By Anthony Stanford –
As a service to Aurora Public Library (APL) customers, and to provide information related to how to obtain a library card, APL from time to time reminds both Aurora and Aurora Township residents about the process to obtain a Library card.
Aurora residents 18 and older, teen applicants 14 to 17, and juveniles newborn to 13, can apply for a card by completing an application form and presenting a photo ID with current address information. Juveniles must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If the form of identification presented doesn’t have a current address or doesn’t include an expiration date, then applicants will need to present an acceptable proof of residence within incorporated Aurora.
Persons residing outside of the Aurora corporate city limits can apply for non-resident cards. This card type is subject to an annual fee that is determined by the Library Board. For 2018-2019, the fee is $160, and must be paid in full. The fee allows all members of the household residing at the same address to use the card. However, non-residents who reside within the 60564 postal code must apply for a non-resident card with the Naperville Public Library, instead.
An important and ongoing initiative to get library cards to Aurora Township residents who are unable to pay the public library service fee is called Light of Learning and is made possible by a partnership among the APL Foundation, Aurora Township, and the West Aurora and East Aurora School Districts. Those who receive the Light of Learning scholarships will pay only $25 for their family’s card, and the partnership will pay the remaining $135. Daisy Porter-Reynolds, APL’s executive director, said, “I’d like everyone to have a library card, but State law prohibits giving cards away to non-residents because they pay taxes to different entities. The scholarship means we can stay within the law while still offering cards at a reduced rate to those that qualify.”
Aurora Township residents may apply for the Light of Learning scholarship and library card by visiting any Aurora Library location and presenting identification, proof of address, and a document showing they receive any type of government assistance. It could be a Link card, Medicaid card, proof of eligibility for free school lunch, or another type of benefit document.
The Light of Learning scholarship program since its inception in 2013 has helped 231 households obtain library cards.
More detailed information regarding acceptable forms of identification can be found on APL’s website, aurorapubliclibrary.org or by contacting any APL branch.
To buy a ticket to the Back to the ’80s BBQ Bash at the Santori Library Saturday, Aug. 25, a fundraiser that will help support Light of Learning and other library endeavors, check santorilibrary.org or call the Foundation at 630-264-4124.
Anthony Stanford is an author and Aurora Public Library Media Consultant.