We are pleased to announce that the KidSpace "reimagined" transformation is officially underway. We are currently in the beginning phases of this exciting process and are eager to create a more welcoming, accessible and modern space for our elementary-age visitors and their families.
As we move forward, please note the following:
- If you are visiting KidSpace at the Main Library, please ask a staff member for assistance. Pathways and accessibility may look different as construction progresses.
- The Sally Lee Rooms are temporarily closed for youth material browsing. We will post an update on this webpage once it becomes available.
- There are no computers or iPads available in the KidSpace area during this time.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we begin this vibrant renovation.
KidSpace Transformation Update 11-17-25
We are pleased to announce that the KidSpace "reimagined" transformation is officially underway. We are currently in the beginning phases of this exciting process and are eager to create a more welcoming, accessible and modern space for our elementary-age visitors and their families.
As we move forward, please note the following:
• If you are visiting KidSpace at the Main Library, please ask a staff member for assistance. Pathways and accessibility may look different as construction progresses.
• The Sally Lee Rooms are temporarily closed for youth material browsing. We will post an update on this webpage once it becomes available.
• There are no computers or iPads available in the KidSpace area during this time.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we begin this vibrant renovation.
KidSpace Transformation Continues! 10-24-25
We are excited to share that we are launching the final phase of the exciting KidSpace "Re-imagined" renovations. Families have expressed how much they love the new, nature-themed space for our youngest learners completed earlier this year. Now, that same vibrant design will expand throughout the rest of KidSpace!
When finished, this new, inviting space will be a welcoming, more modern and more accessible place for children and families to read, play, and learn together.
Beginning November 17, 2025, some parts of KidSpace will temporarily close for construction.
During this final phase of construction, the youth areas on the south side of the building (next to Kimball Street) will be closed. The north side of KidSpace will remain open, and families can continue to explore and play as usual. In addition:
- The Sally Lee Rooms will remain open for browsing youth materials.
- Special Programs & Offerings
- like our Dinosaur Explorer exhibit and Dog Man events— will keep visits fun and engaging throughout construction.
- Take-Home Crafts & Kits for families.
Thank you for your patience as we complete this transformation and invest in the future of our community. We can’t wait to welcome you to the fully "Re-imagined" KidSpace in spring 2026!
We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming KidSpace Grand Opening Celebration — a testament to our commitment to enriching the lives of young families in our community and instilling a lifelong passion for literacy and library use.
KidSpace “Reimagined” Grand Opening
Tuesday, May 13 10:30 am - Noon
Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin 60120
Be among the first to experience the fun, including:
- Hands-on play areas designed to spark imagination
- Sparkling wand-making craft activity for little ones
- A roving magician and a delightful fairy character
- Live music to set a festive mood
- Picture-perfect photo opportunities to capture the memories
- Exciting giveaways
- and more!
We want to extend an extra special Thank You to the Seigle Foundation, Consumers Credit Union, the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation and the Golden K Kiwanis Club for making this dynamic, engaging, and reimagined play space possible for the Library community.
We hope that you will join us for the Grand Opening as we unveil this exciting space for our littlest learners and families.
In partnership with Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) and St. Paul's United Church of Christ Diaper Ministry, we're also proud to host a diaper distribution in the Main parking lot and a diaper donation drive in the Main Lobby during the event, further supporting our community families.
Click here to see a Daily Herald article about this event!
For the safety of our customers and staff during construction, our Youth Services Department at the Main Library will be temporarily closed:
Thursday, May 1 until 3 pm.
We anticipate some parts of Youth to reopen at 3 pm that day.
Thank you for your patience and support as we create a dynamic, engaging, and safe space for our young learners.
Stay tuned to our website for exciting updates very soon about the KidSpace Grand Opening event.
Gail’s Sales at the Main Library has now re-opened with a refreshed look! Please browse this wonderful collection when you visit. Purchases from Gail’s Sales support the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation, which provides exciting exhibits, reading initiatives and more for the Library community.
For the safety of our customers and staff during construction, our Youth Services Department at the Main Library will be temporarily closed:
Monday, February 10 & Tuesday, February 11 until 3 pm.
We anticipate some parts of Youth to reopen at 3 pm each day.
Also, Gail’s Sales at Main Library will be temporarily closed beginning February 8.
Shopping will still be available on tables located next to the MarketPlace by Customer Relations. Please look for signage during your visit or ask a staff member for assistance.
We anticipate the Gail’s Sales room will re-open the week of February 17.
Thank you for your patience and support as we create a dynamic, engaging, and safe space for our young learners.
