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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 – Anticipated groundbreaking for the project
2014 – Anticipated opening of the new facility

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Main Library

1 E. Benton St.
Aurora, Illinois 60505

» Driving Directions
ph : 630-264-4100
fax: 630-896-3209

Eola Road Branch

555 S. Eola Rd.
Aurora, Illinois 60504

» Driving Directions
ph : 630-264-3400
fax: 630-898-5220

West Branch

233 S. Constitution Dr.
Aurora, Illinois 60506

» Driving Directions
ph : 630-264-3600
fax: 630-844-8695

Outreach Services

ph : 630-723-2705