Why Exhibits?

A teachable moment can ignite a lifelong passion as trained librarians can immediately help visitors to find and use subject matter books, movies and curated databases.

A huge number of people will enjoy the exhibit. The Gail Borden Public Library main branch is open 71 hours per week.  Thanks to the support of many, we are able to offer world class exhibits to all at no additional charge. We find that people of all ages and backgrounds come together to experience something like the amazing Jobaria dinosaur that resided at the library in 2016.

We also find that exhibit subject matter books circulate widely at the time of the exhibit.  

Simply put, exhibits bring people to the library and bring people together.  When they are here, we want them to experience all that the library has to offer. 

About the Gail Borden Public Library

The Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, Illinois hosts both large and small exhibits. Often, library staff work with schools and other community organizations to maximize the impact. The Gail Borden Public Library District is "fueled by the power of community." Because of its impact working with many partners, the library has been recognized numerous times, including the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an American library. Serving a population of nearly 150,000, it is the largest public library district (self-governed) in the state of Illinois. With numerous literary resources and exciting exhibits like dinosaurs, space and LEGO™ architecture, the library strives to engage people of all ages through education, recreation and creativity.

History of exhibits at Gail Borden Public Library

Thank you

Thank you to so many supportive organizations and people that help to make the exhibits and other extraordinary enhancements happen for this library community.

Rakow Family • Gail’s Sales and Annual Book Sale • Marilyn Sally Lee Trust • Meadows Family • Jack & Marlene Shales • Libby Hoeft • Harry & Phyllis Blizzard • JoAnn Armenta • Clarence Wittenstrom • Mike Alft • Dr. Kimm Hollis • Mary Roberti • Brian Stark • Tom & Claire Johannesen • Joan Berna • Mark & Robin Seigle • Elgin Enrichment Series • Elgin Noon Rotary • Ziegler Family • Seigle Family Foundation • Nancy Rust • William Stickling • Dr. Jean Jederman • Theodore Munns • Sarah Ellen Anderson • Dan Fox • Cynthia Termuende • Kline Family Foundation • …many more