Aurora Library Gets $10,000 Gift

BLRLibrary
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Barry-Lawrence Regional Library to Receive $10,000 Gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York

Aurora, Missouri, 11/4/2025 — The Aurora Branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library received a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.

Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. Opened in 1917 our library is one of 33 Carnegie Libraries in Missouri built through this historic program.

“These funds will help to make some improvements to Aurora’s historical Carnegie Library. As everyone knows, it's sometimes a challenge to keep older buildings up-to-date. We will make sure to make the most of this generous gift from Carnegie, ” said Library Director Gina Milburn.

The Aurora Branch Library will receive the gift in January 2026, and we may use the funds however we wish to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further our mission, and benefit our community.

Patrons are invited to share their photos and stories about the Aurora Branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library at carnegielibraries.org.

For media inquiries:Greg Brown, Library District Public Relations Coordinator

Email: Greg@blrLibrary.org or phone: 417-444-6552