September October Newsletter 2020

Gail Borden 

September-October 

2020 Newsletter 

Public Library District 

Hispanic 

Heritage Month ES 

We invite you to celebrate the 

experiences and contributions 

of the Hispanic community, 

and together find strength, joy, 

pride and inspiration to continue 

making a better future. 

Visit gailborden.com/hhm for 

more on this year’s virtual 

programs and activities. 

Virtual Celebration: 

Hispanic Heritage Month 

Saturday, October 3 • 2 – 3 pm 

Travel with Me: 

Latin America 

Saturday, October 10 

2 – 3 pm 

All programs listed in the 

newsletter are offered via an 

online platform and may be 

subject to change. Please check 

the Library's program calendar 

at gailborden.info/register to find 

updated information about 

these programs and how 

you can attend them. 

Gail Borden Library 1-8 

City of Elgin A-D 

City of Elgin section is 

included only in newsletters 

delivered to Elgin residents. 

Elisa Lara, Outreach 

Nurse Coordinator, 

VNA Healthcare 

Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of 

Women’s Right to Vote 

Virtual Exhibit and Live Programs www.gailborden.info/womenvote 

Generations of women fought by protesting and picketing before the 19th Amendment 

gave them the constitutional right to vote on August 26, 1920. Jane Addams, co-founder 

of Chicago's Hull-House, advocated strongly for women's suffrage. Her 1910 essay, "Why 

Women Should Vote," influenced many. 

Join us in recognizing the determination and complexity of the people who fought for 

the right to vote when we partner with the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, Reaching 

Across Illinois Library System, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Schaumburg Township 

District Library, Aurora Public Library, and many more libraries to showcase two virtual 

exhibits and programs. 

Please virtually experience 

Hull House exhibits - 

Why Women Should Vote 

and True Peace: the 

Presence of Justice 

Continued on back page. 

Graphic composed from University of Illinois at Chicago Library photos. 

Everyday Hometown 

Superheroes Celebrate 

Libraries 

Engage with these live programs - 

September 10 - Championing Women’s Activism in Modern 

American with author Anya Jabour 

September 17 - Vanguard: How Black Women Broke 

Barriers, Won the Vote and Insisted on Equality for All 

November 19 - Race and Rights: Wells, Willard, and Addams 

September is Library Card 

Sign-Up Month 

Hometown Superheroes like doctors, nurses, 

paramedics, firefighters and police officers 

help our community in these challenging 

times. The Superheroes we’ll honor during 

September have many different talents, but 

one thing in common—a library card! 

Superhero Scavenger Hunt 

Spot the Secret Superhero Word posted outside of businesses in 

September. Submit your answers and library card number online 

by September 30 for a chance to win an iPad. Some businesses will 

offer a discount with a purchase if you show your library card. For 

information, go to gailborden.info/deals. 

It’s Not Too Late to 

Get Counted in the 

2020 Census 

You can get counted 

through the end of October. 

Answer the Census online at 

my2020census.com, on paper 

or over the phone to make sure 

our community gets its fair 

share of funding. Computers 

at all three Gail Borden Public 

Library buildings and the 

Bookmobile are available 

for you to fill out an online 

form. Census committee 

representatives are at many 

food events in parks with 

cleaned iPads to assist with the 

Census. gailborden.info/census. 

The Gail Borden Public Library District Newsletter | Published Bi-Monthly ISSUE NO. 2020-05 | August 15, 2020

Families 

Programs listed in the newsletter are offered via an online 

platform unless otherwise indicated. All programs are subject 

to change. Please check the Library's program calendar at 

gailborden.info/register to find updated information about these 

programs and how you can attend them. 

Los programas que aparecen en este boletín se ofrecen a través de 

una plataforma en línea, a menos que se indique lo contrario. Todos 

los programas están sujetos a cambios. Consulte el calendario de 

programas de la Biblioteca en gailborden.info/register para encontrar 

información actualizada sobre estos programas. 

Mexican Independence Day 

Celebration ES 

Saturday, September 12 • 2 – 3:30 pm 

Celebrate the Anniversary of Mexico's 

Independence! There will be folk music 

and dances, trivia, and the performance 

of the “Grito de Dolores.” 

Peppa Pig Party R 

Friday, September 18 

11:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Family Trivia Night 

Thursdays • 7 pm 

9/24 Sports 

10/29 Halloween Edition 

Family Friday 

Friday, September 25 

11 am Two of a Kind Concert R 

2 pm Chris Fascione Juggling Show R 

Kids Explore: Puppets, Plants 

& Pura Belpré R ES 

Thursday, October 1 

Grades K-2 Bilingual • 4 pm 

Grades 3-5 Bilingual • 5 pm 

Tell a story with your very own 

puppet, create a puppet stage, 

and learn about Pura Belpré’s 

storytelling legacy. 

