Gail Borden Library hosts holiday programs for all ages
Gail Borden Public Library is hosting a variety of holiday activities and special programs in December. Register for library programs at gailborden.info/register, by calling (847) 429-4597 or in person at any library location.
Elgin artists Thomas Holmes and Blanche Fisher Wright
Artist Thomas Holmes' great niece Linda Hoffman will talk about this fascinating couple at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. She will present holiday cards created by Holmes from 1925 to 1967 with images of the family home at 309 Cherry Street. She will also share family memories of Holmes' work on children's book illustrations with his wife, Blanche Fisher Wright, best-known as the illustrator of "The Real Mother Goose" and other classic childhood favorites. Register in advance.
Visit Williamsburg during the holidays
Discover how Colonial Williamsburg is a magical place during the holiday season at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin. This presentation will focus on the beautiful decorations and provide tips for making your own Williamsburg-style decorations. Register in advance.
'Eddie from Elgin'
Edward Justus "Eddie" Parker brought cutting edge technology to his ministry, captured World War I through the lens of his camera, and helped to form the USO. But he was always Eddie from Elgin.
No matter where he went in the world, he looked to his Elgin childhood. The life lessons imparted by his mother and Aunt Carrie formed his character and his youthful love of photography brought innovation to his professional career.
Parker left Elgin in the 1880s to become a war photographer and Salvation Army pastor, eventually becoming the CEO of The Salvation Army in the United States.
Learn about his fascinating life at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, online via Zoom. Register in advance.
The program provided by the Salvation Army Central Territory Museum.
Vote for your favorite
The Salvation Army Elgin Corps and Community Center is holding their annual Design a Kettle Challenge.
The iconic kettles that can be seen every holiday season have been decorated by local groups and are on display through Dec. 15 on the second floor of the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin. Vote (one time per day) for your favorite.
One group will receive the Design a Kettle Challenge Trophy. Library visitors have an opportunity to vote for their favorite.
Baking for Kids
The winter holidays are here! Join Miss Jen as she shares a holiday cookie recipe that is just as fun as it is delicious. "Baking for Kids: Holiday Crinkles" will begin at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Watch the program on Facebook Live: gbpl.info/FBLV. No registration required.
Holiday card making
Kids in preschool through middle school will enjoy dropping by with their families to create a celebration card. The fun takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the main library's Sally Lee Rooms. The library will provide the supplies - just bring your imagination! No registration required.
Meet Anna & Elsa
Kids, ages 3 to 6, will enjoy this performance when Anna and Elsa sing, dance and tell stories at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the main library. The princesses will be available for photo ops after the storytime. Registration is required.
Holiday Posada
Families can stop by the Main Library to celebrate the posada tradition with crafts, a bilingual storytime, snacks and carols from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. No registration is required.
Festival of Lights
Families are invited to learn about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah through stories and more in "Festival of Lights: Hanukkah Stories & More" from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the main library. No registration is necessary for this drop-in program.
Vintage Toys and Games
Escape the holiday rush by revisiting toys and games from the past at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the main library. Bring your own favorite toys to show the group. Register for this fun program.