Featured Events & Programs

Community Ofrenda

The Community Ofrenda at the Santori Library is an open invitation to the Aurora community to participate in a moving Day of the Dead celebration. This vibrant and colorful altar will be adorned with marigold flowers, candles, and sugar skulls, creating a space of respect and remembrance. Community members are invited to send a photo of their deceased loved ones to honor them and keep their memory alive in this beautiful collective tribute. The ofrenda will serve as a link between generations, where stories and memories intertwine, celebrating the lives and legacies of those who have passed away.

Pictures may be submitted via email to kmendoza@aurorapubliclibrary.org from October 1 - 15.

Individual Day of the Dead Ofrendas & Diwali Altars 

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of traditions and colors! Our exhibit features Day of the Dead ofrendas and Diwali altars, lovingly and painstakingly created by local community groups. Admire decorated skulls, unique handicrafts, and discover the rich culture that unites these festivities. Don't miss it!

To sign up to create a display, participants must complete a registration form online or in person at Santori Library. 

• Registration will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16.
• Registration will close at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.
• A list of all items that will be on display must be shared with the library by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 10.
• Displays must adhere to the library's Exhibit/Display Policy.
• Installation will take place on Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19, during library business hours.
• All ofrendas and altars will be removed on Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4, during library business hours.

For questions or more information, please email kmendoza@aurorapubliclibrary.org

Parameters:

The Cultural Exhibit (“the Exhibit”) will be contained in the John C. Dunham Atrium (“the Atrium) of the Santori Public Library. The Library will provide a stanchion in front of each display to have a visible barrier between the display and visitors.

Although precautions are taken by the library to safeguard the property of exhibits on the library’s premises, the library is not responsible for loss, theft, or breakage of any element of any exhibit.

Each display must be a maximum of 60 inches in length, 36 inches at its widest point, and up to 48 inches high. Each structure must be free-standing, vertically and horizontally stabilized without taping, gluing or otherwise affixing the structure to the terrazzo flooring, the windows, or any Library wall structure. Any part of the Exhibit that has direct contact with the terrazzo floor must have rubber or plastic on it to protect the floor.

All materials brought onsite to construct or decorate an ofrenda, a catrina exhibit, Diwali display, or artwork must be transported on carts, hand trucks, or hand-carried. All groups or persons creating or decorating a cultural display should supply their own carts for transporting items to and from the building. The carts should have rubber or pneumatic wheels on them. Materials may be brought into the Santori Library building from either the east or west entrance. The loading or unloading of materials must not interfere with regular library business or block others’ access to the building. All parking regulations must be adhered to and will be enforced by the City of Aurora.

Some of the Library’s “comfort seating” furniture will remain in the Atrium, situated appropriately to allow the ofrenda exhibit proper space. Under no circumstances may any Library furniture be resituated or moved from other Library areas by anyone except the Library’s Maintenance Department.

It is the responsibility of each creator of a display to ensure that he/she adheres to all the requirements above.