Oba William King R 

Monday, October 12 

10:30 – 11:15 am 

Oba William King is recognized as one of 

the most exciting storytellers of his peer 

group. Join us for this virtual show full of 

rhythm and rhyme! 

Fall Fun 

Drive-Through Rake-O 

Family Fall Festival 

Rakow Parking Lot 

Saturday, September 19 • 11 am – 2 pm 

Join us for a drive-through-only Festival 

experience. You'll stay in your cars and 

stop at various stations in the parking 

lot to retrieve take-home treats, crafts 

and more! 

Fall Fest Preschool Storytime 

Saturday, September 19 • 2:30 pm 

Scarecrow Drawing Fall Fun R 

Saturday, September 19 

10 – 10:30 am 

Fall Family Fest: Craft Pick-Up 

Main Library 

October 5 - 23 

Kids 

Baking for Kids 

Rice Krispies Treats 

Wednesday, September 23 

4 – 4:30 pm 

Learn how to bake these treats on 

Facebook Live. We will read stories as 

the treats cool. This recipe requires a 

microwave and these ingredients: 

• 1 box of Rice Krispies® cereal 

• 1 - 10 oz bag of marshmallows 

• 3 tablespoons butter 

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate 

Chip Cookies 

Thursday, October 29 • 4 – 4:30 pm 

Learn how to bake these cookies when 

you join us on Facebook Live. We’ll read 

stories and learn about pumpkins as the 

cookies bake. This recipe requires an oven 

and these ingredients (please have a 

grownup help with the oven): 

• 1 box of spice cake mix 

• 1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips 

• 1 - 15 oz can of pumpkin puree 

Facebook Live = www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV 

STEAM: 

Grades K-2 • 4 – 4:30 pm 

Grades 3-5 • 5 – 5:30 pm 

9/1 Can You Fit Through an Index 

Card? R 

9/21 Craft Stick Craziness R 

9/22 Penny Lab R 

10/5 Spin it to Win It! (Grades K-2) R 

10/5 It's Alive: Stop Motion Animation 

(Grades 3-5) R 

10/13 Invisible Ink R 

10/19 Halloween Design Challenge R 

10/27 Pumpkin Science R 

2 R=Registration required • Three ways to register: Online at gailborden.info/register • Call 847-429-4597 • In person

Kids 











Kids Explore 

Thursdays 

Grades K-2 • 4 – 4:30 pm 

Grades 3-5 • 5 – 5:30 pm 

9/3 The Aztecs R 

9/10 Cicadas R 

9/17 The Color Lab R 

10/8 Zentangles R 

10/15 Trivia Night R 

Creativity Corner 

Tuesdays • 4 pm 

9/8 Ice Cream in a Bag R 

10/6 Fall Luminaries R 

10/20 Scavenger Hunt R 

Coding Club 

Mondays • 4 – 5 pm 

Grades 2 & up. 

9/14 Minecraft - Blockly Code Voyage 

Aquatic R 

9/28 Minecraft - A Hero’s Journey R 

10/12 Minecraft - Adventurer R 

10/26 Minecraft - Designer R 

Book Parties 

Thursdays • 5 pm 

9/24 Thank You, Omu R 

10/22 Narwhal and Jelly R 

Oceans Rock! R 

Monday, October 12 • 2 pm 

Storytimes 

Adventure Storytime with 

Ms. Stephanie 

Thursdays, 9/3 – 10/29 • 10 am 

Baby Rhyme Time R 

Thursdays, 9/10 - 10/22 • 6 pm 

Toddler Time 

Wednesdays, 9/9 - 10/21 • 10 am 

www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV 

Preschool Storytime 

Mondays, 9/14 - 10/19 • 10 am 


Halloween Fun 

Virtual Zombie Fest R 

Thursday, October 15 • 7 pm 

Pick up craft supplies starting 10/5. Then, 

meet up (virtually) via Zoom with the 

author and illustrator of 8 Little Zombies, 

David Metzger, and learn how to draw 

your own zombie! 

Youth & Teens 

Haunted Halloween 3D R 

Wednesday, October 28 • 4 pm 

Grades 2-8. 

