to use inside the library that can be checked out with a full-access library card.

Director’s Bookshelf

I am currently reading Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. This is a prequel to The Hunger Games, featuring the 50th Hunger Games when Haymitch, mentor to Katniss and Peeta, won. It takes place 24 years prior to the first Hunger Games book. As a huge fan of this series, I am pretty excited to read this new and exciting chapter.

I just finished reading Starry Messenger by Neil deGrasse Tyson which really appealed to my analytical side. I found myself wondering if I should have considered a career in Physics as physicists really seem like my kind of people. Tyson takes on a variety of global topics and puts them into numerical perspective, making hard to grasp concepts easier to understand. If you listen to the audio book, you get the added bonus of listening to Tyson narrate the book himself.

On deck is Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, a true story about the three "computers" who solved problems for NASA engineers. Previous to Shetterly's book, these black female mathematicians were mostly unknown for their contributions to the space program. This book seemed like a great read for Women's History Month.

Summer Reading Kickoff

May 29, 5-7pm

at Hereford Park

Come celebrate the start of summer with us at Hereford Park! Sign up for our reading programs and enjoy food, fun games, and music. All Ages!

You can register for summer reading using Beanstack. Download the free app here, or register on the website here.

National Library Week

April 6-12, 2025

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities. National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.

Tiny Art Show

We invite the community to help us celebrate with our Tiny Art Show this April! Pick up a supply kit, let your creativity shine, and create your own miniature masterpiece. Kits can be picked up starting April 1. All ages are welcome to participate! Completed artwork must be returned to the library by April 14, where it will be proudly displayed throughout the building for everyone to enjoy.

Illinois Libraries Presents

The Art of Foraging with Alexis Nikole Nelson

April 10, 7pm

Celebrate Earth Month with BlackForager, Alexis Nikole Nelson. A forager, outdoor educator, chef, and influencer based in Ohio, Nelson uses her platforms to yell, sing and celebrate all the edible plants hiding in plain sight. She invites all to come on her foraging journey with her via @alexisnikole (TikTok) and @blackforager (Instagram). Through her search for freely accessible edible plants, she peels back historical layers on African American and Indigenous food traditions that have traditionally been repressed and empowers those living in food deserts with greater self- sufficiency.

Nelson has also cooked up quite a few awards, receiving the James Beard Award for “Best Social Media” 2022, being chosen as a ‘TikTok Tastemaker’ for Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and honored as part of Fortune Magazine’s Creator 25 in 2021. With 5 million followers joining, Alexis takes audiences into the woods and to the oceans in search of edible plants and tasty recipes to enrich their palates and the planet. As Alexis would say, happy snacking, don’t die! Nelson will be joined in conversation by Natalie Evans, a wild edible foods instructor based in Chicago.

Please note: this is a live virtual event. Click here to sign up. If you cannot attend in person, but you would like to watch the zoom from home, please register here.

Illinois Libraries Presents

Art and Adventures with Author/Illustrator Dan Santat

May 3, 2pm

This is a virtual event only. To watch the livestream from home, please register here.

Join bestselling author and illustrator Dan Santat for an afternoon event all about books and art with friend and collaborator, author Minh Lê.

Dan Santat is the author and illustrator of over a hundred books for young people! Many of his books are New York Times-bestsellers, including The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, Are We There Yet?, and After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again). His latest works include the best-selling graphic novels, The Aquanaut and A First Time for Everything. He is also the creator of the Disney animated hit, The Replacements.

Santat won the Caldecott Medal for most distinguished picture book in 2015, the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2023 and Golden Kite Award for Middle Grade Fiction in 2024.

Minh Lê is the award-winning author of picture books including Drawn Together (winner of the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature), The Blur (with Dan Sanat!), Real to Me, Lift, and graphic novels such as Green Lantern: Legacy and Enlighten Me. In addition to writing books, Dan serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and has been a contributor to a variety of national publications, including NPR, HuffPost, and the New York Times.

Illinois Libraries Presents

Poverty: A Discussion with Matthew Desmond

May 13, 7pm

This is a virtual event only. To watch the livestream from home, please register here.

