The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is looking forward to this year being a year of growth. We have big plans and ambitious goals for the Library and the services we provide to the community. Part of those services include the programs and events we provide for our customers. In January, the Library hired Ali Lanthrum as the new event & program coordinator. I sat down with Ali and chatted about the experiences that led her to Aurora and what goals she has for her new role.
Tiberi: What are you most excited about in this new position?
Lanthrum: I am excited to work with the Aurora Public Library District team and our vibrant community to create events and programs that all may enjoy. I look forward to working with the local business and organizations and developing partnerships to maximize our relationships.
Tiberi: How long have you worked in libraries?
Lanthrum: I’ve worked in libraries for about four-and-a-half years. My experience includes non-profit, education, and government, work. As my career unfolded, I realized that my strengths and experiences resonated with public library work, so I kept my eye on my local library for 14 years. When the right position opened up, I applied, I was hired and that’s how I entered library land! My career in libraries has been an evolution.
Tiberi: What can customers look forward to with upcoming library events?
Lanthrum: At our upcoming events, customers can look forward to being surprised, delighted and engaged. I want to offer a variety of experiences for customers to enjoy different styles of music, different crafts, different food! I also invite and encourage the community to submit their ideas and wants for programs. We want our events to reflect the needs and interests of the community. I want to provide events that people of all ages, abilities, and experiences can enjoy. And I look forward meeting everyone!
Tiberi: What is your favorite thing about APLD so far?
Lanthrum: My favorite thing so far is how community-focused the Library is. That’s what it’s all about.
Tiberi: Where are you from?
Lanthrum: I grew up in Elburn, spent time in Geneva and Japan. Currently my family lives in St. Charles. We have always loved going to local events, large and small. Kane County fair, flea markets, Swedish Days, and I’m really excited to be a part of the Aurora events.
Tiberi: How long did you live in Japan?
Lanthrum: My husband and I lived and worked in Japan for three years. We were teaching English to Japanese students of all ages and abilities and creating intercultural events to engage the Japanese public with multicultural experiences. It was a wonderful experience, there is so much history there. I think about it every day.
Tiberi: What are you reading now?
Lanthrum: I am reading book two in The Locked Tomb series, Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. It is a science fantasy and it’s going to tear me apart because the series hasn’t been completed yet. I can’t recommend it enough!
Tiberi: Last question. Who is your favorite Avenger?
Lanthrum: I feel like this could be very divisive! Based on the movies, I am team Spiderman because he works hard to protect those that he loves, but remains grounded and approachable. I also really appreciate Loki’s good humor…when he’s working for the forces of good. Loki’s a misunderstood character. And in comparison to Thor, I mean that’s just hard.
If you have a program or event idea you’d like the Aurora Public Library District to consider, submit it to Ali through the Program Proposal form on our websiteaurorapubliclibrary.org/program-proposal
Come to the Library and meet Ali at Aurora Downtown’s First Fridays’ event in the Santori Library Atrium from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday March 4.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.