Briefs: Gail Borden sees surge in library card applicants

Gail Borden library staffers have registered 2,791 library cards in October - a 70 percent increase compared last year. At this rate, library marketing director Denise Raleigh said, the library will break all records for registration, including during the grand opening of the building in 2003. Raleigh credits Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Jose Torres' Library Card Challenge, asking every student and staff member to register for a card, as the reason for the surge. The library has almost run out of its stock of cards and has placed an emergency order for more.

Centegra sponsors cancer event

Centegra Health System is sponsoring a free cancer symposium from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at McHenry County College. The speakers will talk about quality-of-life issues for cancer patients. Lunch will be served. Call (877) 236-8347.

Fall cleanup and blood drive

Bandito Barney's Beach Club & Bordello, at 10 N. River St., East Dundee, will hold its annual fall cleanup and blood drive beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. It starts at Bandito Barney's and ends at Rosie O'hare's Public House, 702 Water St., East Dundee. Free lunch will be provided at Rosie O'hare's for all volunteers. Children are welcome. LifeSource will hold the blood drive at Bandito Barney's from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you would like to donate, please call Leo or Beth at (847) 426-7300 to set up an appointment. All walk-ins are welcome.