The Aurora Public Library Foundation has reached a major milestone, raising $400,000 to support renovation enrichment projects at the Eola Road Branch of the Aurora Public Library. The achievement reflects strong community commitment to public libraries and underscores the vital role the Eola Road Branch plays as a hub for learning, connection, and creativity on Aurora’s East side.

The funds will be used to enhance the recently completed or ongoing renovation of the Eola Road Branch, focusing on enrichment elements that go beyond basic infrastructure improvements. These projects include a low sensory room and a new makerspace!

“This incredible level of support speaks volumes about how much our community values the library,” said Jordan Debbink-Lesniak, Foundation Manager for the Aurora Public Library Foundation. “The $400,000 raised will allow us to invest in spaces, technology, and features that make the Eola Road Branch more welcoming, flexible, and inspiring for everyone who walks through its doors.”

The Eola Road Branch serves one of Aurora’s fastest-growing areas and sees thousands of visitors each month. Families rely on the branch for early literacy programs and homework help, students use it as a study and research space, and adults attend workshops, book discussions, and community events. By investing in enrichment projects, the Foundation aims to ensure the branch can continue to support these diverse uses for years to come.

Fundraising efforts included individual donations, corporate and foundation support, special events, and targeted campaigns led by the Aurora Public Library Foundation’s board and volunteers. Donors ranged from longtime library advocates to first-time contributors inspired by the vision for an enhanced Eola Road Branch.

“The success of this campaign was truly a team effort,” the Foundation noted. “We are deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who believed in this project and helped bring it to life.”

As renovation enrichment projects move forward, the Aurora Public Library Foundation and the Aurora Public Library plan to keep the community informed and engaged. Residents can look forward to seeing the tangible impact of the $400,000 investment as new features are installed and spaces come to life.

The fundraising milestone marks not just the success of a campaign, but a shared belief in the power of libraries to strengthen communities. With enhanced spaces and resources at the Eola Road Branch, the Aurora Public Library continues its mission to educate, inspire, and connect people throughout the city.

Please enjoy this article in The Voice about our 25th Anniversary Winter Gala!

Aurora Public Library Foundation Winter Gala a success – The Voice

You’re Invited to a Magical Evening! Aurora Public Library Foundation’s 25th Year Anniversary Winter Gala Saturday, December 6th Meyer Ballroom, Paramount Theater –5:30 p.m. – Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres –6:30 p.m. – Dinner  –7:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony $125 per person or reserve a table for 8 at $900. Tickets Don’t Forget…Register for the Auction by texting ’25th-winter-gala’ to 44834 Our 2025 Awardees –Marilyn Weisner – Thomas J. Weisner Excellence in Educational Collaboration Award –Reuland Family/Reuland’s Catering – Richard and Gina Santori Lifelong Learning Inspiration Award –Dara Nelson and Robin Schaff – Kelly McCleary Community Service Award

Thank You to our Current Sponsors 25th Anniversary Sponsor Auction Sponsor Entertainment Sponsor -Aurora Alderwoman Smith -McCleary Family -Nila Basile Family Dessert Sponsor -Aurora Alderman Núñez -Coffman Trucks -GreenState Credit Union -Nicole and Keith Benziger -Numark Credit Union -Obbligato Business Partners -State Senator Linda Holmes Photo Booth Sponsors -Aurora Alderman Saville -CamMi Photo Booth -DJ’s 4 You! -Hallett Movers Community Partner Sponsor -Aurora Fast Print -Lazy Dog Restuarant -Yellow Bird Books

