Since 2023, the Aurora Public Library District has been celebrating the people of Aurora with Community Voices, a library initiative that provides space for community members to share their individual stories. Our current exhibit, Changemakers, is a little different from the others. Instead of focusing on a particular heritage or identity, it highlights individuals whose years of service reflect the care and hard work they have invested in their community. The result is a powerful and inspirational community-driven display that demonstrates the impact of civic engagement.
The mission of Community Voices is to celebrate diverse experiences, foster connections, cultivate empathy, and nurture a sense of belonging at the library. With past initiatives, we’ve invited people who identify with our selected focus to reach out to us directly and share their stories. But this time, our Changemakers were nominated by their neighbors, friends, and colleagues who have witnessed their impact on Aurora first-hand. “I was thrilled to see the incredible diversity of amazing work being done in Aurora, from community art to workers’ rights to environmental advocacy and much more,” said Genealogy and Community History librarian Cailín. “It was also such a pleasure reading the submissions from our nominees, which were all so encouraging and inspiring!”
As a library, civic engagement is a core part of what we do, and we think about it intentionally with the programs, resources, and services we offer. What we’ve learned through that work is that many Aurorans have intentions to get involved but aren’t sure how to take that first step. That’s where the idea to highlight Changemakers stemmed from. It’s an opportunity to learn directly from our participants through the exhibit and accompanying panel discussion and shine a light on work being done within our community. “The panel discussion is one of my favorite events of the whole year, because we put community members front and center to hear their stories,” added Cailín. “It’s a chance to connect in real time, learn about the work that’s being done, the issues that are important to Aurora, how we can all contribute, and maybe even spark ideas for the future.”
So, what will you learn from our Changemakers: Christina, Scott, Marissa, Nick, Jo, Mavis, J.D., Dena, James, Saily, Ruben, Giselle, Erin, and Casey? Hear their stories Thursday, Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Santori Library during Community Voices in Conversation: Changemakers. Can’t make it? Visit the Changemakers exhibit in the Santori Library Atrium or online at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/exhibits until Sunday, Dec. 6. We hope learning about their experiences will lead you towards your own path of creating change. Who knows? Maybe someday we’ll be celebrating your story!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.