It was a joyous event Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Aurora Public Library District (APLD), when community members, State legislators, and Library staff members came together to celebrate a success for literacy. Everyone was giddy with anticipation for the new Bookmobile and the wonderful services it will bring to Aurora. We are grateful for all the support the Library has received during this long and arduous process and were honored to be host to a ceremony for our delegation in the Illinois Legislature to truly express our thanks.
In attendance were State representative, Barbara Hernandez, State representative, Stefanie Kifowit, and District director for State senator Linda Holmes, Christine Hannon. They officially presented executive director, Michaela Haberkern and APLD Foundation president, Christina Campos, with a check for $400,000. The grant money was received last year for providing funds for the new Bookmobile.
“I am so grateful for the support of our legislators and for the funding for this major project,” said Haberkern. “The Bookmobile provides access to Library materials and support for the people who need us most, and it’s such an important first Library for kids in Aurora. We’re so fortunate to have legislators who support our initiatives and the community.”
During their presentations, both representative Hernandez and representative Kifowit spoke about the personal impact the APLD Bookmobile had in their lives. “I used to get very excited for Bookmobile day when I was in school,” said Hernandez. “We didn’t have transportation to the Library when I was a child and I know there are a lot of families out there with the same story. Now Aurora children will grow up and know this new version of the Bookmobile that will be amazing for our community.”
Representative Kifowit mentioned memories with the Bookmobile both personally and professionally. “My children attended school in the East Aurora 131 School District where I was also a substitute teacher. I saw firsthand the excitement in the students when the Bookmobile showed up; they wanted to run out to it, she remembered.
Everyone surely will be excited when they get the chance to experience the new Bookmobile during the official opening ceremony Friday, Oct. 6.
We’re proud to announce the official opening of our new Bookmobile will be at 4 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Santori Library Park Garden. This ceremony signifies the beginning of a new chapter in our community’s story as we come together to promote literacy and the love of reading. Outreach Services manager, Jessica Cantarero, is especially looking forward to making new connections. “Our community has waited a long time for this exciting moment in Aurora’s history.” said Cantarero.
“The Bookmobile is not just a unique place to obtain Library materials, it’s truly a gathering place, sometimes where neighbors introduce themselves for the first time. The outreach team looks forward to welcoming you onboard to experience the magic of the Bookmobile!” The team has been on pins and needles waiting for notification that the Bookmobile has left the manufacturer’s facility in North Carolina. Now that it’s finally here, we can’t wait to celebrate!
“We cannot wait to introduce Aurora to its new Bookmobile. Everything from layout to the exterior wrap was inspired by The City and its residents and it’s beautiful, just like Aurora said director of Neighborhood Services, Heather Sturm. “It’s one of the things that makes life in Aurora unique, and I’m excited to keep providing services and building memories with this gorgeous vehicle.”
For more information, including the full list of celebratory events and Bookmobile visits, please visit our website at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/Bookmobile or contact the Library at 630-264-4117. Members of the public can subscribe to receive text alerts about the Bookmobile by texting @APLD mobile (English) or @APLDmovil (Spanish) to the number 81010. We can’t wait to see you on the road!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.