Join Gail Borden for holiday programs, parties, singalongs and more

The Gail Borden Public Library is offering a variety of holiday programs in December. For details, call (847) 742-2411 or visit www.gailborden.info.

"The Polar Express":

Come in your pajamas when Elgin Alive Series presents this movie based on children's author Chris Van Allsburg's modern holiday classic. It will be shown from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, in the main library's Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. It will feature Books at Sunset's Judi Brownfield as Mrs. Claus and Christina Harshbarger as the Polar Express Conductor.

Kwanzaa Stories and Celebration:

Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa in this engaging family program featuring stories, entertainment, crafts and refreshments. It will be 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the main library's Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. It is being presented in cooperation with the City of Elgin and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission.

Festival of Lights:

Learn about Hanukkah through stories, music, food and the dreidel game at the "Festival of Lights: Hanukkah Stories, Traditions and Treats" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, in the main library's Meadows Community Rooms A-B. It is presented in cooperation with the Congregation Kneseth Israel.

Music in the Stacks:

The "Music in the Stacks" continues with the Random Ringers from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, in the lobby of the main library.

The 13 members of the Random Ringers Handbell Choir will perform renditions of classic holiday carols - new and old - geared toward all ages under the direction of Beth McFarland.

Marshall Field's Holiday Traditions:

Amy Meadows, former director of windows and marketing events for Marshall Field's and Macy's, provides a sneak peek into the design and execution of the famed animated windows, Main Aisle decor and the Great Tree. "Behind the Scenes at Marshall Field's Holiday Traditions" will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, in the main library's Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Register at gailborden.info/register, by calling (847) 429-4597 or stopping by the library.

Tinsel Time:

Preschoolers can celebrate the holidays by singing and dancing with Mrs. Claus and Shaun Whitley from Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music at "Tinsel Time" from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the main library's Meadows Community Room. Mrs. Claus will be available for photos after the show.

Posada:

Bring your family and friends for crafts, Mexican punch, stories, a piñata and carols with the St. Joseph Church choir at the "Posada" from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in the main library's Meadows Community Room. This program will be in Spanish. It is for all ages. No registration is required.

Holiday Singalong with Mrs. Claus!:

Sing holiday favorites, old and new, with John LaBorn and take photos with Mrs. Claus from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, in the lobby of the main library. The sing-along also will be offered with Josh McClure from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W Bowes Road in Elgin.

Happy Noon Year Party:

Do you have preschoolers, age 3 to 5, who can't stay up until midnight? Come ring in the new year early with fun stories, games, holiday food and dancing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, in the Hoffer meeting room at the South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd.

A "Happy Noon Year Party" also will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, in the Shales Living Room of the Rakow Branch and in the main library's Meadows Community Rooms.

Register at gailborden.info/register, by calling (847) 429-4597 or stopping by the library.

Three Kings Celebration:

Meet Gaspar, Melchor and Balthazar and take your picture with them and stay for stories and crafts from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, in the main library's lobby. It is being presented with partner Organization of México in Elgin. Register at gailborden.info/register, by calling (847) 429-4597 or stopping by the library.