January February 2021 Newsletter

Gail Borden 

January-February 

2021 Newsletter 

Public Library District 

Ida B. Wells 

Please stay tuned 

to the Library's 

website for ongoing 

updates about available 

services, building 

hours and more. 

gbpl.info/covid. 

Por favor, manténgase 

atento al sitio web para 

recibir actualizaciones sobre 

los servicios, horas y más. 

gbpl.info/covid. 

Gail Borden Library 1-8 

City of Elgin A-D 

City of Elgin section is 

included only in newsletters 

delivered to Elgin residents. 

Virtual Exhibit 

Inspiring African 

American Leaders 

Celebrating Black 

History Month 

This virtual, multimedia exhibit honors some 

of the most influential African Americans 

and their contributions to humanity. 

Experience the stories of 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 

Harriet Tubman, Booker T. 

Washington, Ida B. Wells, 

Barack Obama and many more 

notable leaders brought to life 

with historical video and audio 

clips and other media. Elgin 

historian and advocate Ernie 

Broadnax will be among those 

featured. Explore the lives of 

these notable individuals at 

gailborden.info/blackhistory. 

School Year 

Reading 

Program 

School Year Reading Program for 

Grades K-8 

Students can keep track of their reading and unlock 

special prizes throughout the school year. Read for 

20 minutes each school day to unlock special prizes 

each month and earn a free book at the end of the 

year. Sign up today at gbpl.info/beanstack. 

The New Jim Crow: 

Community Read on Racism R 

Sunday, January 24 • 2 pm 

Michelle Alexander's groundbreaking 

book The New Jim Crow describes 

mass incarceration through the lens of 

systemic racism. Join fellow community 

members for a lively discussion hosted by 

Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain and facilitated 

by former ECC sociology instructor 

Joyce Fountain. With special guests Kane County 

Sheriff Ron Hain and Benedictine University professor 

Dr. Vincent Gaddis. 

Black Voices, Black Joy 

A Virtual Event Series 

Wednesdays, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 • 

6 – 6:30 pm 

Families. Celebrate Black history, culture, 

and heritage by sharing stories together 

in many ways. 

Facebook Live: gbpl.info/FBLV 

Raising Black Voices: Author 

Interview with Charles Waters R 

Monday, February 15 • 

2 pm 

Join us for a dynamic 

presentation by 

children's author Charles 

Waters. His book, Can I 

Touch Your Hair?: Poems 

of Race, Mistakes, and 

Friendship won many state 

awards, and is an ALA 

Notable Book. Please stay 

tuned, as there may be supplies to 

be picked up at the Main Library 

for this program. 

R=Registration required • Ways to register: Online at gailborden.info/register • Call 847-429-4597 • In person 

The Gail Borden Public Library District Newsletter | Published Bi-Monthly ISSUE NO. 2021-01 | January 1, 2021

Families 

Holidays 

Three Kings Celebration ES 

Tuesday, January 5 • 6 pm 

gbpl.info/FBLV 

12/26 - 1/6. 

Baking for Kids 

with Tabatha 

Wednesdays • 3 pm 

Join in and follow along as we bake 

delicious treats. As they back, we'll read 

stories. Facebook Live: gbpl.info/FBLV 

1/27 Baking Bread 

2/17 Cinnamon Rolls 

Programs listed in the 

newsletter are offered via 

an online platform unless 

otherwise indicated with a 

physical location. 

All programs are subject to change. Please check the 

Library's program calendar at gailborden.info/register 

to find updated information about these programs 

and how you can attend them. 

Los programas que aparecen en este 

boletín se ofrecen a través de una 

plataforma en línea, a menos que se 

indique lo contrario con una ubicación física. 

Todos los programas están sujetos a cambios. 

Consulte el calendario de programas de la 

Biblioteca en gailborden.info/eventos para encontrar 

información actualizada sobre estos programas. 

Celebrate MLK Jr. R 

January 18 • 2 pm 

Celebrate MLK Jr. with crafts, activities 

and more that the whole family can 

enjoy. 1/4 – 1/17. 

Family Fridays R 

Dress in your finest and meet with us 

virtually for family stories, crafts 

and more! 

1/29 11 am Winter Ball Extravaganza 

starting 1/18. 

2/12 2 pm Be My Valentine 

2/1 – 2/12. 

2/26 10 am Paw Patrol Party 

2/15 – 2/26 

Valentine's Dance Party! R 

Tuesday, February 9 • 10 am 

Best for ages 3-6. Bop, dance, 

sing and share sweet stories 

to celebrate Valentine's Day at 

our virtual dance party. 

