Gail Borden Library summer reading challenge to be a 'READventure'
Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin invites you to choose your own "READventure!" in the Summer Reading Challenge.
The summer reading challenge is for all age- from babies to adults. Everyone has a chance to win prizes. Stop by a library location when you start your challenge to pick up a prize. Preschoolers get a special rubber duckie while elementary students receive an "Expedition Flashlight." Infants to eighth-graders who finish earn a paperback book or comic bundle and can pick these up beginning July 1. For more information, visit gailborden.info/read2021.
Family Fridays
Gail Borden celebrates families of all kinds every day, but there's always something special on Family Fridays. No registration is required for these festive programs:
On June 4, join "Celebrate Pride" at 2 p.m. for an online celebration of our friends and families who identify as LGBTQ+. Be sure to pick up your kit at the main library at 270 N. Grove Ave. between now and June 4 to fully enjoy all the crafts, stories and more.
On June 11, prepare for the new Disney movie with a "Cruella at the Cruella Party" at 2 p.m. featuring related crafts, books and games. (Note: They will not show the movie during this program.) Kits will be available at the main library from May 31 through June 11 so you can create, read and play along.
On June 18, the whole family can bring our their "inner artist" at "Art Exploration" at 2 p.m. as they read a book and explore different art techniques together. Pick up your supply kit at the Main Branch between June 7 and 18.
On June 25, get your dancing shoes on for the virtual "TikTok Dance Challenge" at 2 p.m. Learn some of the hardest dance challenges on TikTok together!
Preschool Dance Party
Shake your sillies out at the Preschool Dance Party for kids ages 2 to 6 at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15. The fun will take place at the backyard stage of the Main Library at 270 N. Grove if the weather and current COVID-19 guidelines permit. If not, join the party on Zoom! Please register each child individually at gailborden.info/register.
Family Picnic
Throw a blanket on the floor and enjoy a "Family Picnic @ Home" while learning tricks from magician Gary Cantor via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16. Pick up your kit with everything you need to amaze your friends from June 7 through 16 at the Main Branch, 270 N. Grove Avenue. Register at gailborden.info/register.
Family Style STEAM
Learn about one of our favorite animals, the elephant, and watch us conduct a fun and messy science experiment that families with kids of all ages will enjoy in "Family Style STEAM: Elephant Toothpaste." Go to www.gbpl.info/FBLV at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29 to join the fun! The program will be available on Facebook for later viewing as well.
Stories at Lords Park Zoo
Join "Stories at Lords Park Zoo: Under the Hickory Tree" at 325 Hiawatha Drive in Elgin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 10 for stories about cows, pigs, bison and other animals. Be sure to stay for a craft, too. No registration needed.
Behind the Scenes at Shedd Aquarium
Take a trip to the many diverse habitats of the Amazon rainforest without leaving your home with "Behind the Scenes at Shedd Aquarium" at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 11! Learn about the unusual animals that fly, swim and crawl in these places from the experts at the Shedd Aquarium. Register at www.gailborden.info/register.
Sunshine & Books
Calling all high schoolers - join the Studio 270 staff in the sunshine of the Main Library outdoor stage at 270 N. Grove to share book recommendations with other teens at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 8. Looking for more reading ideas? Fill out a "Need a Good Read" form at gailborden.info/high-school/books/for a list of great reads created just for you! No registration needed.