Greetings, East Moline neighbors, and welcome to this edition of Main Street Matters!
There’s something new blooming downtown—and this time, it’s not just the flowers or murals. It’s something that blends imagination, learning, and a bit of everyday magic: the East Moline Book Walk!
Thanks to the vision of East Moline Main Street and the generous support of Beta Epsilon, SSA, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation, our city is now home to the first fully established Book Walk in the Quad Cities. We couldn’t be more excited to share this beautiful experience with you.
🌟 What Is a Book Walk?
Imagine this: a sunny afternoon, a stroll down the sidewalks of our charming downtown, and—page by page—a children’s book unfolding before your eyes. That’s the magic of a Book Walk.
Pages from thoughtfully chosen children’s books are mounted on stands and placed throughout the downtown corridor, leading families on a journey that begins at City Hall and ends at the East Moline Public Library. The route is lined not only with words and illustrations, but with opportunities—opportunities to read together, wonder aloud, and connect.
And the best part? The featured book changes at least four times a year, keeping the walk fresh, engaging, and ever-evolving for repeat visitors.
đź“– Stories that Inspire
The stories chosen aren’t just fun—they’re purposeful. Our goal is to feature books that are inclusive, welcoming, and often centered around themes of conservation, kindness, and connection.
Here’s a glimpse at the journey so far:
Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt, Sean Qualls, and Selina Alko
This reflective and beautifully illustrated book launched our walk with a powerful question: “Why are you, you?” As two children move through their world, they consider identity, empathy, and togetherness. A gentle reminder that behind every “you” and “me,” there’s a “we.”
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Rooted in the strength of Indigenous voices, this story follows an Ojibwe girl taking a stand to defend what matters most—water. It’s a compelling introduction to environmental stewardship and community action.
Kindness Matters by Rosemary Moreno & Gale Vyncke
Our current installation features this heartwarming, locally created book. Designed with early readers in mind, this story, born during the pandemic, reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest ripple effects.
📚 Coming Soon…
Looking ahead, as we introduce books like Forest: Bilingual Edition by Brendan Kearney, a timely tale on deforestation and how young readers can help protect our planet. We’re also exploring titles from local authors, such as All I Want for Christmas is to See a Tornado by Carolyn Wettstone, featuring the beloved “Little Terry” Swails. Got a suggestion? We’d love to hear it!
🌱 More Than a Walk—It’s a Community Journey
The Book Walk isn’t just about reading—it’s about engaging with the world around us. That’s why we’re working on special rewards at the end of the trail. Families might receive a pack of seeds to plant, a mini magnifying glass for outdoor exploration, or even a book to sign as a memento of their journey.
And this is just the beginning. We’re creating a dedicated page on our East Moline Main Street website, where families can:
- Leave feedback
- Suggest future books
- Share photos and experiences
And of course, you’re always welcome to join the conversation on our Facebook page.
👟 Let’s Take a Walk Together
So grab your walking shoes, your little readers, and maybe a snack or two—then head downtown for a unique experience that weaves literacy, exploration, and community connection into one thoughtful adventure.
Whether you walk with a toddler in tow or a curious middle schooler at your side, there’s a book—and a story—waiting for you.
See you on the sidewalk,
Keeping East Moline moving forward, one page at a time –Your Friends at East Moline Main Street