Death and the Poet
presented by Rebecca Wee, professor of English and Quad Cities poet laureate emerita; this year’s Frieze Lectures will consider subjects related to death, dying and mortality through four distinct lenses: anthropology, art, poetry, and psychology; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Death and the Poet. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Native American Heritage Perspective
an evening of singing, drumming, and historical storytelling; Larry Lockwood, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, will present stories and talk about Native American culture; Lockwood is a member of the Native American Coalition of the Quad Cities; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Native American Heritage Perspective. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. The Mystic Way: Community in Nondual Practice.
led by Dennis Eastin; the Prairie is a safe environment for engaging in a discussion on how mysticism can inform our lives in the second half of life; $40; for information, e-mail olpretreat@chmiowa.org and call 563-374-1092.
Event Title: The Mystic Way: Community in Nondual Practice. Venue: Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
For more info visit chmiowa.org. Works Cited
discuss scholarly topics and current events in a comfortable coffee shop atmosphere; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: DIY Sauerkraut. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Explore Egypt: Travelogue
learn about the wonders of Egypt as world traveler Onnica Marquez shares her experiences and photos of her recent trips to Egypt; see photos of pyramids, Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and more! Ms. Marquez is an Archivist and Assistant Professor at St. Ambrose University; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: Explore Egypt: Travelogue. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. Unit Pricing
an event in the Healthy Cents series; we will tackle how to find the unit price of products and discuss the benefits of using this skill at the store; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Unit Pricing. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Jessi Atherton
the Archway Reading and Lecture Series at the University of Dubuque will host a reading and discussion on campus by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, veteran, and poet Jessi Atherton; free, with copies of Atherton’s books available for purchase; for information, call 563-589-3267.
Event Title: Jessi Atherton. Venue: University of Dubuque.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
University of Dubuque.
For more info visit www.dbq.edu. 2026 and Beyond: The Army of the Future
this lecture series is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United States Army in 1775; all talks in this series are presented by the staff of Army Sustainment Command's History Office, based on the Rock Island Arsenal; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: 2026 and Beyond: The Army of the Future. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance w/ Goodwill of the Heartland
on Wednesdays; receive one-on-one assistance from a representative from Goodwill of the Heartland's Helms Career Center; no appointment or computer skills necessary; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance w/ Goodwill of the Heartland. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Building the Army of the Future
presentation in the Rock Island Arsenal Lecture Series: 250 Years of the US Army; all talks in this series are presented by a member of Army Sustainment Command's Office of the Historian, based on the Arsenal; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Building the Army of the Future. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Death and the Anthropologist
presented by Dr. Adam Kaul, professor of anthropology; this year’s Frieze Lectures will consider subjects related to death, dying and mortality through four distinct lenses: anthropology, art, poetry, and psychology; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Death and the Anthropologist. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Cozy Winter Tea Blending Workshop
cozy up with all things tea in this fall/winter tea blending class; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: Cozy Winter Tea Blending Workshop. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Friday, November 14, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. Backyard Botanist: Part 1
grow your knowledge on how to prep a garden and grow seeds over the winter for spring plantings; classes will take place in the Niabi Zoo Discovery Center’s Conservation Classroom as well as on Zoo grounds; $15-22; for information, call 309-799-3482.
Event Title: Backyard Botanist: Part 1. Venue: Niabi Zoo.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Niabi Zoo.
For more info visit www.niabizoo.com. Living with Loss: Grief Reflections w/ an EOL Doula
a gentle, supportive, conversation group open to anyone navigating grief, caregiving, experiencing the weight of change, or have questions/thoughts on the many ways death and dying touch our lives; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Living with Loss: Grief Reflections w/ an EOL Doula. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Nutrition & Wellness Series: 8 Dimensions of Wellness
discussions include all things related to life, death, and the finality of it; open, non-judgmental, and honest conversation about topics we don’t discuss much; this group is facilitated by Jackie Hauer of Sacred Mournings; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Nutrition & Wellness Series: 8 Dimensions of Wellness. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Mountain Dulcimer Workshop
led by Mike Anderson, one of the premier Mountain Dulcimer Players in the country with six instrumental dulcimer recordings to his credit; the workshop will include basics like strumming and reading tablature, and will also contain advanced skills like chording and decorating songs with “tricks"; please bring your own dulcimer but there will be a couple of instruments to play; the main focus will be being able to play and to enhance the skills you
already have; no reservations are necessary; for information, e-mail bhha@mymctc.net or call 309-927-3899.
Event Title: Mountain Dulcimer Workshop. Venue: Bishop Hill Dairy Building.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Bishop Hill Dairy Building.
