Barbie dolls may have changed dramatically over the decades but there’s little doubt they were at their most extravagent 40 to 50 years ago, an era being revisited at Gail Borden Public Library’s new Barbie Superstar exhibit.
“The free-to-attend exhibit captures the glamor, vibrancy, big hair and eye-catching fashion that mirrored the glitz and sparkle of the late 1970s through the mid-1980s,” library spokeswoman Natalie Kiburg said.
“Barbie dolls and accessories from the superstar era capture the societal shifts, fashion trends and cultural movements of this time, including women’s evolving roles in society.”
The exhibit is making its debut at the downtown Elgin library, 270 N. Grove Ave., made possible by a local, private collector who offered their extensive collection to be put on display, Kiburg said.
“Our talented and creative team has also designed engaging and life-size Barbie add-ons for visitors, including photo ops, a touch-screen fashion game, dress-up chances and more,” she said.
About 500 Barbie dolls will be on display through Monday, March 31, including some from the 2000s and a few of her gal pals and guy friends. Collection viewing hours can be found at www.gbpl.info/BarbieEra
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.“This particular collection also shows how representation expanded during this era with trailblazing dolls like Black Barbie, Hispanic Barbie and Great Shape Barbie,” Kiburg said.
With March being Women’s History Month, it seemed like a good time to offer the exhibit, she said. Additionally, with the box office success of the “Barbie” movie in 2023 and the 65th anniversary of the Mattel doll’s release having just passed, they’re hoping there’s public interest in learning more about the iconic toy and her inventor, Ruth Handler, she said.
In order to make the exhibit more interactive, the library is inviting patrons to share their favorite Barbie stories and dolls by emailing short videos to the library at [email protected].
In addition, they’ve scheduled several Barbie-related programs this month:
- “Barbie: The History of America’s Most Famous Doll” will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6. The program will relay the story behind Barbie’s creation and the influence the doll has had on American culture. Registration is required.
- Fashionista Storytime will feature a Barbie cosplayer telling family friendly stories followed by a meet-and-greet from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 7, in the library’s Meadows Community Rooms. No registration is required.
- “Meet Ruth Handler, Barbie’s Creator: The Story Behind her Dream Doll Creation” will feature Lynn Rymarz telling the story of Barbie’s creator, Ruth Handler, at 1 p.m. at the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin, and again at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, at the main library. Attendees are invited to bring their own Barbie dolls to show to the group. Registration is required.
- A screening of the 2023 “Barbie” movie will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Pink lemonade and cookies will be served, and guests are encouraged to wear pink clothing. Registration is required.
To register for programs, visit the library, go to www.gailborden.info/events or call 847-429-4597. For more information on the exhibit, go to www.gbpl.info/BarbieEra.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.