New Summer Exhibition, Earth Matters, Opens May 18 at Gail Borden Library

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New Summer Exhibition, Earth Matters, Opens May 18 at Gail Borden Library
Rethink the Future with a New Exhibition on Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ELGIN, IL – (May 11, 2026) – Are you ready to explore our changing planet through a different lens, immerse yourself in incredible ecosystems, and learn how the smallest of actions can have a big impact on our natural world? Visit Earth Matters: Rethink the Future coming to the Gail Borden Public Main Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, 60120, from May 18 through August 16.
Created by the renowned Scitech in Perth, Australia and produced by Imagine, Earth Matters features thought-provoking and fully interactive exhibits, covering topical themes such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and carbon emissions across an informative journey that will inspire visitors to find new answers to big questions.
“We are excited to bring this world-class experience that turns complex global challenges into hands-on discoveries to the Gail Borden Public Library,” shared Natalie Kiburg, spokeswoman for the Gail Borden Public Library District. “We know how much our visitors love getting up close and hands-on with amazing exhibits, and Earth Matters allows visitors to do that in such an immersive way.”
The Exhibition Experience
Whether you’re exploring the 3D coral reef and the changes in its ecosystem, or seeing the hidden life of a tree, every visitor will walk away with powerful connections to nature to help push their own ideas to new heights. Then, rethink a more sustainable future—starting in your own backyard.
Listen and learn about endangered species and experience large-scale visualizations of changes taking place in our natural world. In other exhibits, a mechanical pump demonstrates how much water is used in the production of a single chocolate bar and other popular lifestyle consumables.
Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine shared, “Imagine is proud to partner with Scitech to bring Earth Matters to Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Earth Matters is a great way for families to spark their creativity and find STEM-based solutions for real-world challenges, making the world a better place in the process.”
The Library extends its sincere appreciation to Earth Matters sponsor, the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation. These exhibitions would not be possible for the Library community without the incredible support of sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the exhibit, please reach out to Natalie Kiburg, Division Chief of Public Relations & Development, at nkiburg@gailborden.info.
Earthy Programming
Gail Borden Public Library District will host a variety of nature-themed events throughout the summer that tie in perfectly with Earth Matters: Rethink the Future and the Library’s 2026 “Plant a Seed – Read! Summer Reading Challenge. Discover some exciting upcoming events below.
 
Earth Matters Ribbon Cutting – 5/18
Families are invited to celebrate the Earth Matters Kickoff with a brief ribbon cutting, giveaways and more at the Main Library on May 18 at 4 pm. Become one of the first to discover this incredible new interactive exhibition! Receive a stamp for each exhibit zone you explore and once you have collected all the stamps, you will earn a special earthy prize.
Composting 101 – 6/2
Adults are invited to discover the many benefits of home composting at the Rakow Branch (2751 W. Bowes Rd., 60124) on June 2 at 2 pm. A master gardener will guide you on how to turn landscape waste into high-quality compost that you can use to enrich your soil. Please register to attend.
National Gardening Week Seed Library – June 7–13
Take home your very own seeds from the Seed Library at the Rakow Branch (2751 W. Bowes Rd., 60124) from June 7–13. You can learn how to grow your own vegetables, herbs and flowers with helpful guides.
Garden With Cindy Crosby – 6/11, 6/18, 6/25
Learn all the secrets of the garden at the South Elgin Branch (127 S. McLean Blvd., 60177) on June 11, 18 and 25 at 6 pm. Discover how plants have been celebrated in different cultures throughout history, literature and more.
For upcoming Earth and nature programs and more information about the Earth Matters exhibit at the Gail Borden Main Library, visit [gailborden.info/earthmatters]gailborden.info/earthmatters.
 
For Media Inquiries – Contact Natalie Kiburg, Gail Borden Public Library District, 847-429-5977, nkiburg@gailborden.info.
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About the Gail Borden Public Library District - The Gail Borden Public Library District is "the library where imagination and transformation flourish, fueled by the power of community." Recognized for its impact and partnerships, the Library has received numerous accolades, including the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an American library. Serving a population of approximately 150,000, it is the second-largest self-governed public library district by population served in Illinois. With numerous literary resources and exciting exhibits like Pirate Island, SPACE and LEGO TM architecture, the library strives to engage people of all ages through education, recreation and creativity. www.gailborden.info/culture 
About Imagine - Imagine (formerly known as Imagine Exhibitions) is a global leader in immersive storytelling and experiential design, specializing in the development of world-class exhibitions and attractions for museums, studios, IPs, brands, and leisure destinations worldwide. Through its four core services—Exhibitions, Studio, Retail, and Operations—Imagine created visitor experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire. Imagine is currently producing, presenting or operating more than 40 unique experiences around the globe, spanning museums, science centers, zoos, botanical gardens, integrated resorts, and non-traditional venues. For details, visit theimagineteam.com.
About Scitech - Explore your world through wonder! Scitech is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to increase awareness, interest, capability and participation by all Western Australians in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For more information visit http://www.scitech.org.au.
For Business Related Inquiries Including Hosting the Exhibition
Debbie Donohue | +1.404.808.7578 | ddonohue@imagineexhibitions.com