Grades 3-8 

Writing Club 

Wednesdays • 6 pm 

9/2 Magic Academy R 

10/7 Frankenstories R 

3D Freestyle Challenge R 

Fridays, 9/25, 10/23 • 1 – 2 pm 

Intermediate 3D Design R 

Wednesday, September 30 • 4 pm 

Advanced 3D Design R 


Grades 6-8 

DIY Shrinky-Dink Keychains R 

Wednesday, September 16 • 6:30 pm 

Animal Crossing 

Fan Party R 

Tuesday, October 20 • 4:30 pm 

Halloween Hullabaloo R 

Friday, October 23 • 10 am, 2 pm 

Escape the Haunted House R 

Friday, October 23 • 11 – 11:45 am 

Halloween Dance Party R 

Friday, October 27 • 10 am 

Grades 6-12 

Teen Writing & Art Showcase 

Submit your creative work and see it 

published! Email your piece to 

zone@gailborden.info or visit 

gailborden.info/teenwriting for details. 

Harry Potter Digital 

Escape Room R 

Saturday, September 12 • 2 pm 

Manga and Anime Meet-Up R 

Saturday, September 26 • 2 pm 

Wings of Fire Digital 

Escape Room R 

Saturday, October 3 • 2 pm 

Virtual K-Pop Afternoon R 

Thursday, October 8 • 4:30 pm 

My Hero Academia Digital 

Escape Room R 


Stranger Things Digital 

Escape Room R 


Bendy and the Ink Machine 

Digital Escape Room R 


ES =Descripción en español, ver paginas 6-7. 

GAILBORDEN.INFO 

3

Teens 






High School 

Musician's Corner 

Wednesdays • 5 pm 

On Facebook = www.bit.ly/gbfbylah 

Vinyl Record Sampling 

(Beat Production) 

September 2 

Digital Distribution: How to 

Get Your Music or Podcast 

on All Platforms 


Midi Controllers, Beats & More 


How to Get Paid for Your 

Music Using the Internet 


Music Production: Selling 

Beats Online 

October 14 

Grant Writing 101 – How to 

Raise Money for Your Project 

with Grant Funding 


Collaboration Station: Music 

Artist Paperwork 


Teen Book Hangout 

Tuesday, September 8 • 3 – 4 pm 

Pictionary R 

Thursday, September 10 • 6 – 7 pm 

Game link will be emailed to registrants 

approximately 10 minutes before program. 

Navigating the College 

Process: How to Complete 

Great Applications & Essays 

Tuesday, September 15 

6:30 – 7:30 pm 

Adults 

Book Clubs & 

Discussion Group 

Contemporary Book Group 

Wednesdays • 7 – 8 pm 

9/23 American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins 

10/21 News of the World by Paulette Jiles 

Rakow Readers Book Club 

on Zoom R 

Mondays • 1:30 – 2:30 pm 

9/28 The Island of Sea Women 

by Lisa See 

10/26 There There by Tommy Orange 






Writers’ Corner 

Studio 

Studio 270 Volunteer Corps – 

Teen Advisory Board 

Mondays, 9/28, 10/26 • 4 – 5 pm 

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is open to 

High Schoolers interested in making a 

difference in the library community. 

Teen Writers Club 

Tuesdays, 9/29, 10/27 • 4 – 5 pm 

Event Planning 101 


On Facebook = www.bit.ly/gbfbylah 

Teen Job Hunting 

Tuesday, October 20 • 6:30 – 7:30 pm 

Poetry Writers Workshop 

Online R 

Mondays, 9/7, 10/5 • 7 – 8:30 pm 

270 

Writers on the Fox R 

Mondays, 9/28, 10/26 • 7 pm 

4 R=Registration required • Three ways to register: Online at gailborden.info/register • Call 847-429-4597 • In person

Adults 











Peace & Justice 

Roots of Peace: Elgin 

International Day of Peace 

Celebration 

Saturday, September 19 • 1 – 2:30 pm 

Join the Elgin Rotary for a Facebook Live 

celebration of peace featuring messages 

from Elgin-area community members, 

entertainment and more. 


Waking Up White: 

A Community 

Discussion with Author 

Debby Irving R 

Sunday, October 25 • 2 pm 

In her 2014 memoir Waking Up 

White: And Finding Myself in 

the Story of Race, Irving describes her 

journey from a comfortable middle-class 

childhood where race wasn’t discussed 

to her awareness of the effects white 

privilege has on American society. She will 

talk about the experiences that led her 

to become one of the most well-known 

allies in the fight for equity, diversity and 

inclusion. Partner: CERL. 

Language 

German Conversation Group R 

Wednesdays, 9/23, 10/28 • 7 – 8:30 pm 

Spanish Café Conversation 

Group ES 

Mondays, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 

10/19, 10/26 • Noon – 1 pm 

Sounds of English 

Online Class ES 

Thursdays, 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22 

7 – 8 pm 

Go Bilingual Online ES 

Wednesdays, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 

10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28 • 5 – 6 pm 

All Things Apple 

Tuesdays, 9/1, 10/6 • 7 – 8:30 pm 

The Journey to Mollie's War: 

WACS and WWII R 

Wednesday, September 2 • 7 – 8 pm 

Cyndee Schaffer will share her mother's 

personal account of her service in WWII. 

