Library Events
Rams Spirit Wear: For Kids!
Get Homecoming-ready with River Valley District Library! Create custom signs, noise makers, decorated shirts, and more to show off your school pride!
*All Ages Welcome
*Children 9 and under must have an adult present
Adult Craft: Mini Gallery Wall
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.
River Valley Readers Book Club
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!
Glow in the Dark Art for Kids
Get ready to make art that really shines! Kids can create their own glow-in-the-dark masterpieces using bright, neon paints that come alive under black lights. Come experiment with colors, get creative, and make some artwork that literally glows!
*Dress for Mess
*Children of all ages welcome
*Children 9 and under must have an adult present
Tween D&D
Create a fantasy character and embark on an epic journey! This famous tabletop roleplaying game encourages creativity and imaginative play while helping kids sharpen their math and reading skills.
Adult Craft: Broom Wreaths
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.
Tween Scene: Build Your Own Haunted House
Join River Valley District Library to build and decorate your very own haunted house! Start with a house kit and use your imagination to transform it into a spooky, creepy, or silly haunted home.
*Ages 8-12
Introduction to Mah Jongg
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!
Pinterest Ghost Totes
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.
Mad Scientist Lab for Kids!
Calling all future scientists! Join us for a wild and wacky science adventure filled with cool experiments, bubbling reactions, colorful creations, and plenty of surprises! Kids will get hands-on as they explore the exciting world of science and discover what happens when we experiment, mix, test, and investigate. Come ready to get curious, get creative, and get a little messy!
*Dress for Mess
*All Ages Welcome
*Children 9 and under must have an adult present
Tween D&D
Create a fantasy character and embark on an epic journey! This famous tabletop roleplaying game encourages creativity and imaginative play while helping kids sharpen their math and reading skills.
Spooky Movie Bingo
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.
Tween Scene: Haunted Library Escape Room
Something strange has happened at the library! Work together with your fellow investigators to solve creepy clues, crack mysterious codes, uncover hidden secrets, and complete spooky puzzles before time runs out.
Can you escape the haunted library, or will you become part of its story forever? Gather your team, bring your best detective skills, and prepare for a spooky adventure designed just for tweens!
*Ages 8-12
River Valley Readers Book Club
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!
Mah Jongg Monday
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
Creepy Cakes for Kids
Join River Valley District Library for a spooktacular cupcake decorating adventure! Create terrifying treats featuring jack-o’-lanterns, flying purple people eaters, creepy spiders, and more!
Learn fun and creative decorating techniques while designing your own deliciously spooky cupcakes. Come ready to get creative, have fun, and make some treats that are almost too scary to eat!
*Children of all ages welcome
*Children 9 and under must have an adult present
Veterans Luncheon
Join us for a special Veterans Luncheon as we honor and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our local veterans. This gathering offers an opportunity for veterans and community members to come together for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and fellowship.
Pinch Pot Mugs with We are the Clay Studio: For Kids!
Step back in time and get creative with clay! Inspired by our Little House on the Prairie winter reading theme, kids will learn about handmade pottery while creating their very own pinch pot mug.
This is a two part, hands-on program! On January 7th, participants will shape and create their clay mugs. Then, on January 21st, they’ll return to glaze their mugs and add their own colorful designs. The finished mugs will be fired in a kiln offsite and will be ready for pickup on or after January 28th.
Ages: 2–12, Children 9 and under must have an adult present
Limit: 15 participants
Dates: January 7th & January 21st
Instructor: Missy from We Are the Clay Studio
Tween Scene: Wooden Trolls
Get ready to build your own magical wooden troll at RVDL! Inspired by the larger-than-life troll sculptures of artist Thomas Dambo, you'll create a whimsical wooden troll to take home. Unleash your creativity and bring your own forest friend to life!
Tween D&D
Create a fantasy character and embark on an epic journey! This famous tabletop roleplaying game encourages creativity and imaginative play while helping kids sharpen their math and reading skills.
Spy Night: For Kids!
Your mission awaits! Decode secret messages, design the perfect disguise, sneak past lasers, and complete thrilling spy challenges at RVDL's Spy Night!