Join us to close out our fourth season with bestselling author Matthew Desmond in conversation with award-winning journalist, Natalie Moore.

Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and author of the award-winning book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. The recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, Desmond was named one of “fifty people across the country who are most influencing the national political debate” by Politico 50 in 2016. His research focuses on poverty in the United States, city life, housing insecurity, public policy, racial inequality, and ethnography.

Natalie Moore is an award-winning journalist based in Chicago, whose reporting tackles race, housing, economic development, food injustice and violence. She is the author of the acclaimed The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation and co-author of The Almighty Black P Stone Nation: The Rise, Fall and Resurgence of an American Gang. Moore is the recipient of Chicago Library Foundation’s 21st Century Award and a Studs Terkel Community Media Award among many others. Her work has helped shift the way Chicagoans today think about segregation in the region.

Poetry Reading with

Iris M. Stockwell

April 16, 6pm

Join us in welcoming local teen author Iris M. Stockwell as she shares a reading from her debut book, The Poems of a Tea Enthusiast, which reached #1 on Amazon’s Best Sellers list in Teen & Young Adult Coming-of-Age Fiction.

At just 16 years old, Iris crafted this collection of poems to reflect her journey of growth and ambition from ages 11 to 16. Through poetry, she connects with others her age, exploring themes of love, friendship, life, and dreams. Iris is a Midwest native, and has been a member of our Teen Library Council for several years.

A conversation will follow the reading, and books will be available for purchase. Her latest novel, The Canvas of Our Regrets, a poignant story of loss and love through the eyes of artists, will also be available.

Come support young local talent, and be inspired by Iris M. Stockwell! Sign up here!

Paws to Relax with

QC Canine

May 24, 1pm

Take a break and unwind with the calming presence of therapy dogs from QC Canine! Join us in a relaxing space to de-stress, boost your mood, and learn about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy for mental well-being.

This program is sponsored by the library's teen chapter of The Gray Matters Collective. Visit us on Instagram here!

For more information on QC Canine, visit their website here.

For more information on The Gray Matters Collective, visit their website here.

Zero Suicide Initiative

QPR Training

May 20, 6-7pm

Learn to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis. This free, one our training will teach how to identify and support people in your life who are struggling with mental health. This training will be hosted by the Zero Suicide Initiative. Space is limited, so please register here.

Ending the Silence For Students

May 22, 6-7pm

A 50-minute presentation designed for middle and high school students that includes warning signs, facts and statistics and how to get help for themselves or a friend. This program is highly effective in changing students' attitudes toward mental health and seeking help. For more info and to register, click here.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Monday Morning Yoga

Every Monday 9:30am

Chair Yoga

Every Wednesday 9:30am

Bingo

April 1 & May 6, 2pm

Mystery Book Club

April 2, 4pm (First Wednesday, every other month)

Card Game Club

Every Friday, 2:30pm

Adult Craft & Movie Night

April 8, 5:30pm

May 27, 5:30pm

DIY Nature Journal

April 15, 6pm

Nahant Marsh: Enrich your Yard with Native Plants

April 22, 6pm

Pinterest Craft

April 23, 11am

May 28, 11am

English Learner's Group

April 28, 5:30pm

Urban Balance Therapy: Coping with Work Stress

April 29, 6pm

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club

May 7, 4pm (First Wednesday, every other month)

AAPI Movie Series

May 8: Mulan Live Action (5:30pm)

May 14: Lion (1pm)

May 21: Karate Kid (5:30pm)

May 28: Crazy Rich Asians (1pm)

For more information on Adult Programming, email adults@eastmolinelibrary.org

Apr 1 - Sip & Paint Your Pet

(6-7:30pm)

Join us for a special sip and paint night where you will be able to paint a portrait of your cat, dog, or other animal companion! Bring in that super cute picture of your pet and get creative! Sign up here!

Apr 24 - Canva Basics

(6-8pm)

Learn the essentials of Canva in this beginner friendly workshop! Discover how to create eye-catching designs for social media, presentations, and more using Canva’s easy-to-use tools. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their graphic design skills - no experience needed! Click here to register!

