The Library is Open Today, Friday, May 18th, 2012, from 9:00AM until 5:00PM
Aug. 15, 2011
Three win Foundation essay contest
AURORA – Three Aurora residents have been chosen as winners in the Aurora Public Library Foundation’s essay contest that asked, “How has the library enriched your life?”
Each winner received a check for $100.
T’Prinn Ingram, a 14-year-old student at West Aurora High School, wrote, in part:
“Before I launch into my story, I want to state something. I don’t want anyone’s pity. This isn’t a sob story. This is my life.”
“The library has been my home away from home for years now, especially four years ago when my family and I were homeless. Being homeless wasn’t one of my best experiences. Although I was a younger child, I still understood what my family was going through. The shelter we lived in was fine, but it wasn’t the kind of environment a kid would enjoy.
“During the day, members of the shelter had to leave while the shelter was cleaned, meals were prepared, etc. This left many people wandering the streets during the day. Including families like mine. This was where my trips to the library began.
“The library was a safe haven for me. It was clean, warm, and it had books. It was a place where, for just a few hours, I could get away from my new, confusing life. I could hide between the stacks of books, and lose myself in entirely different worlds…
“…The library staff was also friendly. They always said ‘Hello,’ which made me feel welcome. They were eager to help me look for new books to read, and they helped me expand my horizons in literature.
“When I joined the Teen Advisory Board for the library, I was happy. I could finally start showing people how the library is truly a great place to learn, and to have fun while doing it. I was also happy because I could start giving back to the community by volunteering for events…
“Every time I need something like information, a new book to read, or just a quiet place to sit, the library provides it. The Aurora Public Library has definitely enriched my life. It has improved me as a person, in knowledge and character, and opens my mind to a plethora of ideas.”
Anthony Desmond, 18, wrote, in part:
“I like the library because I like all of their train books so that I do my research on what kind of locomotives that I can build out of LEGOs, the Spongebob DVD that I borrow makes me laugh really long and hard when something funny happens.
“I do have autism, but the people over there are really nice and kind. I could spend some time there quietly and look at train books with my dad…
“My favorite person at the library is Diane Christian. She lives on the same street that I am on and she works in the Main Library.”
Adult winner Jody Mack wrote, in part:
“The library has enriched my life by allowing my family access to a facility that enables us to learn and have fun. As a parent, it’s nice to live near a library where we can check out a variety of materials and access a public computer lab. We watch our budget closely and are grateful that we can check out books, DVDs and other resources that we really can’t afford to buy…
“At this time, we don’t have a computer at home and are glad that we can spend time at the computer lab seeking out information, connecting with others or simply for pleasure.”
Eighteen essays were received. Judges included two library volunteers, one Foundation board member and one library staff member.
The Aurora Public Library Foundation provides the library with ongoing funding to enhance the library’s services and facilities beyond what property taxes provide.
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