Gail Borden Public Library prepares for summer reading grand finale
The finish line is in sight! The Gail Borden Public Library District is issuing a final call to readers of all ages to finish the Plant A Seed – Read 2026 Summer Reading Challenge and turn in reading logs to claim rewards before the Aug. 15 deadline.
This year, the prizes for reading include local business coupons and books. All finishers will receive a free swim pass to Wing Park or Lords Park pools. Children who finish also can enter prize drawings for items such as an American Girl doll, LEGO sets, a Toniebox, Squishmallows, arts and crafts supplies, dollhouses and more. Adults can also enter prize drawings for gift cards to Chipotle, Target and other retailers.
“The children have already surpassed an amazing 1.7 million minutes read,” said Natalie Kiburg, library spokeswoman, “But there is still time to complete the reading challenge and help us exceed our 3.5 million minute children’s reading goal! “
“Most importantly,” Kiburg added, “We want to make sure every child, teen and adult who participated makes sure to collect their well-deserved rewards. That's part of the fun of Summer Reading!”
Participants can bring their paper reading logs into any Gail Borden Public Library location before the deadline or complete their logs online at gailborden.info/read2026.
Grand finale events
To celebrate the community's reading achievements, the library is hosting two major end-of-summer celebration events, including:
Summer Reading Meet & Greet: Pokechu & Trainer – Monday, Aug. 3
Meet and snap photos with everyone’s favorite electric friend, Pokechu, and his Trainer at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Children who show their summer reading progress or finished logs will receive an extra special prize during the meet and greet. There will also be a Family Technology Prize drawing for an Amazon Kids tablet or an Amazon Echo Kids device. Adults may enter for a chance to win an Amazon device for a child in their life while attending this event, thanks to generous donations from Promac Inc. and Amazon. Limit one entry per customer. Participants must be Gail Borden cardholders and show proof of checkout within the last seven days to receive an entry into the drawing.
Summer Reading Celebration – Saturday, Aug. 15
Celebrate crossing the Summer Reading finish line with a high-energy lawn party at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on the lawn outside the main library. Enjoy free treats from the Kona Ice truck, a kids DJ, outdoor games, crafts and endless library fun. This event will be the last chance your reading logs for an afternoon filled with crafts, activities, yard games and more.
For more information, to register for events, or to start tracking reading, visit gailborden.info/read2026 or drop by any library location.