Main Library First and Second Floors

Through end of February

In partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage, the Library will host 33 large, artisan Olmec heads that represent individual artists’ sense of Mexican cultural history as well their home cities. Olmec artists represent many of the 2026 World Cup hosting cities in Mexico, Canada and the United States. The Olmecs were one of the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilizations and laid the foundation for the Mexican cultures that followed. Many people have come to learn about the Olmec culture via their art, including the colossal heads.

Interested in a tour? Please contact Jeanie Ziegler, jziegler@gailborden.info.

Olmec Scavenger Hunt & Win Prizes

Through mid-January

Solve the mysterious Olmec message! Find the painted mini Olmec heads at Major Sponsors’ locations throughout the Elgin area and scan the QR codes to decode their hidden messages. Once you’ve found them all, turn in your completed sheet to any Library location for an Olmec frisbee (while supplies last).

Olmec Design Scavenger Hunt

Inside the Library 

While exploring the exhibit, match the patterns of the noses below with the Olmec heads that have those patterns. Once you’ve matched them all, turn your sheet in at the Customer Relations desk for an Olmec prize! Bonus: find the exact pattern in the bottom box for a special Olmec frisbee.

We Are The Soul Of Our Culture by Liz Gonzalez "Zelaznogzil" is on display at the Main Library.