Children rush to explore all that’s new in renovated KidSpace at Gail Borden Library
The race was on Friday at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin.
Counting down from five, hundreds of children watched as the curtains were pulled back to reveal the library’s fully renovated and reimagined KidSpace, and off they went to explore every nook and cranny of the new area designed for elementary school-aged kids.
The reveal highlighted the second phase of a renovation project that began in January 2025, modernizing the approximately 19,200-square-foot children's area into a “world-class hub for learning and discovery,” said Natalie Kiburg, division chief of public relations & development.
“It’s so great to finally see kids in here and looking as happy about the space as we feel about it,” Kiburg said. “Now kids of all ages can enjoy a space that was made with them in mind.”
The elementary space joins the early learning area that opened in May 2025. That space included a new play area with three “workshops,” a 15-foot-tall, two-sided bubble wall, a “baby garden” play area, new furniture and more.
The new area features a centralized “Izaak Walton League Park” that carries on the nature theme from phase one of the renovation. The bright space has myriad seating areas to enjoy books and other resources, as well as gaming and e-learning stations.
Karyn Ovellana was checking out the space with her family, including 4-year-old Mateo and 3-year-old Emma. She said the timing of the opening was perfect as her kids were growing out of the early learning area.
“This is beautiful, and the kids are loving it,” Ovellana said. “I had no idea it would be this big. It’s awesome to have this space.”
Library board president Jean Bednar said one of the first things she does whenever she travels is check out the local library. She said her reaction is always the same when she returns home.
“I come back here every time and feel like this library blows them all away,” she said. “It just offers so much more.”
The grand opening festivities included a roving magician, face painting, giveaways, crafts, a scavenger hunt and an interactive wall.