Gail Borden Public Library
Gail Borden Public Library District is a tax-funded public library system serving 144,597 residents across Elgin, Illinois and surrounding Kane County through three branches, mobile services, and a 24/7 digital eLibrary, offering books, media, educational programs, and community partnerships to diverse demographic segments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1873
- HeadquartersElgin, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Gail Borden Public Library does
Gail Borden Public Library District is a tax-funded governmental library system organized under Illinois state law, serving the Elgin, Illinois area and surrounding Kane County communities. Founded in 1873 when Samuel and Alfred Church donated a building to Elgin Township in honor of their stepfather Gail Borden, the library has operated continuously for over 135 years. The library operates three physical locations: the 153,826 sq ft Main Library in downtown Elgin (opened 2003 at a construction cost of $29.8 million), the LEED Gold certified Rakow Branch (opened August 15, 2009, as the library's first branch in its history), and the South Elgin Branch (originally opened July 24, 2016 at 4,275 sq ft, expanded and reopened June 21, 2025 at 11,700 sq ft). The library serves a district population of 144,597 with 99,637 active cardholders, attracting approximately 1.2 million visitors annually and circulating 2.3 million items per year.
The library's core technology platform centers on the Aspen Discovery-powered catalog and a 24/7 eLibrary aggregating digital content through partnerships with Hoopla, cloudLibrary, Libby (OverDrive), Kanopy, PressReader, Freegal Music, BiblioBoard, AudioBookCloud, TumbleBook Library, TumbleMath, PebbleGo, LOTE4Kids, and Tutor.com. The Digital Media Lab (Studio 270) provides professional content creation tools including Apple iMacs, Canon cameras, greenscreen equipment, and Adobe Creative Suite 6, Final Cut Pro X, and Logic Pro Studio X software. Service delivery extends beyond physical branches through a Bookmobile on a two-week rotation, a TechKnow Mobile for technology assistance, home delivery services for residents with illness or disability, drive-up services, and a Library of Things circulating hotspots, Chromebooks, Rokus, and telescopes. The library holds the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor for libraries.
The library operates under a tax-funded revenue model with district residents receiving free access to core services through local property taxes. Supplemental revenue derives from nominal transaction fees (wireless printing at $0.20 per page, replacement cards, non-resident contract cards priced by equalized assessed valuation), the affiliated Gail Borden Public Library Foundation (established 1993) which channels donations, planned giving, and proceeds from Gail's Sales (used books, games, and movies), and intergovernmental grants. The customer base spans six segments — general public, children (birth-12), teenagers (grades 6-12), older adults, educators, and the Spanish-speaking community — with services tailored to each including KidSpace, Studio 270, the Older Adult Services program, teacher resources, and multilingual collections in ten or more languages.
Gail Borden Public Library firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Gail Borden Public Library
- Legal name
- Gail Borden Public Library District
- Website
- https://gailborden.info
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1873
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Gail Borden Public Library District is a tax-funded public library system serving 144,597 residents across Elgin, Illinois and surrounding Kane County through three branches, mobile services, and a 24/7 digital eLibrary, offering books, media, educational programs, and community partnerships to diverse demographic segments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Gail Borden Public Library industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (51921), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (519), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)
Keywords
Where Gail Borden Public Library is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Elgin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Gail Borden Public Library business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Public Library District Funding: As a public library district, Gail Borden Public Library is primarily funded through local property taxes from residents within the library district boundaries. This provides the core operating budget for all services, collections, and facilities.
- Library Card and Service Fees: Nominal fees for services such as wireless printing ($0.20 per page), replacement card fees, and interlibrary loan fees when applicable. Non-resident card purchase options available for those outside the district.
- Foundation Donations and Fundraising: The Gail Borden Public Library Foundation supports the library through donations, planned giving, and fundraising events. Proceeds from Gail's Sales (used books, games, movies) support library activities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wireless Printing - Black and White |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wireless Printing - Color |
| Freemium | Annual | Library Card - District Residents |
| Subscription | Annual | Non-Resident/Contract Card |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Gail Borden Public Library product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Gail Borden Public Library District operates as a public library system serving Elgin and surrounding areas in Illinois with three physical branches, a Bookmobile, and a TechKnow Mobile. It provides free access to physical collections (books, DVDs, video games, Library of Things), digital content streaming, computer/technology access, educational programs for all ages, and ancillary services such as passport applications and license plate renewal. The library is funded primarily through local property taxes and supported by the affiliated Gail Borden Public Library Foundation.
