Gail Borden Public Library

Elgin, Illinois

About

91´«Ã½

Gail Borden Public Library’s 2010 summer reading program, “Be a Hero: Read,” will incorporate a museum-caliber exhibit featuring comic book heroes and the history of comic books, graphic novels and Manga throughout the 140,000 square foot main library. This program will be inclusive of different genders, ages, and interests and will capitalize on the popular format of comics and graphic novels. Items in the exhibit will be on loan from the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Elmhurst (IL) Historical Museum.

Aside for the exhibit and superhero transformation that the children’s room will undergo, a number of special activities and events will be held this summer in conjunction with the program. A Special Heroes Reception is being held on a Saturday evening in June to kickoff the program for special needs children and their families. The reception will be a time where library staff can welcome these families to the library for exploration and enjoyment during a less-crowded time. Other programs include everything from preschool puppet shows featuring community heroes to a Meet and Greet Comic Book Creators events.
“Be a Hero: Read” will use the help of community volunteers, wearing hero capes none the less, to serve as real-life heroes as they bring the exhibit to life. The program will be presented at all of the elementary schools in the area, with special efforts being aimed at low-income schools who traditionally have less participation in the library’s summer reading program. To encourage friendly, interschool competition, two traveling trophies will be awarded at the end of the program. Both small schools and large school have the chance to win a one-year opportunity to display an oversized trophy for having the highest percentage of their student body complete the reading program.

Awards Won

Title Year
Baker & Taylor Summer Reading Program Grant

91´«Ã½

This grant provides financial assistance for summer reading program development by ALSC members.
2010 - Winner(s)