Annual Events - An Overview
January
All Iowa Reads is a program of the Iowa Center for the Book, State Library of Iowa. The purpose of All Iowa Reads is to encourage Iowans statewide to read and talk about a single title in the same year. Criteria for the selection of the annual All Iowa Reads book are that the book 1) must be available in paperback, large print and unabridged audio; 2) lends itself to in-depth discussion and raises universal social issues relevant to Iowans; 3) is accessible to adults and high school age youth; and 4) is a recent publication that has not been widely read. It is desirable, but not required, that the book has an Iowa or Midwest connection. The Davenport Public Library has special book discussions for the year's chosen book. Check our "Calendar of Events" to see what we have planned!
February
Come in from the cold - read! February brings the beginning of the Winter Reading Program. Running from the first weekend in February through the second weekend in March, this program encourages all ages to utilize the Davenport Public Library's huge selection of books. Read just a handful of books during this 5 week period and you will earn yourself a prize.
March
March is the time to celebrate the birthday of the famous Davenport musician, Bix Beiderbecke! Sponsored by the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society, the Bix Birthday Bash has been entertaining folks for over a decade. Listen to great music, eat birthday cake, and drink some punch! This annual event happens on the Wednesday nearest to March 10, Bix's birthday. Check our "Calendar of Events" for specifics.
April
Celebrate your public library and the library workers during "National Library Week." This event takes place during the first full week in April. Expect to find numerous events planned at the Davenport Public Library. Special drawings and prizes, as well as a few surprise guests. National Library Week is a program by the American Library Associaton.
While you're celebrating how wonderful libraries are, celebrate the people that help them keep going. April also brings us National Volunteer Week, near the 3rd full week of the month. We honor our volunteers with special recognition. There are many volunteering opportunities at the Library. You could join the FRIENDS - check out www.friendsofdavenportlibrary.org; or you could volunteer through our Personnel Manager by calling 563-326-7838.
May
Come to the Cinco de Mayo celebration - bilingual story times, entertainment, and a whole lot of culture!
June
Oh boy! It's time for the best Summer Reading Program in the Quad Cities! Each year brings a different theme to life. This all-ages program encourages children, teens, and adults to use the Library and read fascinating stories. Read at the beach, read in the air-conditioning, read all the time! You will be rewarded for your efforts with a great finishing prize. Schools compete with each other to see who can read the most. Every day at the Library brings exciting programming and events. You don't want to miss this!
July
It's time for more Bix Beiderbecke! The Library kicks off the Bix Fest in great fashion with the Bix Porch Party! The Main Library hosts hundreds of guests who want to relax on our porch, eat a hot dog, and listen to some of the best jazz music in town. For nearly 20 years this program has been heating up Main Street. When you're finished listening to great music, come inside the Library to the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center to learn more about the legend.
August
Relax - you've just finished the Summer Reading Program!
September
Library Card Sign-up Month - expect to see us in the community wanting YOU to get a library card!
Banned Books Week (Last Week of September) - celebrate your freedom to read! Expect to see special displays about books that have historically been deemed too provacative for sensitive eyes. It's all about your freedom.
The September Project is a grassroots effort to encourage public events on freedom, democracy, and citizenship in libraries on or around September 11. Libraries around the world are organizing public and campus events, such as: displays about human rights and historical documents; talks and performances about freedom and cultural difference; and film screenings about issues that matter. Check the Library's "Calendar of Events" for more information, or go to www.theseptemberproject.org.
October
Teens - it's your time to shine during "Teen Read Week." Local Libraries will be promoting teen literacy, sponsoring contests and events throughout the Quad Cities. Davenport Public Library does special events and displays focusing only on teens. Check out our website under "Youth Services" to see what's going on @ your Library.
November
3rd Grade Visits! All 3rd Graders from the Davenport Community School District will visit the Davenport Public Library! Each child will get a tour of the library, learn about library resources, and participate in a scavenger hunt. Tours begin in November, but happen through January. More than 1,000 kids participate! This opportunity is provided by a grant from the Great Minds Foundation.
December
It's the most wonderful time of the year to visit Santa at the Library! Kids - tell your parents to bring you to the Main Street Library on Saturdays in December. Santa will arrive in his special sleigh, delivering joy to every good girl and boy. Sit on Santa's lap, get a free picture and a goodie bag. This wonderful program is sponsored by Davenport Printing Company and Wells Fargo.