The Rock Island Public Library is celebrating National Library Week, April 6th to the 12th, with a special preview of a new PBS documentary focusing on America's public libraries.
PBS documentary series Independent Lens is partnering with the Rock Island Public Library to preview its new program, "Free for All: The Public Library," on Tuesday, April 8th, starting at 2 p.m.
Rock Island Public Library Reference Librarian Nathan Simmons said the documentary showing coincides with National Library Workers' Day to remind people of the public institution.
"The film is about how public libraries shaped America from the 19th century to today, and it's got a special focus on civics, civil rights, and the contribution of women to the library world and the library industry. And it's going to be looking throughout the years across the country throughout America, to see what makes libraries and librarians so special," Simmons said in a phone interview with WVIK.
There will be a discussion following the documentary.
The library, in addition to providing books, offers movies and TV shows, which Simmons said helps people who want to avoid streaming services.
Simmons said the library currently offers crafting supplies, outdoor recreation items, and tools for residents to check out. The library recently launched its seed library, where community members can pick up seeds for summer gardening.
"We do things like notary service. We do a lot of printing, especially now around tax season. It's a whole bunch of stuff. And I think people sometimes don't realize how many different things we do beyond just checking out books," Simmons said.
The library is hosting two additional events next week, including an author talk with Dave Markward about his memoir "From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America" on Monday, April 7th, at its Watts Midtown branch starting at 6 p.m.
The other event, which will take place on Wednesday, April 9th, involves Rock Island Arsenal historians, who will discuss the creation of the arsenal and bring artifacts for public viewing.
Simmons has been working at the library for over three years. He said he always wanted to work in public service.
"I thought about teaching, but that just wasn't right for me," Simmons said. "So being a librarian, not only do I get to constantly be learning new things myself, but I get to be kind of a one-on-one educator. And just seeing the gratitude whenever I help someone find something, find a piece of information, find a resource, find a book, land that job interview, finally have their device click and know how to use it. That sense of accomplishment in them and the gratitude from them towards us is really fulfilling."
Those unable to attend can catch the documentary on Tuesday, April 29th, at 9 p.m. on their local PBS station or PBS app.
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