The Year of Us: Aurora Library and Cultural Services Reflects on 2024 Impact

The city of Aurora's Library and Cultural Services Department has released its 2024 Impact Report, "The Year of Us," showcasing the positive influence libraries, performing, visual and public art, history and art education have in the community. The report is a compilation of the data provided in 2025 to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for the annual audit, as well as data provided to the Colorado State Library.

In 2024, more than 5 million touchpoints connected residents with Aurora's cultural, arts and literacy offerings - including 3.4 million library uses, 1.4 million public art views and more than 123,000 attendees across cultural programs and performances.

The report showcases achievements across the department's divisions, including:

• Aurora Public Library - more than 560,000 in-person visits, 1.2 million items checked out, and 330,000 questions answered by library staff.

• Cultural Arts Education - nearly 1,000 classes and programs with over 27,000 enrollments and ticketed attendees.

• Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites - more than 11,000 visitors, the award-winning "Mosaic of Cultures" exhibition, and the restoration of neon sign at the Aurora Fox.

• Art in Public Places - the addition of two new permanent artworks, 12 temporary installations and several major restorations.

• Aurora Fox Arts Center and The People's Building - more than 440 events/shows combined, hosting over 16,000 at the Aurora Cultural Arts District.

"These numbers reflect more than programs or attendance," said Ginger White Brunetti, director of Library and Cultural Services. "They show how deeply Aurora values spaces where people can learn, create and connect; our team is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to opportunities that strengthen community pride and belonging."

This is the first time in the history of the Library and Cultural Services Department that a report like this has been created for the entire department and is expected to become an annual production.

The full report, "The Year of Us: Aurora Library and Cultural Services 2024 Impact," is now available at AuroraGov.org/LCSImpactReport.