Gail Borden Public Library to host film screenings, discussions this winter

This winter, Gail Borden Public Library invites movie fans to screenings of documentaries, a silent film, popular films and more. For information on upcoming programs or exhibits, call (847) 742-2411 or visit www.gailborden.info.

• The "Not In Our Town: Film & Conversation" series continues from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the Elgin Room of the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.

This series features films and discussions that showcases difficult community issues and highlights communities that respond to challenges to promote healing and unity.

Short clips on hate crimes and implicit bias will be presented. Moderated by Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley and Commander Rick Ciganek. This program is presented in cooperation with Elgin Police Department, Elgin Community College MAGIC, Elgin Human Relations Commission, Gail Borden Public Library, Coalition of Elgin's Religious Leaders, and Elgin City of Peace.

• Learn about the history of motion pictures in a fast-paced, fun-filled show, titled "Discovering the Silent Cinema." It will be presented from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, in the Meadows Community Room at the main library. Experience the mighty theater organ, "the voice of the silent screen," with your host and silent film organist Jay Warren. Registration is required.

• The next "Reel Women for Real Women" will feature the 2019 film "The Farewell" from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the Meadows Community Rooms in the main library. In this PG-rated film, Billi's family returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch - the only person that doesn't know she only has a few weeks to live. On Feb. 25, the film will be the 2019 movie "Harriet." From her escape from slavery through the dangerous missions she led to liberate hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad, the story of heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman is told. These screenings are hosted by the Elgin Area Branch of American Association of University Women.

• On Thursday, Jan. 30, see a screening of the documentary "Project 2-3-1: Two Boxcars, Three Blocks, One City: A Story of Elgin's African American Heritage," followed by a discussion. It will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Elgin Room at the main library. This award-winning documentary begins with the Civil War "contrabands" and continues to present day with enthralling stories and photos that tells the rich history of African American life in Elgin. The program is sponsored by the Elgin History Museum. Registration is required.

• "No Shushing Movie Fridays" offers a film screening in a family-friendly, casual setting. This program welcomes people of all abilities. Please contact the library one week in advance if you need accommodations. No registration is required. It is offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hoffer Room at the South Elgin branch, 127 S. McLean Blvd. Chatting and snacks from home are welcome.

On Jan. 31, it will be the 2019 "The Lion King." It will be followed by the 1993 "Groundhog Day" on Feb. 7; the 1993 romantic comedy "Sleepless in Seattle" on Feb. 14; 2014 documentary "The Presidents: From Politics to Power" on Feb. 21; and the 2019 "Toy Story 4" on Feb. 28.

• The Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films series will continue with the 1967 film "In the Heat of the Night," directed by Norman Jewison, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, in the Meadows Community Rooms of the main library. Sidney Poitier plays Virgil Tibbs, a Philadelphia police detective who is asked by a local police chief, played by Rod Steiger, to investigate a murder in a hostile southern town. No registration required. Coffee and tea will be served. For more information, contact Ben Bahl at bbahl@gailborden.info or (847) 608-5012.

• On Monday, Feb. 17, the "Interactive Movie" series continues with "The Lion King" from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Meadows Community Room at the main library. Explore the African safari and the adventures of Simba as this Disney classic is brought to life.