Aurora residents get first look at $28 million library

As the doors to the new Richard and Gina Santori Aurora Public Library opened Sunday, so too will the minds and imaginations of all its patrons, officials hope.

Mayor Tom Weiser, library namesake Dr. Gina Santori, and library board President John Savage opened the city's new main library at 101 S. River St., during a celebration more than two years in the making.

The shiny new facility replaces the century-old former main library at Benton Street and Stolp Avenue, which closed its doors in late May.

"We had 1,500 patrons out here getting an early look at this beautiful facility," said library spokeswoman Amy Roth. "And everyone got to meet Dr. Santori and hear her speak. It was a great day."

Sunday's celebration included music by The Ides of March, the Town Band and San Sandberg, children's book giveaways, a visit by Curious George, library card registration and self-guided tours.

Hundreds of residents strolled through the $28 million facility and learned about the new bells and whistles. One of the more popular spots was the Maker Space - which features a vinyl cutter, a laser cutter and the popular 3-D printer.

The Kiwanis of Aurora Children's Center's large storytime room is expected to be a hit with families as well.

Also on the first floor in the Audio/Visual Library, founding member of the Ides of March and Survivor Jim Peterik signed copies of his new autobiography, "Through the Eye of the Tiger," as well as copies of the Ides of March 50th Anniversary CD/DVD boxed set.

The new library also celebrated its first programming grant Sunday with the announcement it was one of 55 in the nation to receive $10,000 to participate in the national "Latino Americans: 500 Years of History" program, including the showing of the PBS documentary series "LATINO AMERICANS."

The Santori Library will open to the public at noon today, and will remain open until 9 p.m. Regular hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. begin on Tuesday.