This year marks the 24th census of the United States. The first national census took place in 1790 and has counted every resident of the United States every 10 years since then. At the Aurora Public Library (APL), we want to make sure everyone gets counted and knows the importance of completing the census. Through April, the Aurora Public Library will have more than 20 programs, including, exhibits, pop-up locations, and scavenger hunts. All will be available at our branches and throughout Aurora!
The content of the census has changed throughout the years, and several decades mark important milestones. For example, this year is the first time in which the census can be completed online, which is why we will provide census cafes at all our locations. The census cafes are designated spaces available to you March 9 through April 30 to complete the census. Don’t forget to bring your individual access codes from home!
While you are at the Library, stop by our interactive exhibit Census Forms Throughout History. This exhibit showcases sample census data from each decade in which data is available from 1790-1940 and will highlight fast facts about Aurora’s history at the time and the U.S. within that decade. For example, did you know the cost of the census in 1790 was $44,000? This fact, along with many other fun facts, can be found throughout our exhibit. The exhibit will be shared among all three APL locations. You can find 1790-1830 at West Branch, 1840-1890 at the Santori Library, and 1900-1940 at Eola Road Branch. Visit all APL locations to complete all 16 questions within our scavenger hunt and earn a prize! Pick up a log at any location’s front desk to get started!
Did you know children are one of the most undercounted populations? That is why we will have a special counting storytime for all ages. The We All Count Storytime! will be held from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 30 at the Santori Library, 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Eola Road Branch, and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3 at West Branch. Don’t forget to count children and babies once, and only once, and in the right place, for those living in their homes as of April 1, 2020.
Because we know not everyone can make it to the Library, we will be at the Fox Valley Mall’s Transformation Suite on the First level March 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., March 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., March 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and in April from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Visitors can find more information about the Census, ask questions of Library staff members, and fill out the Census by using a laptop.
For more information and a complete list of all our Census programs visit aurorapubliclibrary.org/YouCount! Find additional resources about the census provided by the Library, U.S. Census Bureau resources, and a direct link to take the census.
Don’t forget, you count!
Miriam Meza-Gotto is communications manager for Aurora Public Library.