NovNewsletter_10-15_Y

Gail Borden
November-December
2020 Newsletter
Public Library District
Enjoy the holidays with some programs
for the family!
Family Gingerbread
House Workshop R
Wednesday, December 16
6:30 – 7:30 pm
12/7 – 12/13
John Measner
Magic Show R
Monday, December 21 • 10 am
Add a touch of magic to your season
with a virtual performance by magician
and illusionist John Measner with help
from a few of his animal assistants.
Art for All Annual Winter Art Show
Main Library First Floor
December
Artwork of talented local artists using a variety of mediums will be on
display. Come enjoy our local artists' talent and vote for your favorite
for a chance in a drawing! artforallelgin.com
License Plate Renewal
Remember, even in these challenging
times, the library continues to create
ways to serve you better. We now
offer license plate renewal. Visit
gailborden.info/LicenseRenewal for
details, hours and fees. ES
Gail Borden Library 1-8
City of Elgin A-D
City of Elgin section is
included only in newsletters
delivered to Elgin residents.
Race and Rights: Wells, Willard,
and Addams Online
Thursday, November 19 • 6 pm
Join the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
for a virtual presentation on race and
women's rights. This session will focus
on three Chicago activists—Ida B. Wells,
Frances Willard and Jane Addams.
gailborden.info/womenvote
Early Voting
October 19-November 2 • Main Library
Early Voting and Grace Period Registration for Kane
County will be available October 19 - November 2. All
Kane County precincts may vote at the Main Library during Early Voting.
gailborden.info/vote
Monday - Friday Oct. 19 - Oct. 23 8:30 am - 7 pm
Saturday - Sunday Oct. 24 - Oct. 25 9 am - 5 pm
Monday - Friday Oct. 26 - Oct. 30 8:30 am - 7 pm
Saturday - Sunday Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 9 am - 5 pm
Monday Nov. 2 8:30 am - 7 pm
Election Day Voting
November 3 • 6 am - 7 pm • Main Library
On Election Day, November 3rd, polls at the Library will
be open for select Kane County precincts only.
(Kane County precints 4, 5, 9, 13, and 17.) gailborden.info/vote
2020 has been challenging.
Get a jump start to a healthy
you in 2021.
Gentle Chair Yoga R
Tuesday, November 17 • 2 pm
Instructor Boontiva.
Discover the Life Changing
Power of Meditation R
Tuesday, December 1 • 7 pm
Instructor Umesh Bhatia.
Yoga and Self-Care to Help You
Stay Calm in Chaos R
Thursday, December 10 • 7 pm
Instructor Julie Gentile.
R=Registration required • Ways to register: Online at gailborden.info/register • Call 847-429-4597 • In person
= Pick up kit at Main Library = Pick up kit at Rakow Branch ES =Descripción en español, ver paginas 6-7.
The Gail Borden Public Library District Newsletter | Published Bi-Monthly ISSUE NO. 2020-06 | November 1, 2020

Families
Holidays
Day of the Dead Mini Fest ES
Sunday, November 1 • 12 pm
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Thanksgiving Family
Book Club R
Wednesday, November 25
Grab a book, check out the ideas and
choose a selection from each section
that will work for your family book club!
11/11 – 11/17.
Festival of Lights: Hanukkah
Stories, Traditions and Treats R
Sunday, December 6 • 2 – 2:45 pm
Families are invited to learn about the
Jewish holiday of Hanukkah
through stories, sharing of
traditions and the dreidel game.
11/30 – 12/6.
Tinsel Time
Thursday, December 10 • 10 am
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Family Trivia:
Holiday Movies Edition
Thursday, December 17 • 7 pm
Happy Noon Year Party R
Wednesday, December 30 • 11:30 am
Winter Break Kits R
Have winter fun at home with a bag full
of fun activities and crafts.
12/31 – 1/3.
Save the Date!
Three Kings Celebration ES
Tuesday, January 5 • 6 pm
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Clifford the Big Red Dog Party R
Wednesday, November 25 • 1 pm
11/16 – 11/22.
Dog Man Party R
Friday, November 27
2 – 3 pm
11/16 – 11/22.
Croods 2 Party
Friday, December 18 • 10 am
12/7.
2020 Scholastic Inc.
Programs listed in the
newsletter are offered via
an online platform unless
otherwise indicated with a
physical location.
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.
Storytimes
Baby Rhyme Time R Thursdays • 6 pm 11/5 – 12/10
0-23 Months (No Program 11/26.)
