Main Library in Aurora to close its doors May 23
On Saturday, May 23, the doors of the main Aurora Public Library in downtown Aurora will close forever at 5 p.m. The Carnegie-funded library opened Aug. 22, 1904, and was remodeled and expanded in the late 1960s.
To commemorate the building's 111 years of service, and to thank retiring Children's Librarian Diane Christian for 40½ years of service, the public is invited to come to the library at 1 E. Benton St. May 23.
A drone operated by Jaffe Films will shoot video of the closing of the library at 5 p.m.
Amy Roth, the library's public information manager, is hoping to ring the building with community members in a virtual hug.
"We will need many people to come out to accomplish this," Roth said. "We hope everyone who has a fond memory of the Main Library will stop by for a few minutes to take part in the video."
The first books to be moved to the new Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora will be pushed up Benton Street in book carts by members of the main library's teen advisory board. Library Executive Director Daisy Porter-Reynolds will accept the books outside the Santori Library at 101 S. River St.
Footage from the event will be included in the Santori Library's time capsule, to be opened in 50 years.
Members of the community also are invited to stop by May 23 to wish Diane Christian well in her retirement. Christian began working for the Aurora Public Library in 1974 and became head of the children's department two years later.
The public is asked to bring a flower to Christian to thank her for her years of service. Craft materials will be available May 23 for people to make flowers in the children's department at the main library.
Library services downtown will be suspended for three weeks to move the contents of the main library to the Santori Library. Branch locations will remain open.
The sculpture of Marie Wilkinson, now located outside the main library at 1 E. Benton St., also will move to the Santori Library.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Flag Day, Sunday, June 14. The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with a welcome from library board President John Savage. Speakers will include Mayor Tom Weisner and library namesake Dr. Gina Santori.
A Flag Day commemoration, including the dedication of the library's flagpole, will include members of Aurora Cub Scout Troop 358 leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Special guests The Ides of March, featuring Jim Peterik, will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
A number of activities are planned for the younger set, including story times led by Kiwanis Club of Aurora members, craft projects, visits with Curious George, and Summer Reading Club information.
Book giveaways and balloon twisting with Klein Time Entertainment also will be available. Technology demonstrations and self-guided tours will be ongoing throughout the day. Teen activities will be happening in the Teen Space on the second floor and will include music, crafts, and video creation.
For information, call (630) 264-4125.