Aurora Public Library employees, patrons protest cuts at City Hall

Fighting back against proposed cuts to library hours and services, Aurora Public Library employees, patrons, kids and families held a “Read-In” in the lobby of City Hall on July 12. Following the event the spirited group attended the City Council meeting where AFSCME Local 2283 leaders testified against the cuts.

Aurora library employees represented by Local 2283 have been raising community awareness about the cuts, which include reducing hours at the West Branch, changing hours at the Eola Branch, closing the Church Road Branch and cutting library staff. By sharply limiting public access to the libraries, the cuts would reduce programming and make it harder for community groups to hold meetings and events in library facilities.

Carrying handmade posters and their favorite books, families and children came out in force to join the protest. Bonnie Bogden, president of AFSCME Local 2283 and a 16-year employee at the West branch, read stories to the children. Afterward, they created a mural filled with notes and drawings about why they love the library to share with the City Council.

“The patrons of the library and the employees have been dealt a mean blow here because of the irresponsibility of the library board,” Bogden said. “The cuts would negatively impact the students, seniors and community members who come to our facility for services, programs, and even shelter from extreme weather.”

The union has gathered hundreds of signatures on a petition opposing the cuts. If you live in Aurora, add your name to the petition at SaveAuroraLibraries.org.

The community outcry has successfully pressured Library Board President John Savage to schedule a July 13 public meeting about the proposed cuts on July 13 about the proposed cuts.