Product overview
Gail Borden Public Library District is a three-location public library system (Main Library, Rakow Branch, South Elgin Branch) offering comprehensive library services including physical and digital collections, technology services, and community programs. The core product portfolio includes the Library Catalog (powered by Aspen Discovery), the 24/7 eLibrary digital portal, and physical/digital collections spanning books, media, and specialized items. Key service products include KidSpace (children's services), Studio 270 (teen creative space), the Digital Media Lab (media creation), Technology Classes (adult education), and Older Adult Services. Digital content is delivered through multiple platforms including Hoopla (streaming), cloudLibrary/Libby (eBooks), Kanopy (video), PressReader (magazines), Tutor.com (homework help), TumbleBook Library/TumbleMath (children's digital books), PebbleGo (K-2 research), and LOTE4Kids (world language learning). The library also provides community-focused services like Passport Services, License Plate Renewal, Wireless Printing, Bookmobile, TechKnow Mobile, Home Services, and Room Reservations. A Library of Things circulates technology items including hotspots and Chromebooks.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Gail Borden Public Library Foundation: A nonprofit organization established in 1993 to provide resources and financial support to extend and improve library services and collections. The Foundation supports reading initiatives, exhibits, capital projects, and raises funds through book sales and donations.
Products and services
- Library Card (District Residents) Free library card providing district residents access to physical collections, digital resources, programs, and computer use within the Gail Borden Public Library District.
- Non-Resident Contract Card Annual subscription card for individuals outside the library district, with fee based on the equalized assessed valuation of residence, granting access to library services.
- Bookmobile Service Mobile library bus that brings the full range of library services to neighborhoods, apartment complexes, parks, and schools on a two-week rotation.
- TechKnow Mobile Mobile technology assistance vehicle offering circulating Wi-Fi hotspots, Chromebooks, print books, DVDs, and staff technology help at community locations.
- Home Delivery Service Free monthly delivery to district residents with temporary or permanent illness or disability who cannot visit the library.
- Media Dispenser (24/7 DVD and Game Dispenser) External self-service dispenser at the Rakow Branch operating 24/7, 365 days a year, allowing patrons to check out DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games.
- Wireless Printing Print from mobile devices, laptops, or home computers to any library location at $0.20 per page (black-and-white and color).
- Digital Media Lab Creative technology space with hardware including iMacs, DSLR cameras, camcorders, greenscreen, and software including Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro for video, music, and photo creation.
- Studio 270 Teen creative space at the Main Library with Macs, digital camera equipment, video game consoles, and multimedia creation tools for grades 6-12.
- KidSpace Children's area at the Main Library with developmentally appropriate toys, books in English and Spanish, and iPads for children from birth through 5th grade.
- Passport Services U.S. passport application acceptance by appointment, including photo services, available at the Main Library.
- License Plate Renewal Services Illinois license plate sticker renewal service allowing same-day pickup at the library.
- Room Reservations Study rooms and community rooms reservable up to a week in advance by library cardholders.
- Interlibrary Loan Service allowing patrons to borrow materials from other libraries through RAILS and LINKin Libraries consortium partnerships when items are not in the local collection.
- Tutor.com Live Homework Help Live online tutoring service for K-12 students, college students, and adults available 4pm-11pm daily in English and Spanish.
- Older Adult Services Programs and services for seniors including Device Advice, Memory Cafe, PhD Club, home delivery, and Life Enrichment volunteer programming at over 25 senior and developmental care communities.
- Technology Classes Technology education covering computer basics, Microsoft Office, cybersecurity, and special topics, available in-person and online through Niche Academy, Digital Learn, and GCF Learn Free.
- Summer Reading Program Annual reading challenge supporting literacy development and preventing summer learning loss, managed on the Beanstack platform.
- Battle of the Books Reading encouragement program for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students that promotes quality reading through competition.
- Library Catalog (Aspen Discovery) Online catalog for searching physical and digital collections, managing accounts, placing holds, and accessing MyAccount features, powered by Aspen Discovery.
- 24/7 eLibrary Round-the-clock digital resource portal offering ebooks, audiobooks, streaming video, music, magazines, and online databases through multiple integrated platforms.
- Library of Things Circulating collection of non-traditional items including hotspots, Chromebooks, Rokus, telescopes, and other technology items.
- World Language Collection Materials in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Lao, Polish, Ukrainian, and Urdu, plus bilingual programs such as Go Bilingual.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1.2 million annual visitors and 2.3 million items circulated
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Gail Borden Public Library
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Gail Borden Public Library technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration26 records
Feature4 records
Gail Borden Public Library partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Hoopla (by Midwest Tape)coreDigital media partnership providing access to thousands of movies, music CDs, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and television programs through the Hoopla platform. Library cardholders can stream or download content on their devices.
- cloudLibrary (By Bibliotheca)coreeBook and eAudiobook platform partnership allowing users to browse, borrow, and read digital content across devices with automatic synchronization.
- Libby (By OverDrive)corePartnership with Evanston Public Library as a partner library on Libby, expanding reading options for Gail Borden cardholders. Borrow ebooks and audiobooks to read on phones, tablets, or send to Kindle.