Family Financial Literacy R 

Wednesday, September 9 • 7 – 8 pm 

Composting 101 R 

Thursday, September 10 • 7 – 8 pm 

Raising Calm, Resilient 

Children in an Anxious, 

Fickle World R 


Build a Basic Spending Plan R 

Tuesday, October 6 • 7 – 8 pm 

Managing Debt So It Doesn’t 

Manage You R 

Tuesday, October 20 • 7 – 8 pm 

Grow Your Future – 

Developing Job Search Skills 

Resume Writing 101 

Jumpstart your job search with a 24/7 

online tutorial that will help you build a 

resume that enhances your career skills. 

Go to gailborden.info/learn/job-career 

to discover Resume Writing 101 any time 

in August. Live programs on resume 

writing and interviewing techniques 

also will be offered. 

Craft Corner 

Facebook Live = www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV 

Crafts with Elda LIVE! 

Tuesdays • 7 pm 

9/8 Air Dry Clay Trinket Dishes 

9/15 Harvest Your Herbs! 

9/22 Tri-Color Fall Corn Wreath 

9/29 Altered Composition Notebook 

10/6 Fall-Themed Paper-Mache 

Candle Holders 

10/13 Wood Photo Transfers 

10/20 Edgar Allen Poe Inspired Wreath 

10/27 Halloween-Themed Repurposed 

Picture Frame Wall Decor 

Travel Down the Rhine River 

with Tammy R 

Saturday, September 26 

11 am – Noon 

A Tour of Italy R 

Saturday, October 24 • 11 am – Noon 



5

en español 











Para la Familia 

Cuentos para la familia 

Los lunes 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 

10/12, 10/19 • 7 pm 

Los niños exploran: 

marionetas, plantas & 

Pura Belpré R 

Jueves 1 de octubre 

Grados K-2 bilingüe • 4 pm 

Grados 3-5 bilingüe • 5 pm 

Mes de la Hispanidad 

Te invitamos a celebrar las experiencias y contribuciones de la comunidad hispana, y 

juntos encontrar fuerza, alegría, orgullo e inspiración para seguir haciendo un futuro 

mejor. Visita el sitio web gailborden.info/meshispanidad para más detalles sobre los 

eventos y actividades virtuales. 

Celebración Virtual: 

Mes Hispanidad 

Sábado 3 de octubre • 2 – 3 pm 

Viaja conmigo: Latinoamérica 

Sábado 10 de octubre • 2 – 3 pm 

Vamos a explorar juntos lo más 

rico y divertido de varios países de 

Latinoamérica de la mano de 

guías expertos. 

Celebración Día de la 

Independencia de México* 

Sábado 9/12 • 2 – 3:30 pm 

¡Festeja el Aniversario de la 

Independencia de México! Habrá 

música y bailes folclóricos, trivias, y la 

representación del Grito de Dolores. 

Disfruta con nosotros de esta fiesta. 

Cómo asistir 

* Para participar conéctate el día del evento por Facebook live de la Biblioteca Gail Borden 

bit.ly/gbplFBL. 

** El grupo se reúne a través de la plataforma de reuniones virtual Zoom. Puede participar 

en una computadora, tableta o teléfono celular. Al registrarse le contactaremos con el 

enlace y código para participar. Envíenos un mensaje (incluya su nombre y teléfono) a 

biblioteca@gailborden.info o texto al 224-407-2399 para obtener ayuda técnica para acceder a Zoom. 

6 R=Regístrese R=Registration • Tres required maneras: • Three en ways línea to en register: gailborden.info/eventos Online at gailborden.info/register • por teléfono 847-429-4597 • Call 847-429-4597 • en persona • In person

en español 











Idiomas 

No es demasiado tarde. 

Todavía hay tiempo para completar 

el Censo 2020. 

