Gail Borden Library Honored with Prestigious Public Relations Award for Transformative "Violins of Hope" Project
July 10, 2025
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[ELGIN, ILL.] – July 8, 2025 – Library officials are proud to announce that the Gail Borden Public Library has been awarded the highly coveted John Cotton Dana Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the library world, for its transformative "Violins of Hope" project. This national recognition, presented annually by the American Library Association (ALA) and EBSCO Information Services, celebrates exceptional public relations and marketing efforts from a library. Gail Borden Library joins an elite group of eight libraries honored this year for their strategic communication and impactful campaigns.
The "Violins of Hope" campaign was a multifaceted initiative centered on a collection of restored instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. Through a series of concerts, exhibitions, educational programs and community dialogues, these violins transformed the community with empowering messages of remembrance, resilience and music. The campaign fostered deep connections, encouraged intergenerational learning, and provided a unique platform for reflection on history, humanity and hope.
"We are incredibly honored and humbled to receive the John Cotton Dana Award for the 'Violins of Hope' campaign," said Natalie Kiburg, Division Chief of Public Relations & Development for the Gail Borden Library. "This project was rooted in collaboration and a profound experience for our entire community. It allowed us to not only share a vital piece of history but also to demonstrate the library's evolving role as a dynamic center for cultural enrichment, education and meaningful dialogue.”
The campaign generated unprecedented community engagement, drawing thousands of attendees to various events and sparking widespread conversation across the Elgin area. Its success reinforced Gail Borden's commitment to delivering impactful programming that resonates deeply with its patrons and addresses significant societal themes.
“We sincerely thank ALA, EBSCO and H.W. Wilson for seeing the impact of our project and honoring Gail Borden Library with this unbelievable award,” Kiburg shared. “This award belongs to everyone who participated, supported, and was moved by the Violins of Hope project."
Gail Borden Library extends its sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors, including the Seigle Foundation and Palmer Foundation, along with key collaborators such as JCC Chicago, whose shared vision was vital to this campaign’s impact. A special thanks goes to Violins of Hope, along with many local partners, including Congregation Kneseth Israel, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin History Museum, School District U-46, City of Elgin, Chamber Music on the Fox, City of Elgin—Hemmens Cultural Center, and Pace. Gail Borden Library also would like to thank the incredible partners, volunteers, docents and staff for their invaluable contributions in bringing this transformative project to life.
Gail Borden Library continues its mission to enrich lives, foster learning and build a stronger, more connected community. The John Cotton Dana Award serves as a powerful affirmation of the library's dedication to innovative public service and excellence in outreach.
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About 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." Because of its impact working with many partners, the library has been recognized numerous times, 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 nearly 150,000, it is the largest public library district (self-governed) in the state of Illinois. With numerous literary resources and exciting exhibits like dinosaurs, space and LEGO TM architecture, the library strives to engage people of all ages through education, recreation and creativity. Visit https://www.gailborden.info/culture for more information.
About the John Cotton Dana Award: The John Cotton Dana Award, administered by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) a division of the American Library Association (ALA) and sponsored by EBSCO Information Services, is an annual award that honors outstanding library public relations. It recognizes libraries of all types for their strategic communications, marketing, and public relations campaigns that promote library services and resources.
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