New year? Join ‘New Mind & Body’ events at Gail Borden Library
The start of a new year is the perfect time to focus on both mental and physical wellness. As 2026 begins, take a moment to reset, recharge and prioritize self-care. Gail Borden Public Library offers a wide variety of programs for all skill levels, designed to help participants refresh, refocus and rejuvenate for the year ahead.
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.
Wit's Workout
Adults are encouraged to sharpen their minds with a fun Wits Workout, an intellectually stimulating program that will be held at 10 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13, at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin. This program combines mental exercises, social interaction, and education on brain health in a friendly, engaging and interactive setting. Registration required.
Calming an Anxious Mind
Adults will learn practical strategies to calm racing minds and reduce stress in this virtual program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15. In today’s fast-paced and often uncertain world, it’s easy for our minds to get stuck in overdrive. This program, led by a licensed clinical professional counselor, will help participants discover techniques to quiet racing thoughts, release physical tension, and cultivate a greater sense of calm and balance. Anxiety can leave you feeling tense, distracted and disconnected from the present moment. This program is provided by Pivotal Counseling Center in partnership with the Dundee Township Mental Health Board. Register to attend this virtual program.
Meal Prep for Busy Latinos
Explore the connection between food, culture, and well-being at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd. This interactive program will combine group discussion, practical healthy-eating tips and a creative art activity, “My Plate of Purpose,” to help participants embrace culture while making nutritious choices. Presented by V4ME Wellness, this bilingual program is designed to inspire healthier habits in a fun and meaningful way. Registration required.
Vitality and Stress
Adults will discover ways to increase vitality and manage stress in this virtual program, offered at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20 and Feb. 3. Participants will explore breath practices and the use of sound, rhythm, and movement to strengthen nervous system resilience and promote overall well-being. Register to attend this virtual program.
Create and Maintain Healthy Habits for Life
Struggling to reach your health or life goals? Join this virtual session at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. Adults will discover why resolutions often fail and learn how to set meaningful intentions while building sustainable habits around mindset, nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. Register to attend this virtual program.
Pilates con Amor: Pilates with Love
Celebrate self-love, movement, and community with Pilates con Amor, a Valentine’s-themed bilingual wellness session at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Main Library. Led by JBF Studio, a Latina-owned fitness brand dedicated to empowering hearts, minds, and bodies through movement, this class invites participants to connect, energize and celebrate wellness together. Participants should bring their own mats and are encouraged to wear pink or red for Valentine’s Day. Registration required.