Usted puede hacerse contar hasta finales 

de octubre. Complete su formulario por 

internet en my2020census.com, por 

correo o por teléfono para garantizar que 

nuestra comunidad reciba su parte justa 

de recursos. Encontrará computadoras 

en las tres localidades de la Biblioteca 

Pública Gail Borden y a bordo el 

Bookmobile para que pueda completar su 

formulario por internet. Representantes 

del Comité del Censo equipados con 

iPads adecuadamente desinfectados 

estarán presente en muchos eventos 

de distribución de comida en parques 

públicos para ayudarlos con el Censo. 

gailborden.info/census 

Census 2020 

Grupo de Conversación en Inglés** 

9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27 • 6:30 – 7:45 pm 

Café en Español Grupo de Conversación** 

Los lunes 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 • Mediodía – 1 pm 

Clase Sonidos del Inglés** 

Los jueves 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22 • 7 – 8 pm 

Go Bilingual** 

Los miércoles en Septiembre y Octubre • 5 – 6 pm 

Para adultos 

Café Latino: Discusión de 

libros Online** 

Los lunes 9/28 & 10/26 • 6 – 7 pm 

Café Latino: Discusión de 

Lecturas Cortas Online** 

Los sábados 9/26 & 10/31 

11 am – Mediodía 

Club de Mujeres con Propósito 

Online* 

Todas somos Dreamers 

Jueves 9/24 • 6 – 7:30 pm 

¡Ven y disfruta de un tiempo 

especialmente para ti, donde conocerás a 

otras mujeres y jóvenes! Exploraras temas 

de bienestar y crecimiento personal con 

invitadas especialistas en temas de 

la mujer. 

PressReader 

*NUEVO* Descarga la plataforma 

digital PressReader o visita 

gailborden.info para acceder a más 

de 7,000 títulos de periódicos y revistas 

de más de 120 países y en más de 

60 idiomas. 

Clases de Computación Online* 

Los Martes • 6 – 7 pm 

9/15 Introducción al Mundo de la Computación: Online* 

Orientate sobre computadoras, tabletas, telefonos, la nube 

9/29 Las Aplicaciones Más Populares: Online* 

Familiarízate con aplicaciones para conectar y disfrutar. 

10/13 El Mundo del Internet 

Aprende a encontrar lo que necesitas 

10/27 Buscar Empleo en línea* 

Infórmate para buscar y solicitar empleo en línea 


7


City of Elgin 


Boletín en Español: Cada número del boletín está disponible en español en línea en cityofelgin.org/boletin. 

Your City. Your Priorities. 

Get Involved in the 2021 Budget Discussions 

2021 

BUDGET 

We want to hear from you! 

You can help city council members and staff understand the City services that are 

most important to you by participating in discussions, submitting your budget 

questions and engaging in other input opportunities during the City’s “budget 

season.” 

What goes into the development of a City budget and how are financial 

decisions made during the process? Learn about the City’s budget, the various 

funds, revenues and expenditures, special taxing districts, user fees and much 

more on our dedicated budget website: cityofelgin.org/ budget. 

Submit your budget input and questions to budget@cityofelgin.org or post on 

social media with #ElginBudget (make sure the post privacy is set to “public”). 

Your input will help inform the development of the proposed budget, presented 

to city council in early November, with adoption of the final during the third 

week of December. 

2018-2022 Strategic Principles and Priorities 

The City of Elgin’s Strategic Principles and Priorities serve 

as a guide for the City and community as they continue work 

toward realizing Elgin’s full potential as “The City in the 

Suburbs.” 

As the City’s highest level planning document, the refined 

strategic plan articulates four core values and three strategic 

goals that provide focus in providing exceptional services, 

improving Elgin’s quality of life and enhancing the uniqueness 

of the Elgin community. Each strategic goal is supported by 

actionable objectives that support Elgin’s current and future 

identity. 

CORE 

VALUES 

Elgin Insight is a newsletter designed to highlight the 

organization’s work in executing the City Council’s 2018-2022 

Strategic Principles and Priorities. The newsletter shares 

updates relating to the City’s core values and defined goals, 

recognizes the outstanding work that is performed throughout 

the organization and provides readers with a greater insight on 

issues affecting the City for a better understanding of the 

decisions being made. 

View issues of Elgin Insight at cityofelgin.org/insight. 

DEFINED 

GOALS 

A CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 


A


City of Elgin 


Leaf Collection 

Fall Leaf Collection Programs Begin in October and Run Through December 4 

Free Yard Waste Bag Collection 

Beginning October 1, Waste Management will not require 

stickers for yard waste bags as part of the fall leaf collection 

progam. Bagged leaves are collected weekly on residents’ 

regular garbage pickup day. 

State law prohibits the disposal of leaves and other yard waste 

in landfills; therefore, these materials cannot be placed in 

plastic garbage bags or mixed with normal garbage. Please 

also be aware that leaf burning is prohibited in Elgin. 

Yard waste includes materials such as leaves, brush, branches, 

grass clippings, plants, weeds and other similar waste. Yard 

waste must be placed in biodegradable paper bags 

(maximum 33 gallons and 45 pounds) for collection. 

