The Aurora Public Library District Board of Directors and staff would like to cordially invite you to attend a statue dedication ceremony in honor of longtime Director Mary Alice Horton. Please join us at the Aurora Public Library’s lower level entrance on Saturday, June 1 at 1 p.m. for the statue’s unveiling. Executive Director of Main Street Aurora Nancy Turner will be speaking.

Mary Alice was the Director of the Aurora Public Library District for 35 years, from 1982 to 2017. Under her administration, the Library expanded to include the additions of the East and West Wings at the Aurora Public Library, the acquisition and absorption of the Dillsboro Public Library and building, and the purchase of the old train depot to house the Local History Library @ the Depot. She was extremely involved in the community, participating in various community events over the years while promoting the Library. Chances are, if you lived in Aurora or Dillsboro, you knew Mary Alice.

“Mary Alice’s love and passion for the Aurora Library and its patrons and her town are evident throughout our community, and will be for years to come.  It is under her leadership and dream that we have this great library to provide life-long learning for all.” ~Rose T.

The statue has been commissioned from the Randolph Rose Collection, which is the same designer of the statues featured near the entrances of both the Aurora and Dillsboro branches. The statue will be installed and uncovered on Saturday, June 1 at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend the unveiling ceremony followed by a butterfly release.