Aurora Public Library

Welcome to Site #2 on our tour! The Aurora Public Library began as a collection of books housed in a local jewelry store. Prior to 1901, this collection was called the McClure Library. When the Aurora Public Library Association was formed, the collection was moved into the City Building. In 1913, however, the Siemental Property on Second Street was purchased with funds provided by Georgiana Sutton in memory of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. George Sutton. Here, a new library was constructed by several architects: Garber, Frederick & Woodward; JC Wright and Son; Morris and Eckel. This is the building that we still use and love today! Looking at the library, you will see an architectural style that looks very reminiscent of Italian renaissance architecture. It was built during a period of architectural “revival,” when people wanted to create buildings more closely modeled after the original form that inspired them. In this case, the architects looked to Italy and the ancient world for inspiration. The dedication of the new Aurora Public Library took place on October 13th, 1914. The flood of 1937 forced the library to close. Although no books were lost, there was a heavy loss of materials on the lower level. The basement was renovated in 1976 to make room for a children’s library. On May 27th, 1993, the Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places. By 1995, the Aurora Public Library had grown into the Aurora Public Library District, which offers library services to seven district townships.

Source(s): SHAARD, Official Website for the City of Aurora, IN

Video source: "Aurora Public Library, Aurora, Indiana." Youtube, uploaded by History in Your Own Backyard, 26 April 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=121&v=Gvk9bISDVTY&feature=emb_logo

Links:

https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/shaard/guest.html

https://aurora.in.us/library-and-depot.html