Elgin library holding Hispanic Heritage Month events
The Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of programs and events.
An art exhibit that honors eight unsung heroes from across the Chicago area entitled, “Our Heroes, Our Stories,” is on display through Oct. 15 at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave., according to a news release. A grand opening for the exhibit will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
Other events at the main library include:
- Craft workshops will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23-24. Participants will make tissue paper papel picado decorations and enjoy face painting. This program will be conducted in Spanish. Registration is required.
- Create your own avatar from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Patricia Novick will lead the workshop in which participants will go through a reflective process to identify their core values and inner strengths and then create symbolic avatars that represent them. Presented in English and Spanish, registration is required.
- National Latino AIDS Awareness Day event will be recognized with a program from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Effective HIV prevention and treatment strategies, aiming to combat stigma, will be discussed, and music and other activities presented. Conducted in Spanish, registration is required.
- Day of the Dead community ofrenda will be on display from Thursday, Oct. 23, through Thursday, Nov. 6. The public is invited to email or text photos of loved ones to photos@gailborden.info or 847-857-7740 by Sunday, Oct. 12, to be included in the display. A grand opening is set for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, and will be live streamed at www.gbpl.info/ofrenda2025.
To register for upcoming programs, go to www.gailborden.info/hhm.
Elgin police’s Viva Elgin! set for Saturday at Festival Park
The Elgin Police Department is hosting Viva Elgin! from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. Elgin.
The community event will feature music provided by a deejay, food and prizes, according to a social media post from the police department. The gathering is one of the city’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
For more information, call 224-806-1410.
‘Juana and Missing Mayan Book’ puppet show at Hemmens
The puppet show “Juana and the Missing Mayan Book” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, on the main stage of The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.
Written and directed by Chicago artist Rocio “Chio” Cabrera, the production follows Juana, a 9-year-old girl, as she sets out on a journey to save the few lasting remnants of the ancient Mayan society, according to the Hemmens’ website.
The production is the first in the cultural center’s 2025-26 series. Tickets are $16.50 online plus a $3 transaction fee per order, $15 plus a $6 transaction fee per order by phone and $15 at the door.
For tickets, call 847-931-5900 or go to hemm.na.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales.
Brew at the Zoo fundraiser Saturday at Randall Oaks Zoo
Randall Oaks Zoo’s Brew at the Zoo fundraiser being held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
Beers from Sew Hop’d Brewery and Tangled Roots will be featured at the event in addition to wine and mixed drinks, food trucks, live music, silent auctions, lawn games, zoo tours and raffles. Designated drivers will receive free water and soda.
Tickets are $40 for zoo members, $45 for nonmembers and $10 for designated drivers. The zoo is located at 1180 Randall Road, West Dundee.
For tickets, go to buff.ly/kOvOCeE.
