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.

APLD celebrates Diwali, India’s festival of light Oct. 24

October 20, 2026

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in India and around the world. The holiday symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. This year, the Aurora Public Library District will host its Diwali celebration from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24. Families are invited to the Eola Community Center, 555 S Eola Rd., Aurora, for food, music, dancing, and time well spent together!... read more.

Behind the scenes: Water treatment on the Fox River

October 13, 2026

The picturesque Fox River is a familiar part of Aurora with its walking paths, wildlife areas, and looming presence along major roadways. But have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes to keep the river (and ultimately our city) running? The Aurora Public Library District’s upcoming program ‘Behind the Scenes: Water Treatment on the Fox River’ will answer that question by diving into the management of our city’s wastewater, along with detailing some of the sustainability efforts being done to create a cleaner Aurora... read more.

Varied Halloween fun at Aurora Public Library District

October 6, 2026

I don’t know about you, but the weather change has gotten me really excited for Halloween! Last week, my kids and I put out our decorations, including some homemade ghosts from a past Library program. Fall is a fantastic time to get creative, and the Aurora Public Library District has plenty of spooktacular crafts and activities for your little goblins... read more.

Aurora Public Library District job-seeker services, job fair

September 29, 2026

From putting together a top-notch résumé to preparing for an interview and finding the right opportunity, applying for a job these days involves lots of steps. Wherever you are in the process, the Aurora Public Library District has resources to ensure that your next step is one in the right direction... read more.

Be an informed voter with the Aurora Public Library

September 1, 2026

Elections can bring a lot of questions: Am I registered to vote? Where is my polling place? How do I research candidates? Answering these questions and navigating the endless amount of information online can be daunting, but the Aurora Public Library District is here to help! Through our Voter Resources webpage and knowledgeable staff, we can connect you with reliable, nonpartisan election information while offering the resources you need to participate confidently in civic life... read more.