Celebrate Valentine's Day ES 

Sunday, February 14 • Noon 

Ages 2-6 and families. Celebrate 

Valentine's Day with stories, puppets 

and more! Facebook: gbpl.info/fbylah 

Storytimes 

Preschool Storytime with Katie 

Mondays • 10 am 


Spanish Family Storytime 

with Grisel ES 

Mondays, 1/4 – 2/8 • 7 pm 


Toddler Time 

Wednesdays, 1/6 – 2/24 • 10 am 


Adventure Storytime with 

Stephanie 

Thursdays • 10 am 


Special-themed Adventure Storytimes: 

1/21 Winnie-the-Pooh! 

2/11 BEE My Valentine 

Bilingual Bookmobile 

Bedtime Stories 

Thursdays • 6:30 pm 

Facebook: gbpl.info/fbylah 

Stomp! Clap! Read! 

Fridays, 1/8 – 2/26 • 10 am 


Family Storytime R 

Thursdays, 1/21, 2/25 • 6 pm 

Preschool Puppeteers! R 

Tuesdays • 11 am 

Ages 3-6 w/ adult supervision. Participants 

will make a puppet, then act out a story. 

1/26 Can You Make a Scary Face? 

2/23 It's a Tiger! 

Virtual Visit with KidSpace R 

Fridays, 1/22, 2/19 • 2 pm 

KidSpace Librarians love helping kids 

and families discover new books, learn 

about our databases, and navigate 

reading levels. We are happy to 

announce that this service is going 

virtual. Sign up for a 15-minute, oneon-one 

virtual chat with a librarian 

for personalized help getting book 

recommendations, learning about our 

homework help resources, or any other 

questions you might have. 

= Pick up kit at Main Library = Pick up kit at Rakow Branch ES =Descripción en español, ver pagina 7. 

2 R=Registration required • Three ways to register: Online at gailborden.info/register • Call 847-429-4597 • In person

Kids 

Kids' Spanish Conversation 

Group on Zoom R 

Tuesdays, 1/5 – 2/9 • 3:30 pm 

Grades 2-5. Students who already 

know Spanish and want to improve on 

speaking Spanish can practice their 

dual language skills! 

Get 

Empowered— 

Get a Library 

Card Online! 

No superhero powers needed to find 

books, music and movies. Power up and 

get a free card online—it’s good for 90 

days. Go to gbpl.info/getcard. 

Creativity Corner R 

Tuesdays • 4 pm 

1/26 Polar Bear Bobble Head Art 

2/2 How to Draw a Groundhog. Happy 

Groundhog Day! 

2/23 Feed the Birds! 

For Parents & 

Caregivers 

Online Chess Club R 

Thursdays • 3 – 4 pm 

All skill levels. 

Kids Explore R 

Thursdays 

Grades K-2 • 4 – 4:30 pm 

Grades 3-5 • 5 – 5:30 pm 

1/14 Constellations 1/4 – 1/10. 

1/21 Hojalata (Tin) Art 1/11 – 1/17. 

1/28 Polar Bears 1/18 – 1/24. 

2/4 No Bake Mug Cake! 1/25 – 1/31. 

2/11 Watercoloring 2/1 – 2/7. 

2/18 Lunar New Year 2/8 – 2/14. 


newsletter are offered 

via an online platform 

unless otherwise 

indicated with a physical 

location. 

All programs are subject to change. Please 

check the Library's program calendar at 

gailborden.info/register to find updated 

information about these programs and how you 

can attend them. 




indique lo contrario con una ubicación 

física. 



Biblioteca en gailborden.info/eventos para 

encontrar información actualizada sobre estos 

programas. 

Multicultural Children's 

Book Day R 

Friday, January 29 • 3 – 4 pm 

Grades 1-5. Learn about Champions of 

Change, diversity, activism and how 

you can be an activist in your own 

neighborhood! 

Book Party: Inspector Flytrap R 

Thursday, February 25 • 5 pm 

Grades K-5. Join us to meet 

Inspector Flytrap and Nina 

the Goat who solve BIG 

DEAL mysteries. We'll read 

and discuss part of the first 

book. Then, we'll make a 

venus flytrap craft. 

2/15 – 2/21. 

Science • Technology • Engineering • Arts • Math 

STEAM R 

Grades K-2 • 4 – 4:30 pm 

Grades 3-5 • 5 – 5:30 pm 

1/11 Do You Wanna Build a Snow Fort? 

1/4 – 1/10. 

1/12 The Great Cookie Dunk 

1/4 – 1/10. 

1/19 Static Electricity 1/11-1/17. 

1/25 Stack the Deck: House of Cards 

Challenge 1/18 – 1/24. 

2/8 Don't Go Breakin' My Heart 

2/1 – 2/7. 

2/9 Valentine Paper Circuit Card 

2/1 – 2/7. 

