Learn and play American Mah Jongg at the library! The library will provide two game sets (sets accommodate 4 players each), participants who have a Mah Jongg set to share are encouraged to bring them. New to Mah Jongg? No problem! We expect to have a few experienced players who will share their knowledge, and patrons interested in “just looking” are invited to observe as well. Please note, a 2026 Mah Jongg card is required to play. You can purchase these at  https://nationalmahjonggleague.org

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. The book to be discussed is “The Sun Down Motel” by Simone St. James. Pick up a copy at the front desk today!

We are partnering with "Stories with Sofia" for a senior social hour! Seniors are invited to join us for an hour of laughs, music and memories. Bring a friend, or make some new ones! Light refreshments provided.

Halloween isn't just for kids! Celebrate the season with an afternoon of classic comedy, bingo, and spooky fun.

We'll watch the 1930s classic short film Laurel and Hardy: Murder Case, a 30-minute spooky comedy that's appropriate for all ages. As you watch, mark off your bingo card whenever something on your card appears in the movie. Get a bingo and win a small prize!

Joanne Hachtel will kick off the program with a brief introduction to Laurel and Hardy, along with a few Halloween jokes. Punch and light refreshments will be provided.

Curious about Mahjong but not sure where to start? Join us for a two-hour introductory lesson designed especially for new players! Learn the basics of this classic game in a relaxed, welcoming environment and get ready to start playing.

The lesson will be taught by Dave Igleheart, who, along with his wife, Peg, has taught approximately 70 Quad City residents how to play Mahjong!

Experienced Mahjong players are also encouraged to join us as volunteer guides to help our new players learn the game and get comfortable at the table. Whether you're brand new to Mahjong or an experienced player willing to share your skills, we'd love to have you!

This session is only for people who attended the introductory session on Monday, October 12th.

Curious about Mahjong but not sure where to start? Join us for a two-hour introductory lesson designed especially for new players! Learn the basics of this classic game in a relaxed, welcoming environment and get ready to start playing.

The lesson will be taught by Dave Igleheart, who, along with his wife, Peg, has taught approximately 70 Quad City residents how to play Mahjong!

Experienced Mahjong players are also encouraged to join us as volunteer guides to help our new players learn the game and get comfortable at the table. Whether you're brand new to Mahjong or an experienced player willing to share your skills, we'd love to have you!

This session is only for people who attended the introductory session on Monday, October 12th.

Get crafty at the library! Holly will walk us through this fun and easy pinterest craft, and patrons will leave with a spooky new tote bag. This program is intended for adults.
This event has reached maximum capacity. To be added to a waitlist please email marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org, or call the front desk at (309)523-3440.

Curious about Mahjong but not sure where to start? Join us for a two-hour introductory lesson designed especially for new players! Learn the basics of this classic game in a relaxed, welcoming environment and get ready to start playing.

The lesson will be taught by Dave Igleheart, who, along with his wife, Peg, has taught approximately 70 Quad City residents how to play Mahjong!

Experienced Mahjong players are also encouraged to join us as volunteer guides to help our new players learn the game and get comfortable at the table. Whether you're brand new to Mahjong or an experienced player willing to share your skills, we'd love to have you!

Make a seasonal hanging decoration using a 36” cinnamon twig broom! The library will provide fabric flowers, ribbon, spooky charms, and other accessories to add a touch of autumn to your home.
This event has reached max capacity. To be added to a waitlist please call the front desk, or email marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org

We are partnering with "Stories with Sofia" for a senior social hour! Seniors are invited to join us for an hour of laughs, music and memories. Bring a friend, or make some new ones! Light refreshments provided.

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. The book to be discussed will be announced soon!

Create your own tiny masterpiece! Design a charming miniature gallery wall by painting a canvas to resemble a wall, then arrange miniature frames filled with tiny works of art to create a one-of-a-kind display. All supplies will be provided, and no artistic experience is necessary.

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. We will be reading "The Berry Pickers" by Amanda Peters. It's available on Libby, and also on Hoopla as an audiobook.

Ready to learn something new? Join Michael from Salsa Essentials and Melissa of Acroyoga for a fun, beginner-friendly salsa dance class! During the first hour, you'll learn the basic steps, turns, and rhythms of salsa in a welcoming, no-pressure environment. Then, stay for an hour of open dancing to practice your new moves, meet fellow dancers, and enjoy the music. No experience necessary, and no partner required. Register now to secure your spot!

