The Duchess Deal
discussion of Tessa Dare's book with the Book Lovers book club featuring a variety of romance novels; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: The Duchess Deal. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. SPLAFF: Flash Fiction Writing with Tom McKay
local author McKay will lead an informal class on delivering a complete narrative, with plot, characters, and setting in fewer than 1,500 words; whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, this class will give you the chance to fine-tune your writing and try something new; for all levels of writing experience; free; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or call 309-755-3393.
Event Title: SPLAFF: Flash Fiction Writing with Tom McKay. Venue: Silvis Public Library.
Friday, November 7, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Silvis Public Library.
For more info visit silvislibrary.org. SPLAFF: Flash Fiction Writing with Tom McKay
LITERARY Workshops & Classes
local author McKay will lead an informal class on delivering a complete narrative, with plot, characters, and setting in fewer than 1,500 words; whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, this class will give you the chance to fine-tune your writing and try something new; for all levels of writing experience; free; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or call 309-755-3393.
Event Title: SPLAFF: Flash Fiction Writing with Tom McKay. Venue: Silvis Public Library.
Friday, November 7, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Silvis Public Library.
For more info visit silvislibrary.org. Better the Blood
a discussion of Michael Bennett's book with the Mystery Book Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: Better the Blood. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. Writing Queer Joy
a generative writing workshop led by Amie Whittemore; together we'll read poems and prose about queer joy then write and share our own queer joy poems together; for writers of all levels, age 16+; $30-40.
Event Title: Writing Queer Joy. Venue: Midwest Writing Center.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Midwest Writing Center.
For more info visit www.mwcqc.org. Writing Queer Joy
LITERARY Workshops & Classes
a generative writing workshop led by Amie Whittemore; together we'll read poems and prose about queer joy then write and share our own queer joy poems together; for writers of all levels, age 16+; $30-40.
Event Title: Writing Queer Joy. Venue: Midwest Writing Center.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Midwest Writing Center.
For more info visit www.mwcqc.org. The Library of Babel
a Short & Sweets discussion of the short story by Jorge Luis Borges (1941) from "In the stacks : short stories about libraries and librarians" (2002), edited by Michael Cart; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: The Library of Babel. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Monday, November 10, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Somna
a discussion of Becky Cloonan's and Tula Lotay's book with the Get Lit discussion group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: Samna. Venue: Adventurous Brewing.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Adventurous Brewing.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. First Chapter Book Club: Flora & Ulysses
a discussion of the first chapter of Kate DiCamillo's book; we want to encourage exploring new books without any pressure to finish; each month we will read aloud the first chapter (or maybe two!) of a book; free; for information, call 309-524-2470.
Event Title: First Chapter Book Club: Flora & Ulysses. Venue: Moline Public Library.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Moline Public Library.
For more info visit molinelibrary.com. Good Things: An Evening with Samin Nosrat
spend an uplifting evening with Nosrat as she discusses her new book "Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love," Nosrat will share stories around the inspiration for the cookbook, her development and selection of the recipes, and the culinary rituals she shares with close friends; in an evening about creativity and connection, she will remind us how cooking can not only nourish our bodies but also satiate our desire for kinship and community; $10-120; for tickets and information, call 319-335-1160.
Event Title: Good Things: An Evening with Samin Nosrat. Venue: Hancher Auditorium.
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Hancher Auditorium.
For more info visit hancher.uiowa.edu. Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye
their origin story is a tale of unbelievable coincidences and unshakeable camaraderie, and they tell that story with their trademark trading of lines; Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye are two exceptional spoken word artists whose collaboration is greater than the sum of its parts; key members of Project VOICE, they share their work and process with students, teachers, and the community as they seek to uplift and celebrate everyone’s voice; for tickets and information, call 319-335-1160.
Event Title: Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye. Venue: Hancher Auditorium.
Friday, November 14, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Hancher Auditorium.
For more info visit hancher.uiowa.edu. 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, November 18, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Moline Public Library.
For more info visit molinelibrary.com. Virtual Event -- Approaching the Archive: Research for Writers
a workshop on researching for writers with Jeffrey Wolf; this workshop will provide participants with useful tools and skills for developing the background for their projects.we’ll discuss different tactics and approaches, reading literature and historical accounts, exploring albums and genealogies, physical travel, and their various impacts on the writing process; $25-35.
Event Title: Virtual Event -- Approaching the Archive: Research for Writers. Venue: Midwest Writing Center.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Midwest Writing Center.
For more info visit www.mwcqc.org. Virtual Event -- Approaching the Archive: Research for Writers
LITERARY Workshops & Classes
a workshop on researching for writers with Jeffrey Wolf; this workshop will provide participants with useful tools and skills for developing the background for their projects.we’ll discuss different tactics and approaches, reading literature and historical accounts, exploring albums and genealogies, physical travel, and their various impacts on the writing process; $25-35.
Event Title: Virtual Event -- Approaching the Archive: Research for Writers. Venue: Midwest Writing Center.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Midwest Writing Center.
For more info visit www.mwcqc.org. Patricia Wants to Cuddle
a discussion of Samantha Allen'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: Patricia Wants to Cuddle. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. The War Librarian
a discussion of Addison Armstrong's book with the Midtown Readers Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: The War Librarian. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. The Curse of Pietro Houdini
discussion of Derek B. Miller's book with the Novel Naptime Book Group, 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 Curse of Pietro Houdini. Venue: Moline Public Library.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM.
