AURORA | Residents near the Hoffman Heights Library are getting a farmer’s market all summer.
“Libraries are more than just books—they’re hubs for healthy, thriving neighborhoods and this collaboration is a perfect example of how we’re reimagining library grounds into a space for connection while serving our community,” said Ginger White Brunetti, director of Library and Cultural Services, in a statement.
Aurora Public Library is partnering with the mission-driven organization Rebel Marketplace to bring a monthly farmers market to Hoffman Heights Library through September, according to a statement from the city.
“The farmers market at Hoffman Library was created to be an authentic neighborhood marketplace run and operated by surrounding community businesses, with the library as the hub,” the statement said.
Rebel Marketplace is a local group of urban farmers in Aurora who started growing produce in their backyards and aim to build a “food sovereign neighborhood.” The Johnson family’s story of starting the Rebel Market was reported on last year by the Sentinel.
“The Rebel Marketplace believes that there is enough talent and businesses in a six-mile radius to fully supply and stand up a neighborhood marketplace,” the Rebel Marketplace website said. “By creating a singular, locally run access point for goods and services, we envision a vibrant, cooperative and healthy community.”
Each farmers market will host multiple programming events as well.
“We’re thrilled to launch this unique partnership with Rebel Marketplace to bring fresh, local food
and community connections right to the doorstep of Hoffman Heights Library,” Brunetti said in the statement.
Each Farmers Market will be held at the Hoffman Heights Library, 1298 Peoria St. They will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. June 11, July 9, Aug. 6 and Sept. 10. The library will also stay open late on those nights for its programs and additional services.
The Hoffman Heights Library will also host storytimes at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., a kids’ play area at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a teen game space from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hoffman Heights Library Programs:
• Learn to make fermented hot sauce with Horrifying Hotsauce, 5 p.m., June 11
• Makes seed bombs, 6 p.m., June 11
• Succulent pot painting with plants and pots provided, 6 p.m., July 9
• Rainbow Scavenger Hunt for children eight and older, with prizes, 6 p.m., July 9
• Block-printed totes, customize your own tote, 6 p.m., Aug. 6
• Intro to pickling, by learning to make pickle brine with ingredients provided, 6 p.m., Sept. 10