News

Comcast joined Aurora Public Library District officials and community leaders to announce a $15,000 donation to the Aurora Public Library Foundation, which will expand digital skills training at Santori Library in Aurora, IL.

Comcast’s latest support of digital skills training in Aurora follows the company’s announcement in 2023 to establish a digital navigator program at Santori Library, where community members are able to connect with trained professionals to help build the digital skills needed to stay connected and thrive... read more.

Three APLD Staff Members Named ALA Spectrum Scholars

July 25, 2025

The Aurora Public Library District is proud to announce that three of its staff members have been selected as 2025 ALA Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association. This prestigious national honor supports the advancement of diversity in the library profession through scholarships and professional development.

The recipients — Mariana Guerrero, Shaheen Kapambwe and Zeel Parikh — were chosen for their commitment to equitable access, community engagement, and leadership in library services. Each will receive a scholarship to support their graduate studies in library and information science.

Mariana has been part of the Aurora Public Library District for over 13 years serving in various roles such as Library Assistant, Spanish Programmer and Elementary School Services Coordinator. She plans to continue her MLIS at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Shaheen joined APLD in 2024 serving in the Library Assistant role within the Adult Services department and will be attending Simmons University.

Zeel has been with APLD for 2 years as a Library Assistant and continues to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“This is an incredible achievement for our team and a reflection of their passion for inclusive service,” said Michaela Haberkern, Executive Director of the Aurora Public Library District. “We’re thrilled to see their dedication recognized at the national level.”

The ALA Spectrum Scholarship Program has supported more than 1,300 scholars since its founding in 1997. The addition of these three awardees reinforces Aurora Public Library District’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and the future of librarianship.

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).

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.

Excitement Building at Aurora’s West Branch Library

April 7, 2026

There were a lot of important questions I was asked while interviewing for my position as the West Branch Manager, but one really stood out: How do you feel about a branch renovation? It was an exciting prospect and an undertaking I’ve dreamt of adding to my Librarian portfolio. Library design and building use is one of my favorite things to think about, much to my loved ones’ chagrin. While there will always be places for books, storytimes, and answers to all sorts of questions, recent years have seen a shift in libraries; their most important service nowadays might just be serving simply as a space for the community. When West Branch first opened in 1998, the internet was in its infancy, cassette and VHS tapes were waning in popularity, and libraries were a place to be quiet. We never could have imagined what the next thirty years would hold. Our services and community have grown, changed, and adapted to the 21st Century. Now it’s our building’s turn to do the same... read more.

A Closer Look at APLD’s Collection Services Department

March 31, 2026

When you visit the Aurora Public Library District, you see thousands of items on our shelves waiting patiently to be taken home. What you don’t see is the work that went into getting them there. Every single item (over 330,000) had to be ordered, received, labeled, barcoded, cataloged, and shelved before it could be checked out by you. That work is done by the talented team in our Collection Services Department (CSD), led by Department manager, Miranda, and assistant manager, Melissa. We chatted about their department responsibilities, how the recent shutdown of a major retailer affected their work, and about the positive effect we’re having on the community... read more.

Smarty Pants Presents: The Magical World of Balloons

March 24, 2026

Looking for something fun (and free!) to do over spring break? Head to the Aurora Public Library District for a show that’s guaranteed to blow up your expectations (in the best way possible). Family entertainer Smarty Pants is bringing The Magical World of Balloons to APLD Wednesday, April 1 with performances at both the Santori Library and West Branch. This family-friendly show promises laughter, wonder, and balloon creations you’ll have to see to believe!... read more.

Library Road Trip: Discovery, Adventure, Community

March 17, 2026

Pack some snacks and check your map; it’s time for a Library Road Trip! Starting Saturday, March 28, the Aurora Public Library District and 15 area libraries will come together to share the spirit of discovery, adventure, and community. It’s a chance for anyone to support libraries, learn something new, and create fun memories on the road... read more.

LEGO Train Show at Aurora Library March 21-22

March 10, 2026

Imagine a train traveling through the countryside. It whizzes past a flock of sheep grazing on a hill, a field of flowers with a variety of blooms, and a farmer who waves a quiet hello. As our train approaches a tunnel, the landscape begins to change. All of a sudden, we’re speeding through an ultra-modern, futuristic city scene. What’s that hovering above us in the sky? Is that Batman… riding a dragon? Where else could a scenario like this come to life but through the wonderful world of LEGO® bricks? The Aurora Public Library District and the Northern Illinois LEGO® Train Club are excited to bring this creativity to the Santori Library Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22! This magical display is ideal for visitors and LEGO brick lovers both young and young at heart... read more.