Moline Public Library.
For more info visit molinelibrary.com. The Mountains Sing
a discussion of Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai's book with the Contemporary Books Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: The Mountains Sing. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. The Berry Pickers
a discussion of Amanda Peters's book with the Southwest Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: The Berry Pickers. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Southwest Branch.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Southwest Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Visiting Writer Anthony Immergluck ’12 with Professor Glenn Freema
held in the Van Etten-Lacey House; alum poet Anthony Immergluck, winner of the 2024 Autumn House Rising Writer Prize, visits campus to read from his new book, “The Worried Well,” alongside Professor Glenn Freeman, who is celebrating the new second edition of “Drinking with O'Hara”; free.
Event Title: Visiting Writer Anthony Immergluck ’12 with Professor Glenn Freema. Venue: Cornell College.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Cornell College.
For more info visit www.cornellcollege.edu. Silent Book Club
join us for a full hour of uninterrupted reading with fellow book lovers; at the end of the hour, attendees are either welcome to talk books or to keep reading; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. The Tyranny of Merit
a discussion of Michael J. Sandel's book with the Rooting Out Poverty Book Club; we will be welcoming Augustana Assistant Professor of Political Science Paul Baumgardner to help lead the discussion; free; for information, call 309-524-2470.
Event Title: The Tyranny of Merit. Venue: Moline Public Library.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Moline Public Library.
For more info visit molinelibrary.com. Sigh, Gone
a discussion of Phuc Tran's book with the Contemporary Books Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-344-4175.
Event Title: Sigh, Gone. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. "Eerie Iowa" Book Signing
event with local co-writers Michael McCarty and Bruce Walters, held in conjunction with the book release by published by The History Press; five-time Bram Stoker Finalist author McCarty and Professor Emeritus Walters forge a twisted path through shadowy, Gothic Iowa; free.
Event Title: "Eerie Iowa" Book Signing. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.arcadiapublishing.com. Flight Behavior
discussion of Barbara Kingsolver's book with the Overbooked Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Flight Behavior. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Going There
a discussion of Katie Couric's book with the Last Monday Book Club; free; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or call 309-755-3393.
Event Title: Going There. Venue: Silvis Public Library.
Monday, November 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Silvis Public Library.
For more info visit silvislibrary.org. Ding: The Life of Jay Norwood Darling
a discussion of David Lendt's book with the Environmental Book Club; free; for information, call 563-322-2969.
Event Title: Ding: The Life of Jay Norwood Darling. Venue: River Action.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
River Action.
For more info visit riveraction.org. The Boston Girl
discussion of Anita Diamant's book with the Brown Bag Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: The Boston Girl. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Vinyl & Poetry Night
FVNTVNV Records and Roaring Rhetoric present and evening of music and poetry; bring your friends and enjoy a relaxing night of vinyl DJing by FVNTVNV alongside spoken word poetry by Mister Aubs. C?ue, Henry Morray & Ardimus. ; FVNTVNV will be playing a range of music from Jazz, Soul, Funk, R&B, as well as music from his record label which features some local Quad City Hip-Hop artists; free; for information, call 309-200-0978.
Event Title: Vinyl & Poetry Night. Venue: Rozz-Tox.
Saturday, November 29, 2025, 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM.
Rozz-Tox.
For more info visit www.rozztox.com. Pride & Prejudice
a discussion of Jane Austen's book with the Alpha Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Pride & Prejudice. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Monday, December 1, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. QCL Book Club
join Brittany Peacock and Morgan Ottier on KWQC TV6 for their monthly book club; Brittany and Morgan will discuss what they read the previous month and introduce a new title; new titles will be announced live on Quad Cities Live (QCL) at 3pm; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: QCL Book Club. Venue: KWQC TV6.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
KWQC TV6.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. QC Poets
share your poetry with a supportive group of poets and receive helpful suggestions; meets the first Wednesday of every month; this group is for novice and experienced poets and is free of charge; for information, contact Katherine at 563-505-9042.
Event Title: QC Poets. Venue: Bettendorf Public Library.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Bettendorf Public Library.
For more info visit www.bettendorflibrary.com. Uglies
discussion of Scott Westerfeld's book with the See YA Book Club, an adult book club with a teen book twist; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Uglies. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Late Bloomer
discussion of Mazy Eddings's book with the Book Lovers book club featuring a variety of romance novels; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Late Bloomer. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Short and Sweets
discuss short stories from a variety of contemporary and classic authors; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Short and Sweets. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Monday, December 8, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Distant Sons
discussion of Tim Johnston's book with the West End Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Distant Sons. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. The Pairing
a discussion of Casey McQuiston'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: The Pairing. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Five-Star Stranger
discussion of Kat Tang's book with the Novel Naptime Book Group, 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: Five-Star Stranger. Venue: Moline Public Library.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 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; at the end of the hour, attendees are either welcome to talk books or to keep reading; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: Silent Book Club. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. Freshwater
discussion of Akwaeke Emezi's book with the Overbooked Book Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832.
Event Title: Freshwater. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. Hell Followed with Us
a discussion of Andrew Joseph White'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: Hell Followed with Us. Venue: Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch.
For more info visit www.davenportlibrary.com. The Grapes of Wrath
a discussion of John Steinbeck's book with the Alpha Book Club; free; for information, call 309-732-7323.
Event Title: The Grapes of Wrath. Venue: Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
Monday, February 2, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library.
For more info visit www.rockislandlibrary.org.