LITERARY ARTS

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The Peacock and the Sparrow

discussion of I.S. Berry's book with the Mystery Book Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175. Event Title: The Peacock and the Sparrow. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library. Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Bettendorf Public Library. For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com.

“The Conversion of the Jews”

discussion of Philip Roth's short story with the Short & Sweets discussion group; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: “The Conversion of the Jews”. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Monday, May 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Write Now! Writer's Group

adult writers of all genres are invited to a monthly writing group to share your work and get and give feedback; please bring a short section of your writing to read free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Write Now! Writer's Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Monday, May 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Write Now! Writer's Group

LITERARY Workshops & Classes adult writers of all genres are invited to a monthly writing group to share your work and get and give feedback; please bring a short section of your writing to read free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Write Now! Writer's Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Monday, May 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

The Bandit Queens

discussion of Parini Shroft's book with the West End Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: The Bandit Queens. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Cahokia Jazz

discussion of Francis Spufford's book with the Get Lit discussion group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175. Event Title: Cahokia Jazz. Venue: Adventurous Brewing. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Adventurous Brewing. For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com.

The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power and Deception on the Eve of WWI

Susan Perry leads the Center's book-discussion group in discussion about Douglas Brunt's book; free; for information, e-mail husteddemichaelj@sau.edu. Venue: German American Heritage Center. Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM. German American Heritage Center. For more info visit gahc.org.

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

online book study with Lori Freudenberg; dive into the conversations you've been craving; free-will offerings encouraged; for information, e-mail olpretreat@chmiowa.org and call 563-374-1092. Event Title: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself. Venue: Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Monday, May 18, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. For more info visit chmiowa.org.

Tilt

discussion of Emma Pattee's book with the Last Monday Book Club (held a week before Memorial Day); free; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or call 309-755-3393. Event Title: Tilt. Venue: Silvis Public Library. Monday, May 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Silvis Public Library. For more info visit silvislibrary.org.

Famous Last Words

discussion of Gillian McAllister's book with the Book 'Em Mystery Book Group; pick up a copy of our monthly selection at the Information Desk and start sleuthing today; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Famous Last Words. Venue: Moline Public Library. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Monday's Not Coming

discussion of Tiffany D. Jackson's book with the Freedom to Read 'em Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Monday's Not Coming. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Bessie's Prayer: "I am Walter, Bessie's son": that made all the difference!

discussion of Walter Braud's book with the Midtown Readers Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Bessie's Prayer: "I am Walter, Bessie's son": that made all the difference! Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Queer

discussion of William S. Burroughs' book with the Read with Pride Book Club; we read fiction and nonfiction titles by queer authors and/or featuring queer characters; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: Queer. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society

discussion of C.M. Waggoner's book with the Novel Naptime Book Club; a popular materials book club for parents where kids preschool age and under are welcome; toys and activities will be available for the kids; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society. Venue: Moline Public Library. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

The Lion Women of Tehran

discussion of Marjan Kamali's book with the Contemporary Books Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175. Event Title: The Lion Women of Tehran. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Bettendorf Public Library. For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com.

Silent Book Club

join us for a full hour of uninterrupted reading with fellow book lovers; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Rosewater

discussion of Tade Thompson's book with the Science Fiction Book Club; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Rosewater. Venue: Moline Public Library. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

My Brilliant Friend

discussion of Elena Ferrante's book with the Contemporary Books Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175. Event Title: My Brilliant Friend. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Bettendorf Public Library. For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com.

Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: Babel-On with R.F. Kuang

Kuang’s genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable; Kuang’s work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture; free via Zoom; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or call 309-755-3393. Event Title: Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: Babel-On with R.F. Kuang. Venue: Silvis Public Library. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Silvis Public Library. For more info visit silvislibrary.org.

Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: Babel-On with R.F. Kuang

Kuang’s genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable; Kuang’s work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture; free via Zoom; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: Babel-On with R.F. Kuang. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Silent Book Club

a full hour of uninterrupted reading with fellow book lovers;  free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Thursday, May 21, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Listen for the Lie

discussion of Amy Tintera's novel with the Overbooked Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: Listen for the Lie. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Dancing with Bees: A Journey Back to Nature

discussion of Brigit Strawbridge Howard's book with the Environmental Book Club; free; for information, call 563-322-2969. Event Title: Dancing with Bees: A Journey Back to Nature. Venue: River Action. Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. River Action. For more info visit riveraction.org.

One Perfect Couple

discussion of Ruth Ware's book with the Brown Bag Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: One Perfect Couple. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Real Americans

discussion of Rachel Khong's book with the Southwest Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Real Americans. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Southwest Branch. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Southwest Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Fire in the Ashes

discussion of Jonathan Kozol's book with the Rooting Out Poverty Book Club: free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Fire in the Ashes. Venue: Moline Public Library. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

I Who Have Never Known Men

discussion of Jacqueline Harpman's book with the Pop-Up Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: I Who Have Never Known Men. Venue: The Atlas Collective Brews & Books. Thursday, May 28, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The Atlas Collective Brews & Books. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

SPECTRA Reading Series: Jenna Goldsmith & Brittany N. Jaekel

an MWC Press Chapbook release party with a 7pm open mic and 8pm readings; free; for information, call 309-200-0978. Event Title: SPECTRA Reading Series: Jenna Goldsmith & Brittany N. Jaekel. Venue: Rozz-Tox. Thursday, May 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Rozz-Tox. For more info visit www.rozztox.com.

Frankenstein

discussion of Mary Shelley's classic with the RIFAC Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Frankenstein. Venue: Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center. Friday, May 29, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Plant a Seed, Read Summer Reading Kickoff Party

ands-on activities, crafts, and music for all ages will be available in the Moline Library Gardens, along with a chance to sign up for Summer Reading; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Plant a Seed, Read Summer Reading Kickoff Party. Venue: Moline Public Library. Saturday, May 30, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

The Paris Express

discussion of Emma Donoghue's book with Pageturners, a contemporary fiction and nonfiction book discussion group that meets the first Tuesday of each month; books are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be picked up at the Information Desk; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: The Paris Express. Venue: Moline Public Library. Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Called to Reckon: Replacing History and Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College

Augustana College, a predominantly white institution in Rock Island, Illinois, was founded by Swedish Lutheran settlers with a mission to educate for the common good and “serve the neighbor so that all may flourish: this collection written by historians, alumnae, diversity leaders, and religion scholars reveals the stories of those who have held the college accountable to its foundational mission; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: Called to Reckon: Replacing History and Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Shut Up, This Is Serious

a discussion of Carolina Ixta's book with the See YA Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: Shut Up, This Is Serious. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

The Charm Offensive

discussion of Alison Cochrun's book with the Book Lovers discussion group; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: The Charm Offensive. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. Thursday, June 4, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

QCL Book Club

join Brittany Peacock and Morgan Ottier on KWQC TV6 for their monthly book club! Each month, Brittany and Morgan will discuss what they read the previous month and introduce a new title; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: QCL Book Club. Venue: KWQC TV6. Friday, June 5, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. KWQc-TV6. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

“Unassigned Territory”

discussion of Stephanie Powell Watts' short story with the Short & Sweets discussion group; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: “Unassigned Territory”. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Monday, June 8, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Write Now! Writer's Group

adult writers of all genres are invited to a monthly writing group to share your work and get and give feedback; please bring a short section of your writing to read free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Write Now! Writer's Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Write Now! Writer's Group

