Latest news with #GailBordenPublicLibrary
Chicago Tribune
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Gail Borden Public Library holding comic book panel discussion; Elgin author to discuss Agatha Christie lingo, references
'Sound + Vision,' a rock 'n' roll comic panel discussion, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin in advance of its 16th annual Comic Book Mania event on Saturday, Aug. 2. During the program, graphic novelists Steve Horton and Russell Lissau will talk about the relationship between musical artists and comic books and sign copies of their books, according to the library's website. The Comic Book Mania Convention in August, scheduled for noon to 4 p.m., will feature comic artists and vendors, photo ops with superheroes and comic book characters, a comic book costume contest and a drawing class. For more information, go to and Elgin-based author and historian Kate Gingold and her husband, Don, a publisher at Gnu Ventures Co., will present a program on 'The Long Lost Lingo of Agatha Christie' from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Oak Crest Residence in Elgin. Kate Gingold's book, 'Agatha Annotated' offers a glossary database of obscure terms and historical references found in the works of Agatha Christie, according to a news release. She was invited to speak on the subject at the International Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay, England, in September 2024. Since then, Gingold has added to the talk with memories of the festival and the experts she met while researching the terms. Don Gingold, a voice and community theater performer, will be reading passages from the novels that include the obscure terms his wife will define. Complimentary refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served. The event is free but freewill donations will be accepted. The center is at 204 S. State St. To make a reservation to attend, call 847-742-2255. For more information, go to A tropical island event featuring live music and dance performances will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Wing Park Family Aquatic Center, 1030 Wing St., Elgin. Evening admission to the family event is $5 for Elgin residents and $6 for nonresidents, according to a social media post for the event. For more information, call 847-289-2542. Elgin History Museum will be hosting the Elgin Arts Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago St., Elgin. The free event is designed to bring area creative and arts supporters together for a casual, welcoming gathering, according to a social media post. 'No agenda, no sales pitch, just snacking, sipping and being in the same room with our creative community,' the post says. The event is open to anyone age 21 or older. Alcohol will be available. Future happy hours are being planned for the last Monday of each month. For more information, call 847-742-4248.
Chicago Tribune
19-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Participants sought for Elgin's annual new citizen event; Nanni Nikki to perform for kids at the Elgin library
The city of Elgin is seeking participants for its 25th annual New Citizen Recognition Ceremony being held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, in the Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin. New citizens who register for the event will receive a certificate and a U.S. flag pin and will be personally congratulated by Mayor Dave Kaptain and members of the Elgin City Council, according to a social media post. This event is organized by YWCA Elgin, Centro de Informacion, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, City of Elgin, Elgin Community College, Elgin History Museum, Gail Borden Public Library and The Literacy Connection. Anyone in the Elgin area who would like to be recognized at the event can register online at A free concert featuring children's musician Nanny Nikki will be held from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 27, on the outdoor stage at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin. The show will feature playful tunes and interactive rhythms geared toward young children, according to library information. The show is part of the library's Little Listeners outdoor concert series designed for infants through 6-year-olds. In the event of bad weather, the performance will be moved indoors. For more information, call 847-742-2411. Grants from the Hanover Township Mental Health Board have been awarded to local organizations, including the Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, PADS of Elgin and Hanover Landing. The board awarded $20,000 in capital funding to Elgin's Ecker Center to assist in office renovations that will allow for more programs and therapy space, according to a news release. Another $5,000 was awarded in emergency funding to PADS of Elgin for operational expenses. The Hanover Landing apartment development in Elgin will receive $34,500 to fund a supportive housing services coordinator position, the release said. In related news, Streamwood resident Tarah McShane and Jordan Wildermuth, an Elgin resident, have been appointed to the board as new members. Jemma Cabral, owner of the EZ Clean Group in Elgin, is competing on Season 17 of 'The Blox,' which bills itself as 'the largest competition TV show on the planet for startups.' The series puts startup founders into a high-pressure, week-long bootcamp, where they engage in business challenges, including marketing, fundraising and customer acquisition, a news release said. Cumulative scores determine the winner. Season 17 debuted this month on Prime Video, the BetaBlox app and Cabral is a two-time survivor of Stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma, the release said. She spent 19 years working in accounting before starting her cleaning business in 2021. Elgin dentist Frank Maggio, who is also a professor of periodontics at the University of Illinois Chicago, has been appointed to the board of directors for the Association of American Dental Boards. Maggio will help shape dental policy and regulations and represent the interests of dentists, hygienists and patients from the northern region of the United States, a news release said. For more information about the association, go to Gail Borden Public Library and Fox River Valley Public LIbrary districts are participating in the statewide Museum Adventure Pass and Explore More Illinois. The programs offer passes for discounted or free admission to participating cultural attractions, museums, zoos and gardens across the state, according to the Fox River Valley Public Library District's website. The Gail Borden website says libraries have a limited number of passes for each participating organization, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, go to or
