Honoring Women’s History Month at Gail Borden Library
Looking back on 150 years
Celebrate women from the past and present who have made a difference. Local women who contributed to the growth and vitality of the community during the past 150 years will be in the spotlight at the Women’s History Exhibit in March at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.
The accomplishments of local women in health care and Gail Borden Library directors also will be highlighted.
Women’s self-defense, intriguing stories of Elgin-area women, a famous author of the “Misty” series, and International Women’s Day are the themes of special women’s programs in March. To register for any of the programs, go to gailborden.info/register, call (847) 429-4597 or register in person at any library location.
‘Self-defense with Lindsey’
Lindsey Daehnke of Strictly Self-Defense will teach simple self-defense techniques from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, at the South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd. Her goal is to empower members of her community to make smart decisions by creating a self-defense mindset.
‘Herstory: Stories of Elgin Women’ with Linda Rock
Historian Linda Rock will bring Elgin women from the past to life by portraying several to share their fascinating stories. The program will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, in the main library’s Elgin Room. Rock will portray Laura Gifford, whose husband founded Elgin; Mary Carpenter Lord, who with her husband donated the property for Lords Park; and Anna Schrader, a young immigrant from Sweden who worked at the Elgin National Watch Co.
Women with Purpose Group: International Women’s Day
Celebrate International Women’s Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, in the main library’s Meadows Community Rooms. Presented by Women with Purpose, the event will feature music, snacks and information about mental health in Latino culture and the experience of culture shock. Gail Borden Library Associate Natalie Vargas will give a presentation, “Mexicans in Elgin: Those Who Came and Those Who Stayed” while Dian Amar presents her new music video. The program will be in Spanish with English translation.
‘Marguerite, Misty, & Me’ with author Susan Friedland
Did you know that Marguerite Henry did research for her iconic horse books like “Misty of Chincoteague” at Gail Borden Library? Author and horse lover Susan Friedland loved Marguerite Henry’s “Misty” books when she was growing up. Hear her discoveries of Henry’s life in Kane County, where the real Misty was stabled, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, in the main library’s Elgin Room. Friedland’s book, “Marguerite, Misty and Me: A Horse Lover's Hunt for the Hidden History of Marguerite Henry and her Chincoteague Pony,” will be available for purchase and signing. Those attending the program are invited to bring Breyer horse figurines they own for a “show and tell.”