Gail Borden Public Library District is kicking off its 150th anniversary in fine style with holiday lights, a reception, programs, exhibits and more. Thanks to the Elgin Courier News and the Chicago Tribune for the coverage and for allowing the library to carry this whole article on Gail Borden's web site.
After the Illinois State legislature passed the "Free Library Act," the Elgin community was the first in the state to vote yes to create a public library. The library doors opened in 1874.
The library has grown steadily since then, from the Church brothers' donation of the Scofield mansion to be used as a library, predicated on it being named "Gail Borden" after their beloved stepfather, to moving to new buildings as library usage and the local population grew. Service grew as well from users not being able to enter the stacks to select their books to now, where users can download books from wherever they are in the world.
There will celebratory fun throughout the year.