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!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! A Grand Summer Awaits!

Cometh one, cometh all to the most enchanting Renfaire in the realm! Join us at River Valley District Library as we launch our Summer Reading adventure with a day of medieval merriment and marvels.

Take aim with axe throwing, test your mettle in jousting and javelin, and try your hand at mighty catapults. Craft crowns, shields, and wands worthy of legend! Behold dazzling performances by a wondrous magician, a daring whip artist, and a gifted caricature craftsman.

Leap into a bouncing blue castle, bedeck thyself with dragon tattoos and other fantastical creatures, and feast upon hearty fare provided by River Cities Rotary and Pulse 84.

Dressing in your finest Renaissance garb is heartily encouraged—come as a noble, a knight, a rogue, or a royal! Help us kick off a summer of stories, spectacles, and surprises at our unforgettable Summer Reading Renfaire!

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on How to Read a Book by Monica Wood, a beautifully written novel about love, loss, and the power of stories. This heartfelt tale follows Violet Powell, an elderly woman revisiting her past through books, and a struggling single mother drawn into Violet’s world. Together, they discover how literature can shape and heal our lives in unexpected ways.

You can pick up a copy of the book at the front desk, or find it online on the e-resources listed below.
*This month we will be meeting in the community room of the library. Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Memoir and Biography Book Club has been cancelled for the month of May. Join us instead at our meeting in June!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Broaden your perspective by reading some one else's story. This month's memoir is "A Very Punchable Face" by Colin Jost.  His memoir showcases Jost's journey from Staten Island to becoming a comedian. With a unique blend of humor and emotion, he captures his life experiences, family dynamics, career at SNL, and relationship with actress Scarlett Johansson. This book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt anecdotes, and relatable mishaps.

 Have any questions? Contact Holly