The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan Lesniak as its new Foundation manager. Lesniak will be responsible for leading the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, as well as developing and implementing events and initiatives that support the Library’s mission. I asked Jordan about where he grew up, his background in the non-profit sector, and what brought him to APLD.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, milking cows and caring for llamas, it was shortly after high school that Jordan realized his potential to give back to the community. “The arts and music programs I attended in high school were at risk of being cut. A group of former students and parents got together to create a grant program that raised over $100,000 in one Summer to help the teachers fund critical programming and provide resources to their students. It was during this process I got a taste of how empowering collaboration can be and how scary it would be to our community if these services went away.” That’s certainly a strong start to his charitable work!
Though Jordan’s professional background is primarily non-profit work, he is no stranger to the library world. In the past he has served on a library board of trustees where he gained valuable experience in governing bodies and committees. Even from a young age he knew there was something special about libraries. “I have always had some great experiences at the Library,” Jordan recalled. “I knew our children’s librarian quite well when I was growing up and even ran some collaborative theater programming with her Summer reading program.” As an adult, Jordan enjoys utilizing the library resources and frequently downloads audiobooks to enjoy. Currently he is listening to First Ladies and Red, White & Royal Blue. His most recent favorite book was The Pearl that Broke its Shell by Nadia Hashimi. “It’s about what happens when cultural traditions meet the freedom to own one’s fate.” Growing up, he enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia as many children do. His favorite title in the series was book 3, The Horse and His Boy.
Speaking of favorites, when I asked about his favorite thing at APLD so far, he had some wonderfully-kind words. “There is such a strong sense of community here and a desire for everyone to show up as their whole selves,” said Jordan. “These are very empowering qualities to experience in a workplace and I am grateful to be a part of this community. This position is an opportunity to continue my philanthropic work in an inclusive space that offers our community a place to better themselves.” At the Library we are honored to have Jordan in our corner, helping the people of Aurora through the Foundation.
The Aurora Public Library District Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the Library’s mission by raising funds for programs, services, and improvements. The Foundation provides Library-card scholarships for non-residents and early literacy materials to underserved populations in Aurora. The Aurora Public Library District and the Foundation are committed to providing the community with the resources they need to discover, create, connect, and succeed. With Lesniak’s leadership, the Foundation is well-positioned to continue its important work. Welcome Jordan. We are so happy to have you with us!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.