About the Library
- 1881 – Public library established in Aurora in the Grand Army of the Republic building as a tax-supported institution
- 1904 – The new public library opens at 1 E. Benton St. after receiving a Carnegie grant for $50,000
- 1919-1965 – Neighborhood branches operate out of several schools including Indian Creek and Brady
- 1942-1957 – Interior refurbishing to modernize the Main Library is carried out on a pay-as-you-go basis
- 1953 – Bookmobile service begins as the “traveling branch”
- 1969 – Expansion project completed, tripling the size of the Main Library by adding wings to the east, west and north sides of the building for added space and passenger elevators; original Carnegie façade is demolished
- 1980 – The Young People’s Department is expanded and remodeled
- 1988-1989 – An automated circulation system is added; computers are introduced as the “library catalog.”
- 1993 – The Eola Road Branch opens (14,000 square feet) as part of a building partnership with the Fox Valley Park District
- 1998 – The West Branch opens (20,000 square feet) as part of a building partnership with the West Aurora School District in Washington Middle School
- 2001 – A space needs assessment is undertaken for the Main Library, and the determination is made that the cost to remodel and/or expand the Main Library, although needed, was prohibitive . The Outreach Services Department and the Technical Services Department are relocated to rented space on Church Road
- 2003 – The Eola Road Branch is expanded to 32,000 square feet to accommodate explosive growth
- 2009 – The former Beacon-News building (101 S. River St.) is purchased and demolished (2010) to become the future site of the new Main Library. Additionally, three smaller parcels between Middle Avenue and Lake Street are purchased as potential parking areas.
- 2010 – Cordogan Clark & Associates are chosen as the architect for the new building project
- 2012 – Express Center opens in September at Church Road and Edison Avenue
- 2013 – Anticipated groundbreaking for new Main Library project
- 2014 – Anticipated opening of the new facility
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