Aurora’s only independent bookstore, Yellow Bird Books, 34 S. Stolp Avenue, will celebrate its first birthday with a day-long party Saturday, Oct. 19.
The celebration will offer a full day of fun, and will officially begin at 11 a.m. with storytime and a visit from Rory, Aurora Public Library District’s fox mascot. Balloon animals will follow from noon to 2 p.m., and then face painting at 3 p.m. Live music by Ian Jake Robleza and mocktails will take center stage from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can enjoy specials, giveaways, a selfie station, and a make and take bookmark activity throughout the day.
“I’ve always loved books and dreamed about owning a bookstore,” said Karen Nicholas, who opened the bookstore last fall in downtown Aurora.
Nicholas, a former teacher, said her dream came true when she and a friend learned that the perfect spot was available in the George Grant Elmslie-designed, prairie-style Keystone building on Stolp Avenue.
The building’s design inspires the bookstore’s inviting decor, and led to a recent architectural tour around downtown hosted by the bookstore. They’ve also hosted storytime, book signings, book craft classes, and a new bi-monthly poetry group.
The bookstore recently partnered with actors from Paramount Theatre’s BOLD Series for readings of Peter and the Starcatcher. They also work with local artists on themed First Fridays events organized by resident artist Lisa Manning, who creates many of the storefront window designs and painted an oak tree mural for the bookstore’s children’s corner.
“As we spread the love of books and reading, we also try to support the importance of the arts in our community,” Nicholas said.
For more information on the free event or the bookstore, visit yellowbirdbooksaurora.com.