Summer Reading Adventure: Find Your Voice

Thursday, June 1 - Monday, July 31

Color in 10 doodles and you’ve completed our summer reading adventure! All activities are repeatable!

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How to participate

Register online OR pick up a log at any APLD location starting Thursday, June 1, 2023. If you've never used Beanstack before, you can create an account now!
Color in 10 doodles and you’ve completed our summer reading adventure! All activities are repeatable! Earn a special prize when you complete 10 activities!
For an added challenge, see if you can complete ALL the activities! (No extra prize awarded)

Log your activities on the Beanstack Tracker app. Download the app for easier access!

-OR-

Download the paper log!

Children's Log

Adult & Teen Log

Pick up your prizes!

After you have logged your activity points into Beanstack or completed your log, come into any of the 4 library locations to collect your prize!

Need help registering?

Need help registering and logging your activities? Below are videos that can help, whether it’s using the Beanstack website or the Beanstack Tracker. For additional assistance, feel free to contact us.

Using the website

Using the App

Special Programs and Events

For Children:

Join us for our Summer Reading Kick Off Party on Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. held in the Santori Library’s Parking Lot! We're celebrating the beginning of our Summer Reading Adventure! Renowned children’s musician, Jim Gill, hits the stage at 11 a.m.!

Hindi/English Bilingual Storytime
Monday, June 5 AND July 10 at 4 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Children's Program Room
Come and hear stories, rhymes, and music in Hindi and English! Tickets available 30 min. before program begins at the Children's Reference Desk. Ages 0-5.

Under the Stars - Firefly Theatre

Wednesday, June 7 at 10 a.m.-Santori Library– N125/126

Wednesday, June 7 at 1 p.m. -West Branch – Meeting Room

Thursday, June 8 at 10:30 am -Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room

Join Spark the Firefly and her friends for a summer night in Firefly Grove. Sing songs around the campfire, listen to stories and watch the stars. Under the Stars includes puppets, original music, interactive movement and lots of summer fun for families! The show is ideal for ages 2-7, but has something for all ages to enjoy! Ticketed program.

Pride Storytime
Thursday, June 8 at 6 p.m.- Eola Road Branch- Children's Program Room
Saturday, June 10 at 11a.m.- Santori Library- Hurrell Storytime Room
Saturday, June 17 at 10 a.m.- West Branch - Meeting Room
Happy Pride Month! Come to a special all-ages storytime about love, acceptance, and being proud of who you are! Feel free to wear your best rainbow gear!

Use Your Words Storytime Monday, June 12 at 11 a.m.
Eola Road Branch- Children's Program Room
Come join us for a special storytime and craft based on recognizing and dealing with emotions. For ages 3-5, ticketed program.

Sing Your Heart Out
Tuesday, June 13, 11-11:45 a.m.- Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Tuesday, July 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m.-Santori Library - Hurrell Storytime Room
Children will make their own toy microphone and then sing along with a modified karaoke. Ticketed program. Tickets will be available at the Children’s Reference Desk 30 minutes before the program.

Green Screen Magic
Wednesday, June 14, 10-11:30 a.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Have you ever imagined going to the moon or dreamed of a day at the beach? Join us for some Green Screen Magic and create a picture of your journey into imagination! Drop-in program. Ages 6-11.

Tiny Picassos
Thursday, June 15 at 6 p.m.
Santori Library - Hurrell Storytime Room
Come join us this month as we explore art and creativity while using FOOD as our tools! Ticket required. Available up to 30 minutes before the programming. Ages 3-7.

Bollywood Dance
Saturday, June 17 AND 24 at 2 p.m.
Santori Library – 125/126
Learn fun, basic Bollywood dance moves with Ms. Bianca. Ages 6-11.

Kindness Club
Tuesdays, June 20 AND July 18 at 4 p.m.
Eola Road Branch- Children's Program Room
Join the Kindness Club! We'll meet monthly to make a project and brainstorm on how we can make the world a better place through acts of kindness.

Spanish/English Bilingual Storytime at Garfield Park
Tuesday June 20 and July 11 at 11 a.m.
Garfield Park – 825 Sheffer Rd. (near the parking lot and playground)
Join us for a fun outdoor storytime in Spanish and English. Weather permitting.

Family Word Craft
Wednesday, June 21 at 6 p.m.
Eola Road Branch- Children's Program Room
What word defines your family? Come make a watercolor resistance art piece together to display in your home! Ticketed program, 1 ticket per family.

State ID for Minors

Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room

The Secretary of State will be issuing State IDs for children 17 and under at this event. Visit the Events page on the library's website to see which documents you need to bring to get a State ID. $5 fee per card.

Tie Dye T-Shirts!*

Saturday, June 24 at 11 a.m.

