Gail Borden Public Library news

For all

Library closings: The library will be closed all day Wednesday, Dec. 17 because of equipment installation taking place throughout the day. Other December closings include Wednesday, Dec. 24, Thursday, Dec. 25, Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Thursday, Jan. 1.

"WALL-E (2008):" Co-sponsored by Elgin Alive and the Slow Global Warming Group, from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30 in the Community Rooms. What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off? The year is 2700 and WALL-E is visited by a sleek robot named EVE whom he chases across the galaxy with a pet cockroach and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots. A brief discussion will follow the two-hour movie, which is rated G. Popcorn will be served. No registration.

New drop-off site: CVS Pharmacy in South Elgin is no longer a drop-off site for library materials. The new South Elgin drop-off site is Butera Market, located at 1175 W. Spring St. Books, videos and DVD's can be dropped off during store hours, which are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For adults

Music from the American Revolution through the Civil War Years: Performed by Trillium, 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18, in the Community Rooms.

The hammered dulcimer, guitar, banjo fiddle and mandolin accompany the vocals of this quartet when it performs "Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me," "Schule Agra" (Johnny's Gone For a Soldier), "Liberty," "Soldier's Joy," "Boys of Bluehill." A famous tune to which Honest Abe undoubtedly couldn't resist tapping his toes, "The Jenny Lind Polka," will be featured. Registration is required.

Alexander Hamilton and the Creation of a Fiscal-Military State; 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, in second floor conference room. Professor Richard R. John shows how Alexander Hamilton's tenure as the first Secretary of the Treasury hastened the establishment of a politically independent and militarily powerful state. It was Hamilton who best understood that the United States could survive in a hostile world only if its government were strong and its public credit sound. A professor of history at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Richard R. John specializes in the history of American business, technology, and political economy. Registration is required.

Commemorative Tiles: Searching for a unique gift idea this season? Consider a commemorative tile, designed expressly for Gail Borden Library's first branch. The library's new west side branch will be a beautiful "green" addition to the community. "A Green Story, The Fox River Mural," will grace the branch's foyer, paying tribute to the beauty of the natural surroundings while teaching about the diversity of this area's plants and animals. This mural will serve as a testament to those who support, enjoy and respect the Fox River environment and the library. For more information and to see examples of available tiles, go to Web sitegailborden.info/store/ or visit the library at 270 N. Grove Ave.

Alexander Hamilton, The Man Who Made Modern America: Opening reception is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.

Within the context of the current tumultuous financial times, the library will spotlight the contributions of Alexander Hamilton, widely regarded as the father of the American financial system, and the person whose face graces our ten-dollar bill. As the first U.S. Secretary of the treasury, Hamilton kept the weak new nation from bankruptcy. His ideals are still pertinent to our modern banking system.

On display through February, the exhibit will show how Hamilton (1757-1804) rose from immigrant to aide to George Washington and pivotal figure who helped shape young America by writing most of the Federalist Papers (instrumental in gaining support to ratify the Constitution) and becoming the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury at age 32.

Meet George Washington at the opening reception beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, in the lobby. George Washington, portrayed by historic actor Terry Lynch, will discuss the founding of our nation from a first president's perspective. Light refreshments will be served.

Register and watch for other upcoming Hamilton and Revolutionary War Period programs at Web site gailborden.info.

"Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America" is a national traveling exhibition organized by the New-York Historical Society, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the American Library Association. The traveling exhibition has been made possible in part through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to expanding American understanding of human experience and cultural heritage.

Groups of 15 or more, or those needing special assistance, call Miriam Lytle at (847) 608-5027, or email mlytle@gailborden.info to make arrangements.

Alexander Hamilton kits are available at the Checkout Desk. Each kit includes an exhibition guide, DVDs, a biography, a timeline and more. The kit is great for classroom teachers, home-schoolers, groups and clubs. Check out the kit and plan a visit.

Famous First Ladies: 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13 in the Community Rooms.

Meet and learn about the personal lives of three remarkable first ladies - Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy when Jenny Riddle portrays each one with humor and empathy. There may even be a surprise visit at the end. Registration is required.

For youth

Online Homework Help: Students in third through 12th grades and parents can get free homework help from live online tutors from 2 to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Subject covered include language arts, math, science and social studies and help is available in writing term papers, reports and essays, and skill-building for those struggling in a particular area. Tutoring in all subjects is available in Spanish.

HelpNow! may be accessed within the library or from home at gailborden.info/homework help with a Gail Borden Public Library card.

Read, White and Blue 2008-2009 Winter Reading Program: Birth through sixth grade. Register through Feb. 14 at the Early Learning Center or Youth Center Help Desks.

Last day to turn in reading logs and receive prizes is Feb. 28.

Children not yet reading on their own participate in the Read-To-Me program with 20 books read to them while kids reading independently will read six books for Winter Readers. Those who finish the program will receive a prize and coupons from local businesses. Drawings will be held for books displayed in the Youth case.

StoryTubes 2009 goes International: Tell, Tube, Vote for Fun and Prizes through this public library partnership project.

The "My Favorite Book" video project that originated at Gail Borden Public Library goes beyond the lower forty-eight states to Alaska and Canada in 2009. In addition, this year's contest is open to kids of more ages and adds TeacherTube to YouTube as contest video hosts. It is simple to enter: • Get your parent or guardian's permission if you are under 18 • Make your video two minutes long (or shorter) • Feature one book in your video • Enter as an individual or as part of a group of two to five people by uploading your video to YouTube or TeacherTube • Enter between January 8 and February 15, 2009 • Be creative! Get more details about participating at Web site storytubes.info.