Thousands of visitors check out 'Wizard of Oz' collection now on display at Gail Borden
This summer's "Wizard of Oz" educational exhibit is bringing thousands of people through the doors of Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin.
The exhibit guest book reflects visits from families all over northern Illinois and beyond.
One visitor wrote, "A dream come true to walk through the land of Oz and to see the ruby slippers in person. Awesome job Gail Borden Library."
To add to the love of Oz, Alice Wilson of St. Charles has loaned an extensive amount of items from her pristine "Wizard of Oz" collection to the library to display.
Visitors are now enjoying music boxes, banks, manuscripts, Pez dispensers and so much more.
Wilson, a lifelong resident of St. Charles, Illinois, received her first Tin Man heart clock from a friend more than 35 years ago. When friends and family members heard that Alice loved the "Wizard of Oz," the gifts kept coming. Wilson has happy memories of her and her six siblings watching the movie annually as they ate popcorn and their mother's homemade fudge while drinking Orange Crush.
What is Alice Wilson's favorite part of the movie?
"The clicking of the heels." She actually has a tattoo of the red ruby slippers that says, "There's no place like home."
Library officials are pleased to see that the Wizard of Oz exhibit has become a "home" destination for so many. It has so much to engage people of all ages as well as the other programs that the library is highlighting such as its "Follow the Yellow Brick Road - Read!" Summer Reading Program and its community "Follow the Yellow Brick Road Scavenger Hunt."
For more about the exhibit and programs, go to www.gailborden.info/oz.
Don't miss the chance to go over the rainbow and explore the "Colorful Land of Oz" at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. This interactive fantasy-adventure based on the beloved movie classic explores Munchkinland, The Emerald City and more, and is perfect for all ages. The exhibit runs through Aug. 29.
Scavenger hunt
Follow the Yellow Brick Road and explore local businesses like Al's Café, Herb's Bakery, KCT Credit Union, Elgin State Bank and many more this summer to win prizes!
Find secret words at 10 participating businesses and get a cute "Wizard of Oz" backpack. Turn in all of the secret words and get a great water bottle and bag, and be entered to win the grand prize "Wizard of Oz" gift basket. Prizes can be redeemed at any library building through Aug. 29.
Want to save on gas? Participants can access 11 locations in downtown Elgin by walking just one mile.
Maps are available in person at the library or download one at gailborden.info/scavengerhunt.
'The Wiz'
Enjoy a summer afternoon together watching the original version of "The Wiz" at the Main Library at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 21. Bring some friends and they will supply the popcorn. Sign up at gailborden.info/register.
'Immortal Songs'
To highlight The Wizard of Oz Educational Exhibit at the Main Library this summer, Jim Kendros will offer a dynamic exploration into the immortal songs of the beloved "The Wizard of Oz" at 2 p.m. on July 28. Enjoy these fantastic favorites in intriguing new ways! Register for The Wizard of Oz: Exploring Immortal Songs" at gailborden.info/register.
Look-alike contest
Do you have a stuffed animal that looks like Toto from "The Wizard of Oz"? Children are invited to bring their stuffed animal friends to the main library outdoor stage from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, for a "look-alike" contest! Register at gailborden.info/register.
Community Reads
Community Reads - A Shared Reading Experience is a chance for people of different backgrounds and experiences in the community to read the book(s) and discuss the ideas found within its pages.
"Finding Dorothy" by Elizabeth Letts is the adult fiction title for this year. This piece tells the story of Maud Gage Baum, widow of Frank Baum, the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." While working with actress Judy Garland on the film set of "The Wizard of Oz" movie in 1939, Maud looks back over her rebellious childhood and her marriage to Frank, when their neighbors became the inspiration for the beloved book he would eventually write.
In addition, there are two additional books about journeys we take in search of oneself and in others. "The Barnabus Project" by Terry Fan is a picture book for all ages. The Spanish selection (available in Spanish and English) is "Into the Beautiful North" by Luis Alberto Urrea.
Find more information about these titles and upcoming programs at gailborden.info/ourcommunityreads.
'Finding Dorothy'
Get acquainted with adult fiction with the Community Reads book selection "Finding Dorothy "at the Main Library at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 14, and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9. Join other community readers for a relaxing book discussion. Sign up for one of the sessions at gailborden.info/register.
Family Pet Project
Families with children, ages 3 to 10, will make their own "perfectly imperfect" pets, just like Barnabus and his friends from "The Barnabus Project." This program is offered at the Main Library at 11 a.m. Friday, July 15. Register for one of the sessions at gailborden.info/register.
'Failed Projects'
Families will get the chance to create their own "failed pets," like Barnabus - half mouse, half elephant. This program, "Failed Projects: The Barnabus Project," will take place at the South Elgin Branch at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 23. Register at gailborden.info/register.
The Great Escape!
Help Barnabus and his imperfect pet pals escape from their underground laboratory in this escape room adventure perfect for kids in third to fifth grade.
This program, "Breakout Barnabus: The Great Escape! Kids' Escape Room," is being offered at the Main Library on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 2 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m., and at the South Elgin Branch on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 4:30 p.m. Sign up at gailborden.info/register.
The library wishes to thank Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation, KCT Credit Union and Elgin State Bank - A Wintrust Community Bank for supporting The Wizard of Oz Educational Exhibit.
The Wizard of Oz Educational Exhibition was created by Miami Children's Museum and SPARKS, in conjunction with Turner Entertainment Co.