For more info visit www.visitbishophill.com. Self-Care for Body, Mind and Spirit
led by Dianne Willging; experience an afternoon of opportunities designed to create a harmonious balance of body, mind, and spirit; $25; for information, e-mail olpretreat@chmiowa.org and call 563-374-1092.
Event Title: Self-Care for Body, Mind and Spirit. Venue: Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
For more info visit chmiowa.org. Genealogy After Hours
an after-hours genealogy research session with the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center; this event is where you can meet other genealogists, have dedicated time to research your family, get assistance with brick walls, and ask your family history questions; this program is open to novice to expert family historians; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Genealogy After Hours. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Main Branch.
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Movember: Allied Barber
celebrate Movember/No-Shave November with Allied Barber; to polish up your new Grizzly Adams look, we’ll showcase some beard care techniques and products from the one-stop barbershop and men’s clothing store; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Movember: Allied Barber. Venue: Allied Barber & Supply.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Allied Barber & Supply.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Small Business Class Powered by the SBA: Problem Solving for all Businesses
a hands-on blend of workshop, coaching, and think tank designed to grow and develop your new or existing business; advisors from SCORE, the Small Business Development Center Iowa, and the U.S. Small Business Administration are ready to help fuel your ideas; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: Small Business Class Powered by the SBA: Problem Solving for all Businesses. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. Hope in Hard Times: An Interfaith Conversation
presented by Riverside Interfaith and the Rock Island chapter of the NAACP; the event is an opportunity for people from a variety of ffaith traditions to gather in informal conversation on the subject of maintaining and encouraging hope in tense and difficult times; refreshments will be available at 6pm, with the conversation in small groups from 6:30-8pm; all are invited; for more information call 563-650-5733.
Event Title: Hope in Hard Times: An Interfaith Conversation. Venue: Muslim Community of the Quad Cities.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Muslim Community of the Quad Cities.
Sustainability in the Built Environment, a Local Example
presented by the World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities; Keith Porter serves as the president and chief executive officer of the Stanley Center for Peace and Security; in this role, he collaborates with the organization’s staff and board of directors to shape and execute the center’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities; Porter will speak about the transformative impact of sustainable building practices in combating climate change and highlight the Stanley Center’s International Living Building Challenge–certified facility; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: Sustainability in the Built Environment, a Local Example. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.wacquadcities.org. Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: J. Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food & Science
join award-winning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: J. Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food & Science. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: J. Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food & Science
join award-winning cookbook author, New York Times food columnist, and Serious Eats director J. Kenji López-Alt for an evening of cooking insights, techniques, and foodie exploration free; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or call 309-755-3393.
Event Title: Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: J. Kenji López-Alt: A Journey Through Food & Science. Venue: Silvis Public Library.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Silvis Public Library.
For more info visit extension.illinois.edu. Captivating Native Mushroom ID & Foray
learn about the mushroom lifecycle, how to identify native mushrooms, which seasons mushrooms grow, and go on a fall hike to ID mushrooms typically found at this time.
Event Title: Captivating Native Mushroom ID & Foray. Venue: Wapsi River Environmental Center.
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Wapsi River Environmental Center.
For more info visit iascottctyweb.myvscloud.com. Aromatherapy with Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum
attendees will be able to describe aromatherapy and various routes of administration, review essential oil chemistry, storage, safety precautions, and discuss evidence-based clinical uses for common essential oils; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Aromatherapy with Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Virtual Event -- Waiting in Hope: An Ignatian Advent Retreat in Daily Life
led by Meg Foreman, Chad Roeber, and Ann LaBauve; for those who would like to spend time praying intentionally around Advent scriptures, and those who are curious about the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola; pening session Sun. Nov 30; Closing session Sat. Dec 6; daily, Monday through Friday, retreatants meet individually with a spiritual director; $95; for information, e-mail olpretreat@chmiowa.org and call 563-374-1092.
Event Title: Virtual Event -- Waiting in Hope: An Ignatian Advent Retreat in Daily Life. Venue: Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
Sunday, November 30, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
For more info visit chmiowa.org. Substance Abuse 101
this presentation will look at different factors that increase the risk of developing dependence on substances; participants will become familiar with common drugs of abuse and how they work in the brain and body; a deeper understanding will be gained of how addiction creates a world that is difficult to escape but is possible through treatment; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Substance Abuse 101. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Monday, December 1, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Business Workshop: Ask the SBDC Your Questions
a workshop on the importance of your business location; after the brief workshop, there will be time for coaching and questions on any business topic you would like to discuss; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Business Workshop: Ask the SBDC Your Questions. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. The History and Folklore of Santa Claus
because of secrets revealed, this program is NOT intended for children for whom Santa Claus is a very real figure; learn where Santa Claus came from and why his popularity remains so high in modern American popular culture; this lecture is presented by Laura Keyes of Historic Voices; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: The History and Folklore of Santa Claus. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Carbon Mission
cut your carbon footprint; in this new Conservation Workshop class series, we will cover various aspects of conservation, such as identifying native bumblebees and plants, and building wildlife-friendly homes and nature-attracting decorations for your yard; each class features an educational presentation, a hike on Zoo property, and a hands-on project that you will complete during the session; $15-22 class, $15-30 project kit if required; for information and to register, call 309-799-3482.
