August Library Events Offer Great Adult Options
While the kids are back in school, the Rock Island Public Library has some great options to help keep adults of all ages keep learning their whole lives.
Among other options, adults can learn about the Army history of the World War II battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The free talk is presented by a historian with the Army Sustainment Command (ACS) at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street.
Also on Wednesday, August 14, the library’s genealogy series for online research continues with a video presentation by genealogist James Tanner on “Making the Most of Fold3.” The database, offered for free use on Rock Island Library computers, provides convenient access to US military records, and the stories, photos, and personal documents of those who served. Additional data includes Civil War widows’ pensions, Native American records, FBI case files, and Holocaust archives. Learn how to access and best use these records. The program is at 6:00 pm at the Downtown Library.
On Wednesday, August 21, participants can learn about the Orphan Train movement from Angie Snook, of the Geneseo History Museum. The 2:00 pm presentation on Orphan Trains of the Midwest, is also at the Rock Island Downtown Library. From 1854 to 1929, many orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children were placed throughout the United States and Canada as part of the Orphan Train Movement.
Later on August 28, the online genealogy series features another video presentation, this time on “Making the Most of FamilySearch.org.” Genealogy expert Tanner takes participants on a step-by-step video tour through the extensive personal genealogy resources of the website, which is sponsored by the Church of Latter Day Saints. This resource is free to use, and is open to anyone who registers. Church affiliation is not required. Learn how to find those important tidbits that can fill the gaps in your family tree. The genealogy program starts at 6:00 pm at the Downtown Library.
The library’s online genealogy series wraps up on Wednesday, September 11 with a 6:00 pm program on using multiple genealogy programs to find ancestors. After that, the library will bring in special guest speaker Amber Lowrey to speak on “Family Fingerprints: What Your DNA Can Reveal,” from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, also at the Downtown Library.
All of the above programs are free and do not require registration.
For more free events for adults at the library, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ or follow the Rock Island Library on social media.