Los programas que aparecen en este boletín
se ofrecen a través de una plataforma en
línea, a menos que se indique lo contrario
con una ubicación física.
Todos los programas están sujetos a cambios.
Consulte el calendario de programas de la Biblioteca
en gailborden.info/eventos para encontrar información
actualizada sobre estos programas.
Toddler Time Wednesdays • 10 am 11/4 – 12/9
Ages 1-2
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Adventure Storytime with Ms. Stephanie
Ages 3-6 Thursdays • 10 am 11/5 – 11/19 & 12/3
Special Holiday-themed Storytime, Craft & Activity on 11/19 and 12/2. Pick up craft supplies at the
window at Rakow or curbside at South Elgin Branch until supplies last. (No program 11/26.)
Preschool Storytime Mondays • 10 am 11/2 – 12/7
Ages 3-6
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Stomp! Clap! Read! R Fridays • 10 am 11/6 – 12/11
Ages 3-6 www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV (No program 11/27.)
Thankfulness Storytime
Tuesday, November 17 • 10 am
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Lullaby Storytime R
Wednesday, November 18 • 6:30 pm
Snow Much Fun Storytime
Tuesday, December 15 • 10 am
= Pick up kit at Main Library = Pick up kit at Rakow Branch ES =Descripción en español, ver paginas 6-7.
2 R=Registration required • Three ways to register: Online at gailborden.info/register • Call 847-429-4597 • In person

Kids
Coding Club R
Mondays • 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Grades 2 & up.
11/9 Dance Party!
11/23 Star Wars
Creativity Corner R
Tuesdays • 4 – 4:30 pm
11/3 Fall Bingo 10/26 – 11/1.
11/17 Dice & Dominoes 11/9 – 11/15.
12/1 Paper Plate Snow Globes
11/23 – 11/29.
12/8 Connect 4-Game Day!
11/30 – 12/6.
Kids Explore R
Thursdays
Grades K-2 • 4 – 4:30 pm
Grades 3-5 • 5 – 5:30 pm
11/5 Paper Quilling 10/26 – 11/1.
11/19 Let's Be Inventors 11/9 – 11/15.
12/3 Paper Crafting Cards
11/23 – 11/29.
12/10 Reptiles Rule 11/30 – 12/6.
Grades K-5 • 4 – 4:30 pm
11/12 Code Crackers
11/2 – 11/8
New Gail Borden App!
You can now also use your phone
to check out books and more. Visit
gailborden.info/mobileapps to
download.
Baking for Kids
Join us to learn how to
bake these treats. As the
treats bake, we will read
stories. Facebook Live =
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Wednesday, November 25 • 2 pm
Sugar Cookies
Monday, December 21 • 11 am
Science • Technology • Engineering • Arts • Math
STEAM R
Grades K-2 • 4 – 4:30 pm
Grades 3-5 • 5 – 5:30 pm
11/2 The Magic of STEAM! 10/26 – 11/1.
11/10 Pringles Engineering Challenge
(no kit)
11/16 On the High Seas 11/9 – 11/15.
11/24 Fidget Spinner Fun 11/16 – 11/22.
11/30 The Paul Klee Challenge
11/23 – 11/29.
12/7 Arctic Animal Friends
11/30 – 12/6.
Programs listed in the
newsletter are offered via
an online platform unless
otherwise indicated with a
physical location.
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
con una ubicación física.
Todos los programas están sujetos a cambios.
Consulte el calendario de programas de la Biblioteca
en gailborden.info/eventos para encontrar información
actualizada sobre estos programas.
Holiday STEAM:
Gift Wrap Challenge R
Monday, December 14
12/7 - 12/13.
Grades K-2 • 4 pm
Grades 3-5 • 5 pm
Winter STEAM:
The Snow Challenge R
12/21 – 12/27.
Grades K-2 • 2 pm
Grades 3-5 • 3 pm
12/28 On the Ice Rink: Skater Challenge
12/30 The Snowman Challenge
Informational Topics
Workshop for Early
Childhood Educators R
Transition Time Songs &
Rhymes for Preschoolers
Wednesday, November 11 • 6 pm
Learn how transitions help control
behavior through song and dance. This
is a Gateways Certified Workshop.
= Pick up kit at Main Library
= Pick up kit at Rakow Branch
GAILBORDEN.INFO
3

Youth & Teens
Grades K-8
Writing Club R
Wednesdays • 6 pm
11/4 Book Bootcamp
11/11 Buried Treasure
11/18 Robot Rebellion
12/2 I Wrote a Book!
Pokémon Digital Escape Room
Saturday, December 12 • 2 pm
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.