Tween Chocolate Olympics
Chocolate lovers, this one's for you! Join us for the Tween Chocolate Olympics and enjoy a variety of silly, chocolate-themed games and challenges. It's a fun afternoon filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of sweet surprises. For ages 8–12.
For any allergies or dietary restrictions, please fill out the form below.
Salsa Taste Test
Celebrate harvest season by dropping by the library between 4pm and 5pm to taste test a variety of salsas! Fill out a scorecard to rank your favorites and you will be entered into a drawing for a salsa-themed prize basket! Registration is required.
Please fill out the form below if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
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. We will be reading "The Berry Pickers" by Amanda Peters. It's available on Libby, and also on Hoopla as an audiobook.
Homeschool Tween D&D
Create a fantasy character and embark on an epic journey! This famous tabletop roleplaying game encourages creativity and imaginative play while helping kids sharpen their math and reading skills.
Salsa Dancing for Beginners
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!
Tween D&D
Create a fantasy character and embark on an epic journey! This famous tabletop roleplaying game encourages creativity and imaginative play while helping kids sharpen their math and reading skills.
Back-to-School Bling: For Kids
Get ready to sparkle this school year! Join River Valley District Library to bedazzle your back-to-school gear. Bring your backpack, notebooks, folders, pencil pouch, or any other school supplies you'd like to decorate. We'll provide gems, glitter, paint, markers, stickers, and more so you can create a look that's uniquely you before the first day of school!
*Some folders, notebooks, and pencils will be provided while supplies last
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.
Tween D&D
Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure designed just for preteens ages 8–13! Whether you're brand new to the world of dragons, dice, and daring quests or already have some experience, this program is the perfect place to jump in. Library staff will guide players through character creation, storytelling, and gameplay in a fun, welcoming environment. Work together, solve problems, and let your imagination lead the way!
No experience necessary, and new players are welcome.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot on the adventure!
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 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!
Absolute Science Foam Party
Celebrate an amazing summer of reading with a splash of fun at our End of Summer Foam Party by Absolute Science!
As we wrap up our “Plant a Seed, Read” program, it’s time to celebrate all the growth, imagination, and stories you’ve discovered with the ultimate foam-filled party!
What to Expect:
Mountains of cool, fluffy foam to play in
High-energy music and outdoor fun
A one-of-a-kind experience led by the experts at Absolute Science
This is our BIG finale! It’s time to celebrate all your hard work and reading achievements with friends, laughter, and lots of bubbles!
Make sure to wear clothing that can get wet, and don’t forget to bring a towel! Goggles will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
WQPT PBS
Plant a seed of community and get ready for a PBS powered adventure!
Join River Valley District and WQPT PBS for a lively storytime where your favorite characters jump right off the screen and into the fun! Spend time with Daniel Tiger, the Wild Kratts crew, Molly of Denali, and more as we explore exciting stories together.
Sing, create, and discover through hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and playful learning moments. It’s a joyful celebration of imagination, friendship, and fun you won’t want to miss!
Monday Movie Matinee
Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Register today to reserve your spot.
Pollinator Party for Kids
Get ready to buzz, bloom, and create at our exciting Pollinator Party! Kids will discover the amazing world of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators through hands-on fun.
Activities Include:
Bubble Flower Art – Create colorful, blooming masterpieces
Flower Crowns & Wings – Make your own flower crown and wings
Bee Hotels – Build a cozy home for helpful bees
Nectar Relay Game – Race to collect nectar just like a pollinator
Clay Bee Creations – Sculpt your very own buzzing friend
Bee Sensory Bins – Explore textures and play in a pollinator-themed station
This program is perfect for kids who love to craft, play, and learn about nature. Come celebrate the tiny creatures that help our world grow!
National Mississippi River Museum: Not So Creepy Crawlers
Plant a seed of curiosity! Join the River Valley District Library and the National Mississippi River Museum for an unforgettable adventure into the hidden heroes of our ecosystem. Discover how tiny invertebrates play a BIG role in growing the food we eat! Meet a variety of critters such as beetles, roaches, and tarantulas and learn about their amazing adaptations. All ages welcome!