Questions: Please call 630-264-4154oremail foundation@aurorapubliclibrary.org

As part of our 25th anniversary this year, our Annual Winter Gala will be hosted on Saturday, December 6th at the Paramount Theater’s Meyer Ballroom! We are hopeful that you will be a sponsor this year. Our fundraising efforts will continue to provide support to the Library Branch Renovation Enrichment Projects and literacy programs for Aurora. Both of these projects are rooted in the library’s vision of connecting people to community, celebrating every story. Become a Sponsor! 25th Anniversary Sponsorship Levels $3,500.00+ – Auction Sponsor Recognition with your logo on the program booklet, eblast and on social media Special recognition on the auction website Four tickets to the Winter Gala $2,000.00+ – Entertainment Sponsor Recognition with your logo on the program booklet, eblast and on social media Special recognition on the auction website Four tickets to the Winter Gala $750.00+ – Photobooth Sponsor Recognition with your name on the program booklet, eblast and on social media Special recognition on the bar next to the photo booth Two Tickets to the Winter Gala $250.00+ – Desserts Bar Sponsor Recognition with your name on the program booklet, eblast and on social media Special recognition on the Desserts Table $150.00+ – Community Partner Sponsor Recognition with your name on the program booklet, eblast and on social media The Aurora Public Library Foundation is a registered 501c3. Your gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult your tax preparer for all other tax

Members of the Aurora Public Library Grants Committee met this past month and awarded 2 new grants to Aurora Public Library staff!

The first grant was a second installment to fulfill the libraries Literacy Packet program. This program was started in 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic. It has grown since then with a goal to provide families with bilingual children’s books.

The second grant was a first installment towards microfilm digitization of our newspaper archives. The collection dates back to 1848. This collection is the most used in the History Room and has been used in published books and dissertations.

KFC FOUNDATION GRANTS Aurora Public Library Foundation A $10,000 KENTUCKY FRIED WISH 

Aurora, IL –July 165th, 2024 – The KFC Foundation is giving back to an Aurora, IL based non-profit Aurora Public Library Foundation, who’s purpose is to ‘put a spotlight on literacy solutions that support the Aurora Public Library District’s Vision of connecting people to community, celebrating every story’, granting them $10,000 to make a project on their wish list come true. 

Kentucky Fried Wishes, one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving programs, invites non-profit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a project on their wish list. This year, the KFC Foundation will fund $1 million in Kentucky Fried Wishes to 100 non-profits nationwide, with 25 grants awarded quarterly based on different project categories. 

“We are so grateful to the KFC Foundation for this generous Kentucky Fried Wishes grant, which will help our organization create low-sensory spaces for children as we start to renovate our Eola Road Branch this fall” said Jordan Debbink-Lesniak, Foundation Manager.  

With three branches across Aurora, Illinois and a Bookmobile, the Aurora Public Library District supports and inspires its diverse community through access to fun and informative resources and experiences. With this wish being granted, the Aurora Public Library District can help support it’s strategic plan of cultivating welcoming spaces.  While all a library has to offer may be helpful and make for an eventful visit with itsspaces being home to live music and movement, high energy programs and joyful learning environments, it may be overwhelming at times for a child who’s overtired, unwelcoming to our growing of neurodiverse population or someone visiting the library for the first time with anxiety.  Low-sensory spaces provide an opportunity to create a calming environment for anyone who visits.  

“As the KFC Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to grant 100 Kentucky Fried Wishes totaling one million dollars this year,” said Emma Horn, Executive Director, KFC Foundation. “We’re proud to support these non-profits in furthering their missions and grateful for all they do to make a difference in their communities.” 

Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way the KFC Foundation supports, empowers, and serves joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities. The KFC Foundation also provides programs focused on education, financial, and hardship assistance for KFC restaurant employees, and a food donation program to fight hunger and food waste. 

The KFC Foundation receives financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program where KFC franchisees donate to the KFC Foundation every time they order a case of Secret Recipe Fries. 

The next grant cycle for Kentucky Fried Wishes is running from July 15-31 with a focus on expanding access to food and shelter. Non-profit organizations seeking funding for a project within that scope can learn more and apply for a grant at kfcfoundation.org/wishes. 

About the KFC Foundation 

Celebrating its 25th year of changing lives, the KFC Foundation, an independent 501c3 organization, has provided over $36 million to support, empower, and serve joy to more than 16,000 students, KFC restaurant employees, and non-profits. The KFC Foundation’s charitable programs focus on education accessibility, financial & hardship assistance, and community giving, all made possible by Round Up donations, purchases of KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries, and other contributions. For more information, visit kfcfoundation.org.