In Aurora, there are many stories waiting to be heard—stories of family traditions, individuals’ hard work, and neighborhoods building a community. The Aurora Public Library District is working on something special to preserve these stories by collecting Latino oral histories. This grant-funded project invites community members to share their life
My mother is 83 years old, has had three hip replacement surgeries, suffers from arthritis in her knee, and uses a walker to get around. She often declines going places with me because it’s too hard on her body or too much work. This is an unfortunate reality for so
Libraries have long been centers of learning and connection, and now they are also spaces where families can explore what it means to be healthy! As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how the Aurora Public Library District can nurture not only children’s
The Aurora Public Library District is inviting readers of all ages to rediscover the joy of comics during Free Comic Book Day, a nationwide celebration of storytelling, creativity, and imagination. Saturday, May 2, all APLD locations will offer free comic books for visitors to take home and enjoy! Whether you’re
What’s your favorite zoo animal? For me and my kids, we love visiting the reptiles. Seeing their prehistoric features feels like a trip back in time! Whatever your favorite, the Aurora Public Library District welcomes you and your family to a zoo-themed storytime event Tuesday, April 28. Our special guest
Looking for something fun (and free!) to do over spring break? Head to the Aurora Public Library District for a show that’s guaranteed to blow up your expectations (in the best way possible). Family entertainer Smarty Pants is bringing The Magical World of Balloons to APLD Wednesday, April 1 with
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,
Imagine a train traveling through the countryside. It whizzes past a flock of sheep grazing on a hill, a field of flowers with a variety of blooms, and a farmer who waves a quiet hello. As our train approaches a tunnel, the landscape begins to change. All of a sudden,
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