Hamilton Digital
Escape Room
Saturday, November 7 • 2 pm
Do you want to be in the room where it
happens? Don't throw away your shot at
solving these Hamilton-themed puzzles.
Doctor Who Digital
Escape Room
Saturday, November 14
2 pm
Manga and Anime
Meet-Up
Saturday, November 21 • 2 pm
11/14 – 11/21.
DIY Shrinky-Dink Keychains R
Tuesday, December 1 • 7 pm
11/24 – 12/1.
Programs listed in the
newsletter are offered via
an online platform unless
otherwise indicated with
a physical location.
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 con una ubicación física.
Todos los programas están sujetos a cambios.
Consulte el calendario de programas de la
Biblioteca en gailborden.info/eventos para encontrar
información actualizada sobre estos programas.
DIY Paracord Bracelet R
Wednesday, December 9 • 4:30 pm
12/3 – 12/9.
Grades 6-8
DIY Origami R
Tuesday, November 17 • 4:30 pm
11/11 – 11/17.
Middle School Coding Club
Tinkering with Tinkercad R
11/24, 11/25, 11/27 • 3:30 pm
BBC Micro:Bits Series R
12/21, 12/22, 12/23 • 3:30 pm
High School
Studio 270 Volunteer Corps
Crafting for a Cause R
Main Library 11/23 & 12/21 • 4 pm
Creative Crew R
Main Library 11/25 & 12/22 • 4 pm
Teen Advisory Board R
Monday, November 30 • 4 pm
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is open to
High Schoolers interested in making a
difference in the library community.
Volunteer Squad R
Main Library
11/2, 11/4, 11/10, 11/12, 11/16, 11/18,
11/24, 11/28, 12/1, 12/2, 12/8, 12/10,
12/14, 12/19 • 4 pm
Drop in and help out the library with
cleaning, book display, and other
various projects.
Studio
Teen Book Hangout Online
Tuesday, November 3 • 4 pm
Teen Writers Club Online
Tuesday, November 24 • 4 pm
Join other teen writers to share what
you're writing and help you through the
creative writing process.
270
= Pick up kit at Main Library = Pick up kit at Rakow Branch
4 R=Registration required • Three ways to register: Online at gailborden.info/register • Call 847-429-4597 • In person

Adults
All Things Apple
Tuesdays, 11/3, 12/1 • 7 pm
Veteran's Voices, Veterans Day
2020 Panel Discussion Online
Wednesday, November 11 • 1 – 3:30 pm
Join us for a Veteran's Day panel
discussion on YouTube.
Hope For The Holidays
Thursday, November 12 • 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Discover strategies and skills to cope with
the holidays during times of grief, loss
and disappointment. Presenters: Joy Symonds of
Symonds-Madison Funeral Home and a local therapist.
Fantastic Space Discoveries:
The Search for Planet 9 R
Thursday, November 12 • 7 pm
Go on a quest to discover whether our
Solar System has another massive planet
beyond Neptune. Presenter: Jim Kovak, Chicago
Society for Space Studies.
The Real Cost of
Homeownership R
Monday, November 16 • 7 – 8 pm
Presenter: Donna Rasmussen, Financial Literacy
Educator.
Computer Classes
Crafting a Cover Letter NEW
Wednesday, November 11 • 6 pm
Learn tips & tricks for crafting a
cover letter.
Resume Essentials
Wednesday, November 18 • 6 pm
Microsoft Excel {
Main Library Grove Room
Mondays • 6 pm
11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7
QuickBooks Desktop Series {
Main Library Grove Room
Thursdays • 6 pm
11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10
{Classes with this symbol are
sponsored by Comcast as part of their
Internet Essentials program. For more
information on the Comcast Internet Essentials
program, visit internetessentials.com.
Organizing & Parenting
Solutions to Pandemic
Problems R
Tuesday, November 17 • 7 pm
Learn how to best organize your home to
provide healthy and efficient workspaces
for adults and kids. Presenter: Professional
organizer Jennifer Barnes.
Medicare 101 R
Friday, November 6 • 10:30 am
Tuesday, November 10 • 7 pm
Presenter: Tom Perrucci, Premier Medicare Benefits.
Medicare 101 Educational
Seminar R
Wednesday, December 2 • 10 am
Presenter: Andrea Norman, Medicare Benefit Advisor,
Ascension Complete.
Programs listed in the
newsletter are offered via
an online platform unless
otherwise indicated with
a physical location.
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 con una ubicación física.
Todos los programas están sujetos a cambios.
