The excitement is building! The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is thrilled about our upcoming renovations to the Eola Road Branch. To share the plans with the community we’ll be host to informational sessions for community members at the Eola Road Branch Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 9 at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m., and Thursday Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. and during these meetings, community members can learn information on the changes, interact with the architects, and share the excitement!
There are tons of amazing improvements planned for the Eola Road Branch, including a spacious meeting room, an expanded children’s programming area, numerous new study rooms, a makerspace, and an overall improved Library with new carpet, paint, furniture, and noise abatement. “Our architects will be at each meeting to answer questions and have a virtual reality experience so that people can really see what the new spaces will feel like,” said executive director, Michaela Haberkern.
“Anyone who uses the Eola Road Branch, or the Eola Community Center, will find something useful and exciting in these presentations.” Even if you’re not a regular library user, this is a great time to come and see what’s in store!
Library staff members have been gearing up for these changes for years and are anxious to get started, but we understand that change can be unsettling. By offering these sessions, we aim to be transparent and answer any questions the community may have. “The thing about library users is that they want to know things,” said Haberkern.
“We created these opportunities to share with everything we know and to best avoid unpleasant surprises.” Besides the exciting improvements, information will be shared on the project timeline, how Library services will be affected during construction, and how we incorporated the community feedback obtained in 2022 into the plans.
“Because the renovation project is directly informed by community feedback, and because it is in response to community need, it is vital to continue with an inclusive and open communication plan.” said Eola Road Branch manager, Krista Danis. “We are so excited to share how that input has directed our innovative new Branch!”
So excited in fact, that we want to throw a party to celebrate with you!
To show our appreciation for our customers, the Aurora Public Library Foundation will be host to a Community Carnival after the first community update meeting Saturday, June 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This is our opportunity to say thank you for supporting your Library!
“As someone who lives on the far East Side of Aurora, I am very excited about the renovations that will be happening at the Eola Road Branch of the library.” said event chair and APL Foundation Board secretary, Nicole Benziger. “The Eola Road Branch has been a wonderful source of inspiration, education, and entertainment, for my children growing up, so I am thrilled about the great upgrades coming and can’t wait to share the good news with everyone!”
Carnival attendees will get to play games, have their face painted, take photos with characters, eat carnival snacks and take home some Library swag with our new look. Everyone is welcome!
The Aurora Public Library District is excited to bring the Eola Road Branch up to par with the community’s needs. We hope to see you at one of our Community Update sessions (June 15, July 9, August 9, and August 22) and the Community Carnival June 15. For more information on the renovations, please visit our website, follow us on social media, or check our newsletters and program guides. Those who wish to learn more on ways to support the renovation can visit www.aplfoundationil.org.
This renovation project promises to provide a welcoming and functional space for everyone to enjoy and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.