Tween D&D
Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure designed just for preteens ages 8–13! Whether you're brand new to the world of dragons, dice, and daring quests or already have some experience, this program is the perfect place to jump in. Library staff will guide players through character creation, storytelling, and gameplay in a fun, welcoming environment. Work together, solve problems, and let your imagination lead the way!
No experience necessary, and new players are welcome.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot on the adventure!
Monday Movie Matinee
Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Shrek. Register today to reserve your spot.
PBHS Trivia Time
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.
Wapsi River Ed. Center Presents: Birds of Prey
Plant a seed of environmentalism! Get ready for a wild, up close encounter with nature! Join the River Valley District Library and the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, along with their incredible feathered ambassadors, for an unforgettable adventure into the world of Birds of Prey.
Come face-to-face with owls, eagles, hawks, and more as you discover what makes these hunters of the sky so extraordinary. Learn how they live, how they hunt, and why protecting them, and their habitats, matters more than ever.
Kids of all ages are welcome!
Scavenger Hunt and Owl Pellet Dissection for Kids
Get ready to explore the wild side of nature at Dorrance Park! Join River Valley District Library there for a hands-on, outdoor adventure where kids will become nature detectives, searching for animal signs and discovering what wildlife leaves behind.
What We’ll Do:
Go on a scat scavenger hunt to identify animal tracks and clues
Learn how to tell which animals live in our area
Take part in an exciting owl pellet dissection to uncover what owls eat
This interactive program is perfect for curious kids who love nature, science, and a little bit of messy fun!
Best for children age 6 and older
Faux Stained Glass
Create colorful, light-catching art in this fun, hands-on program for teens! In this workshop, participants will design and craft their own faux stained glass décor using simple materials and easy techniques—no glass cutting required.
Choose your design, add vibrant colors, and outline your piece to mimic the look of real stained glass. The result is a unique decoration perfect for windows, lockers, or your room.
Monday Movie Matinee
Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Spiderwick Chronicles. Register today to reserve your spot.
Tween Scene: Seed Mosaics
Create your own unique mosaic in this fun, hands-on program for tweens! Using air-dry clay as a base, participants will design patterns and pictures, then decorate them with a variety of seeds to build colorful, textured designs.
Experiment with shapes, arrange your materials, and bring your ideas to life one piece at a time. It’s a relaxing and creative way to explore art while making something special to take home. This program is intended for tweens age 8 to 12.
Cookies and Canvas for Kids
Get ready to celebrate with a burst of creativity! Join us at the library for a special Cookies & Canvas class where kids will paint their very own fireworks masterpiece, just in time for the 4th of July!
What’s Included:
Step-by-step painting of a colorful fireworks scene
Delicious cookies to snack on while you create
A fun environment perfect for young artists
This festive program is a great way to spark imagination, celebrate the season, and take home a dazzling piece of art!
Best for children age 6 and older
Spots are limited so be sure to register!
Seed to Stage: Dance Class for Kids
Kids Dance Class with Abbey Gustaf!
Get ready to move, groove, and shine! Kids ages 6–12 are invited to join a fun and energetic dance class taught by Abbey Gustaf.
What’s Included:
Three exciting practice sessions where kids will learn new dance moves
Opportunities to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork
A final showcase where students perform for family and friends
This class is perfect for beginners and experienced dancers alike—come ready to learn, have fun, and show off your skills on stage!
Dates & Times: July 1st, 15th, & 29th (Showcase TBD)
Ages: 6–12
Spaces are limited, so sign up today and get ready to dance your heart out!
Tween D&D
Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure designed just for preteens ages 8–13! Whether you're brand new to the world of dragons, dice, and daring quests or already have some experience, this program is the perfect place to jump in. Library staff will guide players through character creation, storytelling, and gameplay in a fun, welcoming environment. Work together, solve problems, and let your imagination lead the way!
No experience necessary, and new players are welcome.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot on the adventure!
Monday Movie Matinee
Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Ferdinand. Register today to reserve your spot.