Consulte el calendario de programas de la
Biblioteca en gailborden.info/eventos para encontrar
información actualizada sobre estos programas.
Writers’ Corner
Poetry Writers Workshop
Online R
Mondays, 11/2, 12/7 • 7 pm
Writers on the Fox R
Mondays, 11/23, 12/28 • 7 pm
Crafts
Crafts with Elda
Facebook Live = www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Thursdays • 7 pm
11/3 DIY Autumn Maple Leaf Bowl
11/10 Yummy Pumpkin Pie Bread
11/17 Fall Harvest Centerpiece
11/24 Delish Cranberry
Pecan Cheese Balls
12/1 Framed Holiday Book Wreath
12/8 Rustic Winter
Greenery Centerpiece
12/15 Super Easy Christmas
Crack Toffee
12/22 Sparkly NYE Wine Bottle Decor
12/29 Bring on the New Year...
2021 Vision Board
Winter Card Painting R
Wednesday, December 16 • 10 am
Holiday Cupcake Decorating
with Devi R
Saturday, December 19 • 11 am
GAILBORDEN.INFO
5

Adults
Language
Spanish Café Conversation Group in the Library ES
Main Library Grove Room
Mondays, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/7, 12/14 • Noon – 1 pm
English Conversation Group Online ES R
Tuesdays, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 • 6:30 – 7:45 pm
German Conversation Group R
Wednesdays, 9/23, 10/28 • 7 pm
Grupo de conversación de Español para niños R
Tuesdays, 11/3 – 12/8 • 3:30 – 4 pm
Go Bilingual en la Biblioteca R
Learn Spanish & Aprende Inglés Juntos
Main Library
Wednesdays, 11/4 – 12/16 • 6 pm (Except 11/25.)
Programs listed in the
newsletter are offered via
an online platform unless
otherwise indicated with a
physical location.
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 con una
ubicación física.
Todos los programas están sujetos a cambios.
Consulte el calendario de programas de la
Biblioteca en gailborden.info/eventos para
encontrar información actualizada sobre
estos programas.
Book Clubs
Contemporary Book Group R
Main Library Grove Room
Saturday, November 18 • 7 pm
Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
Rakow Readers Book Club R
Mondays • 1:30 – 2:30 pm
11/23 The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
12/21 Disappearing Earth
by Julia Phillips
Walking Book Club R
Main Library Elgin Room
Wednesday, December 2 • 6:30 pm
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
Financial & Retirement
Planning Book Club R
Tuesdays, 11/3 – 12/1 • 6:30 pm
Presenter Keith Rauschenberger, CFPA®, MBA.
(Note: 1 st session started 10/13.)
ES =Descripción en español, ver paginas 6-7.
en español
Votación en la Biblioteca
Principal
Votación temprana para las elecciones
generales del 3 de noviembre
19 de octubre – 2 de noviembre
De lunes a viernes 8:30 am – 7 pm
El sábado y domingo 9 am – 5 pm
La votación temprana es para todo el condado de Kane.
Elecciones Generales del 3 de noviembre
6 am – 7 pm
El día de las elecciones, las urnas de la
Biblioteca Principal estarán abiertas
solo para los votantes en los precintos
electorales del condado de Kane
predeterminados.
Para obtener más información, visite
gailborden.info/vote.
Renovación de placas en la Biblioteca Gail Borden
La biblioteca ofrecerá un nuevo servicio de renovación de placas de vehiculos de
Illinois. Los residentes de Illinois podrán solicitar una etiqueta de renovación y salir con
la etiqueta el mismo día*. Necesitará su Aviso de renovación de registro de vehículo de Illinois o Número de
identificación del vehículo (VIN) y número de placa. Tenga en mente que, si su vehículo necesita pasar la prueba de
control de emisiones, la Biblioteca no podrá renovar su placa . gailborden.info/LicenseRenewal
El servicio de renovación estará disponible durante el siguiente horario en la
Biblioteca Principal únicamente.
Lunes – jueves
Viernes – sábado
Domingo
9 am – 7:30 pm
9 am – 4:30 pm
Mediodía – 3:30 pm
Se aceptarán pagos en efectivo, con tarjeta de débito o crédito. (Hay un cajero automático
disponible en KCT Credit Union; dentro del vestíbulo de la biblioteca principal.)
