Gail Borden Library's Rakow Branch celebrates 10th anniversary Aug. 10

On Saturday, Aug. 10, Gail Borden Public Library visitors will explore the top features that make the Rakow Branch a special experience including a butterfly garden and geothermal energy building features at its 10th anniversary celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. at the branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin.

Those attending the celebration will have an opportunity to write down their favorite Rakow Branch memory for it to be included in a time capsule.

Other activities will include pond scooping with Friends of the Fox River, live music and painting demonstration, mini chair yoga sessions, outdoor storytime, butterfly learning center and much more.

The Rakow Branch of the Gail Borden Public Library District opened Aug. 15, 2009 to serve Elgin's west side residents.

The building combines cutting-edge architectural design with sustainability and efficiency.

Designed with the sustainable elements of cool day lighting, ground source heat exchange and on-site stormwater management, the 10,000-square-foot building received gold LEED certification and has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council.

In its 10 years of operation, the Rakow Branch has welcomed more than one million visitors who have checked out more than two million items from its popular collection.

Due to high demand from library users, the Rakow Branch has offered an increasing number of programs that have attracted more than 55,000 people.

The Rakow Branch Butterfly Garden provides an educational outdoor exhibit for all ages.

Library staff members raise monarch, swallowtail, and painted lady butterflies and visitors enjoy seeing the transformation occur. Releasing the butterflies in the garden is a highlight for many visitors.

For information, call (847) 531-7271 or visit www.gailborden.info.