Featured Events & Programs

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Participant poses in a black gown and pink shawl in front of a Day of the Dead Ofrenda at the library.

A Diwali alter in shades of red, orange and yellow at the library.

A viewer looks at an elaborate Day of the Dead Ofrenda at the library.

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

Ofrendas del Día de Muertos y altares de Diwali

¡Sumérgete en una celebración vibrante de tradiciones y colores! Nuestra exhibición presenta ofrendas del Día de los Muertos y altares de Diwali, creados con amor y esmero por grupos comunitarios locales. Admira las calaveras decoradas, las artesanías únicas, y descubre la rica cultura que une estas festividades. ¡No te lo pierdas!

Para inscribirse para crear una exhibición, los participantes deben completar un formulario de registro en línea o en persona en la Biblioteca Santori.

La inscripción se abrirá a las 9 a. m. del martes 16 de septiembre.
La inscripción se cerrará a las 9 p.m. el martes 7 de octubre.
Se debe compartir con la biblioteca una lista de todos los artículos que estarán en exhibición antes de las 5 p.m. el viernes 10 de octubre.
Las exhibiciones deben cumplir con la Política de exhibición de la biblioteca.
La instalación se llevará a cabo el sábado y domingo 18 y 19 de octubre, durante el horario comercial.
Todas las ofrendas y altares se retirarán el lunes 3 de noviembre y el martes 4 de noviembre durante el horario comercial.

Para preguntas o más información, envíe un correo electrónico a kmendoza@aurorapubliclibrary.org

Ofrendas & Altar Registration Form

Contact Name: Please enter your name here.

Organization Name: Please enter your organization here.

Email: Please enter your email address here.

Phone: Please enter our phone number here.

I recognize that there are certain risks of physical injury to participants in the listed program and agree to assume full risk of any injuries, damages, or loss, regardless of severity, which I/ my child may sustain as a result of participating in the program. I waive and relinquish all claims that I/my child may have against the City of Aurora, and the Aurora Public Library District as well as its agents, employees, and volunteers, as a result of participating in this program. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend the particularly their agents, employees, and volunteers from all claims resulting from injuries, damages and/or losses sustained by me/my child, arising from, or connected with or in any way associated with the listed activity. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS.

Parameters for the Cultural Display Exhibit:

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.

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.