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Image for event: Summer Reading Kickoff Extravaganza!

Summer Reading Kickoff Extravaganza!

Summer Reading Challenge 2026
2026-05-16 10:00:00 2026-05-16 12:00:00 America/Chicago Summer Reading Kickoff Extravaganza! Main Library -

Saturday, May 16
10:00am - 12:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-05-16 10:00:00 2026-05-16 12:00:00 America/Chicago Summer Reading Kickoff Extravaganza! Our theme for Summer Reading 2026 is Unearth a Story! Keep track of your reading goals and attend exciting events all summer long! Main Library -

Our theme for Summer Reading 2026 is Unearth a Story! Keep track of your reading goals and attend exciting events all summer long!

It's time for RPL's Summer Reading Challenge again! Join us Saturday, May 16th from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Main library branch in downtown Rockford!

*Register for RPL's Summer Reading Challenge (ALL AGES - teens & adults, too!) to earn prizes all summer long!

*See Magician Zack Percell perform his hilarious show!

*Balloon Animal artist Chris Busker will be joining us again with his incredible creations!

*Participate in a family book exchange onsite with United Way Rock River Valley!

...and more! We can't wait to have a RAWR-some summer with you!

Main Library
info@rockfordpubliclibrary.org
Phone: 815-965-7606
Branch manager
Dunarene Hopson
Hours
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Mon, Apr 20 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 21 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 22 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 23 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Apr 24 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Apr 25 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Apr 26 Closed
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About the library

The 66,000 sq.ft. Main Library opened in spring of 2024 and serves as the Rockford Public Library's main downtown facility. The newly constructed space boasts a 1st floor Children's Area complete with a dedicated computer lab, three program rooms, play structure with slide, and baby garden, a Maker Lab with access to 3D printers and scanners and small board computers, podcasting room, green screen video room, a large Young Adult Zone with gaming center, adult computer lab, local history room, and several meeting and study rooms accommodating groups of 2-8 people. Additional features include a large interactive screen, two roof-top terraces, one of which is available for rent as part of our large event space on the third floor, underground parking, and drive-thru book drop holds pickup!

Upcoming events

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Coffee and Caregiving: Respite Hour
Tue, Apr 21, 10:00am - 11:00am
WREX Classroom
Caregiving isn't easy; join us for a break! Come to the WREX Classroom on the 2nd floor of the Main Library to relax, connect, and have coffee with other caregivers on 3/17, 4/21, and 5/19 at 10 am.
Musical Munchkins
Tue, Apr 21, 10:00am - 10:30am
Rooms 115A & 115B: Activity and Story Time
Dance and sing the morning away at this active storytime for toddlers and preschoolers.
RPL Sewing Group
Tue, Apr 21, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Room 208: Maker Activity B
Come sew this bag with us at the Library—it really snaps!
Registration is now closed
Teen Poetry Club
Wed, Apr 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
RPLF Teen Zone / Active Zone
Create poems and have the opportunity to share them with your peers.
Urban Nature Family Adventure
Fri, Apr 24, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meet us in the lobby of the Main Branch Library to embark on a city nature walk! We will be making observations of wild species growing around downtown Rockford.
The Library Card Makers
Sat, Apr 25, 11:00am - 1:00pm
WREX Classroom
Let’s make some creative cards! Bring your imagination and creativity to the class. During the session, you’ll also decorate a wine glass.
This event is full
Basic Crochet for Beginners
Sat, Apr 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Room 208: Maker Activity B
This class is perfect for absolute beginners with no prior crochet experience. If you've ever wanted to create beautiful handmade items or just explore a new hobby, this class is for you.
This event is full
Knitting in a Stitch!
Sat, Apr 25, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
RPLF Teen Zone / Active Zone
Learning how to begin a basic knitting project for teens! Initial materials provided.
Preschool Power Storytime
Mon, Apr 27, 10:00am - 10:45am
Room 115B: Story Time
Books, songs, storytelling, and crafts for children ages 3-5
RPL Sewing Group
Mon, Apr 27, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Room 208: Maker Activity B
Learn how to use the library's sewing machines in this introductory class. Space is limited; registration suggested
This event is full
Cancelled
Family Game Night
Mon, Apr 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Game On! Drop in for a fun night of family friendly games.
RPL Chess Club
Mon, Apr 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
WREX Classroom
Come play a relaxed game of chess at the library! Sets and boards provided, all skill levels welcome. We meet every other Monday night.
Musical Munchkins
Tue, Apr 28, 10:00am - 10:30am
Rooms 115A & 115B: Activity and Story Time
Dance and sing the morning away at this active storytime for toddlers and preschoolers.
See all events