Embrace the unexpected with Chaos Embroidery, a laid-back, creative program where there are no rules—just thread, fabric, beads, trinkets, and your imagination! Instead of following a pattern, participants will stitch freely, layering colors, shapes, and textures to create something totally unique.

Whether you’re brand new to embroidery or already love to stitch, this is a great chance to experiment, relax, and see where your creativity takes you. The result might be abstract, colorful, a little messy—and completely your own.

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’s book is While You Were Out by Meg Kissinger
Pick up a copy at the circ desk, or find it on Hoopla or Libby

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

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. Please note, machines must be in working order!

Embrace the unexpected with Chaos Embroidery, a laid-back, creative program where there are no rules—just thread, fabric, beads, trinkets, and your imagination! Instead of following a pattern, participants will stitch freely, layering colors, shapes, and textures to create something totally unique.

Whether you’re brand new to embroidery or already love to stitch, this is a great chance to experiment, relax, and see where your creativity takes you. The result might be abstract, colorful, a little messy—and completely your own.

This event has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday, August 3rd. Click here to learn more.

The Port Byron Historical Society and the Village of Port Byron are planning an event to celebrate the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the signing of the U. S. Declaration of Independence. A free social event, Trivia Time, is set for Sunday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m. at the River Valley District Library. This will be a time for our local area citizens to reflect on the history of our country. Attendees can participate in an informal trivia contest, where we can also learn about the Declaration of Independence, the founding of our country, and the state, regional, and local history. This will be free and open to all ages.

The PBHS is also planning some history talks at our monthly meetings on May 13, June 10, and July 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the library to review our natural and cultural history as we lead up to our semiquincentennial celebration.

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’s book is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. Pick up a copy at the circ desk today!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Create your own mini bookshelf in this fun, hands-on library program! Participants will design and decorate a small bookshelf that’s perfect for holding tiny books, trinkets, and keepsakes.

Use a variety of craft materials to customize your shelf and make it uniquely yours with decorative touches and creative details. Whether you love books, crafting, or both, this program is a great way to make something special to take home!

Get ready for a delightfully deceptive art experience! Join professional artist and baker Miss Alice for a hands-on workshop where creativity meets illusion. Participants will learn how to use lightweight spackling and cake decorating tools to transform everyday objects into realistic “cake” creations that look good enough to eat (but definitely aren’t!).

Miss Alice will guide you step-by-step through techniques for piping, texturing, and adding decorative details, helping you turn ordinary items into eye-catching works of art. Perfect for teens and adults of all skill levels, this program is a fun way to explore mixed-media art and learn something totally unique.

Join Naturalist Becky Baugh from the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center and learn how to identify local mushrooms and which seasons and habitats they can be found. You will also learn recipes and ways to preserve the mushrooms for future use.

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’s book is TBD, so keep an eye on this page for details!


Have any questions? Contact Holly!

STOP THE BLEED® is a national campaign to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. It is a public/private partnership led by the Department of Defense and many other stakeholders.

Marybeth Eggers, a member of the Stop the Bleed Coalition, will be leading this class on emergency response preparedness. Attend this program to receive the skills and hands-on practice you need to stop a life threatening bleed until emergency personnel arrive. This program has limited capacity, and registration is required for attendees.

Get creative with a fun mixed media project! Combine canvas, paint and buttons to create a cute Spring-themed piece of art.

Learn to paint alongside experts from Three Dragons Design! More details about the painting are to be determined. Visit their Facebook page to see guided paintings we’ve done in the past!

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 Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes.
Pick up a copy at the front desk, or find it on Libby or Hoopla!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Got papers piling up? Stop by Shred It Day and safely dispose of your unwanted documents! The Shred-It Truck will be on-site to handle large quantities of paper. No need to remove staples or paper clips. Just bring your boxes and bags of documents and Shred-It will take care of the rest! Have any questions about what can or cannot be shredded? Visit their Website!

Have any other questions? Contact Holly.

Create a beautiful mosaic using upcycled puzzle pieces! Puzzle pieces will be pre-cut into easy to work with shapes. Participants can choose from several pre-made templates, or create something entirely unique!