Santori Library - Parker Garden

Express your creativity by tie dying your own cotton t-shirt! Bring your own! We will have rubber bands and dyes and plastic bags. Ages 7-11. Registration required.

Tiny Painting
Tuesday, June 27 at 2 p.m.
Eola Road Branch- Small Meeting Room
Are you great at painting and need a challenge? Come create a tiny painting and show off your artistic skills! For grades 3-12, ticketed program.

Kindness Rocks!
Wednesday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
West Branch – Meeting Room
Paint a rock. Spread kindness and art! For ages 6 and up, all materials are provided.

Saturday Storytime Showcase!

Saturday, July 1 at 10 a.m.

Eola Road Branch- Children's Program Room

Are you new to the library or haven't been able to make it to weekday storytimes? Come to this special event to find out what storytimes at the library are all about!

Bright Directions
Wednesday, July 5 at 6 p.m.
Santori Library – Hurrell Story time Room
This program is a great opportunity for children to learn about mindfulness techniques through stories and crafts. July session is “Hi, Hola, Namaste!”

You, Me, and Frida!

Thursday, July 6 at 6 p.m.

Santori Library - Hurrell Storytime Room

Come join us to celebrate Frida Kahlo’s 116th birthday by creating your own Frida portrait! Ticket required. Tickets will be available up to 30 minutes before the program. Ages 4-11.

Book & Craft

Friday, July 7 at 10 a.m.

Santori Library – Hurrell Storytime Room

Listen to the story Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens. Then make a craft as we learn a little about growing vegetables. Ages 5-8.

Mandala Art
Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m.
Santori Library – N125/126
Learn basic mandala art from Ms. Kripa Ramdas. Materials will be provided. Registration required. Ages 8-11.

Affirmations Mirror Craft
Monday, July 10 at 2 p.m.
Eola Road Branch- Children's Program Room
It can be hard to always feel great about ourselves, so come make a positive affirmation mirror craft to remind us all how great we are! For grades 3-8, ticketed program.

Dan Gogh’s Find Your Art
Monday, July 10 at 2 p.m.
West Branch-Meeting Room
You’ll discover magic, puppets, storytelling, and more! You’re sure to “Find Your Art” and have a-MAZE-ing FUN along the way!

Silly Sticker Album*

Wednesday, July 12 at 2 p.m.
Santori Library - Hurrell Storytime Room
Create your own sticker book with silly sticker scenes! Color your own or use pre-made. All materials provided. Ages 6-11. Registration required.

Aurora’s Got Talent, Jr.!*
Friday, July 14 at 2 p.m.
Santori Library – Atrium
Show off your talent! Do you sing? Dance? Play an instrument? Write poetry? Open talent show live and on stage! The show will be broadcast on Facebook Live. Registration required. Ages 6-11.

Rhythmscapes
Saturday, July 15 at 2 p.m.
Santori Library – N125/126
Mr. Akhil will introduce the history and musical styling of the mridangam, a percussion instrument from southern India. A craft related to the instrument will follow. Ages 6-11.

Make It Yours: Light-Up LED Fireflies

Thursday, July 20 at 11:30 a.m.

Santori Library-Hurrell Storytime Room

Learn a little about circuits and make your own light-up firefly with a few simple parts. Ticket required; tickets available at the Children’s Reference Desk 30 minutes before the program. Ages 8-11.

Chalk Art – Find Your Voice Through Art

Monday, July 24 from 2-4 p.m. (Rain date/Tuesday, July 25 from 2-4 p.m.)

Santori Library – Parking Lot

We will give your family a sidewalk square and some chalk to create some artwork to share.

Free to Bee! Outdoor Obstacle Course

Friday, July 28 at 2:30 p.m.

Eola Road Branch- Outdoor area

Join us for a buzzing good time at our bee-themed obstacle course! For children ages 2-5 with a caregiver.

The Art Box
Monday, July 31 at 3 p.m.
Santori Library – Hurrell Storytime Room
Join us for some interesting art projects and show off your creativity. Ages 6-11.

For Teens:

Let’s Make Bad Art!
Thursday, June 1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
West Branch – Meeting Room
Tired of the pressure to make beautiful works of art at home and school? Join us and enjoy making uniquely bad art! All skill levels welcome, and a variety of materials will be provided.

Being a First Generation College Student*
Monday, June 5 at 7 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Staff from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will address common questions and concerns of first generation college students. Caregivers and students are welcome!

Button Making
Tuesday, June 6 at 2 p.m.
West Branch – Living Room

Friday, July 7 at 3 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Come design and make your own 1.25" or 3" buttons! All materials will be provided.

