It’s time to celebrate the Main Street Library at “A Ruby Renaissance,” the 40th Anniversary Party for the Edward Durell Stone Building.  Clowns, magicians, musicians, food, crafts and more will be spread around the library for your enjoyment.  When was the last time you came to the library, heard the ever popular Ellis Kell, had a characature drawn of yourself and had a chance to win a wonderful prize all at the same event.  All of this and more is possible this Sunday, October 5 from 1:00 - 3:30 PM at the Main Street Library (321 Main Street).  Don’t miss this fun-filled afternoon at you Davenport Public Library.

This past Saturday hundreds of people came to watch and participate in “Kid Gladiators.”  Participate was an understatement!  These Kids from two years old up to fifteen years old came out and demonstrated the speed and strength of Quad City kids, with the fastest time of 8.9 seconds coming from a ten year boy.  The girls and boys left their heart out on the course and need to be applauded for their great effort.  In the words of a little seven year old, “THIS IS AWESOME!”  Each participant received a medal & a ribbon, while the winners of each age group received a shirt.  We would like to thank our sponsors QC Family Focus, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the American Heart Association, and the William J. Clinton Foundation.  We would also like to thank all of the athletes and their fans for coming out to support the “Go Healthy Challenge” and their Davenport Public Library’s inaugural “Kid Gladiators” event!

Local author and film historian, Michael Thomas Masters, will be presenting a unique program about tolerance entitled, “Never to Be Forgotten” at the Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Street location (3000 N. Fairmount Street) on Saturday, September 27, at 1:00 PM.

Masters will read his short story, “Remembrance,” which is tale of caring, sharing, and understanding that takes place at a bus stop in San Francisco in December of 1991. As two young men wait for the city bus, they strike up a memorable conversation with a haunting conclusion.

Complimenting this poignant story will be a showing of the 1995 feature-film, The Cure. Directed by Peter Horton, The Cure, centers around two neighborhood boys who become close friends. One of the boys has contracted AIDS via a blood transfusion, and they go on a memorable journey to find the cure.

Registration is not required for this free event. For more information, call 563-328-6833.

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Are you tough enough to be a gladiator?  Are you fast enough to be a gladiator?  Do you have the heart and desire to do your best?  Do you have what it takes to be a KID GLADIATOR?  If so, then come on out to the Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street (3000 N. Fairmount Street) to see if you have what it takes.  This unique outdoors program will be held on Saturday, September 27, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, and will feature an inflatable obstacle course, with a few surprises along the way. Each child will be timed for a chance to win great prizes. All children who complete the obstacle course will receive a free jump rope and a participation ribbon. The Library is bringing this event to the community as part of the “Go Healthy Challenge,” a partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the American Heart Association, and the William J. Clinton Foundation.  “Kid Gladiators” is also made possible by local sponsor, QC Family Focus. Registration is not required for this free event. For more information, visit www.davenportlibrary.com, or call 563-888-3371.

The “Go Healthy Challenge” is an initiative that is rallying parents and educators across America to take action and help children become a healthier generation. The Library is doing its part by offering this fun and free kickoff event, followed by additional activity-based programs throughout the year, such as Kid Yoga. The Library can also help by providing print and online resources for parents and children to educate them about fitness and nutrition. Plan to pick up some informative brochures next time you visit the Library.

Sorry, but this is for seniors only!

Come explore the “Power of Touch Therapy: Massage in Everyday Life,” as presented by the Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness. Join us on Wednesday, September 24, at 1:00 PM, at Davenport Public Library’s Fairmount Street location (3000 N. Fairmount Street) where seniors will learn that massage is not only a great way to relax, but is a well-established form of therapy used to treat injuries, relieve pain and reduce tension by enhancing blood flow. Massage demonstrations will also be available. This program is part of “Specifically for Seniors,” a monthly educational and entertainment series which meets at 1:00 PM on the last Wednesday of each month, March through November. It is sponsored by the Davenport Public Library, Senior Voice, and Davenport Parks and Recreation. For information about this or upcoming senior programs, visit www.davenportlibrary.com, or call 563-888-3371.

Teens are invited to Davenport Public Library’s Fairmount Street location (3000 N. Fairmount Street) every Wednesday, now through December, at 3:00 PM for “Get Your Game On” afterschool videogame challenges. At this unique event, teens can play console games like the Wii and PS2, and challenge other teens to friendly competition. Think you’re the best Super Smash Bros. player in the Quad Cities? Try out your skills in front of new friends at this fun event! Teens are also welcome to “band” together for the interactive game, Rock Band. Be the singer, the guitar player or the drummer and get a perfect score! If dancing is your thing, we’ll also have Dance Dance Revolution available. Registration not required for this free program. For more information, contact Christie at 563-326-7893.

At a public meeting on August 5, residents of Davenport gave input, ideas, and feedback to the architect firm of Engberg Anderson regarding what the community wanted in a new Davenport Public Library branch to be built at 60^th Street and Eastern Avenue. In just a little over a month, architects Joe Huberty and Debra Sider are ready to share conceptual drawings and three-dimensional modeling that they created by using the public’s input.

Join us on Tuesday, September 16, at 6:00 pm, at Grace Evangelical Free Church, located at 5520 Eastern Avenue, for an unveiling of the Eastern Avenue Library’s preliminary design. The public will again be asked for input and suggestions, helping to make this Library a true community effort.

If you would like more information about this public meeting, or would like to share your thoughts, please contact Library Director, LaWanda Roudebush, at 563-326-7837; or email at lroudebush@davenportlibrary.com.