2/16 Floating Hearts (Grades 3-5) 

2/8-2/14. 

2/22 Super Groundhog Versus the 

Shadow 2/15 – 2/21. 

Preschool Information Fair R 

Saturday, January 16 • 10 am 

Discover information from area 

preschools, daycare centers and 

licensed homes on our website from 

Jan 16-29. Then, fill out a brief survey 

to be entered into a prize drawing for a 

gift card! 

gbpl.info/ChildcareFair 

Week of Love: Self-Care R 


Love starts with the self. Parents are 

invited to join us for a relaxing evening 

of meditation. 2/1 – 2/11. 

= Pick up kit at Main Library 

= Pick up kit at Rakow Branch 

GAILBORDEN.INFO 

3

Youth & Teens 

3D Design 

Fridays • 1 pm 

1/29 Intro to 3D R 

Grades 2-8. 

2/26 Intermediate 3D R 

Grades 3-8. 

Coding Club 

Mondays • 4 pm 

Grades 2+. 

2/1 Frozen R 

Use code to join Anna and Elsa as they 

explore the magic of ice. You will create 

snowflakes and patterns as you ice-skate 

and make a winter wonderland! 

2/15 Create Your Own Game R 

Create your own game with players that 

can interact, score points, throw things 

and vanish each other. 




otherwise indicated with a 

physical location. 

All programs are subject to change. 

Please check the Library's program calendar at 


information about these programs and how 

you can attend them. 

Grades 6-12 

Teen Writing & Art Showcase 

Submit your creative work and see it published! Email 

your piece to zone@gailborden.info or visit 

gailborden.info/teenwriting for full details. 

Manga and Anime Meet-Up 

Saturday, January 23 • 2 pm 

Calling all fans of Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, 

Sailor Moon and more! Watch anime, share fan art and 

hang out (virtually) with friends. 1/16 – 1/23. 

Los programas que aparecen en 

este boletín se ofrecen a través de 

una plataforma en línea, a menos 

que se indique lo contrario con una 

ubicación física. 




encontrar información actualizada sobre 

estos programas. 

Grades K-8 

Writing Club R 


1/13 Animal Superstars 

2/3 Race Against Time 

Grades 6-8 

DIY Craft Kits R 

1/9 2 pm Among Us DIY Craft Kit 

1/4 – 1/12. 

2/10 6 pm DIY Woven Heart Basket 

2/3 – 2/10. 

2/13 2 pm Sloth-O-Rama DIY Craft Kit 

2/5 – 2/15. 

2/24 6 pm DIY Mini-Notebooks 

2/17 – 2/24. 

Grades 9-12 

Digital Media Lab 



1/6 How to Mix your Song in Logic Pro X 

1/13 Programming Drums in Logic Pro X 

1/20 DIY Merchandise for Teens 

1/27 Album Art of Digital Streaming 

Studio 

270 

Teen Book Hangout R 


Join in and share what you are reading or 

learn about new books. 

Teen Writers Club R 

Tuesdays, 1/26, 2/23 • 4 pm 

Join other teen writers to share what 

you're writing and help you through the 

creative writing process. 

Teen Job Hunting R 

Tuesday, February 9 • 6:30 pm 

Looking for a job? Don’t know how to 

start? Join Billie to learn how to apply, 

interview, and land your first job. 

= Pick up kit at Main Library = Pick up kit at Rakow Branch 


Technology 

All Things Apple 

Tuesdays, 1/5, 2/2 • 7 pm 

Selling On eBay R 

Wednesday, January 6 • 6 pm 

LinkedIn Basics R { 

Thursday, January 7 • 6 pm 

Open Source Software: 

ProtonMail NEW R { 


Looking for an alternative to big name 

corporations for your email provider? 

Learn about the open source, private 

and encrypted email service offered by 

ProtonMail. 

LinkedIn Tips & Tricks R 


Cybersecurity Basics R 


3D Design Series R { 


2/10, 2/17, 2/24 

Google 


1/4 Google Gmail R { 

1/11 Google Drive R { 

1/18 Google Docs R { 

1/25 Google Photos R { 

QuickBooks Year-End R 

January 5 • 6 pm 

Avoid headaches this tax season! Get 

your QuickBooks file ready for year-end 

by learning how to prepare 1099s, journal 

entries, and year end reports in this 

special session. 

QuickBooks Online 

Series NEW R { 


1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9 

Learn how QuickBooks Online accounting 

software allows users to manage their 

company finances via services to 

products, customers, vendors and reports. 




otherwise indicated with 

a physical location. 









indique lo contrario con una ubicación física. 




información actualizada sobre estos programas. 