DIY Pride Flags
Wednesday, June 7 at 7 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room

Wednesday, June 8 at 4 p.m.
Santori Library – 224
Join us to make a Pride flag for yourself, a loved one, and/or just to show support! All materials will be provided.

Message-in-a-Bottle Terrariums*
Tuesday, June 13 at 3 p.m.
Santori Library – 224
Join us to make a wonderful terrarium in a bottle! Customize it with little signs, storybook characters, and more.

RPG One Shot: Honey Heist*

Tuesday, June 20 at 3 p.m.
Santori Library – 224
It's HoneyCon 2023! You are going to undertake the greatest heist the world has ever seen, ....and you are a BEAR. Join us for this simple, one-shot role-playing game (RPG).

Test Your Metal: Metal Stamping Keychains
Thursday, June 22 at 5 p.m.
West Branch – Meeting Room
Grab a mallet and get ready to stamp some metal! All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is needed. Safety will be enforced when using the mallet.

Plant Pot Painting
Friday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
West Branch – Meeting Room
Come decorate a home for your plant! Pots and art supplies will be provided.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Monday, June 26 & Monday, July 31 at 6 p.m.
All Library Locations and Virtual via Zoom
Teen Advisory Board is a group of teens that helps with special projects and planning programs. They work hard to make the library a better place!

DIY Screen Printing Posters
Tuesday, June 27 at 3 p.m.
Santori Library – 224
Drop in during to screen print a poster with your own custom design! ....Warning, this might get messy. All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary.

Kindness Rocks! - Rock Painting
Wednesday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
West Branch – Meeting Room
Paint a rock... Spread kindness and art! All materials are provided.

RPG One Shot: Everyone is John*
Wednesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Interested in tabletop games that aren't just D&D? Come play a game that stretches your creativity and explore lots of wacky situations! No experience is necessary, and supplies will be provided.

Bollywood Dance & Musical Talent Show*

Thursday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Join us and share your dance moves and musical talents- whether it is dancing solo, in a group, and/or playing an instrument!

Intro to Pop Art
Thursday, July 20 at 4 p.m.
Santori Library – 224
What is pop art?! Come find out and make some of your own colorful multi-media art! For some extra POP we will even be painting with bubble wrap.

The Anne Frank Story – on the Mobile Museum of Tolerance*
Tuesday, July 25 at 2 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
West Branch – Parking Lot
This workshop enhances middle school students’ ability to become proactive members of society by influencing positive change. Students view an immersive short film about the life of Anne Frank before launching into a discussion on the Holocaust, antisemitism, and resistance. Stereotypes, racism, and prejudice are defined and discussed in an age-appropriate manner.

The Power of Ordinary People Workshop – on the Mobile Museum of Tolerance*
Wednesday, July 26 at 2 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Parking Lot
While ordinary people have the power to create positive change in their communities, they also can become enforcers of hate and violence. This workshop explores both sides of this complex issue through the lens of the Holocaust. The discussion will bring the roles of upstander and bystander into the modern day, leaving students with the understanding that they must take an active role in preventing hate and promoting tolerance in their communities. Suitable for ages 13+.

Civil Rights Workshop – on the Mobile Museum of Tolerance*
Thursday, July 27 at 2 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
Santori Library – Parking Lot
This workshop explores civil rights in a historical and contemporary context. Students will view a documentary featuring numerous American civil rights heroes and draw comparisons between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 60’s with other fights for civil rights throughout US history. Conversations will also cover modern-day examples such as LGTBQ rights, Asian hate crimes, and bullying. Major topics of discussion include discrimination, racism, segregation, and nonviolent protest. Suitable for ages 10+.

For Adults:

Aurora Pride Photo Exhibit
June 1 through June 30
Eola Road Branch & West Branch
This collection of photos captures the joyful and inclusive celebration of Aurora's 2022 Pride Parade! These photos showcase participants dressed in rainbow colors, waving flags, and carrying signs with messages of love and support.

Violins of Hope Exhibit
June 1 through June 25
Santori Library – Atrium
The Violins of Hope are instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. They have been painstakingly restored and bring messages of hope, resistance, resilience, and unity.

Navigate Your Stars: A Conversation with Jesmyn Ward*

Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for an evening with two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward. Jesmyn will discuss her life, her literary vision and her unique perspectives on love and loss.

Pressed Flower Journal Craft*
Wednesday, June 7 at 6 p.m.
Santori Library – 125/126
We will use pressed flowers to design summer-inspired journals.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes Tournament
Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Small Meeting Room
Put your communication skills to the test! Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a timed, puzzle-solving game for small teams. Experience it in VR! Game is rated E10+ (everyone age 10 and up).

