Explore ‘Earth Matters’ at Gail Borden Library’s summer exhibition
Are you ready to explore our changing planet through a different lens, immerse yourself in incredible ecosystems, and learn how the smallest of actions can have a big impact on our natural world?
Stop by Gail Borden Public Main Library for the “Earth Matters: Rethink the Future” exhibit opening May 18 and continuing through Aug. 16.
Created by the renowned Scitech in Perth, Australia and produced by Imagine, Earth Matters features thought-provoking and fully interactive exhibits, covering topical themes such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and carbon emissions across an informative journey that will inspire visitors to find new answers to big questions.
“We are excited to bring this world-class experience that turns complex global challenges into hands-on discoveries to the Gail Borden Public Library,” said Natalie Kiburg, spokeswoman for the Gail Borden Public Library District. “We know how much our visitors love getting up close and hands-on with amazing exhibits, and Earth Matters allows visitors to do that in such an immersive way.”
The Exhibition Experience
Whether you’re exploring the 3D coral reef and the changes in its ecosystem, or seeing the hidden life of a tree, every visitor will walk away with powerful connections to nature to help push their own ideas to new heights. Then, rethink a more sustainable future — starting in your own backyard.
Listen and learn about endangered species and experience large-scale visualizations of changes taking place in our natural world. In other exhibits, a mechanical pump demonstrates how much water is used in the production of a single chocolate bar and other popular lifestyle consumables.
“Imagine is proud to partner with Scitech to bring Earth Matters to Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin,” said Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine. “Earth Matters is a great way for families to spark their creativity and find STEM-based solutions for real-world challenges, making the world a better place in the process.”
Earthy programming
Gail Borden Public Library District will host a variety of nature-themed events throughout the summer that tie in perfectly with Earth Matters: Rethink the Future and the library’s 2026 “Plant a Seed — Read! Summer Reading Challenge. Discover some exciting upcoming events below.
Ribbon cutting
Families are invited to celebrate the Earth Matters Kickoff with a brief ribbon cutting, giveaways and more at 4 p.m. Monday, May 18, at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin. Become one of the first to discover this incredible new interactive exhibition! Receive a stamp for each exhibit zone you explore and once you have collected all the stamps, you will earn a special earthy prize.
40 Years of habitat restoration
Bluff Spring Fen is a 170-acre preserve near Elgin with wetlands, hill prairies, and oak woodlands. “Brush Piles, Burning & Butterflies: 40 Years of Habitat Restoration” uses images to trace 40 years of restoration and its rare plants and wildlife.
It will be led by Doug Taron, the chief curator emeritus for the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum who is active in butterfly conservation research in the Midwest. The program will be offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, in the main library’s Elgin Room and via Zoom. Registration is required.
The program includes current and historic images of Bluff Spring Fen and tracks the 40-year effort to transform the preserve from neglect and abuse to a premiere example of a rare Illinois ecosystem. Learn about a selection of the many plant and animal species that make the fen their home.
Composting 101
Adults are invited to discover the many benefits of home composting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin. A Master Gardener will guide you on how to turn landscape waste into high-quality compost that you can use to enrich your soil. Registration is required.
National Gardening Week
During National Gardening Week June 7-13, take home your very own seeds from the Seed Library at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin. You can learn how to grow your own vegetables, herbs and flowers with helpful guides.
Garden with Cindy Crosby
Learn all the secrets of the garden from Master Gardener and natural history writer Cindy Crosby from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, June 11-25, at the South Elgin Branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd. Learn how some of these plants have been viewed and celebrated in different cultures throughout history.
For registration, or more information about the “Earth Matters” exhibit and upcoming Earth and nature programs, visit gailborden.info/earthmatters.
The library extends its sincere appreciation to Earth Matters sponsor, the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation. These exhibitions would not be possible for the Library community without the incredible support of sponsors.
If you are interested in sponsoring the exhibit, please reach out to Natalie Kiburg, Division Chief of Public Relations & Development, at nkiburg@gailborden.info.