Crafty Creations: Acrylic Paint Pour

Get crafty with the Aurora Public Library District!

This month, our adult crafting program will be an acrylic paint-pouring activity led by painter Jimmy Combs! Jimmy will teach you the basics of acrylic paint pouring and help you create your very own masterpiece! By the end of this program, you’ll be an artist yourself!

We will be painting at the Dillsboro Public Library on June 13th at 4 pm and at the Local History Library @ The Depot on June 15th at 6 pm.

This program is completely FREE! Registration is required. There are a limited amount of spots available, so come into the library today or call 812-926-0646 to save your spot! You may only reserve two spots. If you would like to attend in a larger group, other attendees must call and reserve their own spots. This event is open to all adults ages 18 and up.

We can’t wait to see your masterpieces!

Computers 101 Meets in May!

Do computers have you stumped? Not to fear, the library is here! Come learn the basics of computer use with Olivia at the Local History Library at the Depot on May 24th @ 4:30 pm.

This is a judgment-free program where all levels of computer skills are welcome. We will be introducing attendees to email services. We will be learning important terms as well to improve your technology literacy. This program is recommended for seniors, but all adults are welcome to attend.

We recommend registering for this program in advance by calling 812-926-0646. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Local History Library is opening April 29th!

Welcome back to the new and improved Local History Library @ the Depot! We are so glad to be opening back up and we can’t wait to answer all your questions and see all your curious faces!

In order to welcome you back properly, we will be holding a grand reopening event on April 29th at the depot! Your new local history library assistant, Olivia, will be showing you around the building and sharing our new projects with you! Sarah, our resident genealogy hobbyist, will be showing you the ropes of Ancestry. We will also feature a special guest from the Lawrenceburg Public Library District: Rachael Scott! Rachael will give you some tips and tricks about local history research and share some information about her own local history room at the Lawrenceburg Public Library Main Branch.

Snacks and drinks will be available. All ages are welcome to attend. No registration is required. We can’t wait to see you back in your depot!

Pride Festival Planning!

Are you LGBTQIA+? Do you consider yourself an ally? Come down to the Local History Library at the Depot April 27th @ 6 pm! We’re having a booth at the Lawrenceburg Pride Festival and we need your help with the planning!

Enjoy free snacks and drinks while brainstorming ideas on how to decorate our booth, what items to give away, the design of t-shirts for us to wear, and more!

Anyone 13-19 is welcome! See you there!

Local History Library Update

Aurora Train Depot, painted by Marlene Livingston

Have you been missing the Local History Library at the Depot? We miss you too! The Local History Library has been closed indefinitely for the summer of 2022. While we miss your visits and questions about Aurora history, we’ve been making some BIG changes! The main room at the Local History Library is getting a massive makeover. We are painting the interior of the depot to restore it to its original color scheme of Indian Red and Brown to match the colors of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, on which our depot was a stop. We are also installing shelving handmade by local woodworkers Iron Timbers for our various paintings and photographs to be proudly displayed on our walls. There are plans to make the building more accessible for our handicapped patrons in the coming year. One of the most exciting updates to our building is the installation of model train tracks and trains along the walls. This will add to the ambience of our space and serve as a reminder of the original purpose of our beloved depot.

We have received many inquiries from our dedicated patrons about the Local History Library and its eventual reopening. Due to the changing nature of the situation, we cannot provide a concrete date at this time, but we are now setting our sights on January 2023 for our grand reopening. Once the depot is opened to the public, expect some changes in our services and approach to local history. We will always provide assistance with genealogy and family history, but our focus will be shifting towards a community-centered approach. The Local History Library will become a space where members of the community can gather and share ideas and experiences in our hometown. We want you to think of the Local History Library as a classroom, presentation space, and extension of the main library branch, providing you with the proper space to learn and grow in Aurora.

So, we hope to see you soon at the depot! If you have any questions about local history, genealogy, or the depot, please speak to a librarian or give us a call at 812-926-0646. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Local History Library Grand Reopening!

The Aurora Public Library District has big plans in store for the Local History Library! We know you miss the Depot, but the building needs to remain closed for the next three months to put our plans into action. So don’t worry, because we’ll be back before you know it!

Some projects we have planned for the Local History Library include reorganization of reference items for easier patron access, added shelving for reference items, added tables and chairs for programs and meetings, a fresh coat of paint, and an overall rearrangement of shelves, desks, and tables to make the most of the space. Our main goal is to increase the usability of the building and make the space more user friendly and versatile for you, our patrons! So stay tuned, because in August the Local History Library is reopening for all your research, local history, and genealogy needs. If you need assistance before then, please feel free to reach out to us by phone (812-926-0646) or in person at the Aurora or Dillsboro Libraries.

The Local History Library will be re-opening on Tuesdays and Thursdays  and the third Saturday of the month beginning in August. Be sure to check out our events page or our Facebook and Instagram pages in the upcoming months for programs scheduled at the Local History Library once the building reopens. We can’t wait to see you again!