May 1 - Never Too Old: YA Book Club (6-7pm)

Are you an adult that loves to read YA books? You're never too old! Join us for a book club meeting to discuss the book Chaos Theory by Nic Stone. Refreshments will be served. Sign up here. Check out a digital copy of the book on Libby or Boundless. Check out a physical copy here.

May 6 - Self Defense

(6-7pm)

Join Spellious Martial Arts and learn basic tips and tricks for keeping yourself safe with this self-defense class. This is a beginner course, and all are welcome. Space is limited, so please register here.

TEEN PROGRAMS (Grades 9-12)

Teen Library Council

Meets the first Friday of the month, 4-8pm

Teen Library Council (TLC) is a group of teens from across the Quad Cities who meet monthly with Teen Librarians to provide input on teen services, programming, material selection, event planning, and more. Play games, win prizes, and make new friends! It's also a fun way to get involved with the library while earning volunteer hours for school, job, or college applications.

Click here for more info!

Haunted House Crew

Meets every other Wednesday starting in May, 4-7pm

Calling all teens! Join our Haunted House Crew! If you're in grades 9-12 and want to be part of the fun, come to our informational meeting on May 28 from 4-7pm. You will be able to ask questions and see if this exciting opportunity is right for you. Our Haunted House Crew is in charge of every aspect of the Haunted House - from deciding on a theme, to planning the layout, costumes, building props, and more! This year will be our 9th Haunted House, and it's our biggest event of the year! Sign up here!

Coffee & Convos Apr 2 (4-6pm)

Join us in the Teen Vault for coffee, tea, and great conversations! Sign up here!

DIY Book Flowers and Bookmarks

Apr 9 (4-6pm)

Celebrate National Library Week with DIY pressed flower bookmarks and book flowers! Sign up here!

Game Night

Apr 18 (4-8pm)

Join us for after hours game night! Laser tag, board games, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, casino games, and more! Register here!

For more information about Teen Programming, email teens@eastmolinelibrary.org

Paint & Sip

Apr 30 (4-7pm)

Join us for a painting tutorial and enjoy bubble tea, coffee, and more yummy drinks! Space is limited - register here!

Mother's Day Craft May 7 (4-6pm)

Join us to make a heartfelt craft using the cricut! Whether it's for a parent, grandparent, mentor, or friend, this creative project is a fun and meaningful way to show appreciation. Space is very limted - please sign up here!

Universal Yums

May 21 (4-6pm)

Join us for a taste adventure and sample snacks from around the world! Sign up here!

TWEEN PROGRAMS (Grades 4-8)

Book Buddies is our new book club for tweens! Tweens (grades 4-8) and their buddies (grownup/older sibling) can read a book together and come in to discuss!

We still have books available - first come, first serve (One book per tween).

Our next book club meeting is on Monday, April 21st from 4:30-5:30pm. Book title is "A Duet From Home" - click here for more info!

Apr 2 (4-6pm)

Modeling Clay

Apr 9 (4-6pm)

Yarn Painting

Apr 16

(4-5:30pm)

Diamond Art

Every Thursday

(3:30-5:30pm)

Join us after school for Tween Gaming!

May 13 (4:30-5:30pm)

Wanting to try out different books? Stop by for a book tasting so you can look at lots of different books and check out what you're interested in! Refreshments provided. Sign up here!

May 20 (4-5pm)

Enjoy some calming crafts at the library to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month! We will have different crafts and calming music. Refreshments will be served. Register here!

For more information about Tween Programming, email childrens@eastmolinelibrary.org

CHILDRENS AND ALL AGES PROGRAMS

Egg Drop with East Moline

Fire Department

Apr 19 (12-2pm)

In this fun STEM challenge, participants will build a structure to keep an egg safe from a high drop! Supplies to build your "egg safe" contraption will be provided. Space is limited, please sign up here! Feel free to stop by and watch, even if you're not participating!

