It’s a new year, why not try something new from the Library? The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) continuously encourages our customers to get creative and try new things. From craft kits and Makerspace demonstrations to entertaining programs and materials, we strive to meet the creative needs of the community. With the launch of our newest initiative, the Creator’s Collection, we hope to inspire our customers to express their creativity and make something with the help of the Library.
The new Creator’s Collection offers non-traditional items available for checkout with an APLD Library card. Items such as sewing machines, musical instruments, and paper craft supplies are part of this initial launch. Providing this service to enhance and supplement the work of the Library Makerspace and Media Lab was a goal developed in 2016. After years of teamwork and community input, implementation was unfortunately delayed further due to COVID-19.
Collection services manager, Colleen Seisser, is thrilled to finally provide this collection to the public. “We are very excited to begin offering these collections to customers and continue to grow them based on community feedback. We hope to keep Aurora making and crafting!” said Seisser.
There are five different kits available for checkout. The Sewing kit includes a sewing machine, various tools, a carrying bag and instructions. The Papercraft kit includes a Silhouette Portrait 2 cutting machine, scissors, punches, and a cutting mat. Musical instrument kits available for checkout include a ukulele, keyboard, or electronic drum pad.
In addition to the instructional materials provided with the kits, the Library offers databases with additional resources. Websites such as Creativebug and LinkedIn Learning are accessible online with your Aurora Public Library District Library card and PIN.
These resources provide tutorials and instructional videos to enhance your experience with the materials in your checked-out kit.
The items in the Creator’s Collection are designed to help you succeed and express your own creativity, whether you want to try before you buy, or simply need the products to complete a short-term project. Whatever the need, we hope the items in the Creator’s Collection can unlock a new creative passion!
Additional information and resources are available online at aurorapubliclibrary.org/creatorscollection.
To suggest materials for the Creator’s Collection, please fill out a Collection Suggestion Form at aurorapubliclibrary.org/collection-suggestion
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.