Puerto Ricans in Aurora: Placemaking & Resilience

Join us for a presentation and book signing with local author Taina Torres! We'll examine push and pull factors of immigration, as well as struggles, achievements, and contributions at home in Aurora.

The Puerto Rican community in Aurora emerged as a result of island legislation like Operation Bootstrap and liberal employment practices in Aurora, Illinois. Their story directly challenges the prevailing belief that suburban ethnic communities form from the run-off of the urban community. Beyond the historiography, Puerto Rican’s transformation from immigrants to residents tells a story of resilience, representation, and placemaking here in Aurora. 

After the presentation, we'll have time for a Q&A. Torres' book, Borinquen is Our Homeland, But Aurora Is Our Home: The History of Puerto Ricans in Aurora, Illinois will be available for purchase, and the author will be signing copies after her presentation (in-person only). The book is the result of Torres' extensive research and the lived experiences of Puerto Ricans in Aurora.

Join us in-person in Room 125/126 at Santori Library or virtually via Zoom here. Zoom passcode: puertorico

I acknowledge my participation (or my child’s participation) in this virtual program includes the recording of this program which may include my name as listed on my account, images and/or video footage. I grant the Aurora Public Library District my permission to use the photographs and/or video footage for any legal use, including but not limited to: publicity, copyright purposes, illustration, advertising, and web content.  
 
Furthermore, I understand that no royalty, fee or other compensation shall become payable to me by reason of such use. 

Upcoming events