Aurora Public Library Foundation, partners, offer library card scholarship

AURORA – The Aurora Public Library Foundation is partnering with Aurora Township and the West Aurora and East Aurora school district foundations to put library cards in the hands of Aurora Township residents who are unable to pay for public library service.

Township residents are required by Illinois State Law to pay a fee, set yearly by the Aurora Public Library Board, to acquire library cards. But those who complete a scholarship application and bring in the necessary paperwork may be able to receive cards for the entire family for just $25. The current fee for a nonresident family is $160 per year.

Aurora Public Library Foundation Development Officer Laura Stoney said the notion of a scholarship for township residents was first introduced by Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns during discussions about the bond issue to build the new downtown library. The idea was embraced by the Foundation's Board of Directors, who voted to establish the program with a $3,000 grant.

Aurora Township Supervisor Christina Campos immediately supported the program with a matching grant. Two other partners, the East Aurora Educational Foundation, Inc., and the A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools, also pledged and contributed $3,000.

“It was a great partnership with everyone coming together to assist the residents in Aurora Township to provide Aurora Public library cards for a low cost. It's an exciting time now that we will be having a new library,” Campos said.

Township residents may apply in person at any Aurora Public Library for the scholarship. Applicants must complete a “Light of Learning” scholarship application as well as a library card application form. The applicant must provide one of the following documents:

• Township Office General Assistance Approval Letter

• Lunch Assistance School District Approval letter for the current year

• LINK card

A photo ID and proof of residency also are required. (Proof of residency can be established with a driver's license, utility bill or rent or mortgage papers.)

For a fee of $25, all residents of the household will receive library cards.

Library Director Eva Luckinbill also praised the program, noting that getting library cards into the hands of all students in schools throughout the city is a high priority.

In addition, senior citizens on limited incomes may be able to qualify for the scholarships.