Microsoft 


2/1 Microsoft Word Basics R { 

2/8 Microsoft Word Formatting Docs R { 

2/15 Microsoft Word Editing Tools R { 

2/22 Microsoft Word Tables R { 

Microsoft Access Series R 

Thursdays • 6 pm 

2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 

{Classes with this symbol are sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials to help bridge the digital divide 

and foster digital literacy skills. For more information on the Comcast Internet Essentials program, visit 

internetessentials.com. 

Adults 

Book Discussions 

Rakow Readers Book Club R 

Mondays • 1:30 pm 

1/25 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett 

2/22 Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts 

Nature’s Best Hope R 

Partner: The Wild Ones of Northern Kane County. 

Book Discussions 

1/23 2 pm 

1/25 7 pm 

2/4 2 pm 

2/13 2 pm 

Programs 

2/6 2 pm Getting Started with Native Gardening 

2/8 2 pm Invasive Plants 

2/10 7 pm Woodland Gardens 

2/18 2 pm Prairie Gardens 

2/25 7 pm Growing Native Plant Communities 

2/27 10 am The Biodynamic Engine That Drives Our 

Ecosystem 


5

Adults 

Crafts & More with Elda 



1/12 Chunky Knit Wrap/Blanket Part 1 

1/26 SOUP-er Bowl Crock Pot Recipes 

2/9 Easy Cake Truffles for Your Valentine 

2/23 Edible Focaccia Bread Bouquet Art 

1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic, 

World War I and Wilson R 


Historian Jim Gibbons will take you on the 

rollercoaster ride of your life through the 

decade of the 1910s including World War I 

and the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. 


newsletter are offered 

via an online platform 

unless otherwise 

indicated with a physical location. 






Bet you Didn't Know This 

About Elgin History R 


What kind of weather 

oddities has Elgin had? 

What famous people 

have visited the city? 

Hear these and other 

lesser-known facts 

about Elgin. Presenter: Jerry 

Turnquist, Elgin History Museum. 

Elgin: How Sweet It Is R 


Virtually taste sweet treats—from ice 

cream to popcorn and various other 

candies made in Elgin. 

Presenter: Linda Rock, Historian. 



una plataforma en línea, a menos que se 

indique lo contrario con una ubicación 

física. 




información actualizada sobre 


Writers’ Corner 

Poetry Writers Workshop 

Online R 

Mondays, 1/4, 2/1 • 7 pm 

Share your love of poetry with other 

local poets. Facilitator: Gareth Mann Sitz, poet and 

songwriter. 

Memoir Writing for 

Seniors NEW R 

Tuesdays, 1/12, 2/9 • 10 – 11 am 

Make new friends and share memories 

as you use your words to entertain and 

enlighten others. We will start with oral 

history and move to writing short 

memoir pieces. 

Writers on the Fox R 

Mondays, 1/25, 2/22 • 7 pm 

This writer's peer group will inspire and 

motivate writers of all genres using 

prompts and exercises for creative 

writing. Led by author Kathleen York. 

Extreme Self Care for 

Extreme Times R 


Explore strategies to preserve your sanity 

during this unprecedented time. 

Aging in Place R 

Tuesdays • 6:30 pm 

1/19 The Emerging Importance of 

Aging in Place 

1/26 Your Health Plan to Age in Place 

2/2 Legal & Financial Planning for 

Successful Age in Place Plan 

2/9 Transitioning to Senior Living 

Homebuying 101 R 

Tuesday, February 16 • 6:30 pm 

Learn if home ownership is right for you, 

the advantages and disadvantages of 

buying a home, and what you need to 

get the best rates and mortgage options 

available. 

ES =Descripción en español, ver pagina 7. 

Language 

Spanish Café Online ES R 

Mondays, January 4 – February 22 

Noon – 1 pm 

English Conversation Group 

Online ES R 

Tuesdays, January 5 – February 23 

6:30 pm 

German Conversation Group R 

Wednesdays, 1/27, 2/24 • 7 pm 

Go Bilingual Online ES R 

Wednesdays, January 6 – February 24 

6 pm 

Citizenship Conversation Group R 

Thursdays, 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/18 

6:30 pm 


en español 

Celebración de los Reyes 

Magos por Facebook Live 

Martes, 5 de ene. • 6 pm 

La festividad virtual incluirá un cuento, 

cómo hacer tu propia corona y música en 

vivo. Recoge una bolsita con los materiales 

para la manualidad de la corona en la 

Biblioteca Principal del 26 de diciembre 

al 6 de enero. Participa en un sorteo de 

una rosca. Postea en Facebook durante 

el evento: pon una foto con tu corona, 

o dinos como celebras los Reyes Magos. 


Para Familias 

Cuentos para la familia 

Los lunes, 4 de ene. – 8 de feb. 

