The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is proud to announce this year’s Light of Learning Inspiration Award and the Thomas J. Weisner Award for Excellence in Education Collaboration Award winners for 2022.
John Savage and Jeffry Butler have been selected to receive the Light of Learning Inspiration Award and the AWE Foundation will receive the Thomas J. Weisner Award at the Dueling Pianos Auction Party at the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library Saturday, Dec. 3.
The Light of Learning Inspiration Award was established in 2016 in honor of Richard and Gina Santori for inspiring lifelong learners.
According to Foundation Board manager, Laura Stoney, the Foundation Board chose John Savage because of his dedication and service to the Library since 2010.
“His vision and focus guided the Library through the construction of the Santori Library, and the transition from a municipal library to an independent library district. His visionary leadership and faith in the value of a strong and responsive library have been a great benefit to the Aurora community,” Stoney said.
Jeffry Butler has served the Aurora Public Library District since 1993. Jeff has served as the chair of the Building & Grounds Committee, chair of the Technology Committee, chair of the Policy and Personnel Committee and member of the Strategic Planning Committee. Jeff has served as both president and secretary of the Board, participated in developing strategic plans, the hiring of several executive directors, and the planning and execution of two Library buildings, and the bookmobile.
“His genuine passion for the work and purpose of the Library, his mentorship of other board members and his meticulous oversight of the Library’s expenditures and revenues has made him invaluable to the Library District,” Stoney said.
The Weisner Award will awarded at the event December 3.
The Thomas J. Weisner Award for Excellence in Education Collaboration was established in 2018 as a memorial to and an honor of Thomas J. Weisner, mayor of Aurora, 2005-2016. Mayor Weisner, encouraged collaboration and spent much of his time as mayor working with others to help them reach their full potential. He was instrumental in bringing a new main Library to Aurora.
This year’s recipient organization is the Aurora Women’s Empowerment (AWE) Foundation for their work in collaboration. The AWE Foundation collaborated with the Library to bring financial literacy education to young women and teens who may not otherwise receive this information. In addition, the AWE Foundation brought together many other organizations that impact women’s lives to collaborate to make a greater impact.
“We are very grateful for the partnership with all three of our awardees and are thrilled to honor them at the Dueling Piano’s and Auction Party December 3,” Stoney said.
In addition to honoring the award recipients, the December 3 event features a full catered meal, open bar, sweets table, silent auction, and entertainment by Ted Oliver Productions Dueling Pianos.
Proceeds from the event will make possible a new mini bookmobile to serve the needs of elderly and homebound residents, a bookmobile maintenance fund, and literacy packets for vulnerable children in Aurora.
If you would like to be a part of this event, visit www.MagicofLiteracy.givesmart.com for ticket information and details.
—Aurora Public Library District