Christmas Holiday Closings

All Rock Island Library locations, including Library2Go bookmobile routes, are closed for the Christmas holiday on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25. Libraries are open normal hours  Monday and Thursday of Christmas week, but there will be no Goodwill computer assistance program on Dec. 26. 

Stay in touch over the holiday with our digital services and PrairieCat app. Our website "online branch" is always open! 

Birth of the Computer: The John Atanasoff Story

Program Type:

Presentation, Discussion

Age Group:

Adult
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Event Details

In the winter months of 1937, John Atanasoff, an assistant professor in mathematics and physics at the then Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa, traveled to Rock Island, Illinois where he conceptualized the first digital computer. Join us in Wallenberg Hall in the Denkmann Building on Augustana College campus as we retrace Dr. Atanasoff's road trip to destiny that fateful night.

This event is brought to you in collaboration with Davenport Public Library and Augustana College.

Location: Wallenberg Hall, Denkmann Building, Augustana College, 3520 7th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois 61201

Reception to follow at Bent River Brewing Company located at 512 24th Street, Rock Island, Illinois 61201.