7 pm 


Celebremos el Día de 

San Valentín 

Domingo, 14 de feb. • Mediodía 


Temas para Padres con 

Family Focus Online R 

Los martes • 10 am 

12 de ene. Cómo prepararte para la 

llegada de un bebé 

9 de feb. Programa de Asistencia 

para el cuidado Infantil 



una plataforma en línea, a menos que 

se indique lo contrario con una 

ubicación física. 




encontrar información actualizada sobre 


¡Empodérate y obtén 

tu tarjeta de la 

biblioteca en línea! 

No necesitas poderes de 

superhéroe para poder 

encontrar libros, música 

y películas. Concede el 

poder de una tarjeta 

gratis en línea—es válida 

por 90 días. Visita 

gbpl.info/getcard. 

Temas de Salud 

Grupo de Mujeres con 

Propósito Online 

viernes, 29 de ene. • 6 pm 

Disfruta de un tiempo especialmente para 

ti. Contaremos con invitadas que estarán 

compartiendo sus experiencias, retos y logros. 

Curso para Tomar Control de 

la Diabetes R 

Los jueves, 14 de ene. – 18 de feb. 

6 pm 

Conversaciones de Salud por 

Facebook Live 

Martes, 19 de ene. • 6:30 pm 


Apender Idiomas 

Clases de Computación 

Grupo de Conversación en Inglés R 

Los jueves, 5 de ene. – 23 de feb. • 6:30 pm 

Café en Español Grupo de Conversación Online R 

Los lunes, 4 de ene. – 22 de feb. • Mediodía 

Grupo de conversación para la Ciudadanía R 

Los jueves, 7, 21 de ene. y 4, 18 de feb. • 6:30 pm 

Podemos ayudarle a prepararse y estudiar. Comuníquese por 

correo en: biblioteca@gailborden.info o por texto al 224-407-2399. 

Go Bilingual Online R 

Los miércoles, 6 de ene. – 24 de feb. • 6 pm 

Cómo asistir 

Programas en Facebook Live 

Para participar conéctate el día del evento 

por Facebook live: gbpl.info/FBLV 

Programas "Online" 

Regístrese en gailborden.info/eventos. 

Al registrarse le contactaremos con el 

enlace y código para participar a través de 

la plataforma virtual Zoom. 

O envíenos un correo electrónico a 

biblioteca@gailborden.info o un mensaje 

de texto al 224-407-2399 si tiene preguntas 

o necesita ayuda. 

No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de la Biblioteca. 

Favor de registrarse. Puede registrarse para la serie 

completa o para una sola clase. 

Tu vida en Línea R 

Los sábados • 1 pm 

9 de ene. La Plataforma de Aprendizaje Canvas 

16 de ene. Herramientas para Manejar tu Tiempo 

23 de ene. Microsoft Office Word 

30 de ene. Microsoft Office Excel 

6 de feb. Microsoft Power Point 

El Mundo del Internet R 

Los sábados, 13 – 27 de feb. • Mediodía 

13 de feb. Introducción al Internet 

20 de feb. Los navegadores y buscadores 

27 de feb. Todo Sobre Chrome 

¿Va a tomar el 

exámen de la 

ciudadanía en 

español? 

Podemos ayudarle a 

prepararse y estudiar. 

Comuníquese por correo 

con biblioteca@ 

gailborden.info o por 

texto al 224-407-2399. 

R=Regístrese • Tres maneras: en línea en gailborden.info/eventos • por teléfono 847-429-4597 • en persona 


7

January- 

February 

City of Elgin 


Explore Elgin’s Winter Amenities 

Column written by Madison Bishop, Marketing & Experience Specialist for the 

Explore Elgin Area tourism bureau. 

When looking for something to do this winter, Elgin is the perfect place 

to enjoy wintertime activities. Elgin has been a top spot for outdoor 

adventures for years, and this winter isn’t any different. There are many 

activities perfect for friends and families to enjoy the scenic winter safely. 

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing 

Make some tracks snowshoeing or cross country skiing in the Elgin area’s 

forest preserves, parks and other trailed areas. With over 20,000 acres to 

discover, each outing can be a new adventure. The Fox River Trail is also a 

beautiful path to snowshoe on to observe the Fox River and frozen trees. 

And bring your binoculars! The area near the Gail Borden Public Library 

is known to be home to bald eagles during the colder months. 

Dog-Friendly Winter Hikes at 

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center 

If you are feeling adventurous this year and want to try something new, 

consider cross country skiing. Bowes Creek Country Club offers a full 

cross country skiing experience where trails are groomed when snow 

accumulates. Skiers must provide their own equipment. Whether it be 

snowshoeing or cross country skiing, it’s good to remember that having 

four inches of snow is recommended for these activities. 

