New Elgin library branch opens Saturday
The Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, offers a variety of activities and programs. For details, call (847) 742-2411 or visit gailborden.info.
New branch opens: Celebrate your new branch library. The community is invited to the opening of the new west side "green" Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Ribbon-cutting and the opening ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Tours of the branch will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will commence every half-hour until 4:30 p.m.
Entertainment for the day will include juggler Andy Head, magician Ken Mate and the Fox Valley Men of Harmony.
Because large crowds are expected for the open house, pick up tickets for tour times. The free tickets are available at the greeter desk and second floor information desk at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. The open house will also feature entertainment, light refreshments and information about "A Green Story, The Fox River Mural."
Literacy Day: Celebrate literacy and love of reading with the Chicago Bandits. Stop by the greeter desk and enter a drawing for a chance to throw out the first pitch, be an on-air announcer or promote the Bandits on the radio during the 3:05 p.m. Aug. 9 game against the Akron Racers Then show your Gail Borden Library card when you arrive at the game and pay only $5 for an outfield seat. Look for a chance to win free books at the game.
Family Picnic: Featuring The Flying Fool, Ken Schultz, who will keep you in stitches with his bowling ball juggling, fire-eating, stilt-walking and more. Bring a picnic supper to the library's west lawn at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Relax and enjoy the evening's entertainment with your family at 7 p.m. Beverage and dessert will be provided by the library. No fee or registration required. In case of inclement weather, tickets for the 7 p.m. performance will be handed out at the greeter desk on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6 p.m. on the evening of the performance.
A Procrastinator's Special - Get Organized!: Professional organizer Donna Pavoris will get you motivated to start tackling your home or office and help you transform messes into organized areas that improve your life from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 in the Community Rooms A & B. Registration is required.
End of summer movie: The PG-rated movie, "Coraline" will be shown at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 in the Community Rooms A and B. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. Based on the book by Neil Gaiman, Coraline Jones is bored in her new home until she finds a secret door that leads her into a world that's just like her own - but better! But when this fantastical adventure turns dangerous and her "other" mother tries to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness and bravery to get home.
Elgin Job Seekers Club: Share your own job-seeking tips and find out what other job seekers have learned while pounding the pavement (and keyboard). The meetings are at 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the Community Rooms. For information about the club and guest speakers, visit www.gailborden.info, Library Collections, Job Hunting.
The Smarty Pants Big Balloon Show: Families will enjoy magic, slapstick comedy and the world's biggest balloon props in this laugh-out-loud, one-of-a-kind production at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the Community Rooms. No registration is required.
Martial Arts Demonstration: Join an interactive martial arts demonstration presented by Kim's Black Belt Academy at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the community rooms. Learn and practice some basic moves, kicks and punches. With a parent or guardian, children 5 years and older are welcome to watch the demonstration. A parent/guardian signed permission slip is required for a child to participate in the interactive elements. Permission slips will be available at the Youth Help Desk through Aug. 18.