Great things are happening in

downtownAurora! Don't miss a thing!

SciTech Hands-On Museum will host it's first Teacher Open House on January 20th, 2009 from 5p.m. until 7p.m. All certified teachers are invited to attend! Wine, food, and live entertainment can be yours, bring a teacher friend to share the festivities.
RSVP to Jeannette Smith at (630) 859-3434 x231 or jsmith@scitechmuseum.org

Paramount Theatre January Events:
Elvis Birthday Tribute Artist Spectacular 
Friday, January 9, 2009 at 8pm                                                    

Tickets $49.50 /$35.50
Celebrate Elvis' birthday at the Paramount. This must see spectacular stars Shawn Klush, Ryan Pelton and donny Edwards with special guests D.J. Fontana and the Fabulous Ambassadors. For tickets call the Paramount Theatre at 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. 
 
Barrage - High Strung Entertainment!
Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 2pm
$45.50/$35.50/$25.50
Monday, January 26m 2009 at 10am
$12.00
Be ready for a bombardment of the senses as the high-octane fiddlers of Barrage bring an all new show "High-Strung" to the Paramount stage.  Delivered with amazing energy and musical virtuosity that will take your breath away, this show fuses cultures, musical styles and incredible vocals with dazzling choreography.  It's like STOMP with Violins! The Monday matinee features an educational version of Barrage with a 30 minute performance followed by a 20 minute Q & A session.  Students see an amazing performance and find out what it's like to live on the road, the training required to be a performer in a touring production and a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together on stage. For tickets call 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. Sponsored by Ballydoyle.
 
Junie B. Jones Returns to the Paramount
Saturday, January 31 at 11am & 3pm
SUPER SAVER PRICE $8
Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones returns to the Paramount Theatre for a guaranteed sellout!  Based on the popular books by Barbara Park, this musical is one splendid hour of music, laughter and life lessons.  And, according to Junie B. Jones herself, "this is the bestest musical ever!" For tickets call the Paramount Theatre at 630-896-6666 or Ticketmaster. Sponsored by Hampton Inn & Suites.

Aurora Public Library

MAIN LIBRARY
1 E. Benton Street
Aurora, IL  60505
 
CLOSINGS OF NOTE
NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY HOURS
Thursday, January 1, 2009 - All Locations Closed Friday, January 2, 2009 - Open Regular Hours
 
WINTER READING PROGRAM: SNOW IS FALLING BOOKS ARE CALLING January 12 - March 6, 2009 Children, teens and adults can read for fun and prizes Visit any library location and ask for a reading log to keep track of your reading activities.
  
STORYTIMES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH - WINTER SERIES BEGINS JANUARY 13 Call 630-264-4123 for dates and time.
 
Adult Book Discussion
January 7  12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location:  Multipurpose Room - Lower Level - Call 630-264-4101
Run by Ann Patchett Bring your lunch, we'll provide the dessert!
 
Genealogy Assistance
January 8    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
January 15  6:00 p.m. -   9:00 p.m.
Location:  Second Floor - Call 630-264-4101 Need help with your family history project?  Our informal drop-in sessions can help start your family tree or break down a brick wall that has stopped your research. Be sure to bring along any family papers that could provide useful information. Individual 2-hour appointments are also available.
 
Bingo with the Friends of James Marshall                      

January 17  10:30 a.m.
Location:  Multipurpose Room - Lower Level - Call 630-264-4123 Children Grades Kindergarten and up can come relax while we play with Bingo with characters, not numbers.
 
Reading is Top Dog
January 19   6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location:  Multipurpose Room - Lower Level - Call 630-264-4123 Children ages 6-10 can come practice reading your favorite story to our dog friends.  Therapy dog and handler pairs are members of the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club.
 
Avoiding Identity Theft
January 22  7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location:  Multipurpose Room - Lower Level - Call 630-264-4101
Robert Slayton, Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist will show you how to prevent identity theft and protect your personal information.
 
Minding Your Money
Saturday, January 31   1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location:  Multipurpose Room - Lower Level - Call 630-264-4101 Unsure how to stay safe in the market in this turbulent economy?
This hands-on Investment 101 program will highlight materials at the library to help you navigate your way through Wall Street.
 
Spanish Language Programs:
Ha-blah-blah-ndo English
January 3, 17  10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location:  Multipurpose Room - Lower Level - Call 630-264-4101 Improve your English in a casual and friendly setting. Join this conversation group where a tutor will engage you and other learners in topical conversations, games and role playing to develop your English language skills and confidence, no matter your level. Sessions are free so come as often as you need to reach your goal!

Books and Bread Book Club      

January 8, 2009 5:30 pm   

- Stalin's Children by Owen Matthews  

Upcoming Books:     February 12, 2009 - The Irregulars by Jennet Conant
                                March 12, 2009 - Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman
 
The Books and Bread Book Club meets monthly at downtown Aurora restaurants at 5:30 pm. Contact  Karen Christensen  to be added to the email list, and for location information.

Aurora Historical Society

Galleries & Museum Store in the David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer  

Now Available!  Vintage Aurora -- In Color 2009 Calendar Featuring twelve color images of vintage Aurora, 1940s-1970s Just $12.95 plus tax

Current Exhibit: Party Favors: Collecting Political Memorabilia  Open October 18, 2008 - January 18, 2009 An exhibit of political buttons, ribbons, posters, and other memorabilia, from the 1850s to the present. Items from the Historical Society's own collections, plus a number of local collectors.

Admission to galleries: Adults, $3.00; Seniors & Students, $1.50; Children under 12 & AHS Members, Free.   For Information, Call (630) 906-0650 or visit www.aurorahistory.net

For more great things happening in downtown Aurora check out: 

Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Aurora Historical Society
Aurora Public Art Commission
Aurora Regional Fire Museum
Backthird Audio
Main Library

Mayor's Office of Special Events
Paramount Theatre
Riverfront Playhouse

The River's Edge
SciTech Hands on Museum

Trinity Episcopal Church