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
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.
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!
We are so thankful to our many sponsors for this year including:
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.
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.
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.
The Aurora Public Library Foundation’s much-anticipated Winter Gala is set to dazzle attendees on December 7th, 2024, with an evening of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy. Hosted this year at Society 57, this glamorous event themed “We Believe†promises an unforgettable experience while supporting the library’s Branch Renovation Enrichment Projects.
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Guests will be treated to a delectable array of culinary delights expertly crafted by Reuland’s Catering. As the evening unfolds, the soothing sounds of live jazz music from Yoko Noge & The Jazz Me Blues will create an enchanting ambiance, setting the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration and giving. This year, the Foundation Board will Honor Alderman Bill Donnell and Mr. And Mrs. Mark and Pam Truemper for their contributions to the Aurora Public Library.
Tickets for this year’s gala are on sale now and can be purchased at www.aplfoundation.org or by calling the foundation office at 630-264-4240. To bid, register at WinterGala2024.givesmart.com or text WinterGala2024 to 76278 (You do not need to be at the event to bid.)
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
End of Release
About the Aurora Public Library and the Renovation Enrichment Project Campaign:
In 2000, the Aurora Public Library Foundation was created to further the library’s vision of ‘Connecting people to community. Celebrating every story.’
Through community partnerships, donors like you have helped fund numerous projects and helped keep our programming free for community members.
Support for our Branch Renovation Enrichment Projects will serve the entire community, for years to come! Making a gift towards one of our Enrichment Projects will help us create a place of belonging at the Aurora Public Library.
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.