National Library Week

Scavenger Hunt

Apr 7-12

Stop by the library this week for a fun scavenger hunt! The theme for National Library Week is "Drawn to the Library." Follow the clues to find all the hidden colors on the paint palette! Once you complete the scavenger hunt you can receive a sticker! This is for all ages.

Storytime

Every Tuesday at 10:30am

(Therapy Dogs will be here on Apr 8!)

Bilingual Storytime

Every other Monday at 6pm

Lego Club

Every other Wednesday at 4pm

Art Programs

Apr 25: Sharpie Canvas Paintings

(3:30-4:30pm)

May 7: Rock Painting - Bugs (2-3pm)

Movie Showings (All Ages)

Apr 14: Hop (5-7pm)

May 23: Moana 2 (11-1pm)

Imagination Creation

Apr 4: Bird Houses (3:30-4:30pm)

Apr 11: Upcycled Planter (3:30-4:30pm)

Apr 23: Tape Painting (3:30-4:30pm)

Apr 28: Superhero Letter (5-6pm)

May 12: Beginner Cross Stitch (5-6pm)

Sensory Exploration - Join us for hands on learning and fun sensory activities!

May 2: 10:30-11am

May 16: 10:30-11am

May 30: 10:30-11am

For more information about Children's programming, email childrens@eastmolinelibrary.org

DIY Piñatas

Apr 5 (12-2:30pm)

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, come and have some fun making a mini piñata! Register here!

Earth Day / Plant a Tree, Apr 22 (3-4pm)

Come and pick a tree so you can either plant it in your back yard or in the wild. Mother Earth has giving us this beautiful planet to take care of, let's give her back a little of what she has given us. Sign up here!

Mother's Day Craft:

Windchimes

May 9 (3:30-4:30pm)

Come and make a hand made gift for your mom, or a special person in your life! Sign up here!

Royal-Tea Party

May 10 (12-2pm)

Have a ball at our Royal-Tea Party! Join us for a fun time with Prince & Princesses short stories, crafts and songs. Come dressed in your royal best! Register here!

Movie Day: Wicked

May 17 (11-2pm)

Enjoy a showing of the new Wicked movie! This movie matinee is for all ages. Popcorn will be served, vending machines are also available. Costumes are welcome!

NOTES FROM THE FRIENDS

We just celebrated St. Patrick's Day and we hope that you stopped by the library or while you were in the library that you got a gold chocolate coin from the pot of gold! May Good Luck follow you always!

Our next holiday coming up is Easter and the Friends are presenting a program, Egg My Yard!

The Friends are taking reservations to distribute eggs in your yard for Easter morning. For the fee schedule and other information, please see information at the library.

The Friends and the library are supporting a program, 100 Books Before Kindergarten. To sign up, go to the desk at the library. It's a wonderful and fun program.

The Friends have just sent out their first newsletter for all those registered Friends members. If you are a registered Friend member and didn't receive it, please drop your name, phone number, and email at the desk at the library.

If you have given to the Birdies for Charity / Friends of East Moline Public Library, you will receive your form in the mail shortly after April 1st. If you wish to give you may go online to Birdies for Charity and fill in the form for Friends of East Moline Public Library. You can also get a form at the library. Please be sure to use the Bird Number 658. Many thanks!

Our annual meeting to vote for officers for the next year will be on April 17th at 9:30 a.m. That same evening at 5 p.m. we welcome Friends and those wishing to sign up to be a Friend to a program to meet Abby, Programming Outreach Supervisor, and learn about the library and its many programs. Light refreshments will be served. Please remember FRIENDS meetings are the third Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

Library Week is April 6-12. Stop by and thank all the wonderful library staff for all the services they provide for you! Until next time, follow us on the Friends of East Moline Public Library Facebook page here!

Marcia Lintz, President of the FRIENDS of the East Moline Public Library

THE FRIENDS STORE IS LIVE!

The FRIENDS of the East Moline Public Library have partnered with RAYGUN to sell library shirts! Ten dollars of every shirt sold is returned to the FRIENDS to support the library. Choose from four different shirt designs.

Click here to shop!