Pack some snacks and check your map; it’s time for a Library Road Trip! Starting Saturday, March 28, the Aurora Public Library District and 15 area libraries will come together to share the spirit of discovery, adventure, and community. It’s a chance for anyone to support libraries, learn something new, and create fun memories on the road.
The Library Road Trip is an incentivized, collaborative program that encourages folks to learn about neighboring communities by visiting their local libraries. When APLD first participated in 2024, we had nearly 400 road-trip travelers! “People who are passionate about libraries, enjoy travel, are looking for some spring break fun, and/or want to learn more about Illinois’ vibrant communities may especially enjoy this program,” said event and program coordinator, Ali.
Getting started is simple… just visit us! Stop by the Santori Library, West Branch, or Eola Express to pick up a Library Road Trip Passport that lists all the participating library locations. From there, you could start by heading north to check out the Messenger Public Library of North Aurora, go south to visit Wilmington, or venture west to see Somonauk; the choice is yours! At each stop, you will receive a stamp on your passport and a small souvenir. When you have visited as many libraries as you would like, return your Library Road Trip Passport to APLD by Thursday, April 30 to be entered into a drawing for a grand prize basket of library swag. The more libraries you visit, the more chances you have to win!
The libraries range in size and offerings, so you never know what you may learn or see. “Libraries take pride in offering unusual items and pieces that customers might not expect,” said circulation manager, Yiota. “One participating library has a dinosaur sitting on their patio!” Some locations are even offering special events or programs to coincide with the influx of new visitors from the Library Road Trip initiative. At APLD, we will hosting a special Makerspace Open House Tuesday, April 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Santori Library. “We are uniquely positioned among our partner libraries to offer some really expansive Makerspace services, from laser cutting to 3D printing to heat pressing,” said Makerspace manager, Elliot. “These are tools that anyone can learn how to use, so we wanted to highlight this service and encourage that spark of creativity for all our Library Road Trip visitors.”
Whether you turn it into a family adventure, or make it a personal challenge, the Library Road Trip is a free, all-ages activity everyone can enjoy. Plus, you get to feel extra good knowing you’re engaging with your community and supporting local learning! The program runs from Saturday, March 28 through Thursday, April 30, so you don’t have to do all your driving in one day. For more information, contact the library at www.aurorapublic
library.org or 630-264-4117. Safe travels!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.