Costo de la etiqueta de renovación. ......................Varía
Tarifa de servicio por cada renovación ................$7.50
Tarifa de procesamiento por usar tarjeta de crédito/débito....$5
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
Para Familias
Mini Festival del Día de
Muertos Por Facebook Live
domingo 1 de noviembre • 2 pm
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Actividad familiar:
calaveras de azúcar en línea R
domingo 1 de noviembre • 3 pm
Cuentos para la familia
Los lunes 2 de nov. – 7 de dic. • 7 pm
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Conversación para niños en
español Por Zoom R
Los martes, 3 de nov. – 8 de dic.
3:30 pm
¿Va a tomar el exámen de la
ciudadanía en español?
Podemos ayudarle a prepararse y
estudiar. Comuníquese por correo con
biblioteca@gailborden.info o por texto al
224-407-2399.
Posada Navideña por
Facebook Live
Sábado 5 de diciembre • 2 pm
www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Aparta la fecha
Celebración de los Reyes
Magos Por Facebook Live
Martes 5 de enero • 6 pm
ww.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Para adultos
Grupo de Mujeres
con Propósito Por Zoom R
jueves, 19 de noviembre • 6 pm
Temas para Padres
con Family Focus Por Zoom R
Los martes • 10 am
10 de nov. Autoestima y manejo del estrés
15 de dic. Actividades familiares divertidas
Café Latino: Discusión de
Libros Por Zoom R
Los lunes • 6 pm
Libro: Yo no soy tu
perfecta hija mexicana
por Erika L. Sánchez.
30 de nov. Capítulos 14-20
14 de dic. Capítulos 21-29
Los programas que aparecen en
este boletín se ofrecen a través de
una plataforma en línea, a menos que
se indique lo contrario con una
ubicación física.
Todos los programas están sujetos a cambios.
Consulte el calendario de programas de la
Biblioteca en gailborden.info/eventos para
encontrar información actualizada sobre
estos programas.
Cómo asistir
Por Facebook Live
Para participar conéctate el día del evento
por Facebook live de la Biblioteca Gail
Borden www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV.
Por 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.
Clases de Computación
en la Biblioteca
No hay costo ni hay que tener tarjeta de
la Biblioteca. Favor registrarse. Puede
registrarse para la serie completa o para
una sola clase.
Biblioteca Principal Salón Grove
Los sábados • 1 pm
7 de nov. Teclado y Ratón R
14 de nov. El Internet R
21 de nov. Google Drive R
5 de dic. Correo Electrónico R
12 de dic. Google Docs 1 R
Apendar Idiomas
Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Por Zoom R
Los martes 3 de nov. – 15 de dic. • 6:30 pm
Café en Español Grupo de Conversación en la biblioteca R
Los lunes 2 de nov. – 14 de dic. (Excepto 30 de nov.) • Mediodía • Biblioteca Principal
Grupo de conversación de Español para niños R
Los martes 3 de nov. – 8 de dic. • 3:30 – 4 pm
Go Bilingual en la Biblioteca -
Learn Spanish & Aprende Inglés Juntos R
Los miércoles 4 de nov. – 16 de dic. (Excepto 25 de nov.) • 6 pm • Biblioteca Principal
GAILBORDEN.INFO
7

November-December
City of Elgin
2020 Newsletter
Boletín en Español: Cada número del boletín está disponible en español en línea en cityofelgin.org/boletin.
Get Involved.
Elgin Allies: Allies for a Greater Tomorrow
Looking to give back to your community?
Elgin Allies is a City program designed for those who want to
make a difference within the community and within
themselves. Elgin Allies are volunteers who work on projects
that fit their interests. The program provides the opportunity to
engage in your own community, enrich your life, meet others,
learn new skills and create memories.
Elgin Allies has many volunteer opportunities for individuals,
students, business groups, churches and service clubs. Giving
back through our time and talents helps the community and
enhances the quality of life for residents. Opportunities to
serve the community range anywhere from helping at a City
event, to working in community gardens, to administrative
duties within various City departments, to becoming a
“sidewalk hero” shoveling snow for seniors and school routes.
Elgin Allies also coordinates with persons completing
community service hours to find work on projects fitting their
interests.
Visit cityofelgin.org/elginallies
to browse the list of interests and
get matched with the perfect
volunteer opportunity.
Follow Elgin Allies on social media
@ElginAllies
@AlliesElgin
ELGIN
ALLIES
Serve on a Board or Commission
Serving on a board or commission allows you to learn
more about the needs of the community, the process
of local government and working as a team with a
common goal of helping move Elgin forward.
The City of Elgin has a total of 13 boards and
commissions that are composed of volunteers who
want to get involved in their local government and
share their ideas to better the community. Often the
purpose of a board or commission is to review
information and make recommendations to city
council on policy issues. Each has its own specific
duties and functions.
