FROM THE DIRECTOR

We are excited to be offering two reading challenges this fall! Our first reading challenge will be in recognition of Hispanic Heritage month, running September 15-October 15. This reading challenge highlights Hispanic authors and culture, recommending activities and book titles throughout the month. Our second reading challenge will be in recognition of Indigenous American Heritage month in November, highlighting Indigenous American authors and culture and connecting readers with resources for further education. Both challenges will be online through Beanstack. Registration for Hispanic Heritage has already begun, and registration for Indigenous Americans will open at the end of October. 

The library is working to expand our programming and resources to increase support to our Spanish-speaking community. Bilingual story time is every other Thursday evening beginning on September 5. The first Saturday of every month, the library will offer bilingual family programming. Join us October 5 for Bilingual Loteria and November 2 for Día de los Muertos program and movie. All community members are invited to attend these programs. Assistance for Spanish-speakers is available Thursday evenings or by appointment. Please call 309-755-9614 to make an appointment. 

The Library Board of Trustees approved free Digital-access library cards to anyone aged 14 or older, regardless of city/state of residence. A Digital-access card can be used to check out eBooks and Audiobooks, stream and download music on Freegal, watch movies on Kanopy or iNDIEFLIX, watch concerts and music documentaries on Qello, access engaging video courses on The Great Courses, and access over 50 educational and entertainment databases through EBSCO. Visit our website to explore all the FREE e-Content. Apply online today and have your card mailed to you. 

Director’s Bookshelf

I just finished reading Chain-Gang All Stars by Kwame Nana Adjei-Brenhay. While I believe this to be a story of great genius and importance, of which I would highly recommend, it is graphic and gruesome at times and will not appeal to every reader. The story imagines a future America where the prison system has grown more brutal, offering inmates the option to fight to the death in an arena for the entertainment of the American people in a new live-action sport. 

If you're looking for something to read during Hispanic Heritage month that offers a bit of spookiness, I recommend Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It is a twist on what appears to be a classic haunting that earns the rare honor of surprising me. Moreno-Garcia's book is an intelligent page-turner with a bold and brilliant female protagonist that was so beloved to me, I named a plant after her. 

If you're looking for something to read during Indigenous American Heritage month, I recommend Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah. Hokeah's writing is authentic, following the life Ever, who has both Kiowa and Cherokee heritage that greatly influence his journey. The story of his life is told from multiple family member's perspectives, immersing the reader in their experiences that provide valuable insight, understanding, and empathy for their history. I listened to this story on audiobook, which is narrated by the author, and would really recommend listening to the book if possible. Not only is it a better reading experience, but helpful with catching the meaning of words that are unfamiliar to many readers. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 8TH ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE!

Descend into the depths of forgotten souls... will you make it out?

The Haunted House is designed and facilitated by our Teen Library Council and Teen Department Staff. This year, we have over 40 teens on our Haunted House Crew! They have been working hard since July - planning every aspect of the haunted house. This event is always free, however, we do accept donations at the door. All donations go to our Teen Library Council to help fund programming and buy supplies for our Teen Vault.

For a complete list of rules, click here. For frequently asked questions, click here. To see our Haunted House Promo video, click here. 

DAYTIME SPOOKTACULAR!

Kids 12 and under can enjoy a fun atmosphere with costumes, makeup, and cheerful actors who will greet you with smiles and waves. Bring a bag for trick-or-treating as you walk through the library! This special event is designed for young children or those who prefer a scare-free experience. It's a fun and FREE event for all! Please note, the line to enter will be outside, so dress accordingly!

ADULT PROGRAMS

NEW ADULT PROGRAMS (Ages 18-30)

TEEN PROGRAMS (Grades 9-12)

TWEEN PROGRAMS (Grades 4-8)

CHILDRENS AND ALL AGES PROGRAMS

NOTES FROM THE FRIENDS

Here comes FALL! It's my favorite time of the year. On the 7th of October the mayor of East Moline will proclaim October 20-26 Friends of the Library Week! If you are reading this and are not a (PAYING) Friend member, please consider joining and supporting the library. As you read this, which perhaps may be after September 28th, we hope that you joined us for Quartermania and had a great time. Please note that we sell gently used books in the basement of the library. Until next newsletter, have a Happy Halloween and a Thankful Thanksgiving!

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