The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is providing Winter holiday-themed programs throughout this month. The storytimes are representative of the many cultural celebrations observed during this holiday time. APLD highlights those celebrations and provides its diverse customers with educational opportunities for individuals to learn about others’ traditions.
These events will be held virtually on various platforms such as Zoom, YouTube, and other social media platforms. Some events will be streamed on the Library’s Facebook page @APLibraryIL. Be sure to check out the full list of this month’s events and register in advance at aurorapubliclibrary.org/events.
We’ll celebrate holidays like Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah in December, starting with Miss Andrea’s Holiday Story Read Aloud December 2. Books such as The Great Hanukkah Party, by Suzy-Jane Tanner, Dear Santa, by Rod Campbell and It’s Kwanzaa Time!, by Synthia Saint James were enjoyed by participants. Miss the event? Catch it on our Facebook!
These and other holiday titles are available for checkout and can be scheduled to be picked up by way of our curbside pickup service at aurorapubliclibrary.org/curbside.
“During normal times, our holiday programs are some of our most well attended,” said “Miss Andrea” Tiberi, a children’s service staffer. “[But] we understand that they naturally exclude those that may not celebrate. By hosting multiple holiday programs, we hope to include more families, and create an opportunity to learn about different cultural celebrations,” said Miss Andrea.
Santa will make a special appearance and join Miss Andrea Thursday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in a live storytime on Zoom where holiday stories will be shared. “With routines so disrupted, it’s important for children to have access to our programs and resources, and doing so virtually keeps them safe,” said Tiberi. You can register to see Santa live at aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/4699601.
APLD will end this month with a Virtual Winter Storytime at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 followed by a special dance-party the next day at its annual Noon Years Eve party. You can register your family at aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/4705958. Children will have the opportunity to hear stories and celebrate the holidays with virtual get-togethers month.
“This year has been difficult, but we are trying to celebrate the holidays with our customers by providing Winter programming of all different types that spreads joy,” said Tiberi. “We are all in this together!
Andrew Muñoz is communications coordinator at the Aurora Public Library.