About

The Gail Borden Public Library is one of 30 nationwide that received a $2,500 grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and the Fetzer Institute to host “Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility, and Compassion.”

This national initiative afforded us the opportunity to identify an issue of specific local significance, and offer a series of programs that address it in such a way that reflection, awareness and learning within our community are enhanced.

An Opportunity to Seek Common Ground Around Gangs and Violence:
From Turfs to Common Ground

Recent City of Elgin crime statistics reveal that violent crime is decreasing. Community organizations, individuals, and government institutions are working proactively to continue the trend. Building Common Ground seeks to engage the Elgin community in discussions about the topic of gang-related violence with civility and compassion, to enhance our understanding of each other in positive and uplifting ways.

“It is today, that we must create the world of the future.” Eleanor Roosevelt