Join us for a stimulating conversation and coffee! The River Valley Readers meet on the 4th Saturday of every month on the second floor of the library, after regular library hours. This month, we will be reading Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. Pick up your copy at the front desk, or find it on Libby!

Join us for an informational presentation led by Christopher J. Carpenter, PhD, a Professor in the School of Communication and Media at Western Illinois University. This program will help patrons understand the role of digital platforms in accessing health information, how to discuss online health information with healthcare providers, and will offer resources from trusted websites and databases.

“Vision Boards” New Year New You! Create a “vision board” collage inspired by your goals and dreams for 2026!  Drop in any time between 5 and 7, all supplies will be provided.

Teacup Candles” Create a custom candle in a vintage teacup. Perfect for your own home décor, or to give as a gift to a loved one!

*This event has reached maximum capacity. To be added to the waitlist, please contact marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org, or call the front desk.

Due to popular demand, we have added an additional afternoon session of this program. Sign up for the 2pm class here.

Teacup Candles” Create a custom candle in a vintage teacup. Perfect for your own home décor, or to give as a gift to a loved one!

*This event has reached maximum capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please call the front desk, or contact marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org

Use materials supplied by the library to decorate your very own holiday doormat!
*This event has reached maximum capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please contact the front desk, or email marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org

Formerly Blue Suede Book Club, the River Valley Readers meet on the fourth Saturday of every month. Join us for a stimulating coffee, and an even more stimulating discussion! This month’s read is tbd, so keep an eye out for updates. Never been to book club before? Check out our blog to Read Along with Blue Suede!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Get ready to give your beloved book a dazzling transformation at this interactive event! Using tiny rhinestones, you'll embellish various elements of a book cover, adding a unique touch of glamour and flair to your reading collection. Bring your own book, or take one from our Friends of the Library Book Sale. Hard cover and paperback books both work well for this program. When choosing a book, look for covers with simple designs and a few standout elements—sometimes, less is more! Due to the dexterity required and the use of strong glue, this event is intended for participants aged 13 and older.

Step into the multiverse! Join us for a Magic: The Gathering program focused on Commander play. Experienced players are welcome to bring their own decks and battle it out, while new players can learn the ropes with the help of friendly library staff and volunteers. No deck? No problem—extra Commander decks will be available to borrow. Whether you're a seasoned planeswalker or just curious about the game, all are welcome!

 Join us at the library for our annual Veterans' Luncheon. We warmly welcome veterans, their friends, and family to participate in this special event sponsored by The Royal Neighbors of America. Attendees will enjoy a catered meal from Mission BBQ and a musical performance by Randy and Friends. If you are not a friend or family member of a veteran, you are still invited to join us for a meal and may leave a donation for Coe-Lamb American Legion Post 421. Please note that spots are limited, so we encourage you to register today!

Create a cute and cozy Autumn Gnome to hang on your door or wall!

Have you ever heard or seen things that you couldn’t explain? Are you interested in the unknown?  Founded in 2010, the Illinois Paranormal Research Group’s (IPRG) mission and vision are to increase information, awareness, and acceptance of the paranormal. Since its beginning, the team has evolved and grown. Making their mark in the paranormal community, in July 2023, IPRG was the Cover Story in American Paranormal Magazine. Since 2018, the team has been co-hosting 10 sold-out Public Investigations each year at Quarters One on the Rock Island Arsenal with the Rock Island Arsenal MWR. The team has also appeared on and has taken over hosting of the national podcast “Unknown Files”! The team continues to search for answers by traveling to well-known haunted locations around the Midwest and other parts of the United States whenever possible! Listen to them speak about their experiences, learn about the tools of their trade, and take part in a Question/Answer session!

Formerly Blue Suede Book Club, the River Valley Readers meet on the fourth Saturday of every month. Join us for a stimulating coffee, and an even more stimulating discussion! This month’s read is Practical Magic, by Alice Hoffman. Pick up your copy at the front desk, or find it on Boundless, Libby, or Hoopla!

Learn the secrets of this mystical form of divination in this beginner-friendly breakdown of how to interpret tarot cards!

Step into the multiverse! Join us for a Magic: The Gathering program focused on Commander play. Experienced players are welcome to bring their own decks and battle it out, while new players can learn the ropes with the help of friendly library staff and volunteers. No deck? No problem—extra Commander decks will be available to borrow. Whether you're a seasoned planeswalker or just curious about the game, all are welcome!