Volunteers Needed:
Apply Today!
Find current vacancies,
application and more
information at
cityofelgin.org/boards.
Meet a Member
During my service I have experienced both what the Parks and Recreation
Board does for the community and what being a member has done for me.
I have seen the dedication of the board members when we work to establish
future plans for playgrounds and the sports complex, but what is most
apparent is the dedication of staff. They are consistently striving to provide
the best possible service to the community. This commitment is most
evident when we involve the community to get their input when a
playground is scheduled for renewal and when the staff hosts an open
house to celebrate a park’s completion. Including the community in these
processes is of the utmost importance.
Marino Lamantia,
Member
Elgin Parks and
Recreation Board
Also serving as President of the Bowes Creek Homeowners Association, I offer another
perspective. When it was time to name the two playgrounds in our neighborhood, I proposed
using our Bowes Creek communications system to provide our homeowners the opportunity to
vote for their preferred name of the park. The Parks and Recreation Board and staff whole
heartily embraced the idea. So once again, we were able to involve the community in the
process. This event also opened up a new way for the parks department to connect and
communicate directly with the Bowes Creek HOA to announce their upcoming social and
charity events.
I am impressed by the responsiveness of the City employees that maintain Elgin’s parks and
playgrounds. They are professional and responsive to the needs of the community. This has also
been my experience for all the areas I deal with in the City of Elgin.
A CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001)
GAILBORDEN.INFO
A

November-December
City of Elgin
2020 Newsletter
At Your Service
Introducing Officer Edwin Alva
Officer Edwin Alva is the newest member of the Residential
Officer Program of Elgin (ROPE) unit. ROPE was created with the
vision that by working and living in a distressed neighborhood,
the department can enhance police service and outreach
initiatives. It is hoped that their presence empowers residents to
work together to problem solve, improve their quality of life
and independently take ownership of the neighborhood. He is
stepping in to replace Officer Heather Farrell, who is returning
to patrol after participating in the ROPE program for seven
years. He will be residing at 310 N. Spring Street in the
Northeast Neighborhood.
Officer Alva was born and raised in Elgin and lived on the east
side for the entirety of his childhood. He’s an alumnus of
McKinley Elementary School, Ellis and Larsen Middle School
and Elgin High School. Growing up he had the opportunity to
Meet Elgin’s New ROPE Officer
participate in Elgin police programs such
as Shop with a Cop and D.A.R.E.
These, along with other programs,
have allowed him to experience
firsthand the positive results that
community policing can have.
When asked what he hopes to
achieve in his role as a ROPE officer,
Officer Alva said, “I look forward to
engaging, communicating and
working with my future neighbors
and improving the quality of life while
also reducing crime.”
Officer Alva can be reached by phone at 224-523-4438 or by
email at alva_e@cityofelgin.org.
Elgin 311
Consider Elgin 311 your personal hotline to faster service,
improved communication and a stronger connection with
your City and community. Elgin 311 citizen advocates answer
general questions and process non-emergency service
requests. From reporting potholes to a missed garbage
collection to processing water bill payments, our highly
trained citizen advocates are ready to assist you.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
CALL. CLICK. CONNECT.
Dial 311. If you're outside the city limits, dial 847-931-6001.
Email elgin311@cityofelgin.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Download the Elgin 311 mobile app for iOS and Andriod to submit
requests on-the-go and keep up with what's happening in Elgin.
Submit a request through the community portal:
cityofelgin.org/311request
*Email, mobile app and portal requests will be answered during
regular business hours.
Fall Trash Drop Off Event
Saturday, November 7, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Waste Management Transfer Station,1245 Gifford Road
Bring your vehicle filled with household waste for just $20
(cash). The event includes secure document shredding.
No electronics recycling (find options on Page D).
Absolutely no household hazardous waste will be accepted.
Elgin residents only (proof of residency required with
state-issued I.D.) Face coverings also required.
GAILBORDEN.INFO
CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001)
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November-December
City of Elgin
2020 Newsletter
Explore Elgin
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Like many events this year, plans
must remain flexible due to the
nature of the pandemic and its
dynamic restrictions. For the most
updated information, contact 311
or visit cityofelgin.org/events.
Holiday Celebrations
Santa's Workshop
Saturday, December 12
Enjoy some holiday cheer as you walk through the North Pole in the
Hemmens Cultural Center’s Exhibition Hall. Take your picture in Santa’s chair
and collect a candy cane and make-at-home craft. This is a ticketed event with
designated time slots between 9:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for
residents and $12 for non-residents. Tickets must be purchased in advance at
cityofelgin.org/register.
