Aurora Public Library

The library consists of the Main (Richard and Gina Santori) Library, 2 branch libraries, an Express Center and the Bookmobile:

History

The Aurora Public Library has been serving the public since 1881 when it was established by city ordinance as a tax-supported institution.
Aurora Public Library

Timeline

  • Aurora Public Library was erected in 1904 at 1 E Benton St. through a gift from Andrew Carnegie. In 1969, the building was completely remodeled and refurbished.
  • The library began offering Bookmobile service in 1953.
  • In 1993, the Eola Road Branch opened to the public on the east side of the city. The Eola Road Branch is in a building shared with the Fox Valley Park District.
  • In 1998, the West Branch opened to the public on the west side of the city. The West Branch library is housed in a building shared with Washington Middle School.
  • In 2010, a minivan was purchased to deliver library materials to homebound customers.
  • In 2012, the Express Center opened at 1100 Church Road.
  • On May 23, 2015, the Main Library at 1 E Benton St. was closed.
  • On June 14, 2015, the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora (101 S River St.) was opened to the public with a grand opening celebration that drew more than 2,000 people.

Services & Collections

Library Services and Collections include:
  • Book discussions and other programs for adults and teens
  • Books, videos, DVDs, audio books, and more
  • Genealogy and Local History materials, training and assistance
  • In-person and online (email and chat) reference and reader services
  • Inter library loan lending privileges
  • Outreach Services to nursing homes, elementary schools, homebound persons and others
  • Public access computers for online research and word processing
  • Story time, craft and other children's programming
  • Summer Reading Program for all ages