Gail Borden Library celebrating 150 years

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist will discuss the history of the Gail Borden Library, the first of many special activities and events to commemorate its 150th anniversary.

The program will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Meadows Community Rooms ABC at the Main Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin.

The 1870s brought innovation and change to Elgin and the entire country. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, and Elgin’s first public library opened its doors.

Much has happened in 150 years, from Gail Borden Library’s beginning with a collection of 2,000 books in 1874 to the community center it is today.

Turnquist will take you through the years, revealing little-known facts and stories about the library — the origin of its unusual name, the person behind that name, how the library expanded to meet the needs of a growing community, and how it has met challenges through the decades.

Sign up for the program at gailborden.info/register, by calling (847) 429-4597 or in person at any library location. For more information about the library’s 150th anniversary, visit gailborden.info/150.