What: Jack Hartmann Family Concert
When: Thursday, March 8 — 10 a.m.
Jack performs some of his favorites like Alligator Chomp, Five Little Fish and Humpty Dumpty. For children in kindergarten and up. No registration.
What: The Wits, Wonders and Woes of Women
When: March 11 — 2 p.m.
Soprano Megan Bell will be accompanied by her father, cellist Richard Bell, in a recital of vocal chamber music composed by women in the 18th to 20th centuries. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the concert. Free tickets are available at the Main Library.
What: Energize Your Web Site and Social Media to Get Noticed at TechCamp12!
When: March 10 — 1 to 4 p.m.
Add pizazz to a web site, Twitter feed or Facebook account at this free workshop held in the Community Rooms. Each session is only 45 minutes long and no registration is necessary. Attend one or all sessions.
1 p.m. Discover online audio and video: Find out what makes a great video.
1:45 p.m. Create and upload your own videos: Tips and tricks to get videos off your smartphone and on to your Facebook wall or website.
2:45 p.m. Skype: Learn how to connect with family and friends through free video chat format.
3:30 p.m. Record your own sound bytes: Make your silent movies into talkies.
What: Spinning Wool Demonstration at Rakow Branch
When: Tuesday, March 13 — 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Rumplestiltskin may have spun straw into gold, but Elgin resident Susan Stillinger will bring fleece from her Merino and Shetland sheep and demonstrate spinning wool with golden results. Drop in to learn about this fascinating process and try your hand at it! This is the first Rakow Branch DIY Demonstrations sharing the talents of the Gail Borden Library District community.
What: Viva la Causa: The Story of Cesar Chavez and a Great Movement for Social Justice
When: Wednesday, March 14 — 7 to 8 p.m. Meeting Room 1
Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to improving the working conditions and pay of farm workers. This documentary tells the story of the Mexican American civil rights leader. In partnership with Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. In English with Spanish subtitles. No registration.
What: An Introduction to Irish Mythology
When: Saturday, March 17 — 3 to 4 p.m. Community Rooms
What lasts longer than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Irish myths! Enjoy a shamrock cookie and listen as storyteller Michael McCann tells tales of heroes such as Finn McCool, monsters and even Leprechauns. No registration.
What: March into Health — National Nutrition Month
Learn about and participate in healthy activities for a chance to win prizes including a Wii Fit Family Game System. Passports are available at Activate Elgin partner locations such as Gail Borden Public Library. Click here to find a passport online.
What: Elgin Nicht
When: Tuesday, March 20 — 7 to 8:45 p.m. Meeting Room 1
With St. Patrick's Day on March 17, the birthday of King Malcolm IV of Scotland on March 20 in 1141, and just the simple fact of living in a town named Elgin, the time is ripe for something Celtic! We're off to roaming through the Celtic history of this part of the Fox River Valley. Stir your heart with Scots-Irish music and stories by Michael Murschel, revel in the dance and sample the lashins as we rummle up the hale jing-bang. Sponsored in collaboration with the Elgin Community Network and ECCO. No registration.
Could you survive The Hunger Games?
Would you survive if chosen to compete in the deadly Games? Find out at these special events. No registration is required. May the odds be ever in your favor!
What: Hunger Games Survival Training Camp at the Main Library
When: Thursday, March 22 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grades 6 and older
Beef up your survival skills by practicing knot-tying, archery, camouflage techniques, poisonous plant identification and survival games along with trivia and prizes. Dress up in your District costume.
What: Hunger Games Extravaganza at the Rakow Branch
When: Thursday, March 22 — 8 to 9 p.m.
Try Out Your Survival Skills and Hunger Games Trivia, for middle school, high school and adults
Navigate a terrain map, visit the camouflage station, untangle yourself in outdoor Twister, discover what's edible and what's poisonous in our local forest preserves and try your hand at archery. There will be food, prizes and crafts. Costumes are welcome.
See Online Section for More Programs at Gail Borden Library
Some programs inadvertently were left out of the library's March/April Explorer newsletter, including the March and April Elgin Alive programs and a World Laughter Tour workshop to take place in March. To read about these programs, click here and scroll down to Online Extra.
Legislative Day and Go Green Winner
Click here for more Go Green Ideas.
Benefit Concert for Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Join the United Way of Elgin for a Simon and Garfunkel Tribute Concert to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library on April 22, at Elgin Community College.
A.J. Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle have been performing a remarkable tribute to the music of "Simon & Garfunkel" for more than a decade to sold out audiences!
When: Sunday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Elgin Community College Arts Center, the Blizzard Theatre (1700 Spartan Drive)
Cost: $30 per ticket
Purchase tickets: Purchase online by clicking here at or by calling the ECC Box Office at 1-847-622-0300.
All proceeds from the concert support the United Way of Elgin's Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that sends free books monthly to all children from birth to age 5 who register from Elgin, South Elgin, Hampshire, Burlington, and Pingree Grove.
Learn more about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library by clicking here.
