Aurora library travels back in time

It's a fact that no one has actually confirmed seeing Marty McFly, Doc Brown, or their time-traveling DeLorean at the "Back to the 1980s BBQ Bash" on Aug. 25 at the Santori Library.

However, Aurora Public Library customers, supporters, volunteers, and staff who gathered for the fun-filled event had a blast while benefitting a worthwhile cause.

Aurora Public Library Foundation manager Laura Stoney thanked the cadre of sponsors and volunteers of the event by summing up the significance of supporting special events like the BBQ Bash.

"The BBQ Bash and the We Care Together Party and Auction on Dec. 1 help to make possible programs and services that otherwise the library would not be able to offer our customers. I can't think of a better way to help others while having fun. We are grateful for the generosity of so many people in our community," said Stoney.

Some examples of the popular activities and programs that are made possible by the generosity of Aurora Public Library Foundation donors are the Kiwanis Shining Bright Early Literacy program, library services to the homebound, Light of Learning scholarships for library cardholders outside the city limits, GED materials, Parents' Corners, specialized equipment for storytimes for those with sensory disorders, STEM programming, the Marie Wilkinson Family Collection, garden enhancement and programming, and state-of-the-art technologies.

Speaking generally about the Aurora Public Library tradition of hosting special events and other initiatives that benefit the entire Aurora community, Executive Director Daisy Porter-Reynolds said, "Connecting to the community is a hallmark of the Aurora Public Library. With special events like the BBQ Bash, the We Care Together Party and Auction, and a variety of programming, it is our aim to fortify that bond by continuing to provide Aurorans with resources that help inspire fresh ideas and creativity that benefit the entire community."

All sponsors and donors who made possible the great music by Voyage, raffles, games, and trivia will receive recognition on Aurora Public Library Foundation and auction websites, donor walls, and at future events.

For information about future events, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org.

If you'd like to donate to the Aurora Public Library Foundation, visit santorilibrary.org or call the Foundation at (630) 264-4124.

• Anthony Stanford is an author and Aurora Public Library Media Consultant.