Meet the Candidates
What are your qualifications for the position of Library Trustee?
I have a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University and Illinois and am a librarian by profession.
What is your motivation for seeking a position as a West Chicago Public Library Trustee?
Libraries are a critical community service that provides a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational activities. I believe with my background and education I can best contribute to my community by being helping this essential community resource serve our residents.
What do you feel are the most essential services that the Library should provide to the community of West Chicago?
The library should provide spaces and opportunities for members of the community to meet and grow together. Libraries are the lifeblood of a community. They give its members a place to gather and learn together, whether thats through a book club or a resume writing class.
If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the patrons of the Library?
To ensure equal access to this critical resource and create a place where everyone feels welcome.
What are your qualifications for the position of Library Trustee?
I have been involved with serving the West Chicago Public Library since 2014. I was initially on the Foundation and then appointed to an open seat as a Trustee. I have held positions of Board Secretary, Strategic Plan Committee Chair, and Policy Committee member. Recently, I was appointed as President of the Board of Trustees.
What is your motivation for seeking a position as a West Chicago Public Library Trustee?
I believe that the West Chicago Library is one of our communities most important assets. I fully support the Strategic Plan goals of increasing access to library services, strengthening our outreach efforts, and using our physical space more efficiently. If elected, I will keep those goals in the forefront of my decision making.
What do you feel are the most essential services that the Library should provide to the community of West Chicago?
I believe the essential services that the Library should provide are to have a competent, engaged, and welcoming staff that continually strives to provide relevant and creative programs to all members of the community; to have a well maintained building that is easily accessible; and to have a Board of Trustees that comes prepared to meetings, makes informed decisions based on library policy, and that is fiscally responsible.
If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the patrons of the Library?
As a Trustee, I see my responsibility as being an engaged, informed and prepared Board member, whose obligation is to represent the community of West Chicago and its citizens.
What are your qualifications for the position of Library Trustee?
I have been a resident of West Chicago for almost 25 years, raising my family here and using the library regularly. I currently work as a bookkeeper and, before that, was an administrative assistant and a database manager. I have experience keeping things organized and understanding finances & technology. I have also volunteered in our West Chicago community in many ways over the years. Some of my volunteer experiences include working on the PTO at the schools my children attended, volunteering with the Girl Scout and the Boy Scouts, fostering puppies for a local rescue (4 Paws 4 U 4 Ever) and organizing the Scripps Spelling Bee for District 33 students. Back in my own school days, I always found ways to volunteer as a library assistant every year. And my first job back in high school was working part-time at the Geneva Public Library.
What is your motivation for seeking a position as a West Chicago Public Library Trustee?
I take so much pride in our WeGo community and want to help it to thrive. Our library is an important part of our community and I would like to do my part in keeping it a valuable resource for all of us.
What do you feel are the most essential services that the Library should provide to the community of West Chicago?
The library should provide all of the people of West Chicago with access to information, entertainment and a feeling of community. The library should continue to evolve and grow with our community, with society, with technology as we all advance and progress. The library should encourage and promote literacy and communication. The library should continue to provide opportunities for community members to network, learn new things, work together and associate with each other.
If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the patrons of the Library?
If elected, I feel that my responsibility to the community would be to help to keep the West Chicago Library moving forward, responsibly and joyfully, remaining a useful asset to all.
What are your qualifications for the position of Library Trustee?
Since 2012, I have been involved with the Board of Trustees in addition to having a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from Dominican University. As a member of the Board of Trustees, I am currently Treasurer and have served as Secretary. I also have chaired and/or participated in the following committees:
- Policy
- Finance (current Chair)
- Strategic Planning (past Chair)
- Building & Grounds
What is your motivation for seeking a position as a West Chicago Public Library Trustee?
I truly believe that a public library is the heart of the community and want to ensure that West Chicago Public Library continues to be a touchpoint for the community. The library is more than just a building, but a service that weaves itself through the community through outreach and programming. The library should continue to be a resource for all members of the community.
What do you feel are the most essential services that the Library should provide to the community of West Chicago?
The library should offer spaces, programming, and services that meet the ever evolving educational and recreational needs and wants of the community. The library should be a community center whether in person or virtually that brings all members of the community value in their lives.
If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the patrons of the Library?
To ensure the library continues to meet the evolving needs and wants of the community while remaining fiscally responsible. I would also like to be responsive to the concerns and opinions of the patrons, making sure their voices are heard and reflected in the library’s vision and mission.
