Join us for a fun-filled morning as we celebrate our library community with a refreshing community walk. This event is scheduled for Sunday, June 15th, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Participants are invited to park and meet at the Eola Road Branch of the Library, where we will commence our walk along the beautiful Waubonsie Lake Park Trail. For just $5 per person, you will receive a T-shirt, frisbee, and other fun items for the family, making it a great value and a perfect opportunity to enjoy some fresh air, meet new friends, and support your local library.

This community walk is an excellent way to engage with fellow library enthusiasts while exploring the picturesque surroundings of Waubonsie Lake Park Trail. Whether you’re an avid walker or simply looking for a leisurely stroll, this event offers something for everyone. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, whose support makes this event possible and helps us continue to offer valuable programs and resources to our community. We encourage you to bring your friends and family for a memorable morning. We look forward to seeing you there and being part of this exciting event!

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Numark Credit Union
Stumm Insurance
Old Second Bank
Giving Force Foundation
Old National Bank
Waubonsee College
Alderwoman Shweta Baid
Aurora Fast Signs

Tickets Available here: Aurora Public Library Foundation · Community Walk!

On Thursday, April 24, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Wyckwood House, the Aurora Public Library Foundation hosted a Shop for a Cause! This special event honored the life of our beloved community member, Delia “Dee” Nila Basile.

This year’s Shop for a Cause was more than just a shopping event—it was a night of inspiration and connection, remembering APLD’s Foundation member and event founder, Dee Basile. Known for her passion for fun, fashion, and community, the evening honored her legacy and the lasting impact she has on APLD and the Aurora community. “Dee has been a vibrant part of the Aurora Public Library Foundation!” said Foundation manager, Jordan. “We look forward to honoring her life and work on our board with our community at this year’s event.”

Shop for a Cause was an event inspired by Dee. “Her passion for the library, fostering a love for learning, and supporting women in business was something our Dee was a champion of!” added Jordan. Last year’s event was a heartwarming success with over 55 attendees supporting APLD’s sensory spaces. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet passionate supporters of the library and witness the community’s generosity firsthand.

Thanks to many generous donors, this year’s Shop for a Cause was able to raise over $4,000 in support of our Enrichment Projects at the Eola Road Branch!

In March, the Grants Committee of the Aurora Public Library Foundation approved grant awards totaling over $23,000 to librarians at APLD!
Some of the programs selected were:

-Rory’s Readers Adventure Kit/Kit de Aventura de Lectura – Monica Boyer and Gretchen Schulz/KCC

-Light of Learning Library Card Scholarship/Yiota Piraino /Circulation

-Customer Laundry Offering Pilot Program/ Bernie / Security

-100 Books Before High School/ Mariana Guerrero/KCC

The Aurora Public Library Foundation’s much-anticipated Winter Gala dazzled attendees on December 7th, 2024, with an evening of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy. Hosted at Society 57, this glamorous event themed “We Believe” delivered an unforgettable experience while supporting the library’s Branch Renovation Enrichment Projects. 

Guests were treated to a delectable array of culinary delights expertly crafted by Reuland’s Catering. As the evening unfolded, the soothing sounds of live jazz music from Yoko Noge & The Jazz Me Blues created an enchanting ambiance, setting the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration and giving.

The Foundation Board honored three individuals in 2024!

• Alderman Bill Donnell
  • Thomas J. Weisner Excellence in Educational Collaboration Award

• Mark and Pam Truemper
  • Richard and Gina Santori Lifelong Learning Inspiration Award

• Kelly McCleary
  • The Kelly McCleary Service Award

We are so thankful to our many sponsors for this year including: 

• Lead Event Sponsor: Studio GC 
• Auction Sponsor: Alarm Detection Systems, Inc. 
• Entertainment Sponsors: Clear Perspective Advisors, Old National Bank, Old Second Bank, Stumm Insurance, Waubansee College, Woodforest Bank, Earthmovers Credit Union, Numark Credit Union, Dee Nila Basile, Office of Alderwoman Patty Smith, Office of Alderman William Donnell. 
• Hot Cocoa Trolley Sponsors: Hope and Discovery Travel, Keith and Nicole Benziger, Kelly and Scott McCleary, Obbligato Business Partners, Office of Alderman Ron Woerman, Sonia Garcia – State Farm 
• Desserts Bar Sponsors: Green State Credit Union, Heartland Bank and Trust, Office of Alderman Edward Bugg, Office of Alderwoman Juany Garza, R.C. Wegman Construction Company, Wyckwood House, Yellow Bird Books 

Celebrating 25 Years of Service: Aurora Public Library Foundation

In 2025, the Aurora Public Library Foundation (APLF) celebrates a wonderful milestone—25 years of dedicated service to our community at the Aurora Public Library District (APLD). Since its inception in 2000, APLF has been a beacon for literacy solutions, tirelessly supporting the mission of APLD.

A Legacy of Literacy and Community

Libraries hold a timeless place in the hearts of many within our community. They serve as gateways to knowledge, imagination, and connectivity. At APLF, we take immense pride in our ability to serve people from all backgrounds and age groups, throughout their whole life; connecting people with community and celebrating every story.

Join Us in Commemorating Our 25th Anniversary

Your support will not only honor our past achievements but also empower us to celebrate the present and create a future where we continue to make a profound difference in the lives of many.

• Honor the Past: Recognize the people and programs that have shaped our library today.

• Celebrate the Present: Engage with current initiatives like our Light of Learning Scholarship and Literacy Packet programs.

• Create the Future: Contribute to innovation like our branch renovations and enrichment projects like low sensory spaces and a new makerspace.

25th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff

Friday, February 7 | 6 p.m.

Hosted at the Santori Library during Aurora’s First Friday, this event will kick off our 25th anniversary with Rory the Fox, treats and brief program!

Shop for a Cause and Fashion Show

Thursday, April 24 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Join us for an exciting evening of fashion, fun, and philanthropy at the Wyckwood House! This special event is a perfect opportunity to indulge in a night of shopping, enjoy a captivating fashion show, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

Community Walk Fundraiser

Sunday, June 15 | 8:30 – 10 a.m.

Meet us at the Eola Road Branch as we Lace Up for Literacy! This event invites community members to join us as we raise awareness and funds for literacy programs at the Aurora Public Library District!

Autumn Toast

Friday, October 17th

Join us as we thank our donors and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Richard and Gina Santori Library in Downtown Aurora.

25th Anniversary Winter Gala

Saturday, December 6 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.

Experience the magic of the season at our Annual Winter Gala! Enjoy an enchanting night filled with holiday cheer, delicious cocktails, delightful hors d’oeuvres, and honor those who have made a significant impact in our library community.

This Saturday, the Aurora Public Library Foundation hosted its first (and hopefully annual), Community Carnival!  The event was a huge success with over 200 families and children attending. Families played games together, enjoyed snow cones and popcorn, balloon animals and face painting!  There were giant yard games and appearances from Belle, Spiderman and the Libraries new mascot, Rory!

The Aurora Public Library Foundation announces a new set of leaders for their Executive Board!

*Melissa Rinaldi – Yellow Bird Books
President

*Maria Manzo- Congressman Bill Foster’s Office
Vice President

*Nicole Benziger – Dancing People Design
Secretary

*Nisha Chottepanda-Floyd – Woodforest National Bank
Treasurer

The board looks forward to an exciting couple of years as we head into renovations of our Eola Road Branch and the West Branch a few years afterwards.