Experiment with mixed media and create TWO spooky framed crafts. Create a home for a cheesecloth ghost and some skeleton pals in this creative art program for adults of any skills level.
*This event has reached max capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please email marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org, or call the front desk at (309)523-3440

Formerly Blue Suede Book Club, the River Valley Readers meet on the fourth Saturday of every month. Join us for a stimulating coffee, and an even more stimulating discussion! This month’s read is West With Giraffes, by Lynda Rutleg. Pop by the library to pick up your copy!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Experiment with mixed media art using sea glass and acrylic paint to create some fun and unique ocean-themed artwork!
This event has reached max capacity. To be added to a waitlist please call the front desk, or contact us at marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org

Step into the multiverse! Join us for a Magic: The Gathering program focused on Commander play. Experienced players are welcome to bring their own decks and battle it out, while new players can learn the ropes with the help of friendly library staff and volunteers. No deck? No problem—extra Commander decks will be available to borrow. Whether you're a seasoned planeswalker or just curious about the game, all are welcome!

Create a unique portrait of your favorite furry friend for National Dog Day! Please attach a clear photo of your pet's face in advance so that we can replicate your pal for this fun and easy project!

Upload your pet’s picture here!

Formerly Blue Suede Book Club, the River Valley Readers meet on the fourth Saturday of every month. Join us for a stimulating coffee, and an even more stimulating discussion! This month’s read is None of This is True by Lisa Jewel. Never been to book club before? Check out our blog to Read Along with Blue Suede!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Memoir & Biography Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion centered on real lives and remarkable stories. Each month, we’ll read and reflect on a compelling memoir or biography—exploring personal journeys, historical impact, and the human experiences that shape our world. Whether you're a longtime nonfiction reader or just curious to dive in, all are welcome!
This month's title is still to be determined—stay tuned!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Formerly Blue Suede Book Club, the River Valley Readers meet on the fourth Saturday of every month. Join us for a stimulating coffee, and an even more stimulating discussion! This month’s read is tbd, so keep an eye out for updates. Never been to book club before? Check out our blog to Read Along with Blue Suede!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Join us for a creative and relaxing evening with 3 Dragons Designs! Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this guided painting event is the perfect way to unwind, connect, and create something beautiful.

All materials will be provided, and step-by-step instructions will make it easy to follow along. The featured painting will be revealed soon—stay tuned for a fun surprise!

Space is limited, so be sure to register early.

All skill levels welcome. Come solo or bring a friend!

Get ready to stretch your imagination—and your pencils! Cartoon You! is a lively, beginner-friendly workshop where patrons will learn the basics of caricature drawing: the playful art of exaggerating features while still capturing a person's unique look and personality.

Led by a local caricature artist Bill Douglas, this hands-on program breaks down the fundamentals of facial proportions, expression, and artistic exaggeration in a way that’s easy and fun!
This program is intended for ages 12 and up

Got a sewing machine gathering dust? Not sure where to begin? Bring it along to this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop where library staff and a local sewing enthusiast will help you get to know your machine and take the first steps into the world of sewing.

Join us for a hands-on, nature-inspired craft session where creativity meets reflection! In this unique workshop, patrons will have the opportunity to decorate their own mirrors using moss, cloth flowers, and other elements. Whether you’re going for whimsical woodland vibes or a touch of fairy-tale charm, this project is sure to reflect your creativity! All materials will be provided, and library staff will guide you through the process. Come ready to get crafty, connect with your community, and leave with a beautiful botanical mirror to take home! 

Thinking about hosting a foreign exchange student? A representative from Nacel Open Door will be here to answer questions and provide information about their Academic Year Program. There are multiple opportunities for host families in the Riverdale High School area, and exchange students arrive ready with English speaking skills, spending money, and insurance. Attend this program to learn more about this deeply impactful and culturally enlightening experience.

Have any questions? Contact info@nacelopendoor.org, or call them at 651-686-0080

Memoir & Biography Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion centered on real lives and remarkable stories. Each month, we’ll read and reflect on a compelling memoir or biography—exploring personal journeys, historical impact, and the human experiences that shape our world. Whether you're a longtime nonfiction reader or just curious to dive in, all are welcome!
This month's title is still to be determined—stay tuned!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Join us for a stimulating coffee, and an even more stimulating discussion! This month’s read is tbd, so keep an eye out for updates. Never been to book club before? Check out our blog to Read Along with Blue Suede!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!