Elgin businesses offer discounts to library cardholders

Gail Borden Public Library cards will be worth more than ever this month. The library has teamed up with almost 40 businesses from the Elgin area that have promised discounts for cardholders throughout September — National Library Card Signup Month.

Liz Clemmons, Gail Borden's marketing coordinator, said she hopes the deals motivate people who don't have library cards to get their own but the effort also should be good for businesses. As cardholders make their way into local stores for discounts, it will mean more customers.

Restaurants dominate the list of participating organizations, with many offering 10-percent discounts. Others offer free products, like dessert at La Quebrada with any $10 purchase or a Frosty at Wendy's with the purchase of a combo meal.

Salons, antique shops and book stores also are participating. Jesse Buck, owner of Modern Age Comics, said he is offering 25 percent off any graphic novel purchase or structure deck for any trading card game in September.

“The whole thing is to get the kids to read or spend time socializing,” Buck said. “Card games are good for that.”

The Taylor branch of the YMCA is offering half off the joiner fee — a discount that can open the door to others. A membership card for the Y also is good for price cuts at participating stores.

Kay Catlin said the organization chose to team up with the Gail Borden Public Library for the September initiative because it fits into the YMCA's goal in the community.

“Healthy body, healthy mind,” Catlin said. “It's all part of a healthy lifestyle.”

You don't necessarily have to live in Elgin to participate. Anyone living in the Gail Borden district can sign up for a card at the library with two forms of identification.

The complete list of participating organizations is available at gailborden.info.