Gail Borden Public Library officials want people to use the library.  The library offers something for everyone - over 350,000 books and movies in multiple languages to check out, eBooks and streaming movies, great programming for all ages, study rooms, passport services, license plate renewal and a library of things that includes a Karaoke machine for checkout. And, most importantly, a trained professional staff is ready to answer questions and to help people find engaging reads. 

With Pirate Island currently at the Main Library (featuring a 24-foot-long pirate ship), attendance is increasing significantly.  In an effort to connect Pirate Island and other visitors to more library services, people are encouraged to pick up a map and "Sail Around the Library" at main, the branches, the Bookmobile or the TechKnow Mobile to land fun prizes like a handy foldable bag and a reusable drink cup that everyone loves. 

People need only visit 5 of the 9 stamp locations to earn these great prizes that are sponsored by the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation. Turning in a 5 stamped sheet enables a visitor to get a bag. If the person has a Gail Borden library card or signs up for one, they receive the cute cup as well. 

The  sail around stops include -  

  • Library of Things - Customer Relations Main Library (270 N. Grove, Elgin) *
  • KidSpace - Learning at Home kits Main Library
  • Computer Center- Main Library
  • Information Desk - Main Library
  • Customer Relations Desk - Library Card Info - Main Library*
  • Rakow Branch front desk (2751 W. Bowes Rd. Elgin, IL 60124) *
  • South Elgin Branch Front Desk (127 South McLean Blvd. South Elgin, IL 60177)*
  • Bookmobile web site with stop information
  • TechKnow Mobile web site with schedule information

*Prizes may only be picked up at Customer Relations at Main and the main desks at the branches. 

For more information or to download a map, please visit https://www.gailborden.info/sailaround.