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News

Bi-Monthly Newsletters

Newsletters are mailed to homes within our service area and also available for download.

June & July 2025


Press Releases

June 27, 2025

Aurora Public Library District Recognized with the Liberty Bell Award

The Aurora Public Library District was selected as the recipient of the Kane County Bar Association’s (KCBA) prestigious Liberty Bell Award at the 2025 KCBA Annual Dinner. This nationally recognized award is bestowed on a non-attorney individual or community organization who has promoted a better understanding of the law, encouraged a greater respect for the law and the courts, who stimulates a sense of civic responsibility, and who contributes to good government within the community.

This award was presented recognizing the library’s court support and access initiatives with the Lawyers in the Library program series, participation in the statewide pilot program of Court Access Library Centers, and its partnerships with outside agencies to host expungement clinics and immigration consultations. 

Hallē Eichert, Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center Director says “The work of the Aurora Public Library District staff in ensuring that your constituents have access to and understanding of the court system has been nothing less than remarkable.”  

The Lawyers in the library series offers free, monthly consultations at the Santori library. The library, in partnership with the Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center, provides a pro-bono walk-in service for legal assistance. Two attorneys volunteer their time with a limit of 15 minutes per person. Library customers are welcome to bring paperwork and legal questions. The Court Access Library Centers pilot program’s goal is to break down barriers for people without lawyers and limited resources in an effort to easily access legal information and assistance at their local public library. The Aurora Public Library District is one of 18 libraries across the state of Illinois participating in the program and offers assistance with finding and filling court documents, attending court hearings via Zoom, and finding general information about court rules and procedures. 

Library Executive Director Michaela Haberkern says “The legal system can be confusing and intimidating, and it’s important and meaningful work to make access easier for everyone who needs it.”  

Previous recipients of the award include Linda Hagemann (2024), Lori Herte (2023), Nancylee Brown (2022), and Jenny Maxwell (2021).


December 5, 2023
Staff and Foundation board members pose with a large check from Comcast.

Comcast announces $30,000 Grant to Fund Digital Navigator Program at Aurora Public Library District’s Santori Library

Company to donate 100 laptops to Family Focus Aurora

Comcast joined Aurora Public Library District officials today to announce a $30,000 donation to the Aurora Public Library District Foundation to fund a digital navigator program at Santori Library, located at 101 S. River St. in Aurora. Digital navigators are professionals who link residents to resources that can help them build the digital skills needed to succeed in school, participate in the workforce and connect to programs that can help them access and pay for broadband Internet service at home, including:
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program which can provide up to $30 per month toward the cost of eligible households’ Internet and mobile bills;
• Internet Essentials, a Comcast program that provides low-cost Internet service at home to eligible low-income households with students of all ages, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and public housing residents. Internet Essentials has helped 1.9 million Illinois residents connect to the Internet at home since it launched in 2011. The ACP can cover the full cost of Internet Essentials, making it free for eligible households... read more.


Weekly News Feature in The Voice

The Library has a weekly feature in The Voice. The Voice is an independent newspaper based in Aurora which is designed to give both individuals and groups avenues of expression, a voice.

The Voice serves selected areas in northern and north central Illinois, including, but not limited to the Fox River Valley in Kane, Kendall, DuPage, and Will Counties. The Voice serves other counties and is available online, through mail subscription, and on newsstands.

July 1, 2025
Chief White Winnebago in Native American attire.

Native American stories with Chief White Winnebago

If you are looking for a unique and enriching experience to broaden your understanding of Native American culture, history, and values, the Aurora Public Library District has a program for you! The Santori Library is proud to welcome back local storyteller Gerald Savage, also known as Chief White Winnebago, at 3 p.m. Monday, July 14 for an afternoon of traditional stories from the Ho-Chunk people... read more

June 24, 2025
Young Reader poses with the 100 Books Before High School program sign.

Young reading program 100 Books Before High School

What if you could earn prizes, explore literary worlds, and walk into high school with the confidence of a seasoned reader? That’s the mission behind the Aurora Public Library District’s 100 Books Before High School program. Designed to inspire and reward young readers in grades fourth through eighth, this program invites students to read 100 books at their own pace, while gaining valuable skills and discovering the joy of reading along the way... read more

June 17, 2025
Staff memer Stef poses with the homeschool event poster and a large pile of books.

APLD Homeschool Book Swap and Info Panel June 27

The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is committed to empowering families through programs and resources that foster learning, strengthen connections, and draw on community support. This month we are holding our second annual Homeschool Book Swap and Info Panel Friday, June 27, at the Santori Library to help with that effort. It’s an event designed to bring families together, share valuable resources, and celebrate the vibrant homeschool community in Aurora... read more

June 10, 2025
Rory the fox mascot using a computer at the library.

Tech It Out: Coding Fun at Aurora Public Library

Have you ever asked a teenager a tech question and felt like you accidentally summoned a mini computer wizard who speaks a language you don’t understand? There’s no denying that we live in a digital world, and many young people feel right at home in it, eagerly immersing themselves in all things tech. This summer, the Aurora Public Library District is offering an exciting lineup of coding and tech programs specifically tailored for middle and high schoolers. These hands-on workshops invite teens to explore the world of robotics, video games, cybersecurity, and more... read more

June 3, 2025
Performer from Bright Star Touring Theatre and examples of crafts available at our Juneteenth programs.

Celebrate Juneteenth at APLD with crafts, music

Juneteenth, observed nationally June 19, has become a powerful celebration of Black freedom, culture, and resilience. It’s a day to reflect on the past, celebrate the progress that’s been made, and strengthen ties in our community. The Aurora Public Library District is proud to honor this important holiday Saturday, June 14 with a day of meaningful and engaging programs for all ages... read more

May 20, 2025
Child wearing sunglasses plays chess with oversized game pieces during a library event.

Summer Reading Adventure, Level Up at Your Library

Brave adventurers, the realm of Aurora beckons you to embark on an epic journey of knowledge and discovery! The Aurora Public Library District’s Summer Reading Adventure, Level Up at Your Library, is a call to all heroes—young and old—to level up through the completion of quests at home, in the community, and at the library. This year’s program will be from Sunday, June 1 to Thursday, July 31 so gather your party and prepare for a journey of adventure, learning, and fun!.. read more

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