Participants can represent their countries and culture this year by decorating a tree or space for the Aurora Public Library’s 43rd Annual Holiday Celebrations in Many Lands! To commemorate both the longevity and diversity of this cherished showcase, the Aurora Public Library (APL) is expanding its display this year to include our Eola Road Branch and our West Branch.
Each year, community members, families, organizations, and businesses from around the Aurora area come together at the Library to decorate a tree or table by using traditional holiday decorations to honor the unique celebrations and rituals common to a diverse array of countries and cultures. From Armenia to Kwanzaa, and to the Winter Solstice, the Aurora Public Library welcomes a broad and varied portfolio of global representation, aiming for an inclusive approach to holiday celebration that acknowledges both the ubiquitous collective holiday experiences and the rich diversity of the traditions we uphold.
By expanding the exhibition to all three Library locations, the the objective is to capture the special neighborhood nuances of community that enliven the various regions of Aurora and the surrounding area. Individuals, families, and organizations are invited to decorate a piece of the Library that will illuminate not only their own rich heritage, but the Library spaces that often become some of our favorite places to meet, socialize, and connect.
“Holiday celebrations operate across the world to write and tell our cultural stories, those that are unique to our communities, families, and homelands. It is important that we share those stories with each other,” said Krista Danis, events and program coordinator.
To those who are interested in decorating, please contact Krista Danis, at kdanis@aurorapubliclibrary.org by November 1. Tree decoration will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25 and will be completed for viewing by Thursday, Dec. 5.
We will do our best to accommodate your preferred branch at which to host and decorate your tree while ensuring even and fair distribution amongst the locations. Once we have received communications from all interested participants, we will let everyone know the site of the tree.
We look forward to everyone’s help in making the Aurora Public Library sparkle this season! Don’t forget to join us for our Holiday Celebration and First Fridays Cocoa Crawl December 6 in the Santori Atrium at 101 S. River Street, Aurora. Participants can pick up a passport at any Library location to document travels throughout the exhibition and earn prizes along the way! Passports will be available December 5 through January 1, 2020.
Miriam Meza-Gotto is communications manager for Aurora Public Library.