Ice Fishing 

The Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin, part of Kane County Forest Preserve 

District, is a great spot for ice fishing. Grab a few friends, some food and 

warm clothes before heading over to the lake to set up operations. Be 

sure to call the campground at 630-232-5980 before arriving to make 

sure the lake is frozen solid enough for ice fishing. 

Sledding 

It would be a disservice not to mention the family favorite pastime of 

sledding. Families all around Elgin have a yearly go-to spot for sledding. 

Channing Park is a fan favorite spot as well as Wing Park and the 

Burnidge Forest Preserve. 

No matter what the activity, warming up is an essential part of 

wintertime fun. Elgin is home to countless local cafes to grab a cup of 

coffee or hot chocolate. Find a listing of locations as well as other 

wintertime events and activities at ExploreElginArea.com. 

A CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 

Hawthorne Hill is an excellent place to relax, recreate and 

explore the natural world, providing two ponds, a nature 

play area and about two miles of looped trails that are open 

daily from dawn until dusk. The 67-acre natural area that 

flanks both sides of Brookside Drive has a wheelchair 

accessible trail that leads to the pond and sedge meadow, as 

well as wide, wood-chipped trails to access other areas. It’s a 

great place to explore with your dog. Just make sure to 

cleanup after your pet– there are convenient waste stations 

placed along the trails. 

#ExploreElgin 

Explore Elgin is a community-wide campaign supporting 

the City’s goal to be a “city of choice” - a top place for 

people to live, create opportunities, grow their families 

and businesses and enjoy visiting year-round. This is 

achieved through collaboration with partners and 

residents building on the community’s strengths and 

showcasing all that Elgin has to offer. 

The next time you’re looking to Explore Elgin, search for 

#ExploreElgin on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and 

visit ExploreElginArea.com. 


A


City of Elgin 


36th annual 

Dr. Martin Luther 

King Jr. Celebration 

"The whirlwind of revolt will 

continue to shake the foundations 

of our nation until the bright day of 

justice emerges." 

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Let the Bright Day of Justice Emerge 

Each year, the City of Elgin Human Relations Commission takes great pride in 

presenting a weekend of activities celebrating the life of one of our country’s 

greatest civil rights leaders, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s 

theme is “Let the bright day of justice emerge.” A branch of the commission, 

the Martin Luther King Committee, organizes several programs to carry on the 

legacy of Dr. King, including a youth scholarship program, food drive, youth 

day of service and prayer breakfast. Some of these events may be altered from 

their traditional formats due to the pandemic, so the most updated 

information and announcements can be found at cityofelgin.org/mlk. 

2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship is awarded annually to students who 

have demonstrated an active interest and meaningful involvement in the 

areas of human rights, civil rights, social justice and/or world peace. 

Scholarships may also be awarded to students whose activities are 

exemplary and reflect the ideals and life of Dr. King. Donations help provide 

very deserving young people the ability to attend college and become 

successful, contributing leaders of our community. Donations can be made 

anytime at cityofelgin.org/mlkyouthdonation. 

10th Annual Dr. King Food Drive 

For the past nine years, the Dr. King Food Drive has collected 

thousands of pounds of food for the less fortunate in our 

community. The committee’s 2021 goal is to collect and 

Martin 

Luther 

distribute 80,000 pounds of food and household items for our local food 

pantries. Every $1.00 donation collected equals 8 pounds of 

food. With your generous donation, we can reach our goal. 

Donate today at cityofelgin.org/mlkfooddonation. 

King Jr. 

Check the cityofelgin.org/mlk and the City’s Facebook page for 

information on drive through food drive events. If you would like to help 

with the food drive, call Joe Wars at 847-742-2228. 

Wanted: Sidewalk Heroes 

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES. 

Some are geared up in layers of winter wear and armed 

with a trusty shovel or snowblower. 

Will you be the Sidewalk Hero your neighborhood needs 

this winter? Some are not physically able to shovel. People 

with disabilities, the elderly, meter readers and mail carriers 

all need your help to keep the sidewalks clear of snow and 

ice this winter. Sidewalks may see heavier traffic this winter, 

too, as many people are staying home and working from 

home more frequently. A leisurely walk around the 

neighborhood is a great way to get some fresh air and 

exercise. 

Have a big heart 

Own snow gear 

*cape + mask optional 

Requirements: 

Own a shovel 

or snow blower 

40 lb 

Ability to lift upwards 

of 40 pounds 

*snow can be heavy 

Share your good deeds and find others like you. Upload 

your photos on social media with #SidewalkHeroes. The 

City may share or photo or offer you a prize! For more 

information, visit cityofelgin.org/sidewalkheroes. 

