Unwrap holiday fun with Santa photos and celebrations at Gail Borden Library
Enjoy festive events for the whole family this holiday season at Gail Borden Public Library. Whether it’s shopping for great holiday gifts, visiting Santa, or completing some fun holiday crafts, the library has everything needed for a fun time this holiday season.
Register for these programs online at gailborden.info/events, by phone at (847) 429-4597, or in person at any library location. All programs mentioned will be held at the Gail Borden Main Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, unless otherwise noted.
Holiday Book Sale
Stock up on gently-used books at great prices for everyone on the shopping list this year. This sale will take place at the Main Library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Most items priced at only $1 or $2.
Proceeds from the Gail Borden Library Foundation book sales go toward supporting exciting exhibits such as Dinosaur Explorer, along with literacy initiatives for the Library community. Learn more at www.gailborden.info/booksale.
Discover Kwanzaa
Celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, virtually via Zoom. Learn about the seven principles and symbols of Kwanzaa in both English and Kiswahili. Storyteller Elizabeth Kahura will share how Christmas is celebrated in Africa and compare it with other global celebrations such as Diwali and Hanukkah. With music, drumming, poetry, pictures, and props, this interactive program offers a vibrant and memorable way to explore winter holiday traditions. Register to attend this virtual program.
Holiday Santa Photo Op
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus will be taking pictures with children and families on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the main library. Capture the perfect holiday photo with Santa — and a few merry dinosaurs — just in time for the season. As a special treat, families who show they have checked out a book or other item from the collection during their visit will receive a special photo keepsake, free of charge! Registration is required for one of the available time slots: 4., 4:30, 5 or 5:30 p.m. to attend this program. Registrants will be photographed on a first-come, first-served basis within their registered time slot. This program will be offered in English and Spanish.
Holiday Posada at the Library
Celebrate the holidays with crafts, stories, refreshments and classic Christmas carols on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the main library. Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season with special performances by the Elgin Youth Choir and the Children's Choir from St. Joseph Church. This is a drop-in program with no registration. This program will be offered in English and Spanish.
Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus will be visiting from the North Pole at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd., along with one of the holiday elves. Enjoy a storytime, a sweet treat and pictures with Mrs. Claus. Register to attend this event.
Fancy & Festive Holiday Cupcakes
Learn how to decorate beautiful holiday-themed cupcakes at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the main library. Adults can register to experience this holiday cupcake decorating master class with Danyelle Luce, head pastry chef at Paul's Family Restaurant. Fancy cupcakes are perfectly portioned treats that bring festive fun and sweet indulgence to any holiday party or family gathering to spread some seasonal cheer. Register to attend this event.
Fiesta Cultural Parranda Puertorriqueña
Discover and celebrate exciting Puerto Rican holiday traditions from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the main library. Attendees will learn about social, musical and historical traditions in Puerto Rico. Special guests include Aurora author and historian Taina Torres, who was Aurora’s Miss Puerto Rico 2023, and Orlando Rivera, conductor and co-founder of The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra. The event also will feature a Cultural Marketplace and Photo Station. This program is offered in collaboration with Boricuas Unidos de Elgin. This program will be offered in English and Spanish. Register to attend this event.
Three Kings Celebration
Families can visit and meet Gaspar, Melchor and Balthazar, the “Three Kings,” take pictures with them and enjoy a taste of traditional rosca on Saturday, Jan. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the main library. Stay for stories, crafts and more! This program is offered in partnership with the Mexican Organization of Elgin. This program will be offered in English and Spanish.