Library Events
Guided Painting with Three Dragons Design
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!
Adult Craft: Button Flowers
Get creative with a fun mixed media project! Combine canvas, paint and buttons to create a cute Spring-themed piece of art.
Stop the Bleed Training
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.
River Valley Readers
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!
Local Mushroom Identification with WAPSI
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.
Cakefy It!
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.
Mini Book Shelves
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!
River Valley Readers
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!
Chaos Embroidery
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.
Sewing with a Machine for Beginners
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!
River Valley Readers
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!
River Valley Readers
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!
Shred-It Day
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.
Mosaics Using Upcycled Puzzles
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!
Teacup Gardens
Drop by the library to create an elegant tiny garden in an antique teacup!
This event has reached maximum capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please call the front desk, or email marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org
River Valley Readers
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 Ellie Cosimano’s, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. Find it on Libby, listen to the audiobook on Hoopla, read it on the palace project, or check out a physical copy at the front desk!
Forever Succulents
Do you love plants but lack a green thumb? No problem! Join us at the library to craft your own pseudo-succulent using wire, beads and clay!
This event has reached maximum capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please call the front desk, or email marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org
River Valley Readers
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 The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett. Pick up a copy at the front desk or find it on Libby or The Palace Project!
Hands Only CPR
February is American Heart Health month! Rapids City Fire Protection District and Quad Cities HEARTSafe Coalition are coming to River Valley District Library to present a potentially life-saving "Hands Only CPR" class. This program will show you the basics of what to do while awaiting first responders in the event of a heart-related emergency. We recommend this class for anyone age 10 and up. For more information and opportunities to learn about this, check out www.qcheartsafe.org
Paint Your Date
Kick off Valentine’s Week at the library by joining in the viral trend of painting your partner. No peeking until you’re both finished!
Upcycled Record Craft and Vinyl Show-and-Tell
Bring in your favorite record and take turns listening to your favorite songs while we paint vintage records for a funky throwback craft!
River Valley Readers
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!
Improving Online Health Literacy
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
“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.
Tea Cup Candles
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.
Tea Cup Candles
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
Holiday Doormats
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
River Valley Readers
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!
Bling Your Own Book
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.
Magic Monday: Commander Night
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!
Veteran's Luncheon
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!
Illinois Paranormal Research Group Presentation
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!
River Valley Readers
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!
Introduction to Tarot Cards
Learn the secrets of this mystical form of divination in this beginner-friendly breakdown of how to interpret tarot cards!
Magic Monday: Commander Night
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!
Spooky Wall Art
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
River Valley Readers
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!
Sea Glass Ocean Crafts
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
Magic Monday: Commander Night
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!
Pet Portraits
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!