The year 2025 was a year of celebration, growth, and meaningful connection at the Aurora Public Library District. Together with our community, we marked milestones like Santori Library’s 10th birthday and the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, launched a new reading incentive program for middle school students (100 Books Before High School), and welcomed more than 5,400 “guess how many” entries at our Circulation Desks. These moments reflect more than numbers; they tell the story of how the library continues to grow alongside the people we serve. Here’s a look back at some highlights we accomplished together in 2025, and a preview of what’s coming in 2026.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the support we provided to people facing tough situations. Through our Court Support and Lawyers in the Library programs, we’ve been able to meet a real need in the community by improving access to legal information and resources. This work was recognized by the Kane County Bar Association, which awarded APLD its prestigious Liberty Bell Award for our work with the Kane County Law Library and Legal Self-Help Center.
That same commitment to access extended beyond legal services. In partnership with Comcast, APLD distributed 40 laptops to participants in our Digital Navigator courses, helping close gaps in digital equity. One laptop recipient spoke about how empowering the classes were for her. “She mentioned how the classes allowed her to see herself in a new light; as someone who has talents, skills, and the ability to participate in the modern workforce,” said deputy director Tom. “It’s important and meaningful work to make access easier for everyone who needs it.”
We are additionally thankful to our staff and customers for their resilience as we navigated the exciting renovations at the Eola Road Branch. In early 2025, we started Phase 1 with a full demolition of the east side library space. That phase was completed in September and is now home to the Eola Express Library. “What stands out from this adventure is the positivity and resilience we see in the east side community,” said Eola Road Branch manager Krista. “For many of our customers, it was never a question that they would continue using the branch even as services were disrupted. Their enthusiasm, excitement, and ability to recognize the benefits of this branch renovation is remarkable and energizing!”
That same energy is now starting to buzz on the west side of Aurora. As progress continues at Eola Road Branch, excitement is building as we prepare for renovations at the West Branch. “I’m so excited about the progress we’ve made on the West Branch plans and for construction to begin in the fall,” added executive director Michaela. “There’s so much to look forward to in 2026.”
Next year is full of possibilities, with several exciting initiatives already underway that we’re especially looking forward to. Obviously, we can’t wait for Eola Road Branch’s grand re-opening and restoring all library services and programming. “I’m particularly excited to see what the new robust Maker services will look like,” added Tom. “I believe it will be wildly popular!” Additionally, this spring, we will be unveiling the library’s newest art acquisition; an original piece commissioned by the library, in celebration of our Community Voices initiative. “We’re so proud to share this piece of art with the community as it reflects everything that is unique and vibrant in Aurora,” added Michaela.
We’re excited for all that’s ahead and so grateful to have connected with you this year, whether you visited the library, returned items at the Pickup Locker, attended a virtual program, or grabbed a coloring sheet at an outreach event (fun fact: we gave away over 16,000 coloring sheets this year)! For more information about any of our services or programs, don’t hesitate to contact us. Send us a message on social media @APLibraryIL, chat with us at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org, or give us a call at 630-264-4117. Happy New Year from all of us at APLD!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.