Gail Borden Public Library District (GBPLD) serves a diverse community of 144,597 residents in Elgin, South Elgin and portions of Hoffman Estates, Streamwood and Bartlett, Illinois. GBPLD faces the same challenges of many urban and suburban libraries as well as those of literacy, digital literacy and language barriers. There are over 200 staff members, with the majority of staff being part-time. The library serves as an important connection force in the community. Due to work with community partners, the library was honored with the National Medal for Museum and Library Services in 2009.