Gail Borden to host family picnic Monday

Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin, invites the community to a family picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8.

Have you ever wanted to touch or climb on a real truck? Come see, touch and climb on an Elgin fire engine, an Elgin police car, Elgin public works vehicles and more will be on display starting at 6:30 p.m. in the outdoor lawn and stage area.

Bring a picnic dinner to the library's west lawn at 6 p.m. Beverage and dessert will be provided by the library.

In case of inclement weather, families are invited to eat their picnic dinners on the floor in the Community Rooms beginning at 6 p.m.

For information, contact Denise Raleigh at (847) 429-5981 or visit www.gailborden.info.

The library also is offering a "Homeschool Meet-Up" from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, in the library's youth center. Are you interested in starting home schooling but don't know where to start? Do you already home-school and want to meet other families? Join in this opportunity to make friends and to share ideas.

On Thursday, Aug. 11, join in "Moon Gazing" from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. outside the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin.

Weather conditions permitting, participants will be looking at the moon through a telescope. If it is dark enough there may be a chance to see Saturn and Mars as well. All ages welcome.

Want to see, touch, or even hold an exotic animal? Or hear the rescue stories behind each creature? Come to "Animals for Awareness," a preschool program where kids will learn about wildlife like snakes, foxes, and hedgehogs!

It will be offered form 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12, in the Meadows Community Rooms at the main library. It is best for preschoolers and their families. Presented by Animals for Awareness in Palos Park. For more information about Animals for Awareness, call Kim Schilling at (630) 581-3052.