Gail Borden kicks off Summer Reading program

Gail Borden Public Library is "diving into reading" with the summer reading program starting Saturday, May 13.

On Tuesday, May 18, Elgin Area School District U-46 CEO Tony Sanders will join Gail Borden Library Executive Director Carole Medal at 4 p.m. at the main library at 270 N. Grove., in kicking off this critical program with great fanfare. There will be sea creatures characters and giant photo ops.

"We are so very pleased to be able to kick off the 2018 summer reading challenge with School District U-46. It is so important for public libraries and schools to work together on initiatives that encourage children to read," Medal said. "We invite all students in our community to visit the Gail Borden Library this summer - at the Main Library, Rakow Branch or South Elgin Branch - to check out books and other materials and to participate in some fun programs."

"A few weeks ago, Gail Borden librarians delivered more than 13,000 summer reading logs to the school district administrative offices. These reading logs have been distributed to all grade and middle schools in the district to encourage students to participate in summer reading," Sanders said. "It is imperative that students maintain their reading skills through the summer to assist with the transition to a new school year. Programs like the Summer Reading Challenge help students in their journey to a successful education and future."

This year, participants can choose to complete the Summer Reading program either on the traditional paper log, or completely online through the library's Beanstack Summer Reading program.

The public is encouraged to come in to the library to get their summer reading logs or learn online about the Beanstack app. Join the fun that includes fishing for prizes! For more about summer reading, visit gailborden.info/read2018.