(Photo: Claudia Serrano, "Unsung Hero" selected by Senator Cristina Castro, holding her avatar that will be showcased in upcoming "Our Heroes, Our Stories" exhibit.)
ELGIN, IL – The Gail Borden Public Library is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of programs and events, led by a unique artistic exhibit that honors Latinx "unsung heroes" from across the Chicagoland area. Titled “Our Heroes, Our Stories,” the exhibit will be on display from September 12 to October 15 on the second floor of the Main Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin 60120.
The bilingual exhibit will highlight eight Latinx individuals who have made differences in their Chicagoland communities, from organizational leaders and entrepreneurs to artists and activists. Each hero is represented by an artistic figure, or "avatar," that reflects their inspirations, strengths and the challenges they have overcome. Visitors can engage with the exhibit by scanning a QR code to listen to recorded interviews with the heroes themselves.
The project is sponsored by the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, with heroes selected by Latinx Illinois state senators and representatives. From Elgin, Claudia Serrano was selected by Senator Cristina Castro.
"The library is proud to host this highly engaging exhibit that shines a light on the contributions of Latinx individuals whose stories often go unheard," shared Madeleine Villalobos, Director of Hispanic Services at the Gail Borden Public Library District. "Elgin and our neighboring communities are filled with people who quietly make a difference,” she added. This exhibit shines a light on the remarkable contributions of Latinx leaders and neighbors who inspire us every day.”
A grand opening for Our Heroes, Our Stories will take place on September 20 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Main Library between the Elgin and Grove Rooms. (See details below.)
In addition to the exhibit, the library is offering a diverse array of programs to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:
Our Heroes, Our Stories Grand Opening – 9/20
Join us for the exciting grand opening of “Our Heroes, Our Stories” exhibit at 1 p.m. on September 20 at the Main Library. This inspiring collection features artistic figures, or "avatars," that celebrate the unsung heroism of Latino figures in Illinois.
Attendees will hear from Elgin’s selected hero, Claudia Serrano, about being selected for this exhibition.
Others slated to speak at the grand opening include Mavilen Silva, Senator Cristina Castro’s Chief of Staff, Oswaldo Alvarez, Illinois Legislative Caucus Foundation’s Executive Director, Javi Azuna, co-founder of Circle of Latin Artists, Susana Ortiz, Erie House, and Madeleine Villalobos, Director of Hispanic Services for the Gail Borden Library.
Attendees will hear from Elgin’s selected hero, Claudia Serrano, about being selected for this exhibition.
Others slated to speak at the grand opening include Mavilen Silva, Senator Cristina Castro’s Chief of Staff, Oswaldo Alvarez, Illinois Legislative Caucus Foundation’s Executive Director, Javi Azuna, co-founder of Circle of Latin Artists, Susana Ortiz, Erie House, and Madeleine Villalobos, Director of Hispanic Services for the Gail Borden Library.
Sponsored by the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Craft Workshops (in Spanish) – 9/23, 9/24
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by creating papel picado and enjoying face painting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on September 23 and September 24 at the Main Library. Bring friends and family to create beautiful artwork and transform your face into a work of art filled with color. This program will be conducted in Spanish. Please register to attend this program.
Your Hero’s Journey and Your Personal Avatar – 9/27
Inspired by the Our Heroes, Our Stories exhibit on display at the Main Library for Hispanic Heritage Month, participants are invited to explore their own hero’s journey from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on September 27 in the Main Library Meadows Community Rooms. This engaging workshop, led by Rev. Dr. Patricia Novick, will guide attendees through a reflective process to identify their core values and inner strengths. Participants will also create a symbolic avatar that represents personal journey and resilience. This workshop will be presented in English and Spanish. Please register to attend.
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (in Spanish) – 10/11
In commemoration of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, the library will host an awareness event on October 11 at noon to feature discussions on HIV prevention and treatment strategies. The program will feature discussions on effective HIV prevention and treatment strategies, aiming to combat stigma. Attendees can also enjoy music and other fun activities. This program will be conducted in Spanish. Please register to attend this program.
Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda – On Display 10/23 - 11/6
Community members are invited to send a photo of a loved one by October 12 to be included in this year’s Community Ofrenda, which will be displayed in the Main Library Elgin Room October 23 through November 6. Send photos by email to photos@gailborden.info or by text to 847-857-7740 and include the loved one’s name, your name, and your phone number. The Day of the Dead Ofrenda Grand Opening event will be held in person from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, or watch the livestream at www.gbpl.info/ofrenda2025.
For more information on upcoming programs for Hispanic Heritage Month, the Our Heroes, Our Stories exhibit, and more, visit www.gailborden.info/hhm.