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Cancelled

Decode Democracy: Demystifying Government Records

America at 250

Archivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will explain what kind of publicly available information we can find in the National Archives (NARA) and how to find it.

Archivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will explain what the National Archives (NARA) are, what they aren't and how to access various types of personnel files, whether that be for genealogical purposes or personal benefits. Presenting from NARA are Cali Alba, Archivist from the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Michael Lageman, Archivist from the Barack Obama Presidential Library.

Main Library
info@rockfordpubliclibrary.org
Phone: (815) 965-7606
Fax: (815) 963-7843
Branch manager
Donna Hopson
Hours
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We're closed Monday September 07 due to Labor Day
Mon, Sep 07 Closed
(Labor Day)
Tue, Sep 08 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 09 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Sep 10 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Sep 11 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Sep 12 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Sep 13 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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Babes and Books
Wed, Sep 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Rooms 115A & 115B: Activity and Story Time
This interactive storytime for young children from birth to 24 months, focuses on their development, incorporating music, movement, and reading.
Beaded Keychain Craft Workshop
Wed, Sep 09, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Room 115B: Story Time
Join us for a fun beaded keychain craft workshop! Create a personalized keychain you can hang from your backpack, water bottle, your lunchbox, etc.!
We are Hooked
Wed, Sep 09, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Room 208: Maker Activity B
Love to crochet? So do we! Bring in your UFO stands for "unfinished object". It's a term used to describe a project that has been temporarily or permanently abandoned.
Registration is now closed
Introduction to Linocut
Wed, Sep 09, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
RPLF Teen Zone / Active Zone
Turn erasers into art!
Homeschool Recess
Thu, Sep 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Rooms 115A & 115B: Activity and Story Time
A social hour for homeschool families.
The Free Wheeling Discussion Group
Thu, Sep 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
WREX Classroom
Bring your thoughts, bring your passion. If you happen to be on the spectrum, bring your favorite topic for us to explore.
Crafternoons
Fri, Sep 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Rooms 115A & 115B: Activity and Story Time
Drop in on Friday afternoons to get crafty! Every week, we'll whip up a fun and fresh craft for you to create. All supplies will be provided.
Babes and Books
Sat, Sep 12, 10:00am - 11:00am
Rooms 115A & 115B: Activity and Story Time
This interactive storytime for young children from birth to 24 months, focuses on their development, incorporating music, movement, and reading.
1776 Book Club Discussion and Tea
Sat, Sep 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
WREX Classroom
Come to the Main library to discuss David Mccullough's book 1776. Tea will be provided by Wired Cafe.
LEGO Triceratops Fossil
Sat, Sep 12, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
RPLF Teen Zone / Active Zone
Come build a LEGO triceratops skull in the teen zone!
Preschool Power Storytime
Mon, Sep 14, 10:00am - 10:45am
Rooms 115A & 115B: Activity and Story Time
Books, songs, rhymes, and crafts for children ages 3-5
Bookenders 2026
Mon, Sep 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
RPLF Teen Zone / Active Zone
A book club of teen books for teens. Come chat about the stories and eat some pizza! Reading the book is encouraged but not required.
RPL Chess Club
Mon, Sep 14, 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, Sep 15, 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.
Pokémon Club
Tue, Sep 15, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Room 115B: Story Time
Pokémon Club attendees can learn, play, and connect through the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and other activities designed for their age range.
Digital Detox Series : Take a Line for a Walk
Tue, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
WREX Classroom
Patrons can join us in unplugged decompression with learning how to create their own zentangle, supplies provided/limited, registration required. All ability levels welcome!
Babes and Books
Wed, Sep 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
This interactive storytime for young children from birth to 24 months, focuses on their development, incorporating music, movement, and reading.
Stroller Social: an Hour for Community and Connection
Wed, Sep 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Room 115B: Story Time
Social hour for parents and caregivers of infants and babies! Drop in every other Wednesday from August through October.
Teen Poetry Club
Wed, Sep 16, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
RPLF Teen Zone / Active Zone
Create poems and have the opportunity to share them with your peers.
Cancelled
Decode Democracy: Demystifying Government Records
Wed, Sep 16, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Archivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will explain what kind of publicly available information we can find in the National Archives (NARA) and how to find it.
See all events