14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Gail Borden's South Elgin library branch reopens Saturday after major 10-month renovation, expansion
Gail Borden Public Library District's South Elgin branch, closed since August 2024 for renovation and expansion, reopens Saturday in grand fashion, with live music, giveaways, a scavenger hunt and other activities planned.
With the work done, the usable space at the 127 S. McLean Blvd. building has grown from 4,300 square feet to about 12,000. There's an enlarged children's area and meeting room, more study rooms, a new baby garden, additional multipurpose rooms, increased reading materials and upgraded technology.
'The South Elgin Branch expansion is essential to the vibrant growth of the South Elgin community,' Carole Medal, CEO of the Gail Borden Public Library District, said in an announcement for the completion of the $4 million project. 'We've transformed this space into a dynamic hub specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of South Elgin's residents.'
The first 200 people to attend the grand opening celebration, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will receive limited-edition giveaways. A roving magician will be doing tricks from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spider-Man on hand from 1 to 2 p.m. to pose for photos and promote the library's 'Power Up – Read!' summer reading challenge, and a scavenger hunt and craft projects are planned.
Cellist Lilliana Wosko, blues and rock-inspired InFunctious Duo, violinist Daniela Folker and pianist Murna Hansemann will all be performing.
For those who bring along their appetites, free tacos will be available from Mobile Coco's Tacos between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., courtesy of the KCT Credit Union.
In addition to the renovated branch, the Saturday event also celebrates the reopening of the KCT branch adjacent to the library at 121 S. McLean Blvd.
Work on the library building was funded with money the district accrued in its reserve funds, naming rights and donations made to the project, officials said.
'We are so grateful for all of the sponsors who have helped fund the South Elgin Branch project,' district spokeswoman Denise Raleigh said in the release. 'We continue to offer naming opportunities at the South Elgin branch, including leaves on a new donor tree and many other features.'
The branch library opened in July 2016. The building in which it is located was purchased by the district for $687,000 and another $670,000 was spent on the construction needed to convert it into a library.
However, the limited amount of funding available at the time meant only about a third of the building could be opened for public use. The completed renovation opens up much of the unused space.
Regular library hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