Chicago Tribune
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Discounted tix available for Nightmare on Chicago Street; ESO Brass Quintet holding free Thursday outdoor concerts
Early bird tickets are being sold for $25 for Elgin's annual Nightmare of Chicago Street, which this year will be held Saturday, Oct. 25. One thousand general admission tickets are available online at according to the event website. After they are sold out, the ticket price will increase to $35 online and $40 if purchased at the event, officials for the city-sponsored event said. General admission tickets include access to the downtown fest and its attractions, scare zones, shows, special photo ops and music stages, and are needed to purchase items from general food and drink vendors. An $85 all-access pass includes early entry to the fest and entrance into one of four special-themed pop-up bars. VIP parking passes are $50. For more information, email nightmareonchicagostreet@ The Elgin Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet will present free outdoor concerts in Elgin on two Thursdays in June. Accompanied by local church choirs, the quintet will perform at 6 p.m. June 19 the Gail Borden Public Library's Juneteenth celebration on the main library's outdoor stage, 270 N. Grove Ave., according to a new release. Attendees are free to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic dinners. The second performance is set for 7 p.m. June 26 at Lords Park, 1800 Oakwood Blvd. For more information, go to The third annual Juneteenth Summer Jam Freedom Celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 19, in Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Focused on education, the arts and local businesses, the gathering's goal is to unify the community through fun and family friendly activities, according to the event website. Exhibits, contests, games, music, food, symposiums and a food drive will be held. For more information, go to To celebrate the summer solstice, the Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee is holding a 'Sunshine Symphony' all day Saturday, June 21, featuring performances by local choirs, children's bands and dance troupes. Not only will music be provided for the entertainment of zoo visitors, it will 'enrich' the zoo's animals, according to the Dundee Township Park District program guide. The zoo is located at 1180 N. Randall Road. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 847-551-4312 or email randalloakszoo@ Chicagoland Dog Rescue will hold a 'Rescue on the River at Rosie's' fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 21, on the patio at Rosie O'Hare's Public House, 702 Water St., East Dundee. A trivia contest, wine pull and raffle baskets will be part of the event, a social media post said. According to the Chicagoland Dog Rescue website, the nonprofit is a volunteer-based, shelterless rescue dedicated to rescuing, socializing and placing homeless dogs into permanent homes, regardless of a dog's breed, size or age. For more information on the benefit, call 847-426-1116.
Chicago Tribune
29-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Elgin police holding program on home security cameras; ‘Drive to Beat Hunger' golf outing to benefit food pantry
Detectives from the Elgin Police Department will present a program on 'Security Through Surveillance' from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin. Information on how to effectively use surveillance cameras to prevent and solve crimes, covering such topics as camera selection and placement, data storage options and how the police department can assist. The session also will review how businesses and homeowners can use already in-place camera systems to partner with police for solving crimes. To register for the free program, go to The library is located at 270 N. Grove Ave. D300 Food Pantry will hold its third annual 'Drive to Beat Hunger' golf outing fundraiser at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at the Randall Oaks Golf Club, 4101 Binnie Road, West Dundee. Golfers will receive driving range access,18 holes of golf with a cart and a box lunch followed by an after party, according to the food pantry's website. Tickets are $125. Those who don't want to golf can attend the after party, which will feature appetizers, a cash bar and raffles. Tickets are $30. For tickets and more information, go to The opening reception for the 'Erasing Borders/Borrando Fronteras' art exhibition will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, at the Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago St., Elgin. Artwork on display was created in support of the Hispanic Heritage Project, an Elgin History Museum initiative to preserve and share the stories of Elgin-area Hispanic families. It includes a feature-length video documentary and traveling exhibit, according to the museum's website. Artists will be at the reception to talk about their work, and light refreshments will be served. Admission is free and donations accepted. For more information or to RSVP, go to The Open Door Health Center of Illinois's Elgin office is seeking volunteers to help at the city's LBGTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, in downtown Elgin. Volunteers will walk in the parade and pass out candy along the route, according to a news release. Others can help set up and work at a festival booth to share information in Festival Park. No experience is necessary. Families, friend groups and individuals of all backgrounds can participate, and community service hours verified for students or anyone who needs them. The Open Door Health Clinic in Elgin is located at 1665 Larkin Ave. To volunteer for the parade and festival and to learn about other volunteer opportunities, call 630-503-5615 or go to
