It is no secret that 2020 was a less than desirable year for many, and so you might be looking forward to starting fresh this year. For many of us, de-cluttering and reorganizing our living spaces can be one way to make a positive change. One question is always at the forefront of change: “How do I get started?”
Many think of their library as just a place to get books, but the role of the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) includes empowering individuals to seek information and connect them with community organizations to help meet their needs. When individuals need to de-clutter their lives and homes to live more successful lives, APLD will team up with a DuPage County-based environmental education organization to do exactly that.
The APLD is offering a virtual event in partnership with S.C.A.R.C.E. (School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education) to help you get started on your de-cluttering journey at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6. S.C.A.R.C.E. will provide concrete actions for you to help your neighborhood reduce negative environmental impacts while simultaneously improving your well-being.
S.C.A.R.C.E. is an award-winning non-profit environmental education organization dedicated to creating sustainable communities. For more than 25 years, S.C.A.R.C.E. has provided innovative and hands-on education programs for schools and organizations to help foster a more sustainable future.
“One of our strategic goals as a Library is to offer programs and events that spark creativity and respond to customer interest,” said adult services librarian, Megan Cavitt. “Reorganizing, or de-cluttering isn’t usually seen as creative,” Cavitt said, “but it definitely takes flexibility and a willingness to embrace change.”
This program is not only for those seeking to free up extra space around the house, but for the environmental enthusiasts. It is one thing to clean your own living space and remove unwanted waste. It is another to do so at the careless expense of the environment.
“We see a lot of customers interested in environmental impact,” Cavitt said. “People want to pursue their hobbies, raise their children, and run a home, all while respecting our shared resources. This goes beyond the walls of our libraries and extends to our local environment as well.”
The event will take place live over Zoom and registration is required to attend this free event and can be found at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/4706006.
“In the coming new year, I am hoping for a fresh start,” Cavitt said. We all are.
Andrew Muñoz is communications coordinator at the Aurora Public Library.