“My Beloved World,” by Sonia Sotomayor, will start its inaugural season of Aurora: United We Read!
Imagine what it would be like if everyone in Aurora was reading the same book. Imagine everyone coming together to discuss the content, celebrating the culture depicted in the book with fun programs, and events revolved around that same read. Bringing everyone together across our community is the goal of Aurora: United We Read, the Aurora Public Library’s (APL) Fall 2019 community read. We chose Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s memoir, “My Beloved World,” to launch our Aurora: United We Read community read event, which will take place September 11 through October 10.
A committee of Library staff members from many library departments and all locations began meeting in 2018 to plan our community read. We wanted a book that was inspiring, uplifting, and could reflect the many facets of those who live and work in Aurora. We needed a book that was available in a variety of formats, including print, audio, eBook, and large print, and we knew that a book that was adapted for all ages and in multiple languages would make it possible for our entire community to come together around the topics within the book.
The committee members read many titles last year and then read Sonia Sotomayor’s memoir, “My Beloved World,” and knew they found the right book. Justice Sotomayor’s autobiography reflects what, for many individuals, is the American dream. It’s a story reflecting the upbringing of a Puerto Rican woman in America, the struggles living in childhood poverty to success, her perseverance over a chronic illness, and using education to propel herself forward and ultimately to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“My Beloved World,” and its companion titles, “The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor” for middle grade/teen readers, and “Turning Pages: My Life Story” for young readers, are stories the whole family can read together and have great discussions about a variety of issues.
The Aurora Public Library will feature events highlighting Sotomayor’s story: Join us for everything from cooking programs to book discussions and even storytimes! We’ll start our common reading Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Santori Library when we hold a Women in Leadership Panel Discussion from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Women in leadership roles within Aurora will discuss their challenges and successes. Join us when we celebrate Puerto Rican heritage at our First Fridays event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at the Santori Library. We will have crafts, entertainment, and a taste celebrating Latin culture. Didn’t get enough food? Stop at the Explore Puerto Rican and Latin American Cuisine with chef Susan Maddox at West Branch October 1 and at Eola Road Branch October 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Those attending can learn about the culture through ingredients and cooking methods, and of course, there will be samples!
Looking for more United We Read events? Check out our complete list of events:
• Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eola Road Book Discussion at Eola Road Branch;
• Friday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Adult Book Discussion at Santori Library;
• Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Women in Leadership Panel Discussion at Santori Library;
• Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teen Book Discussion (part one) at West Branch;
• Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast Book Club at Eola Road Branch;
• Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. West Branch Book Discussion at West Branch;
• Monday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Storytime with a Judge at Santori Library;
• Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Explore Puerto Rican and Latin American Cuisine at West Branch;
• Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Storytime with a Judge at West Branch;
• Thursday, Oct. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 11a.m. Storytime with a Judge at Eola Road Branch;
• Thursday, Oct. 3 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Club de Lectura en español at Santori Library;
• Friday, Oct. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday Fridays! at Santori Library;
• Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Explore Puerto Rican and Latin American Cuisine at Eola Road Branch;
• Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teen Book Discussion (part two) at West Branch.
The Aurora Public Library staff members want readers of all ages to join us on this journey of discovery. Participants can check out a copy of “My Beloved World,” “The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor,” or “Turning Pages” at any Aurora Public Library location today and join our discussions starting September 11!
Miriam Meza-Gotto is communications manager for Aurora Public Library.