Instructions

Dig into summer with the Adult Summer Reading Challenge and read four books from the categories below and complete any three Wild Card activities. Track your progress with a bookmark log or online. 

Reading Categories and Activities:

• Branching Out - One book from a new-to-you genre
• Rooted in Reality - One non-fiction book  
• Tangled Tendrils - One mystery or thriller
• Sunshine and Self Care - One personal growth, how-to or DIY book
• Wild (Flower) Card – Complete any three activities:  
  • Read outside
  • Swap book recommendations with someone
  • Use NoveList to find your next read
  • Listen to an audiobook 
  • Sign up for a Next Reads newsletter
  • Attend a Library book club, or start your own
  • Take the What's Your Reader Type quiz
  • Borrow an item from the Library of Things
  • Attend a Library program, event or class
  • Use the Library's 24/7 eLibrary
  • Post your current read on social media and tag Gail Borden Library
  • Use a Library database
  • Take a walk through the Market Place art gallery
  • Explore Library volunteer opportunities
  • Tag the Library in a vacation photo featuring your Library card
  • Take a fun photo at the Main Library green screen
  • Visit a location you haven't been to before: Main Library, Rakow Branch, South Elgin Branch or the Bookmobile
  • Read a magazine
  • Shout "I love libraries" to the Gail Borden Book Cart Drill Team at the City of Elgin 4^th of July parade

Prizes

Sign up May 1 to receive a registration prize. Finishers can earn prizes including a free book coupon from Gail’s Sales, Gail Borden merchandise, Kane County Cougars tickets, Wing Park or Lords Park pool passes, Windy Acres Farm Stand coupons, ice cream coupons and other nature-themed rewards.

Gail Borden Library cardholders who complete the challenge may also enter a prize drawing for Amazon, Meijer, Target or Chipotle gift cards, a raised wooden planter box from The Elgin Men’s Shed and Carpentry with Integrity, a LEGO Bonsai Tree, Kane County Cougars tickets or an Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce gift basket with $100 in Elgin merchandise and gift cards.

Download Log

Coming soon.

Summer Reading Kickoff

Main Library Meadows Community Rooms

Friday, 5/29 | 3 pm

Kick off summer reading with the science Heroes show. After the show, you can sign up for the summer reading challenge in KidSpace and enjoy more fun activities and crafts!

Register here!

Happy Healthy Summer Fun Fair

Main Library Meadows Community Rooms & Outdoor Stage

Saturday, 5/16 | Noon - 3 pm

Enjoy Activities and food trucks while learning about summer safety from community partners. Co-presented by Advocate Sherman

Rakow Summer Reading Bash: Plant a Seed & Sign Up

Rakow Branch Lawn

Thursday, 6/4 | 3:30 - 5 pm

Sign up for summer reading, plant seeds in the Library garden, play games, make crafts, earn prizes and enjoy a magic show preformed by Dan Gough.

Community Resource Fair at the Library

Main Library Meadows Community Rooms

Saturday, 6/13 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Enjoy family activities, a DJ, face painting, origami, snacks, and more. Community organizations will also share information about their resources.