Stay tuned to our website for updates.
Update 1/25/2025 – Some areas of our Main Library Youth Department are now open. To access KidSpace, follow the bright green arrows guiding you through the Computer Center and Sally Lee Rooms.
Our friendly staff are happy to assist with retrieving any books or materials you need throughout this exciting Early Learning Center remodel.
We will continue to provide alternate engaging opportunities for children while construction is taking place, including:
- The ABC: Awesome Black Creativity exhibit in the Main Library Center Lobby
- Exciting programs for children at our Rakow Branch, with the Mobile Library Services team throughout the community, and more
- More virtual programs offered on our social media channels
- Passive programming and craft opportunities at the Main Library
We appreciate your patience and support as we create a dynamic, engaging, and safe space for our young learners.
Actualización 1/25/2025 - Algunas áreas de nuestro Departamento de Jóvenes de la Biblioteca Principal están abiertas. Para acceder a KidSpace, sigue las brillantes flechas verdes que te guían por el Centro de Computación y las Salas Sally Lee.
Nuestro personal estará encantado de ayudarle a recuperar cualquier libro o material que necesite durante esta emocionante remodelación del Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano.
Seguiremos proporcionando oportunidades alternativas de participación para los niños mientras se realizan las obras, incluyendo:
- La exposición ABC: Awesome Black Creativity en el vestíbulo del centro principal de la biblioteca
- Programas emocionantes para los niños en nuestra sucursal de Rakow, con el equipo de Servicios de Biblioteca Móvil en toda la comunidad, y más
- Más programas virtuales ofrecidos en nuestros canales de medios sociales
- Programación pasiva y oportunidades de artesanía en la Biblioteca Principal
Agradecemos su paciencia y apoyo mientras creamos un espacio dinámico, atractivo y seguro para nuestros jóvenes.
Update 1/18/2025
We are excited to announce that our Early Learning Center is undergoing a major transformation!
For the safety of our customers and staff, our Youth Services Department at the Main Library will be temporarily closed Tuesday, January 21 - Friday, January, 24.
We anticipate parts of Youth to reopen Saturday, January 25.
We will continue to provide engaging opportunities for children while construction is taking place, including:
- The ABC: Awesome Black Creativity exhibit in the Main Library Center Lobby
- Exciting programs for children at our Rakow Branch, with the Mobile Library Services team throughout the community, and more
- More virtual programs offered on our social media channels
- Passive programming and craft opportunities at the Main Library
Thank you for your patience and support as we create a dynamic, engaging, and safe space for our young learners.
Stay tuned to our website for updates.
¡Estamos encantados de anunciar que nuestro Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano está pasando por una gran transformación!
Para la seguridad de nuestros clientes y personal, nuestro Departamento de Jóvenes en la Biblioteca Principal estará temporalmente cerrado:
Martes 21 de enero - viernes 24 de enero
Prevemos que partes de la Área de niños reabran el sábado 25 de enero.
Continuaremos brindando oportunidades atractivas para los niños mientras se realizan las obras, incluyendo:
-
- La exposición ABC: Awesome Black Creativity en el vestíbulo del centro principal de la biblioteca
- Programas emocionantes para los niños en nuestra sucursal de Rakow, con el equipo de Servicios de Biblioteca Móvil en toda la comunidad, y más
- Más programas virtuales ofrecidos en nuestros canales de medios sociales
- Programación pasiva y oportunidades de artesanía en la Biblioteca Principal
Gracias por su paciencia y apoyo mientras creamos un espacio dinámico, atractivo y seguro para nuestros jóvenes estudiantes.
Manténgase atento a nuestro sitio web para actualizaciones.
Update 1/1/2025
We are excited to announce that our Early Learning Center at the Main Library will undergo a major transformation beginning in January 2025.
Throughout the construction, which we anticipate will be completed by April 2025, we will be updating the entire Early Learning Center to create a more modern, accessible and dynamic environment. The new space will feature improved play areas, enhanced educational resources and more interactive learning opportunities that will better serve the needs of our community’s youngest learners.
During this time, there may be some temporary changes to services or space availability, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to build this exciting new space for our community. We are confident that these upgrades will help continue to inspire a lifelong love of learning in children and provide families with an even better resource for discovery, creativity and growth.
We strive to continue to provide you with engaging opportunities while construction is taking place, including the ABC: Awesome Black Creativity exhibit.
Thank you for your support as we continue to invest in the future of our community. We look forward to welcoming you to the newly remodeled Early Learning Center in early spring!