GAILBORDEN.INFO B 

CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 

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City of Elgin 


Elgin Sustainability Commission 

About the Sustainability Commission 

The City of Elgin adopted the Elgin Sustainability Action Plan in 

2011, incorporating goals and tasks identified by nine citizen 

work groups. The Elgin Sustainability Commission was then 

formed to oversee implementation of plan. 

The Commission consists of nine community volunteers who 

meet monthly and whose duties include: 

Make recommendations to city council for projects, 

programs, policies and initiatives that support the action plan 

Engage citizens and organizations in projects and events 

Hear presentations on sustainable practices or initiatives 

for implementation in Elgin 

Organize and promote events to highlight citywide 

efforts in sustainability 

Volunteers Needed 

The City of Elgin Sustainability Commission is actively 

recruiting community members to contribute to their efforts to 

help educate residents and businesses, and to take action to 

make Elgin a more sustainable community. 

Those interested can get involved by joining the commission or 

serving on one of the commission’s work groups. The 

commission’s work groups focus on specific areas of 

sustainability, such as waste, solar and climate action. 

Find more information online: 

cityofelgin.org/sustainability 

facebook.com/elginsustainability 

A Message from the Elgin Sustainability Commission 

On May 27, 2020, the City of Elgin endorsed a Resolution 

Declaring a Climate Emergency, thereby joining over 13,700 

scientists and 1,800 governmental bodies worldwide in 

proclaiming a climate crisis. These declarations call for immediate 

action to reduce the release of greenhouse and to offset their 

harmful impacts on human lives and the environment. Increases 

in droughts, wildfires, severe storms, flooding and poisoned and 

rising oceans are among the effects of climate change. There is 

firm evidence that climate change and its effects are progressing 

faster than predicted. 

The Elgin Climate Emergency Resolution calls for community-wide 

engagement. Individual sustainable living practices, widespread 

use of green technology and new regulations will likely be 

needed. 

Please join with the climate action work group of the Sustainability 

Commission to learn, discuss, plan, innovate and act. 

“Elgin and cities around the world are 

integral to tackling the global challenge 

of climate change. Cities are both a 

major source of greenhouse gas 

emissions, and a major source of 

climate change solutions,” said Elgin 

Sustainability Commission Chair 

Tom Armstrong. “We are running out 

of time as a global society to take action. 

We view efforts to address climate 

change as a moral imperative to 

protect future generations and the 

health of all living things on the planet.” 

Tom Armstrong, 

Chairman 

Elgin Sustainability 

Commission 

Find more information on climate change and the climate 

action work group on the City of Elgin’s website: 

cityofelgin.org/climate 

C CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 


C


City of Elgin 


Partner Organizations Offer Valuable Services and Resources 

The City of Elgin proudly partners with local organizations that help 

support the residents and businesses of Elgin by offering services and 

resources and improving the quality of life and image of our city. Get to 

know these featured organizations: 

Explore Elgin Area 

Explore Elgin Area is the area’s certified convention 

and visitors bureau. The team works with venues 

like the Elgin Sports Complex, the Hemmens 

Cultural Center and The Haight to attract groups to the area for 

weddings, tournaments and meetings. Explore Elgin Area then assists 

local businesses in promoting their products and services to the visiting 

groups. Weekly blogs and an extensive social media plan through 

@ExploreElgin help to showcase the community as a place to visit, live 

and work. Ideas on how to explore the community can be found at 

ExploreElginArea.com. 

Downtown Neighborhood Association 

of Elgin (DNA) 

Working on behalf of every Downtown Elgin business owner, property 

owner, stakeholder and resident in conjunction with City leaders and 

community volunteers. The DNA’s mission is to revitalize, enhance and 

sustain Elgin’s historic city center. 

DNA helps strengthen the economic vitality of the downtown by 

providing strategic business support services available to all downtown 

businesses, cultivating a network of entrepreneurs interested in 

considering a downtown location and driving foot-traffic and visibility 

through positive community building events such as the Elgin Farmers 

Market and seasonal promotional campaigns. Learn more at 

downtownelgin.com. 

Elgin Area Chamber 

The Elgin Area Chamber (EAC) provides a 

platform for businesses to gain valuable insight 

and be successful through a range of extensive programs, services, 

connections and resources. EAC works in partnership with the 

community to create a business climate of growth and success 

in which all businesses can prosper. 

As the area’s largest business organization of entrepreneurs, small 

businesses, middle-market companies, non-profits, professionals, 

manufacturers and corporations, the EAC offers businesses a variety of 

opportunities to gain expertise and knowledge, build meaningful 

relationships, engage with business peers and make a positive impact 

on the community. Learn more at elginchamber.com. 