Yard waste placed in plastic bags will not be collected. 

On-Street Leaf Collection 

Beginning Monday, October 26, weather permitting, the City of 

Elgin will collect leaves raked out into the street in designated 

areas. Leaves should be raked along the curb by 6:00 a.m. on 

the special collection day for the designated area, shown on the 

map to the right. Leaves placed in the street after the crews 

have passed will not be collected until the next scheduled date. 

Note: The on-street collection day may differ from your bagged 

leaf collection day. 

Please do not mix trash, branches or other yard waste with leaf 

piles. Avoid parking on the street on scheduled leaf collection 

days; leaf piles blocked by cars will not be collected. 

Residents living in the on-street collection areas may also 

place leaves in yard waste bags for free collection by Waste 

Management on regular garbage collection days October 1 

through December 4. 

Key Dates & Information 

October 1- No stickers required for yard waste bags 

begins, citywide. 

October 26- On-street leaf collection begins in 

designated areas. 

December 4- Last day of collection, weather 

permitting. 

All yard waste bag pickups occur on residents' regular 

garbage collection day. See map below for on-street 

leaf collections days based on designated area. 

Avoid parking on streets on scheduled leaf collection 

days. Piles blocked by cars will not be collected. 

Visit cityofelgin.org/yardwaste to view map. 

Don’t Care to Rake? Recycle Your Leaves. 

As part of Elgin’s sustainability efforts, residents are encouraged to compost or mulch leaves into their lawn with a lawnmower. 

Mulching controls weeds, uses less fertilizer, enables better water infiltration, reduces thatch and improves soil quality. 


CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 

B 

B


City of Elgin 


Did You Know? 

City Code Ensures Safety and 

Strengthens Neighborhoods 

Elgin’s muncipal code provides regulations to address life safety 

concerns as well as regulations for things like property maintenance, 

accessibility, public health and sanitation, animal welfare, vehicles 

and parking, and plumbing, mechanical and building standards. 

The Code Compliance Division 

of Elgin’s Neighborhood 

Services Department brings 

together technology, managed 

discretion and neighborhood 

collaboration to promote a 

healthy and safe community. 

One of the goals of the division is to acheive compliance through 

education, rather than enforcement. By collaborating and educating, 

the division can often resolve code violations without any citations 

or formal enforcement actions. 

How to Report Violations 

Contact Elgin 311 

Call 311 (or 847-931-6001), email elgin311@cityofelgin.org or 

submit a request on the Elgin 311 mobile app (available in the App 

Store and Google Play). The more detailed information, the better. 

Make sure to take note of your 311 case number—that way if you have 

followup questions, our bilingual citizen advocates can better assist you. 

You can remain anonymous when reporting a potential code violation. 

What You Should Know 

Some issues do not get resolved immediately, for various reasons. 

Officers first educate and offer empathetic interactions and 

collaboration to resolve issues. Extenuating circumstances can be a 

factor in the time it takes to resolve an issue. 

Violations which require police response, such as a loose dog or a 

noise complaint, need to be reported when the situation is in 

progress. Those types of issues should be reported to the Elgin 

Police Department non-emergency line: 847-289-2700. 

Birds 

Common Code Violations 

Bagged top soil 

Sharing 

Tall 

plants 

Grass 

from 

and 

other 

Weeds 

states 

Wild bird Grass seed may not exceed 8 inches; all noxious 

weeds are prohibited. 

Storage of Junk 

If solid material, like discarded furniture, tires 

or other debris is found anywhere on a 

property, homeowners are given two days to 

the remove items. If, after notice, items remain, 

the City may enter remove the items at the cost 

of the property owner. 

Dead or Dangerous Trees 

Trees on private property determined to be 

dead or dangerous must be pruned or 

removed within 30 days. 

Deposits on Street, Sidewalk or Alley 

It is unlawful to deposit on any street, sidewalk, 

or alley, any dirt, mud, clay, cement, concrete, 

gravel, stones, plant matter (grass clippings), 

snow or garbage. This goes for homeowners 

and construction companies. 

Home Improvements without a Permit 

Most interior and exterior work to a home or 

business requires a permit. Before you begin a 

project, see if you need one by visiting 

cityofelgin.org/permits or calling 311 if 

you’re not sure. 

Selling Food without Permit 

All establishments or individuals that sell food 

must be permitted and inspected by the Elgin 

Health Department. 

No Open Fires/Burning 

Any fire outside, which is not contained within 

a grill being used to cook food, is prohibited. 

Motor Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles 

and Trailers 

It is unlawful to park inoperable vehicles, 

unlicenced vehicles, commercial vehicles and 

trailers at residences. In addition, vehicles must 

be parked on paved surfaces only. 

