To mark its second year, Yellow Bird Books will host an anniversary celebration Saturday, Oct. 18. The independent bookstore will offer a variety of free activities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m..
Book lovers of all ages are invited to join the party with balloon animals and face-painting from noon to 2 p.m.. Live music, featuring local musician John Klatt, will start at 2 p.m.. Author McKenzie Burns will be at the store for a book-signing from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Poets Donna Vorreyer and Kristin LaTour will be on hand from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. They will discuss Vorreyer’s new book of poetry “Unrivered” at 6 p.m.
The first 25 visitors will receive free goody bags. They will also have a bookmark make and take station, a birthday basket drawing with purchase, giveaways, and sales.
This year, the bookstore is launching “I Dare You to Read this Book!” a series similar to Blind Date with a Book, but for young readers. The book jackets are covered to hide the title for an element of surprise for readers.
Owner Karen Nicholas, of Aurora, opened the bookstore in fall of 2023 at 34 S. Stolp Avenue in the Keystone building downtown Aurora.
A former teacher, Nicholas said her dream came true when she and a friend walked around downtown one day and learned that the perfect spot was available in the George Grant Elmslie-designed, prairie-style Keystone building on Stolp Avenue.
In the past two years, Yellow Bird Books has become a community gathering space. They offer artists an opportunity to exhibit during First Fridays as well as host book clubs, architectural walking tours, workshops, and more.
“We have become part of the community. That’s the best part,” Nicholas said of celebrating another year.
For more information on the celebration or the bookstore, visit
yellowbirdbooksaurora.com.
—Marissa Bright PR