Elgin Development Group 

The Elgin Development Group (EDG), a division 

of the EAC, is focused on helping business remain 

strong and grow. EDG’s business assistance includes 

business retention and relocation, workforce development, business 

expansion, site selection, 

fast-track permitting, small 

business resources and 

international trade 

assistance. EDG provides 

solutions that challenge 

our business community 

and help them achieve 

success. Learn more at 

elgindevelopment.com. 

Keeping Up with COVID-19 

The City continues to adapt its operations to the dynamic restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The City of Elgin’s dedicated website, 

cityofelgin.org/coronavirus, continues to be the central location for all local COVID-19 information, service impacts, financial assistance 

and other resources, news and much more. In addition to our partner organization webpages, the City of Elgin’s Mapping Resource Hub 

(cityofelgin.org/resourcemapping) also lists updated information on Elgin businesses, nonprofits and other organizations, as offerings 

may change based on restrictions and other factors. 


CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 

D 

D

Board of Trustees: 

Jean Bednar, President 

Elizabeth Kruger, Vice President 

Patricia Harkin, Secretary 

Amanda Garcia 

Herb Gross 

Tiffany Henderson 

John Kokoris 

Library Director - Carole Medal 

Newsletter Editor - Denise Raleigh 

Assistant Editors - Liz Clemmons, 

Natalie Kiburg 

Graphic Designers - Laura Espinoza, 

Karen Natalie Gilpatrick Kiburg, Karen Gilpatrick 

This newsletter contains recycled 

paper and soy-based inks. 

Main Library 

270 N. Grove Ave. 

Elgin, IL 60120 

847–742–2411 

Building Hours 

Mon-Thu 9 am – 9 pm 

Fri-Sat 9 am – 6 pm 

Sun Noon – 5 pm 

Drive-Up Window 



Sun 11:30 am – 5 pm 

Rakow Branch 

2751 W. Bowes Rd. 


847–531–7271 





Mon-Thu 

Fri-Sat 

Sun 

Drive-Up Window 

8:30 am – 8 pm 

8:30 am – 5 pm 

11:30 am – 5 pm 

ECRWSS 

LOCAL POSTAL PATRON 

South Elgin Branch 

127 S. McLean Blvd. 

South Elgin, IL 60177 

847–931–2090 





Please check gailborden.info/covid-19-updates or sign up for our 

eNewsletter at gailborden.info/events/newsletter for updates. 

Mon-Thu 

Fri-Sat 

Sun 

Lobby Hours 

9:30 am – 7 pm 

9:30 am – 5 pm 

11:30 am – 4 pm 

Non-Profit Organization 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 


Permit No. 164 

Photo Release 

All visitors agree to be 

photographed/videographed 

during library events/activities 

for future marketing purposes. 

Customers with Disabilities 

The Library accommodates 

customers with disabilities. Please 

call 847-742-2411 to discuss 

arrangements at least seven days 

prior to a scheduled event. 

Thank you community. 

Due to our work with many paners, paners, 

your library received the nation’s 

highest honor conferred on 

museums and libraries 

for service to the 

community: the 

National Medal for 

Museum and 

Library Services. 

Library Closings 

All Library locations and services: 

• Closed all day December 24-27 and 

December 31-January 3. 

Passport services will not be available. 

Visit our 24/7elibrary to discover 

hoopla, Kanopy, PressReader, 

cloudLibrary, Freegal, Tumblebooks and 

other great resources for all ages. 

Wiggle at our Wiggle 

Interactive Storywalk 

Bike Trail - West of the Main Library 

Get outside and wiggle! Visit the Main 

Library Wiggle stations outside along the 

Bike Trail to read this interactive story 

based on the book Wiggle by Doreen 

Cronin that features a dog who loves to 

wiggle. All stations are in English 

and Spanish. 

While you read the Wiggle interactive 

story, take a fun picture with Wiggle. 

Then, text your picture and last name 

to (847) 857-7740 and you can pick up a 

"You with Wiggle" button picture at the 

contactless drive-up at the Main library 

in 5 business days from the day of the 

text. Or pick up a button with just Wiggle 

at the contactless drive-up window now. 

www.gailborden.info/storywalk 

Foundation Corner 

Thank you to our successful Gail Borden 

Public Library District Foundation, 

generous donors, wonderful volunteers, 

and our Gail's Sales shoppers. Even during 

this challenging year, the Sprinter van 

was added to bring more literacy and 

programming opportunities into the 

community and the School Year Reading 

program received needed support. Visit 

the website to read more about the 

Foundation and its impact. To make a 

donation, please visit gbpl.info/donate. 

You can now view The 

Foundation Community 

Impact Year in 

Review enhanced 

web version by 

visiting gbpl.info/gbfdn2020.

January February 2021 Newsletter

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