LITERARY Workshops & Classes adult writers of all genres are invited to a monthly writing group to share your work and get and give feedback; please bring a short section of your writing to read free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Write Now! Writer's Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Code Girls

discussion of Liza Mundy's book with the West End Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: Code Girls. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Book 'Em Mystery Book Group

pick up a copy of our monthly selection at the Information Desk and start sleuthing today; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Book 'Em Mystery Book Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Man o' War

discussion of Cory McCarthy's book with the Read with Pride Book Club; we read fiction and nonfiction titles by queer authors and/or featuring queer characters; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: Man o' War. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Tom Lake

discussion of Ann Patchett's book with the Midtown Readers Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Tom Lake. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Novel Naptime Book Club

a popular materials book club for parents where kids preschool age and under are welcome; toys and activities will be available for the kids; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Novel Naptime Book Club. Venue: Moline Public Library. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Silent Book Club

join us for a full hour of uninterrupted reading with fellow book lovers; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Silent Book Club

a full hour of uninterrupted reading with fellow book lovers;  free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Sunday, June 21, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

The Outermost House: A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod

discussion of Henry Beston's book with the Environmental Book Club; free; for information, call 563-322-2969. Event Title: The Outermost House: A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod. Venue: River Action. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. River Action. For more info visit riveraction.org.

Raw Dog

discussion of Jamie Loftus book with the Brown Bag Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: Raw Dog. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Rooting Out Poverty Book Club

free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Rooting Out Poverty Book Club. Venue: Moline Public Library. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

The Great River

discussion of Boyce Upholt's book with the RIFAC Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: The Great River. Venue: Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center. Friday, June 26, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

QCL Book Club

join Brittany Peacock and Morgan Ottier on KWQC TV6 for their monthly book club! Each month, Brittany and Morgan will discuss what they read the previous month and introduce a new title; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: QCL Book Club. Venue: KWQC TV6. Thursday, July 2, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. KWQc-TV6. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Pageturners

a contemporary fiction and nonfiction book discussion group that meets the first Tuesday of each month; books are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be picked up at the Information Desk; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Pageturners. Venue: Moline Public Library. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

"Seeds"

discussion of Sherwood Anderson's short story with the Short & Sweets discussion group; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: "Seeds". Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Monday, July 13, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Write Now! Writer's Group

adult writers of all genres are invited to a monthly writing group to share your work and get and give feedback; please bring a short section of your writing to read free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Write Now! Writer's Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Monday, July 13, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Write Now! Writer's Group

LITERARY Workshops & Classes adult writers of all genres are invited to a monthly writing group to share your work and get and give feedback; please bring a short section of your writing to read free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Write Now! Writer's Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Monday, July 13, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Novel Naptime Book Club

a popular materials book club for parents where kids preschool age and under are welcome; toys and activities will be available for the kids; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Novel Naptime Book Club. Venue: Moline Public Library. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Silent Book Club

join us for a full hour of uninterrupted reading with fellow book lovers; free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

Book 'Em Mystery Book Group

pick up a copy of our monthly selection at the Information Desk and start sleuthing today; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Book 'Em Mystery Book Group. Venue: Moline Public Library. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

Silent Book Club

a full hour of uninterrupted reading with fellow book lovers;  free; for information, call 309-732-7323. Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch. For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.

All Fours

discussion of Miranda July's book with the Read with Pride Book Club; we read fiction and nonfiction titles by queer authors and/or featuring queer characters; free; for information, call 563-326-7832. Event Title: All Fours. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch. For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

Rooting Out Poverty Book Club

free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Rooting Out Poverty Book Club. Venue: Moline Public Library. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.

If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity

discussion of Justin Gregg's book with the Environmental Book Club; free; for information, call 563-322-2969. Event Title: If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity. Venue: River Action. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. River Action. For more info visit riveraction.org.

Pageturners

a contemporary fiction and nonfiction book discussion group that meets the first Tuesday of each month; books are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be picked up at the Information Desk; free; for information, call 309-524-2470. Event Title: Pageturners. Venue: Moline Public Library. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Moline Public Library. For more info visit molinelibrary.com.