Rock Island Public Library’s Southwest Branch first opened 50 years ago as a tiny extension on the side of Rock Island Fire Station #2, and to celebrate that golden anniversary, the library and fire department will host a public open house today, Sept. 25.
The free drop-in event at the Rock Island Public Library Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, will begin with a banner-signing ceremony about 10:30 a.m. Guests will include Rock Island aldermen, library administration, fire department personnel, and members of the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District board. The public is invited.
A free Firefighter Storytime and truck tour for kids follows at 11 a.m.
Additional activities throughout the day include: tours at 12:30 p.m., complimentary refreshments, a commemorative library sticker and toy fire hat giveaway (while supplies last), signing the birthday banner, trivia contest, a looping history video and photo opportunities with a “I Love My Southwest Branch” photo frame.
Guests can drop in a ticket to win a free basket of library goodies assembled by the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District board. The regularly scheduled Southwest Book Club wraps up the open house with a discussion of “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner at 4 p.m.
The Southwest Branch first opened as a 1,500-square-foot branch attached to the side of then new Firehouse #2. Both were added to serve the needs of the growing neighborhoods of southwest Rock Island. After a preview on Sept. 24, 1974, the branch officially opened Sept. 25, 1974. An official ribbon cutting and public open house followed on Oct. 12, 1974.
For more information about library services and upcoming events, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow the Rock Island Library Facebook and Instagram social media sites.