Decorate a Water Bottle with Pride*
Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m.
Santori Library – Makerspace
Use your creativity to decorate a water bottle with vinyl stickers. Pre-cut stickers will be provided with more cut during class!

PCs for People Pop-Up Shop*
Friday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Santori Library – Atrium
Need affordable internet and technology? The Affordable Connectivity Program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet-connected devices. Pre-registration is required.

Drag Makeup Demo*
Friday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for a live, instructional makeup demonstration with Drag Queen Jakki Love! Attendees will learn tips and tricks for modern drag makeup.

Intro to Aromatherapy Blending*
Saturday, June 17 at 10 a.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Enjoy the art and science of creating essential oil blends and explore the history, production, and safety of essential oils with certified aromatherapist Brittany Hogan.

Fireworks Safety*
Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Planning some fun with firecrackers? Fire Inspector Anna Pace will share best practices and answer questions about enjoying fireworks safely.

Braiding Sweetgrass: A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer*
Wednesday, June 21 at 7 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most important voices in the movement toward a more sustainable and equitable future and to be inspired to make positive changes in your own life and community.

Be an Informed Consumer with Consumer Reports Online*
Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m.
Santori Library – Technology Lab
Join us for a look at the Consumer Reports Online database, which provides ratings, reviews, and buying advice for thousands of products and services - all for free when you use your library card!

No Child Left Monolingual
Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m.
Santori Library – 125/126
What if no child graduated from a U.S. high school monolingual? Join Dr. Kim Potowski for a presentation on bilingualism and how to promote it in the United States.

The Makerspace for Business Owners*
Friday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
Santori Library – Makerspace
Create a product prototype, design eye-catching marketing materials, and more! Learn how the machines and technology available in APLD's Makerspace can be maximized by small business owners.

The Music of Terezín
Sunday, June 25 at 2 p.m.
Santori Library – Atrium
ESO cellist Sara Sitzer explores the incredible musical culture of Terezin, the Nazi concentration camp for artists during WWII. Following the lecture, musicians will perform Gideon Klein's trio.

Cutting Machine Craft: Make Your Own Decals*
Monday, June 26 at 6:30p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Small Meeting Room
Are you curious about craft cutting machines like the Cricut or Silhouette? Join us to design and print your own sticker decals! No prior experience needed.

Needle Felting for Beginners*
Tuesday, June 27 at 2 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Create a cute, little, felted turtle! Join Natasha Lehrer Lewis, of Esther's Place, to sculpt a 3" felted turtle. It even includes an ocean wave made of silk and real shells!

Creative Paper Crafting: Greeting Cards*
Thursday, July 6 at 1 p.m.
West Branch – Meeting Room
Join us to make two greeting cards for a birthday, thinking of you, or just to say hello!

Sakura Tales – Stories from Japan
Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Quiet Reading Room
Japanese stories sparkle with magic, laughter, and wisdom. Join professional storyteller Anne Shimojima to meet a cast of colorful characters from Japanese folklore! Suggested for ages 10 and up.

Beginning Macramé: DIY Plant Hangers*
Monday, July 10 at 6 p.m.
Eola Road Branch – Large Meeting Room
Join us to learn Macramé, a form of textile produced using knotting, rather than weaving or knitting techniques. All materials will be provided.

Immigration Legal Consultations*
Tuesday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Santori Library – 225
Have legal questions about citizenship or immigration? Sign up for a free 30-minute slot. These free, 30-minute consultations are with a Board of Immigration Appeals accredited staff attorney representing World Relief.

Creating a Business Plan*
Wednesday, July 19 at 6 p.m.
Santori Library – 125/126 and Virtual via Zoom
Are you a new entrepreneur or looking to start a business? Join Harriet Parker from the SBDC to learn how to develop a realistic plan to help you launch and run your business successfully.

Photoshop for Beginners*
Monday, July 24 a 7 p.m.
Santori Library – Technology Lab
Join us to explore Adobe Photoshop and learn the basic tools and concepts of this popular image editing software. This program will focus on tools, layers, and masking.

A-Town Poetics*
Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m.
West Branch – Meeting Room and Virtual via Zoom
A-Town Poetics is open to writers of all ages, including anyone who has never written poetry and thinks he/she/they can’t. Register with your email address to receive a Zoom invite or come in person.

Write a Perfect Resume with Brainfuse JobNow*
Thursday, July 27 at 6 p.m.
Santori Library – Technology Lab
Learn how to use Brainfuse JobNow to write a resume and prepare for job interviews. You can even get live help from a resume expert - all for free with your library card!

Medicare Basics*
Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m.
Santori Library – 225
If you are turning 65 or on Medicare, we encourage you to attend this no-cost seminar to learn about what Medicare does and does not cover, Supplement and Advantage plans, saving money, Part D, avoiding penalties, and more.