New COVID-19 restrictions coming to Gail Borden Library

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Kane County, the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin is shifting service models starting Wednesday, officials said.

"The safety of our customers and staff are of the utmost importance," said Denise Raleigh, the library's division chief, Public Relations & Development. "We're looking at all the service models to determine the best path forward during this current surge."

Announced changes that will begin Wednesday include a two-hour time limit for visitors to the buildings, and seating throughout the library will no longer be available with the exception for those with physical needs. Additionally, the River Room will be closed.

Other changes could be announced during a special board meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom and information is available at meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1426?thin=true.

In other library news, the board of trustees recently announced the appointment of John Kokoris of Elgin as a new trustee.

Kokoris' appointment was announced during the Nov. 10 board meeting. He takes the place of former trustee Sue Moylan, who continues to serve on the Library Foundation Board.

Kokoris has previously served as community services coordinator at Addison Public Library and on the Forest Park Public Library board and said he was looking for a chance to help out as an Elgin resident.

"I spent nine years working in libraries and have been involved in projects that have really changed people's lives - getting them jobs or health insurance, helping them with immigration issues, language learning, computer issues, you name it," Kokoris said.

He touted libraries as unique spaces in the community.

"Where else can anybody go and have access to so many resources with no pressure to buy anything or explain themselves? They're the perfect example of how we can share things and work together with our neighbors to make each other's lives better."