Garbage Containers 

Garbage and recycling carts are to be stored 

out of public view. Carts may be at the curb 

after 5 p.m. the day prior to collection, but no 

later than midnight the day of collection. 

Draining Pool into Storm Sewer 

Pool water can only be drained into the storm 

sewer if water has been dechlorinated and 

pH neutralized. 

Rental Properties without Licenses 

A property may not be rented without a 

City-issued rental license which requires 

passing an inspection. 

Exterior Work on Home in Historic 

District without COA permit 

Prior to performing any exterior work on a 

home located in one of Elgin’s Historic 

Districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) 

permit must be obtained. 

C CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 


C


City of Elgin 


Save Water. 

Save Money. 

Don’t Let Your Money Go 

Down the Drain 

Water infrastructure needs to be maintained by both your utility (the City’s 

water department) and you. The City can check for leaks in pipes on the way 

to your home, and you can check for leaks in your home. Both actions 

prevent water waste and improve the reliability of your water supply. 

Do you feel like you have a high water bill? Most high bills are due to leaks. 

The best method for determining whether or not a leak exists is to take 

actual water meter readings. This method checks the entire internal 

plumbing for water leaks. 

Take a water meter reading just before going to bed, or when no one will 

use any water for several hours. Take another meter reading in the morning 

before any water is used, or after a few hours of non-usage. In theory, the 

two readings should be the same. If they are not, and you cannot account 

for use by a humidifier, ice cube maker, toilet flush or water softener, you 

have a leak and further investigation is recommended. 

Conserve Water at Home 

Lawn Care 

More than 50% of commercial and residential irrigation 

water use goes to waste due to overwatering, 

evaporation and runoff. Consider watering your lawn no 

more than twice a week before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 

Indoors 

Use WaterSense® labeled toilets, sink 

faucets and showerheads. They are 

inexpensive, easy to install and can 

save hundreds of gallons per month. 

Check the Consortium for Energy 

Effciency website (cee1.org) to 

compare water use between models 

of appliances, like a washing 

machine. Energy Star models can save 

up to 20 gallons of water per load. 

When waiting for hot water, collect 

running water and use it to water 

plants. 

Match the water level of laundry 

machine to the size of the load. 

Wash dark clothes in cold water, 

saving water and energy and helping 

clothes retain their color. 

Reuse your towels. 

Take a shorter shower (try for under 5 

minutes). And take a short shower 

over a bath—a full bathtub requires up 

to 70 gallons of water! 

Teach children to turn off faucets 

tightly after each use. 

Designate one glass for drinking 

water each day, or refill a water bottle. 

Don’t thaw food with running water, 

use the refrigerator. 

Find more ways to conserve water and lower your water bill at 

wateruseitwisely.com. 

The Most Common Water Waster: 

Toilet Leaks 

The toilet is the most common water wasters. To determine if your 

toilet is leaking, look at the toilet bowl after the tank has stopped 

filling. If water is still running into the bowl, or if water can be heard 

running, your toilet is leaking. 

Most toilet leaks occur at the overflow pipe or at the plunger ball 

inside the tank. To locate a toilet leak, take the tank lid off and flush. 

The water level should come up to about a half inch or so below the 

overflow pipe. Adjust the float level control screw, if necessary, so the 

valve shuts off the water at that level. If the valve itself is leaking, you 

may need a plumber to fix it. 

Although water may not be seen or heard running, your toilet may 

have a silent leak. To test for a silent leak, drop a little food coloring 

into the tank. Do not flush. Wait for about 10 minutes. If the food 

coloring appears in the toilet bowl, your toilet has a silent leak. 

It is probably located in or around the plunger ball or flapper valve at 

the bottom of the tank. These leaks are easy to fix with inexpensive 

parts from your local hardware or home store. 

If no leaks were found, the next step would be a thorough inspection 

of your pipes, lines, connections and valves under your home or in 

your basement. Your hot water tank could have a hole rusted in the 

bottom or the drain valve may be leaking. You may also check faucets, 

showerheads, appliances and outside taps for leaking water. 

By following these simple steps, you should be successful in finding 

accurate results that could save you money. 

Flush 

Valve 

Fill 

Valve 

There are two main toilet tank parts: The toilet flush valve, which lets 

water gush into the bowl during the flush, and the fill valve, which lets 

water refill the tank after the flush. When a toilet runs constantly or 

intermittently, one of these valves is usually at fault. The three most 

common toilet tank part setups are shown above. 

