Mission and History:

The Rock Island Public Library first opened to the public on November 25, 1872, in a rented location in downtown Rock Island. Because the pre-existing private library donated a location, books and the services of their director, Miss Ellen Gale, the Rock Island Library became the first public library to open for business after the passing of the 1872 Library Act in the State of Illinois. In 1903, the Downtown Library opened for business.

Since our first days, we've continued to evolve, serving the public with a collection of community centers, outreach efforts, and online opportunities. Our locations include the Rock Island Downtown Library at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Library at 3059 30th Street and the Southwest Library at 9010 Ridgewood Road. For a list of holiday closings at our locations

As a library we're deeply committed to helping our community: 

Create young readers with early literacy education

Learn to read and write with adult, teen, and family literacy, 

Visit a comfortable place with enhanced physical and virtual spaces, and 

Stimulate imaginations, with reading, viewing and listening for pleasure.