A community grows stronger when each voice has the opportunity to tell its story. At the Aurora Public Library District, we created the Community Voices initiative to provide a space for people in Aurora to share their personal narratives, learn from their neighbors, and see themselves reflected in our city.
Close your eyes and picture a beautiful person. What color are their eyes? What style of hair do they have? What does their clothing look like? We all have our own opinions, but what standards are these opinions based on? For centuries, darker skin has often been portrayed as “less
Back in December, we teased a new reading program in development at the Aurora Public Library District. The time has now come to officially let the secret out. Introducing… Expand Your Shelf! A year-long, self-paced reading challenge for ages 16 and up. With 12 different reading prompts, Expand Your Shelf
Most history books, especially in Illinois, mention Jane Addams, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was once described as “the most famous American woman of the 20th Century.” Fewer know the story of Alta May Hulett, a Rockton native who became Illinois’s first female lawyer at just 19 years old,
Since 2022, the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) has participated in Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a virtual program series that provides high-quality online events to library customers. Previous speakers include Nick Offerman, Kwame Alexander, Danny Trejo, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Dr. Temple Grandin. This year, APLD has expanded these events by
Families want the best for their young children, and we’re fortunate to live in a community with so many resources that support early learning. But navigating and accessing those resources can be overwhelming, especially for new and expectant parents. Thankfully, the Aurora Public Library District brings it all together in
For generations, the Fox River has influenced how Aurora grew, worked, and came together as a community. In 2026, the Aurora Public Library District will highlight that connection with Aurora on the Fox, a yearlong initiative that combines an engaging exhibit with a diverse lineup of programs about the river
If you’ve ever wished for a book fairy godparent, you are in luck! The Aurora Public Library District’s reader’s advisory services are basically that, minus the sparkly wand. Whether you love browsing on your own, want a librarian to handcraft a list just for you, or prefer a little of
It was the celebration of the season December 6, when the Aurora Public Library Foundation held its annual Winter Gala. This event culminates the year’s philanthropy efforts, bringing community members together to celebrate meaningful connections, recognize exceptional individuals, and further support the Library’s mission through a charitable auction. This year
It’s easy to overlook just how much money the library can help you save. At the Aurora Public Library District (APLD), we are continually working to reduce everyday costs for individuals and families and increase our overall value to Aurora. You see this through the collections we maintain, the services
The Library of Things is part of a growing movement among public libraries to move “beyond books.” At the Aurora Public Library District (APLD), our Library of Things collection has grown to include something for everyone, at any stage of life, with whatever talent level they possess. From musical instruments
Big news for makers, tinkerers, and crafters! The Aurora Public Library District’s Makerspace at the Santori Library just got even more accessible and exciting! We are thrilled to announce that you no longer need an appointment to use Makerspace equipment. Now you can walk in anytime during posted hours and
Every fall, the Aurora Public Library District transforms into a vibrant space of joyful remembrance and cultural connection. Through colorful displays and family-friendly programs, we invite the community to honor Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with us! This vibrant tradition honors the memory of loved ones who have
The Aurora Public Library District is brewing up a cauldron full of Halloween fun this October, with something for every ghost, ghoul, and pumpkin enthusiast! From artsy afternoons to thrilling experiences and frightfully fun films, our upcoming Halloween lineup promises treats with just the right amount of tricks. Things start
Picture this: You’re standing in front of a bookshelf (or scrolling endlessly through Goodreads), sighing because you just finished a great book and now you have no idea what to read next. Do you risk another mystery that might fizzle out or reread that comfort romance for the fourth time?
This fall, families are invited to step into a world of wonder and imagination at the Aurora Public Library District. Firefly Family Theatre will return to present The Harvest Moon Puppet Show at the Santori Library, 101 S River Street, Aurora, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. With puppets, music,
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both an act of deep love and one of life’s greatest challenges. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, giving more than 19 billion hours of care in 2024.
Get ready for a grand afternoon, because the Aurora Public Library District is rolling out the welcome mat for grandparents, grand-friends, and their families! Sunday, Sept. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Santori Library will host a Grandparents’ Day Celebration filled with crafts, Bingo, storytime, family portraits, and
The Aurora Public Library District is sharpening pencils, dusting off backpacks, and gearing up for back-to school! Whether you’re a parent looking to keep your child’s learning momentum going, or an educator planning lessons for eager young minds, APLD has a wealth of resources ready to make this school year
Let’s say you’ve hit a wall in your current career. Maybe you’re feeling unmotivated or underappreciated at the workplace, yet starting over is overwhelming without knowing where to start. Thankfully, the Aurora Public Library District is here to help! We’ve got resources in-person and online to help you advance in
