Tag: Moline Public Library

Have You Booked Your Solar Eclipse Viewing Party Yet…

Its not too late to reserve a solar eclipse viewing party near you. August 21st is the total solar eclipse and whole world is excited about the natural  celestial event. Weird stories including Lizard men in South Carolina and sold out Porta Potties in Oregon make us wonder more about the Total Solar Eclipse.

Solar Eclipse

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: NASA

Solar eclipse is the natural event in the space when the moon comes in between the sun and earth. Then, the people on earth are unable to see the sun for a few minutes to hours. You may remember that the earth rotates on its own axis and revolves around the sun. Moon revolves around the earth and during the solar eclipse, it appears that the moon is blocking the sun. Only few parts of the earth are able to view total solar eclipse, while others can see partial solar eclipse.

 

Viewing Parties

All the public libraries and museums are arranging viewing areas to see the solar eclipse. Private groups are getting together to see the solar eclipse. In Oregon, all the Porta Potties have been pre-booked for the solar eclipse viewing parties. In South Carolina, police are warning people not to kill the Lizard men that may appear during the solar eclipse. Lizard men are weird humans similar to Big Foot and police are requesting to report any sightings. 🙂

Some cultures ban viewing the solar eclipse as it is perceived to be bad. Some prevent cooking or eating during the eclipse as the bad rays tend to spoil the food. Some pregnant women avoid going out during the eclipse as it may harm the baby. Scientists are arguing that the plants and animals may behave differently during the solar eclipse.

After 38 years, the United States is getting an opportunity to view the total solar eclipse though there were partial, annular, and hybrid eclipses after 1979. Electric and solar operators are concerned about the operation of the solar equipment and power plants during the solar eclipse.

Safety

NASA is emphasizing the safety during the solar eclipse. Experts are warning not buy cheap solar glasses and normal sun glasses are not suggested for viewing solar eclipse. Organizers of the viewing parties are arranging for safe glasses that are good for viewing the solar eclipse.  Cheap glasses can be spotted by holding them against car head lights at night. If the light is passing through the glasses, they are not safe for eclipse viewing and can damage the eyes. Special eclipse glasses are manufactured that can block the ultra violet and infra-red rays during the eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Viewing 

Solar Eclipse of 2017 in the USA is first visible in Oregon at 9 am. The eclipse will pass through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. The maximum time of 2 minutes and 38 seconds eclipse can be viewed in Carbondale, IL. The eclipse will end in South Carolina at 2pm.

Some eclipse chasers are tailgating the path in the USA while others are travelling out the country for different experience. Special Amtrak trains to Carbondale, IL are already sold out! About five hours drive from the Quad Cities, Carbondale is having the largest viewing events.

Quad Cities Solar Eclipse Events

In the Quad Cities, local libraries are passing out safe sunglasses and arranging the viewing areas. Some libraries are having preparatory events before August 21.

  1. Moline Public Library: 11.30 am to 2 pm. Sponsored by Popular Astronomy Club Quad Cities
  2. Putnam Museum: The event is sold out, but you can check for any cancellations. From 11 am to 2 pm, there will be presentations and live casts.
  3. Rock Island Public Library: 11.30 am to 2 pm. Offering free eclipse glasses for first 100 viewers.
  4. Davenport Public Library: 12pm to 2 pm. Making pin-hole cameras and eclipse viewing
  5. Bettendorf Public Library: 12.30 pm to 2 pm. Free glasses available or make pin-hole cameras.  Special presentations about the solar system

Next total solar eclipse in the USA is in 2045. Some parts of the world may not see the solar eclipse at all. For kids, this is a right event to view the science they studied in the text books. Some universities have declared holiday for the solar eclipse viewing on August 21, 2017. So, gear up for the grand solar eclipse this year and let me know how it went. Many are complaining that the solar eclipse is falling on a week day, but we can’t control the sun ha 🙂

Moline Library Putnam Museum Passes

Moline public library is giving Putnam museum passes this month for free. The pass is good for a week  for a family of four per visit. Also, get passes for free admission to the Mississippi Valley Fair Grounds this Sunday and get a free book.

Free Programs

The local library is a great source for books and other programs which are available mostly free of charge. Some of the interesting activities for children in this month include:

  1. Pre-school story time
  2. Book Bunch Club
  3. Reader’s Theater
  4. Anime Club
  5. Teen Club
  6. Lego Club

The Putnam Museum pass is good for one week and is not valid for the IMAX theater. You can register through phone  309-524-2480or through the moline public library website.

At the children’s desk pick up a book mark that is also a free pass to the Reading Adventures event scheduled this Sunday from noon to 5 pm at the Mississippi Valley Fair Grounds. Every child under 12 years receive a free book. Area authors will read out stories at 2 pm to the children. Inflatables, rides, and other crafts will engage children for the entire afternoon.

 

Astronomy Day

May 7, 2011 is celebrated as the National Astronomy Day throughout the US to provide astronomy lovers an opportunity to celebrate the common passion. General public can interact with the astronomers and find out more about the cosmic space above us. John Deere Planetarium at the Augustana College and the Moline Public Library host special events for children and adults to participate ans learn more.

Astronomy Day is celebrated every year before the first quarter moon in April to May to encourage general public’s learning. Local planetariums and institutions set up telescopes free of cost so that the public can view the space. The rare opportunity provides children and adults to know and learn about astronomy.

This Saturday Moline Public Library is hosting a series of events ranging from activities and crafts for children, mobile observatory, and telescope clinics. The event starts from 2.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

The John Deere Planetarium at the Augustana College in Rock Island will host several presentations by experts. Further, the planetarium’s telescope will reveal the rings of Saturn and the crescents of moon. The event is from 8.30 pm to 12 am.