Subscribe Elgin
Receive the latest news and announcements
about public services, events, businesses, scams
and more by subscribing to City of Elgin and
partner email lists:
City of Elgin news releases
cityofelgin.org/news
City of Elgin events
cityofelgin.org/eventnews
City of Elgin construction
cityofelgin.org/constructionupdates
Hemmens Cultural Center
cityofelgin.org/hemmensnews
Elgin Police Outreach -
Seniors Citizens
cityofelgin.org/seniornews
Smart 911 Emergency Notifications
cityofelgin.org/alerts
*Events subject to change
based on COVID restrictions
Downtown Neighborhood
Association of Elgin
cityofelgin.org/DNAemails
Elgin Area Chamber
cityofelgin.org/chambernews
Explore Elgin Area Tourism
Bureau
cityofelgin.org/CVBnews
Utility Box Wrapping Program
Utility boxes around the globe are being painted or wrapped in
artwork, and Elgin now has its own such program. Not only does this
program deter graffiti, it also encourages community building and
placemaking while promoting original artwork by local artists. Utility
boxes provide a large, smooth canvas and they are typically located
in high traffic areas, providing an ideal setting to showcase public art.
Sponsors Wanted
Sponsor a utility box to help expand public art in Elgin! You can
choose a box and see which applications exist for that box, or see all
of the applications and select the box based on the available artwork.
Sponsorships begin at $2,500 and increase from there, depending
on the size of the box. Artwork has an expected lifespan of 7-10
years.
New this Year: Go See Them Up Close
“A City is a Gift” by Elgin artist Kerri Liu
Location: Douglas/Chicago Intersection
Inspiration: Simply walking around and
experiencing what Elgin has to offer. From the
many parks and preserves to music and art shows,
delicious food options and gorgeous architecture,
Elgin has been intentionally curated to the interests
of its people. As I get to know the people of Elgin, this seems to be
an ongoing conversation. Who is this generation of citizens? What do
we want for our families, friends and selves right now? What do we hope to
pass on to future generations? It is a gift that we have this time and space.
What will we decide to do with it is dependent on each of us.
“Cravasse,” by Chicago artist Kristi O’Meara
Location: McLean/Larkin Intersection
Inspiration: Intricate patterns found in nature:
the cellular structure of plants, vermicular
patterns created by insects, fossilized textures of
oceanic creatures preserved eternally in stone, the
structure of skin cells as seen under a microscope,
the infinite wonder of microcosmic patterns that
construct the world around us.
SNEAK PEEK
SNEAK PEEK
C CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001)
GAILBORDEN.INFO
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November-December
City of Elgin
2020 Newsletter
Divert Waste
Simple Recycling
Residents, have you tried this FREE service to
recycle textiles at the curb?
The Simple Recycling service collects many
categories of items that aren’t recyclable through your
regular curbside recycling program; things like clothing, shoes,
small appliances, lamps and more. View the full list of possible
(and not possible) items at cityofelgin.org/simplerecycling.
Simply fill up the orange Simple Recycling bags with
acceptable items and place it at your curb for pickup on your
regular garbage collection day. *Note: Bags must be out by
6:00 a.m. or they could be missed - Drivers get through routes
very quickly since they don’t stop at every house. If your
collection is missed, notify Simple Recycling online at
simplerecycling.com or over the phone at 866-835-5068.
Need bags? Request bags online at simplerecycling.com or
call Simple Recycling at 866-835-5068.
Curbside Organics Collection
Compost Your Food Scraps and Yard Waste April-November
Residents may purchase a subscription to participate in Elgin’s
curbside organics collection program, where weekly collections
run during the months of April through November, in conjunction
with the yard waste service. Residents can combine acceptable
organic food waste in a designated bin along with yard waste to
reduce the amount of compostable waste in the landfill, and
potentially save money on yard waste bags and stickers. An annual
fee is billed separately through Waste Managment for this service.
Residents have three cart size options at different subscription
rates:
96 gallon cart: $141/season
64 gallon cart: $131/season
35 gallon cart: $121/season
Any additional containers
outside of the organics cart
will require a sticker to be
serviced.
To sign up for the Organics
Collection subscription service,
please contact Waste Management at 800-964-8988.
At Your Door
Special Collection
Elgin residents have an easy way to dispose of household hazardous
waste and to recycle electronics. You do not need to sign up for this
program - it is offered as part of your regular household waste and
recycling service. To dispose of home-generated special materials and
schedule a collection at your home, you must contact Waste
Management online at wmatyourdoor.com or by calling 800-449-7587
(Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.).