GAILBORDEN.INFO D 

CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001) 

D

Board of Trustees: 

Jean Bednar, President 

Elizabeth Kruger, Vice President 

Sue Amanda Moylan, Garcia, Treasurer Treasurer 

Patricia Tiffany Henderson, Harkin, Secretary 

Amanda Sue Moylan, Garcia Trustee 

Herb Patricia Gross Harkin, Trustee 

Tiffany Herb Gross, Henderson Trustee 

Library Director - Carole Medal 

Library Newsletter Director Editor Carole - Denise Medal Raleigh 

Newsletter Assistant Editors -- Liz Denise Clemmons, Raleigh 

Assistant Natalie Kiburg Editor - Natalie Kiburg 

Graphic Designers - Laura Espinoza, 

Graphic Karen Gilpatrick Designer - Laura Espinoza 

This newsletter contains recycled 

paper and soy-based inks. 

Main Library 

270 N. Grove Ave. 

Elgin, IL 60120 

847–742–2411 

Building Hours 

Mon-Thu 9 am – 9 pm 

Fri-Sat 9 am – 6 pm 

Sun Noon – 5 pm 

Drive-Up Window 



Sun 11:30 am – 5 pm 

Rakow Branch 

2751 W. Bowes Rd. 


847–531–7271 





Mon-Thu 

Fri-Sat 

Sun 

Drive-Up Window 

8:30 am – 8 pm 

8:30 am – 5 pm 

11:30 am – 5 pm 

ECRWSS 

LOCAL POSTAL PATRON 

South Elgin Branch 

127 S. McLean Blvd. 

South Elgin, IL 60177 

847–931–2090 





Please check gailborden.info/covid-19-updates or sign up for our 

eNewsletter at gailborden.info/events/newsletter for updates. 

Mon-Thu 

Fri-Sat 

Sun 

Lobby Hours 

9:30 am – 7 pm 

9:30 am – 5 pm 

11:30 am – 4 pm 

Non-Profit Organization 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 


Permit No. 164 

Photo Release 

All visitors agree to be 

photographed/videographed 

during library events/activities 

for future marketing purposes. 

Customers with Disabilities 

The Library accommodates 

customers with disabilities. Please 

call 847-742-2411 to discuss 

arrangements at least seven days 

prior to a scheduled event. 

Thank you community. 

Due to our work with many partners, 

your library received the nation’s 

highest honor conferred on 

museums and libraries 

for service to the 

community: the 

National Medal for 

Museum and 

Library Services. 

Library Closings 

All Library locations will be closed 

Sunday, September 6 and Monday, 

September 7 for Labor Day. 

Passport services will not be available. 

Kane County Early Voting 

for the November 3 General 

Election 

Main Library 

October 19 – November 2 

Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 7 pm 

Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 5 pm 

For the November 3 election, the last 

day to register to vote at the library is 

October 6. For more information, go to 

gailborden.info/vote. Early Voting is for 

all of Kane County; Election Day is select 

Kane County precincts only. 

PressReader 

*NEW* Download the PressReader 

app or visit gailborden.info to 

access over 7,000 newspapers and 

magazines from 120+ countries in 

60+ languages. ES 


In-Person Programs 

Scones with Bill the Baker R 

Main Library 


Bill the Baker, with over 

40 years of baking 

experience, will teach 

you his basic recipe for 

scones. 

Bob Thomas in 

Football and the Law - 

Author Event R 

Main Library 

Saturday, October 24 

10:30 – 11:30 am 

Veteran sports author Doug Feldmann 

and former Chicago Bears kicker (and 

current Illinois Supreme Court Justice) 

Bob Thomas visit the library to discuss 

Feldmann's new biography of Thomas. 

Virtual Exhibits to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote 

Continued from front page. Visit gailborden.info/womenvote for times of the programs. 

Why Women Should Vote 

Based on a 1910 essay written by Jane Addams, this exhibition explores the grassroots 

national movement organized by American women demanding the right to vote as well 

as issues such as women’s leadership, racism within women’s movements and women’s 

power to impact civic affairs. 

True Peace: the Presence of Justice 

Jane Addams founded the American Women’s Peace Party to oppose World War I, which 

became the Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom. More than 100 years 

later, women’s international peace organizing continues as highlighted by the artwork 

of Monica Trinidad and photographs by Sarah-Ji. 

Monica Trinidad is a queer, Latinx artist and organizer whose artwork highlights 

campaigns and movements in Chicago from 2014 through 2019 that have largely 

been led by Black and Brown women and young girls. Sarah-Ji, prison abolitionist and 

community organizer, exhibits photographs that document the extensive social justice 

organizing in Chicago from the past ten years focusing on Black women in Chicago.

September October Newsletter 2020

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