Event Title: Carbon Mission. Venue: Niabi Zoo.
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Niabi Zoo.
For more info visit www.niabizoo.com. Works Cited
discuss scholarly topics and current events in a comfortable coffee shop atmosphere; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: DIY Sauerkraut. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. A Visit with Jane Austen
drawing from her letters, juvenilia, and novels, this 45-minute performance delves into the personal life of one of the most beloved and intriguing novelists of the 19th century; Jane Austen speaks about her childhood in Steventon, her brothers and beloved sister Cassandra, and her writing; followed by a Q&A; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: A Visit with Jane Austen. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society: Leaving your Legacy: Plans for your Genealogy Research and Collections
learn where genealogists can donate their research and collections to preserve their family history; we will provide an overview of historical and cultural institutions and organizations that may be interested in genealogical materials and how to contact them; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society: Leaving your Legacy: Plans for your Genealogy Research and Collections. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Main Branch.
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. A Visit with Jane Austen
drawing from her letters, juvenilia, and novels, this 45-minute performance delves into the personal life of one of the most beloved and intriguing novelists of the 19th century; Jane Austen speaks about her childhood in Steventon, her brothers and beloved sister Cassandra, and her writing; followed by a Q&A; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: A Visit with Jane Austen. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Grocery Shopping Strategies
an event in the Healthy Cents series; we will look at the layout of a standard grocery store and discuss how to navigate it better; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Grocery Shopping Strategies. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Advent Retreat for Women
Dec. 12 & 13; led by Jenny Chadima; take this opportunity to rest and simply be, experiencing God’s life-giving presence in deeper ways; $100; for information, e-mail olpretreat@chmiowa.org and call 563-374-1092.
Event Title: Advent Retreat for Women. Venue: Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
Friday, December 12, 2025, 4:00 PM – Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4:00 PM.
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
For more info visit chmiowa.org. Celebrating Winter Solstice
led by Kathleen Collins; let the winter solstice be a time of inner transformation and renewal; $40; for information, e-mail olpretreat@chmiowa.org and call 563-374-1092.
Event Title: Celebrating Winter Solstice. Venue: Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.
For more info visit chmiowa.org. Living with Loss: Grief Reflections w/ an EOL Doula
a gentle, supportive, conversation group open to anyone navigating grief, caregiving, experiencing the weight of change, or have questions/thoughts on the many ways death and dying touch our lives; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Living with Loss: Grief Reflections w/ an EOL Doula. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Works Cited
discuss scholarly topics and current events in a comfortable coffee shop atmosphere; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: DIY Sauerkraut. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Meal Planning
an event in the Healthy Cents series; e will be taking time to think about how we might already meal plan and discuss some new ideas to try at home; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Meal Planning. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Living with Loss: Grief Reflections w/ an EOL Doula
a gentle, supportive, conversation group open to anyone navigating grief, caregiving, experiencing the weight of change, or have questions/thoughts on the many ways death and dying touch our lives; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Living with Loss: Grief Reflections w/ an EOL Doula. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Recycling Revolution
avoid wish-cycling and understand the importance of refusing, reducing, reusing, and rethinking before recycling; classes will take place in the Niabi Zoo Discovery Center’s Conservation Classroom as well as on Zoo grounds; $15-22; for information, call 309-799-3482.
Event Title: Recycling Revolution. Venue: Niabi Zoo.
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Niabi Zoo.
For more info visit www.niabizoo.com. Recycling Revolution
learn what's really recyclable; in this new Conservation Workshop class series, we will cover various aspects of conservation, such as identifying native bumblebees and plants, and building wildlife-friendly homes and nature-attracting decorations for your yard; each class features an educational presentation, a hike on Zoo property, and a hands-on project that you will complete during the session; $15-22 class, $15-30 project kit if required; for information and to register, call 309-799-3482.
Event Title: Recycling Revolution. Venue: Niabi Zoo.
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Niabi Zoo.
For more info visit www.niabizoo.com. The Human Face of Trafficking
presented by the World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: The Human Face of Trafficking. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com.