Domestic violence shelter gets new library

The books are a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.

When mothers who are victims of domestic violence choose to leave home in the middle of the night, they often don't take much with them.

So, for their children, things like books or toys can be comforting reminders of home.

Children at Mutual Ground, Inc., a domestic violence shelter in Aurora, may be feeling a little more at home these days thanks to a new children's library.

The library, which has 350 books, was provided by Jewish Women International, a national group that helps women and girls achieve independence and strength.

Mutual Ground leaders will dedicate the library at 5 p.m. today at 418 Oak Ave.

The national initiative aims to build 100 children's libraries in similar shelters nationwide by 2010. The Aurora library is the 29th dedication.

The children's libraries are created through a minimum $15,000 commitment from community or corporate sponsors, said Alix Fried of Jewish Women International, based in Washington, D.C.

"(We) believe books and stories will give a child a sense of peace and the goal is to make sure these children have some sense of serenity," said Judy Jacobson, development director at Mutual Ground.

Besides the books, the library includes three bookcases, rocking chairs, a children's table and chairs, and a large carpet.

The shelter is located in a 150-year-old, 36,000-square-foot mansion. It is one of the state's largest domestic violence shelters, serving about 2,000 women and children in southern Kane and Kendall counties each year.

The nonprofit also offers counseling, victim advocacy, information and referrals.

The children already can't get enough of the library, located in a corner on the mansion's main floor.

"They're loving it," Jacobson said. "When you see a little kid climbing into a rocking chair … it's just way cool."

Because the children are basically starting over, leaders are allowing them to keep a book if they want. The items will be replaced.