Get excited, Aurora: It’s census time! You may have heard that April 1 is Census Day, but that is a reference point, not a deadline. You can still complete the census online, by phone, or by mail.
The census only comes around once in a decade, so it may not be on your radar, but it should be! The census is vital for our community. An accurate count in Aurora ensures fair representation in Congress and determines how federal funding is distributed. It is especially important during a global health crisis. The information collected through the census directs how federal funding is allocated for critical social infrastructure in communities, such as health clinics and schools.
The Aurora Public Library (APL) will be host to a virtual information session about the 2020 census at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16. College of DuPage sociology professor Matthew Green will discuss what is new with the 2020 census and why it is important to our community. Tune in on Facebook Live @APLibraryIL or join us on Zoom! For more information, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/4401288.
Adult Services librarian Megan Cavitt said, “The U.S. census is a crucial tool for allocating funding for education, social services, and other government programs. Unfortunately, the people who are most likely to benefit from these programs are often the least likely to be counted correctly. But there’s still time to respond! Aurora Public Library is excited to make professor Green’s session available to everyone to increase Aurora’s understanding of and participation in the census.”
Remember, the 2020 census is simple. It consists of 10 questions, and it takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Additionally, the census is available in 13 languages, including English and Spanish. Your privacy matters, too. The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to keep your answers strictly confidential for 72 years! Answers only can be used to produce statistics.
Taking part in the census is a civic duty. Completing the census is mandatory, and it is one of the ways that we can all participate in our democracy. It’s about community. Aurora stands to gain or lose a substantial amount of money depending on whether or not someone is counted, and this amount will be gained or lost every year for the next 10 years.
If you would like to fill out the census online, the Library is here to help! APL is open for Public Computer Appointments, and each location has a computer reserved for completing the census. Call 630-264-4117 to schedule your one-hour session.
If you are interested in learning more about historical censuses, check out our Census Forms Throughout History virtual exhibit at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/genealogy–local-history. For more information regarding the 2020 census, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/youcount or www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/tucuenta.