Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Riverside-Brookfield Landmark sent out to all candidates running in this year’s elections.
Age: 70
Previous political experience: 36 years on Brookfield Public Library Board
Previous community experience:
- Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader
- St. Barbara’s School and Church activities
- Friends of the Library member
- Several referendum committees
- Implemented Adopt-a-Magazine
- Creator of Taste of Brookfield at the Library
Occupation: Retired
Education: Some college
Do you support building a new library? If no, why not? If so, what does the board need to do to make that a reality? Does it involve different outreach, revising the design? When should the library seek another referendum?
Yes, I support the new library building. Over the next months, the board will continue to inform the residents of Brookfield about the importance of the new library. After the listening tour is over, the board will decide the best avenue to proceed. Hopefully, the board will seek a referendum in Fall, 2018, or Spring, 2019.
What is the role of a library in the 21st century? What kind of programming and services should a library offer; what should it not offer? Is the library meeting its mission now? Why or why not?
The role to prepare for the 21st century is offering more technology (more laptops, WI-FI Hotspots for home use) and more programs to meet everyone’s interests. We must also work with schools to fit the needs of all students. Our vision is to inform, inspire, and innovate. With a new, more spacious library we will be able to fulfill this vision.
If a referendum is not approved within the time period allowed by the village, what then? What is the way forward if it does not involve a new facility? Is there a way to make the existing facility more usable?
If a referendum does not pass after several attempts, I feel the library board should look for solutions to maintain the current building until a referendum does pass.
What other issues are important to you as a library board candidate? How would you advocate for them as a board member?
The most important issue is to get people into the library to see how crowded the inside really is and to recognize the need for more space, an updated building, and a parking lot. I have served on the Illinois Library Association’s Advocacy Committee for over 8 years. During that time I have reached out to our state legislators the importance of funding for libraries.