Register early to book an appointment for the events. Enjoy the Astronomy Day with the help of local institutions! 🙂

Moline Public Library Programs

October Events


 

Monday, October 25 – 7:00 PM.  Spanish language edition of Fahrenheit 451 book discussion facilitated by Luz Upegui and Adult Services librarian, Bob Conklin. Register for this event.

Monday, October 25 – 7:00 PM.  Pajama Story Time.  Wear your p.j.’s and bring your favorite stuffed animal to hear new stories. Bring the family and enjoy the fun! This free program does not require registration.

Tuesday, October 26 – 6:30 PM.  Ghosts and Goblins.  You and your ghoul friends are invited to listen to fun and scary stories and activities. Come in costume for a night of thrills and chills at the library. This free program is for children ages 4 and up. Registration is required by calling 309-524-2480 or register online.   

Tuesday, October 26 – 7:00 PM.  Fahrenheit 451 Book Discussion facilitated by Adult Services librarian, Jennifer Christiansen.  Register for this event.

Wednesday, October 27 – 6:30 PM.  Big Read Dystopian Film series facilitated by Erskine Carter, Black Hawk College. Fahrenheit 451 will be shown. Register for this event.

Thursday, October 28 – 10:00 AM.  Preschool Story Time.  Stories, finger plays and hands-on activities for children ages 3-5 not yet in kindergarten. Registration is required for this free program by calling 309-524-2480. Register for this event.  
 

 
November Events  
       
 
Tuesday, November 2 – 6:30 PM.  Book Bunch Club.  Book club with activities for children ages 7-9. Children receive book on the first night. Registration is required. Program made possible with a grant by the Bi-State Literacy Council. Register for this event.Tuesday, November 2 – 7:00 PM.  Pageturners Book Discussion Group. Moline Public Library’s Pageturners Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, November 2nd to discuss Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Discussion begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Gold Meeting Room. Copies of the book will be available to borrow for those who register. To sign up, visit the Moline Public Library or call 524-2470.

Wednesday, November 3 – 6:30 PM.  Music, Books and Movement.  Music, Books and Movement is a fun program with instruments for children ages 5 and older. registration is required. Register for this event.

Thursday, November 4 – 10:00 AM.  Preschool Story Time.  Stories, finger plays and hands-on activities for children ages 3-5 not yet in kindergarten. Registration is required for this free program by calling 309-524-2480. Register for this event.

Thursday, November 4 – 3:30 PM.  Teen Advisory Group. Teens in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join the Teen Advisory Group of the Moline Public Library. Join us on the first Thursday of each month at 3:30 in the Platinum Room to help plan teen events, recommend books, and have fun! For more information call 309-524-2440.

Saturday, November 6 – 2:30 PM.  Concert by Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series.  Multi-instrumentalist, Todd Green will perform in the library’s meeting rooms.  Visit Todd Green’s website for his biography, music samples, and details on the instruments he plays – http://www.toddgreen.com/.

Monday, November 8 – 7:00 PM.  Teen Writers Group.  If you are a teen who loves to write, this is the group for you. Join us on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Platinum Room of the Moline Public Library. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, get feedback, and share your writing. This event is free. For more information call 309-524-2440.

Tuesday, November 9 – 6:30 PM.  Book Bunch Club.  Book club with activities for children ages 7-9. Children receive book on the first night. Registration is required. Program made possible with a grant by the Bi-State Literacy Council. Register for this event.

Tuesday, November 16 – 6:30 PM.  Book Bunch Club.  Book club with activities for children ages 7-9. Children receive book on the first night. Registration is required. Program made possible with a grant by the Bi-State Literacy Council. Register for this event.

Wednesday, November 17 – 6:30 PM.  Harry Costume Potter Party. The Moline Public Library is celebrating the release of the seventh Harry Potter movie with a Harry Potter Costume Party. Join us in your favorite Harry Potter costume or just dress like a muggle. Well have food, games, activities, and prizes. This event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required. Call 309-524-2470 or 309-524-2480 to register. For more information call 309-524-2440.  Register for this event.

Thursday, November 18 – 10:00 AM.  Preschool Story Time.  Stories, finger plays and hands-on activities for children ages 3-5 not yet in kindergarten. Registration is required for this free program by calling 309-524-2480. Register for this event.

Thursday, November 18 – 6:30 PM.  Building with Books Lego Club.  Buildwith Lego blocks while listening to stories. Blocks are supplied. Ages 6-12. Registration is required. Register for this event.

Saturday, November 20 – 3:00 PM.  Zombie Survival Club.  The Zombie Survival Club of the Moline Public Library will meet and watch the first zombie movie ever filmed, enjoy snacks, and prepare for the apocalypse. For more information call 309-524-2440.

Monday, November 22 – 7:00 PM.  Pajama Story Time.  wear your p.j.’s and bring your favorite stuffed animal to hear new stories. The whole family is welcome to come and enjoy the fun!

 Tuesday, November 23 – 6:30 PM.  Book Bunch Club.  Book club with activities for children ages 7-9. Children receive book on the first night. Registration is required. Program made possible with a grant by the Bi-State Literacy Council. Register for this event.

Saturday, November 27  – Take and Make Craft. Looking for something to do? Drop in at the library any time during open hours to make a craft! No registration is required. All ages.

Monday, November 29 – 9:30 or 10:45 AM.  Wee Wiggler Toddler Time.  Stories, songs, finger plays and hands-on activities. Registration is required. Program for children 18-36 months with an adult. Register for this event.

 

Be sure to visit our calendar of events for program information for upcoming months.Adult Library Tours Contact:               Children’s Department Tours:

Lisa Powell Williams                            Christina Conklin
309-524-2473                                   309-524-2485
lwilliams@molinelibrary.org                   cconklin@molinelibrary.org