Chicago Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Mark your calendars now for Elgin-area fests, fireworks shows and other events set for this summer
This summer, the Elgin area is chock-full of annual festivals, parades and other events. Here's a rundown of things you can add to your calendar. June 1: Elgin Valley Fox Trot begins and ends just north of the Gail Borden Library at Grove Avenue and Kimball Street in downtown Elgin. The 10-mile run starts at 7:30 a.m. followed by a 5K starts at 7:40 a.m. Registration is $60 for the 10-mile and $45 for the 5K. A free post-race party, featuring music, food and beverages, is open to the public. June 6-8: St. Sophia Greek Fest, taking place on parish grounds at 525 Church Road in Elgin, celebrates Greek food, music and culture. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. June 7: Elgin's family-friendly LGBTQ+ Pride Parade will step off from the South Riverside Drive parking lot at 11 a.m., and make its way to Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. A related fest with music, vendors, food and beverages will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the park. June 7-8: Rails to Victory World War II reenactment rides be held at10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m Sunday at the Fox Valley Trolley Museum, 365 S. LaFox St., South Elgin. Bob Marshall, a 100-year-old Marine veteran who served in World War II, will be the guest of honor from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $24. June 14: Flag Day will be celebrated with a 9 a.m. ceremony outside Carpentersville Village Hall, 1200 LW Besinger Drive. June 14: East Dundee will hold a Flag Day ceremony at 11 a.m. outside The Depot, 319 S. River St. June 14: Elgin's Flag Day ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park along the Fox River, north of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. June 19: The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and local church choirs will present a Juneteenth concert at 6 p.m. Friday on the outdoor stage at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. June 20: Prior to an after-dusk screening of 'Soul,' the School of Rock Elgin will perform in the Wing Park Bandshell, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. June 22: The Micheleros Festival will be held from noon to 11 p.m. in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove, Ave. Elgin. More than a dozen bands will perform, and food and drinks available, including the michelada, which is a Mexican-style Bloody Mary. Tickets are $30 and $40. June 27-28: Duke's Blues Fest will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday in Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Live blues music will be performed and barbecue and southern vendors onsite. June 28: Carpentersville's annual Independence Day parade through Old Town starts at 10 a.m. June 28: From 6 to 9 p.m., the Dundee Township Park District will be hosting a festival featuring food, vendors and entertainment in Meadowdale Park, LW Besinger Drive and Maple Avenue, Carpentersville. A fireworks display will be held at dusk. July 4: A Fourth of July pet parade starts at 8:30 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Ann Street and ends at Douglas and Highland avenues, near Elgin City Hall. July 4: Elgin's annual downtown Independence Day Parade will start at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Douglas and Slade avenues and end about 11 a.m. at Douglas and Highland avenues. July 4: From 5 to 10 p.m. there will be music, vendors, food and beverages in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave, culminating with a Fourth of July fireworks display. July 4: Sleepy Hollow is planning Fourth of July events from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Sabatino Park, 1 Thorobred Lane. July 6: Sleepy Hollow Service Club will present a fireworks show slated to start sometime after 9 p.m. at Sabatino Park, 1 Thorobred Lane. Parking in fields near the park will open at 7 p.m. costs $20 per vehicle. July 12: A free Classic Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St. Vehicle entry fee is $15. July 12: Blind Flights, a picnic-style outdoor craft beer tasting event hosted by the Carpentersville Rotary Club, will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. in Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave.. Tickets are $43.40. July 18: West Dundee River Challenge bike races and related events take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in and around Grafelman Park, 112 N. 5th St., and downtown outside VIllage Squire,125 Washington St. July 25: Dennis Jurs Memorial Elgin Classic bike race and related events will be held from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Elgin's northeast side, with a staging area at Cooper Avenue and Spring Street. Aug. 1: South Elgin will hold a combined Back to School and National Night Out event from 6 to 8 p.m. in Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St. Aug. 2: Side Street Studio Arts holds its second Area 22 Arts, Crafts and Oddities Fair from 1 to 7 p.m. along Riverside Drive in downtown Elgin. Aug. 9: Elgin's End of Summer Bash will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. Aug. 30: Love on the Lawn music festival will be held in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. The event features music from deejays and food. Hours, schedule and admission rates not posted. Aug. 30-31: We In The Basement will present 'The Community Get Down Fest,' a free music and wellness event, from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday in Elgin's Wing Park, 1010 Wing St.
