When the planning began several years before 2003 for a new library, a commitment was made to bring all the positive elements of the past Gail Borden Library to a new building. Those elements were identified as a feeling of being at home in the building, ease of access and location of services, ample natural light, and the friendly, dedicated service to which our patrons have become accustomed over many decades.

 

Square Footage 153,826
Seating Capacity 585
Parking Capacity 306
Shelving Capacity 550,000 volumes
Public Computers 130
Library Service Population 144,597
Library Card Holders 99,637
Annual Circulation
(2018-2019)		 1,624,825
Cost $29.8 million
Architects Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects, Ltd.
Construction Manager IHC Construction Companies, L.L.C.
Building Consultant Richard E. Thompson

 

First Floor

  • The Computer Center has 26 computers with high-speed Internet access, electronic resources, a word processing software package and an ADA compliant station for those with special needs. The Computer Training Center offers hands-on training for up to 15 people.
     
  • Dr. Bob Meadows Community Rooms - Three Community Rooms are available for library programs and community group meetings. Click here to view virtual tour.
     
  • Craft Donuts + Coffee offers tasty refreshments for those who want a break from study or to get together with friends for good conversation.
     
  • The Market Place features the latest fiction, nonfiction, large type and Quick Pick books, as well as comfortable seating.  In the Market Place you can also find the library's media collections including CDs, audiobooks, video games and DVDs. 
     
  • Gail's Sales - Books and more are available for purchase in the Gail’s Sales Room. Sponored by the Library Foundation, proceeds are used to enhance library services or initiate new ones.
     
  • KidSpace provides space for creative play as well as room to read and learn. Books for kids from infants through grade schoolers, computers, puzzles, crafts and other learning materials, as well as outstanding programming and parenting books, are available. Click here to view virtual tour.
     
  • The Zone offers books and activities for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Click here to view virtual tour.
     
  • Movies, Music & More 
     
  • License Plate Sticker Renewals - Gail Borden Library offers Illinois License Plate sticker renewal service. Illinois residents will be able to renew their license plate stickers and leave with the sticker the same day.  
     
  • Drive-up Drop & Drive-up Window - People on the go will appreciate the 24/7 Drive-up Drop for returning materials and the Drive-Up Window for picking up and checking out materials.  
     
  • Registration and Customer Service - Get a library card, pay extended use fees, register for a program and check out materials at Registration and Customer Service.

Second Floor

  • The Information Desk provides help to find trusted resources and information you need in a judgement-free zone.
     
  • The Passport Services Desk accepts U.S. Passport applications by appointment only.  We also take passport photos and answer questions about the application process. 
     
  • The Mike and Fran Alft River Room provides a spacious area with views of the Fox River. Please silence your devices in this quiet room. Click here to view virtual tour.
     
  • The Genealogy area contains a treasure trove of materials for tracing family histories.
     
  • Teens get creative in Studio 270 making movies and music, or at programs such as Open Mic Night and Poetry Slam. Open to teens in grades 9 to 12, Studio 270 has Macs, digital camera equipment, modern videogames consoles, magazines and comfortable seating. Click here to view virtual tour.
     
  • Books, magazines and newspapers are available in Spanish. 
     
  • The most recent editions of popular magazines and newspapers can be found in the Magazine area.
     
  • The Large Type area has popular fiction and nonfiction books to accommodate readers who prefer a larger font.
     
  • Fiction and Nonfiction books are arranged by genre to offer easy browsing.
     
  • Job seekers can borrow books from the Careers & Education area about job searching and resume writing. 
     
  • Pack Your Bags - Travel guides, movies and more to enhance travel anywhere in the world.
     
  • Study Rooms are available for individual or group use on a first-come, first-served basis. Study rooms can also be booked online up to a week in advance.
     
  • Elgin & Grove Rooms are available for library programs and community groups.