- KanopycoreOn-demand video streaming service featuring independent, international, classic, and documentary films from Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, PBS, and thousands of independent filmmakers.
- PressReadercoreDigital magazine and newspaper platform providing access to over 7,000 publications from 160+ countries with unlimited reading and daily new content.
- Tutor.comcoreLive homework help service connecting students K-12, college students, and adults with tutors for subjects including math, science, English, social studies, essay review, GED preparation, career services, and citizenship preparation. Available in English and Spanish.
- RAILS Library SystemcoreThe library participates in the RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Libraries) Reciprocal Borrowing Program, allowing residents to borrow materials from other public library districts in which they do not live or pay taxes.
- Elgin Partnership for Early Learning (EPEL)coreCollaborative partnership developing the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar, a tool offering activities to enhance school readiness skills. Partners include United Way of Elgin and library staff.
- AgeGuideminorArea Agency on Aging partnership supporting older adult services and programming in the community.
- AgeOptionsminorPartnership supporting dementia-friendly initiatives and resources for older adults in the community.
- Dementia Friendly Elgin AreaminorCollaborative initiative supporting individuals with cognitive impairment and their care partners through programming like the Elgin Memory Cafe.
- Elgin Community CollegeminorEducational partnership providing workforce development resources and career services support for district residents.
- Illinois workNetminorState workforce development partnership providing job search resources, training opportunities, and employment services.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Gail Borden Public Library competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Naperville Public Library: Large Illinois public library district serving a similarly affluent and growing suburban population. Operates multiple branches with extensive digital, maker, and programming offerings — directly comparable to Gail Borden's service portfolio.
- Evanston Public Library: Named mutual partner library on the Libby/OverDrive platform. Comparable Illinois urban-suburban library offering similar digital content, programming, and a similar service-area demographic profile.
- Arlington Heights Memorial Library: Award-winning Illinois suburban library with comparable digital breadth, programming, and community partnerships; comparable in population served and operating structure.
- Schaumburg Township District Library: Illinois township library district serving a comparably sized suburban community (~145K residents) with similar service breadth, technology offerings, and tax-funded operating model. Closest functional peer to Gail Borden in scale and operating structure.
- Skokie Public Library: Highly-rated Illinois suburban library known for strong digital content and community programming. Comparable scale and award-winning operating profile.
Broad incumbents
- Brooklyn Public Library: National innovation leader among public libraries in digital services, mobile outreach (Bookmobile), and multilingual programming. Useful innovation benchmark even though larger in scale.
- Hennepin County Library: Large suburban-urban Minnesota library system serving a comparable demographic mix with award-winning digital and outreach programs (Bookmobile, maker spaces). Comparable in innovation profile.
- Indianapolis Public Library: Mid-size urban library system serving a similar population scale with extensive digital and community programming; comparable in operating structure and innovation profile.
- Chicago Public Library: Major urban Illinois library system with broader geographic reach and the largest municipal scale in Illinois. Useful as a benchmark for digital breadth, programming scale, and capital reinvestment models.
Others
- Aspen Discovery (Bibliotheca): Vendor partner powering the library's catalog and account-management system. Adjacent ecosystem player enabling Gail Borden's digital discovery experience rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Gail Borden Public Library social profiles
Digital presenceGail Borden Public Library financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Gail Borden Public Library leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Gail Borden Public Library subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Gail Borden Public Library funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Gail Borden Public Library M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Gail Borden Public Library
What does Gail Borden Public Library do?
Gail Borden Public Library District operates as a public library system serving Elgin and surrounding areas in Illinois with three physical branches, a Bookmobile, and a TechKnow Mobile. It provides free access to physical collections (books, DVDs, video games, Library of Things), digital content streaming, computer/technology access, educational programs for all ages, and ancillary services such as passport applications and license plate renewal. The library is funded primarily through local property taxes and supported by the affiliated Gail Borden Public Library Foundation.
Is Gail Borden Public Library a public or private company?
Gail Borden Public Library is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Gail Borden Public Library founded?
Gail Borden Public Library was founded in 1873. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Gail Borden Public Library based?
Gail Borden Public Library is headquartered in Elgin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Gail Borden Public Library make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Library District Funding is the primary driver. The others are library Card and Service Fees and foundation Donations and Fundraising.
Who are Gail Borden Public Library's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Naperville Public Library, Evanston Public Library, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Schaumburg Township District Library and Skokie Public Library. Broad incumbents are Brooklyn Public Library, Hennepin County Library, Indianapolis Public Library and Chicago Public Library. Aspen Discovery (Bibliotheca) is listed as an others.
Does Gail Borden Public Library have an API?
No public API is recorded for Gail Borden Public Library.
What industry is Gail Borden Public Library in?
Gail Borden Public Library's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management, with a secondary code of EDAEAGAF, Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing). Its NAICS code is 51921.