Step into the dazzling world of Barbie’s Superstar Era—a time of indulgence and glamour that redefined Barbie’s iconic image. This exhibit features hundreds of iconic Barbie dolls from 1979 to the mid-1980s, as well as playsets that capture the societal shifts, fashion trends, and cultural movements of the time, along with a selection of more modern pieces from the 2000s.
While you explore the collector’s items, also step into the world of Barbie with larger than life photo-ops, engaging dress-up opportunities, interactive elements and more.
From big hair and vibrant makeup, the glitz and sparkle of this fashion-forward era, along with the addition trailblazing and representative dolls like Black Barbie, Hispanic Barbie and Great Shape Barbie, this exhibit is sure to capture the beauty of the viewer and allow you to be anything you want to be.
Share Your Barbie Story
Still have your favorite Barbie from childhood? Want to share a special Barbie story? Send in your brief video along with your name to photos@gailborden.info and we’ll add community stories to a screen displayed throughout the Barbie exhibit. Stop by to hear your story and what favorite memories others had to share!
Events
Barbie: The History of America's Most Famous Doll
Main Library Meadows Community Rooms
Thursday, 3/6 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Learn the history of the most likely famous doll in the world! Presented by Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., an award-winning historian, author, actress and lecturer.
Fashionista Storytime
Main Library Meadows Community Rooms
Friday, 3/7 | 3 - 5 pm
Join us for Storytime followed by a meet and greet with the Fashionista from Parties with Character.
No registration needed!
Bordado de Barbie
Main Library Conference Room
Thursday, 3/13 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Aprende los conceptos básicos del bordado y haz tu propio signo de Barbie en inglés o español para celebrar el Mes Internacional de la Mujer!
Meet Ruth Handler - Barbie's Creator
Main Library
Thursday, 3/13
1 pm - Rakow Branch
6:30 pm - Meadows Community Rooms
Join Storyteller Lynn Rymarz as she portrays Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie. Bring your own Barbie to share. Visit the Barbie exhibit at the main branch Elgin Room in March.
Barbie: Film Screening
Main Library Meadows Community Rooms
Sunday, 3/30 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Hi Barbie fans! Join us to watch the 2023 blockbuster movie, Barbie! Enjoy pink lemonade, pink cookies, and wear pink too. Movie Rated PG-13.
News
Shown here courtesy of the Elgin Courier-News
Elgin Courier-News
Elgin library’s ‘Barbie Superstar’ exhibit visits the iconic doll’s most extravagant era
By Mike Danahey | Published March 4, 2025 2:25 pm
Barbie dolls may have changed dramatically over the decades but there’s little doubt they were at their most extravagent 40 to 50 years ago, an era being revisited at Gail Borden Public Library’s new Barbie Superstar exhibit.
Read more...
Shown here courtesy of the Daily Herald
Daily Herald
Barbie exhibit at Gail Borden library showcases evolution of iconic doll
By Natalie Kiburg, Gail Borden Public Library | Posted February 26, 2025 10:11 pm
Dust off your leg warmers and get ready to boogie! “Barbie’s Superstar Era” exhibit will sparkle and dazzle visitors while it is on display from March 4-31 in the Elgin Room and lobby of Gail Borden Main Library in Elgin. There also will be Barbie programs for all ages.
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