The materials accepted through this program include:
Automotive Products
Antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid,
motor oil and filters, fuels, and
more.
Garden Chemicals
Fertilizers, insect sprays, herbicides,
pesticides, and weed killers.
Paint Products
Paint, caulk, glue, stain, stripper,
thinner, and wood preservative.
Household Cleaners
Ammonia, heavy-duty cleaner, rust
remover, tile/shower cleaner,
upholstery cleaner, and more.
Create Less Garbage?
Reduce Your Cart Size
Each home is provided a 64-gallon wheeled gray garbage cart.
But that doesn’t mean each home produces enough garbage
to fill that cart on a weekly basis.
Residents can opt for a smaller 35-gallon cart for the same
monthly rate as the 64-gallon cart. Residents who opt for this
option can place one additional disposal item per week at the
curb without a sticker, such as a yard waste bag or bulky item.
*Note: With this option, it’s important not to remove your cart from
the curb until after the additional disposal item has been collected so
drivers know you are a small-cart subscriber.
*Note: This differs from the Senior Cart
Program, which does not include an extra
disposal item.
Contact Elgin 311 to pursue this option.
Electronics
Computers, monitors, keyboards,
MP3 players, televisions (limit one
per call), DVD/CD players, tape
players, VCR, cell phones, desktop
printers, fax machines, and
microwaves.
Mercury Containing Items
Batteries, compact fluorescent
lamps, fluorescent tubes,
thermometers, and
thermostats.
Sharps, Needles and Lancets
Must be placed in a sealed, rigid,
puncture resistant container.
GAILBORDEN.INFO D
CITYOFELGIN.ORG | 311 (OR 847-931-6001)
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Board of Trustees:
Jean Bednar, President
Elizabeth Kruger, Vice President
Patricia Harkin, Secretary
Amanda Garcia
Herb Gross
Tiffany Henderson
Library Director - Carole Medal
Newsletter Editor - Denise Raleigh
Assistant Editors - Liz Clemmons,
Natalie Kiburg
Graphic Designers - Laura Espinoza,
Karen Gilpatrick
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
Mon-Thu 8 am – 9 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am – 6 pm
Sun 11:30 am – 5 pm
Rakow Branch
2751 W. Bowes Rd.
Elgin, IL 60124
847–531–7271
Building Hours
Mon-Thu 9 am – 8 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am – 5 pm
Sun Noon – 5 pm
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
Building Hours
Mon-Thu 10 am – 7 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am – 4 pm
Sun Noon – 4 pm
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
Elgin, IL 60120
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 paners,
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.
Best Picture Books of the Year with Miss Katie
Wednesday, December 2 • 6:30 – 7:15 pm
Join Miss Katie for book talks highlighting “the best of the
best” picture books from 2020's publishing crop! This is also a
great opportunity to discover holiday gifts for little ones.
Facebook Live. www.bit.ly/gbplFBLV
Library Closings
All Library locations will be:
• Closing early 11/25 at 5 pm
• Closed all day 11/26
• Closed all day 12/24 and 12/25
• Closed all day 12/31 and 1/1/21
Passport services will not be available.
Census 2020
Thank you
Thanks to everyone on the Elgin Complete
Count Committee and many more
for their dedication to getting people
counted. Even though 2020 had major
challenges, this effort exceeded the 2010
campaign in self-response rates and that
makes a tremendous difference to this
community.
Thanks to all, Denise Raleigh, Co-Chair of
the Elgin Complete Count Committee
Still Offering Great
Entertainment and News
Resources
The Library will no longer be using
RB Digital as a way to provide you with
news and entertainment, but many of
these great sources are still available to
you via the Library.
• eMagazines are accessible through Flipster
and the new PressReader product.
• Acorn TV content is available in Hoopla.
• Popular content such as The Great Courses
are available within Kanopy.
Just visit our 24/7elibrary to discover
these and other great resources.
www.gailborden.info/elibrary
Foundation Corner
The Gail Borden Public Library
Foundation was honored with a number
of significant donations recently.
Thank you EFS Foundation, Montiegel
Trust, Comcast Internet Essentials,
Taos Community Foundation, KCT
and got robot? Your donations have
such a positive impact on this library
community. For more information,
please visit foundation web site.
www.gailborden.info/foundation
Ursula Wilson of EFS Foundation and Mike Liee, Gail
Borden Public Library District Foundation President.