AURORA | Mission Viejo Library is turning the page on its 50th year, and asking the community to match their appreciation with cash gifts for library improvements.
“This campaign is an investment in memories, literacy and connection for generations to come,” Ginger White Brunetti, director of Library and Cultural Services, said in a statement.
The campaign is to raise $75,000 from the community to match $75,000 Mission Viejo Library received from city council two years ago, for a total of $150,000 for their 50th anniversary.
The “150 for 50” Capital Campaign will launch at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 16, at the library with a free, family-friendly event that will include a presentation of Mission Viejo history, historical displays, a colorful balloon party, the unveiling of a limited-edition commemorative library card and remarks from Mayor Mike Coffman and other council members, the statement said.
“As we celebrate 50 years of stories, smiles and community, our goal is to rally the community around this milestone and help ensure the library continues thriving,” Brunetti said in the statement.
The funds will support improvements to the 50-year-old library building, which will include furniture, painting and meeting room updates. This capital campaign is a first in the 95-year history of Aurora Public Library and is done in conjunction with the independent nonprofit Friends of Aurora Public Library, according to the statement. All of the donations will go to fund library improvements.
“Since opening its doors in 1975 with a 10,000-item collection, Mission Viejo Library has provided a welcoming space where generations of residents have come together to read, explore and grow,” a statement from the library said.
When cities need to make cuts, libraries, recreation centers, and pools are usually the first to get their budgets cut, Councilmember Curtis Gardner said.
He said there was nothing specifically dire about Mission Viejo Library needing the funding, except that it needs many updates, and it is a good time to ask for community support on the 50th anniversary of its beginning.
Aurora Public Library ranks 104th out of the 107 public libraries in Colorado in per capita expenditure, with a budget of only $8 million, according to the city website. Aurora is also one of the few full-service cities in the state where parks, libraries and fire don’t have districts, such as places like Denver, according to Councilmember Curtis Gardner.
Places like Denver can have a larger budget because they have a dedicated library district and because of their own, external fundraising efforts, Gardner said.
He added that Aurora averages $43 per borrower in funding, compared to other counties and cities such as Arapahoe Library District, which averages about $299 per borrower, Denver averages $349 per borrower, and Douglas County, which averages $207 per borrower.
In 2024, Mission Viejo Library received 77,000 visits, had 57,000 items checked out and hosted 29,000 computer sessions.
Donations receive limited-edition commemorative items such as:
- $1 to unlimited – sticker
- $40 – coffee mug
- $50 – Cloth tote bag
- $60 – T-shirt
- $100 – Your choice of two of the above items
- $250 – The three previous items plus an engraved notebook
Businesses in the area are also encouraged to support the effort. All business donations of $500 or more will be included in a commemorative plaque inside the library upon the campaign’s completion.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit ColoradoGives.org/Story/150for50, or stop by the Mission Viejo Library.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “150 for 50” Mission Viejo Library Campaign
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Aug. 16
WHERE: Mission Viejo Library,15324 E. Hampden Circle.