Aurora in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Aurora Public Library
Downtown Heritage Tour
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Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2016
1. Aurora Public Library Marker
The Aurora Public Library had modest beginnings. Two small groups, "The Young Men's Literary & Historical Society" and "The Young Men's Association" merged in 1859 to become "The Young Men's Literary Association of Aurora". "The Aurora Library Association" formed in 1864, taking over the books of the old association, and adding new volumes.
In 1881, the city council passed the ordinance that created the Aurora Public Library, with the G.A.R. Memorial Hall becoming its new home. The Library was housed in the G.A.R. building for over twenty years, but work began on a new Library shortly after the turn of the century. The site for the new Library on Benton Street was donated by the Stolp family. The new building was built with the assistance of a $50,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie.
This new Library was designed by architects W. A. Otis of Chicago and Eugene Malmer of Aurora in the classical revival tradition that was popular for public buildings at the time. This is shown in the building's temple-like appearance, which included Ionic columns. Between 1966 and 1969, the building's appearance was completely altered when it was
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 41° 45.378′ N, 88° 19.038′ W. Marker is in Aurora, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of West Benton Street and South Stolp Avenue, on the right when traveling east on West Benton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 East Benton Street, Aurora IL 60505, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Courtesy Aurora Historical Society
2. Marker detail: Aurora Public Library, 1904
The Aurora Public Library as it appeared shortly after completion in 1904. The current appearance is the result of renovations completed in 1969.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: BPO Elk's Club Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Former U.S. Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dedicated in Memory of Our Fathers (about 500 feet away); Aurora Silverplate Manufacturing Co. (about 500 feet away); Keystone Building (about 500 feet away); Graham Building (about 600 feet away); Old Second National Bank (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aurora.
Regarding Aurora Public Library. On May 23, 2015, the Main Library at 1 East Benton Street was closed. On June 14, 2015, the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora (101 South River Street) was opened to the public with a grand opening celebration that drew more than 2,000 people.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Aurora, Illinois Downtown
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2016
3. Aurora Public Library Marker
Also see . . . Santori Library. Aurora Public Library District website entry (Submitted on June 25, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2016
4. Aurora Public Library Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2016
5. One East Benton Street building
Between 1966 and 1969, the building's appearance was completely altered when it was remodeled. The appearance of the building today reflects the renovation completed in 1969. Library closed May 23, 2015.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2016
6. Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,150 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 6, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
