The RB Landmark sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Landmark’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Political experience
This is my first time running for office. I was appointed to the Library Board in April 2024 and have greatly enjoyed the experience. My appointment ends in April 2025, and I hope to be elected to continue serving.
Community experience
Since 2015, my family has invested time, energy, and resources into Brookfield’s vibrant community life. We volunteer for our schools, the library, the food bank, and our natural spaces. We donate to local organizations that help Brookfield thrive. We prioritize local businesses and delight in supporting local artists. More broadly, I currently serve as a Governor-appointed Commissioner and elected Chair for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. I am also an official Observer for the binational Great Lakes Commission and a Nominating Committee member for the Cook County Forest Preserves’ Conservation Policy Council. Community service is a central value for me and I would be honored to continue serving Brookfield as a Library Trustee.
How do you view the library’s role as a “third space” in Brookfield? What can it do better in that regard?
The US Surgeon General recently warned of a “loneliness and isolation epidemic” and stressed “the healing effects of social connection and community.” Our library is a social anchor: in 2024 alone, the library offered 1.2k events/classes; meeting rooms were reserved 1.5k times. I appreciate the increase in inclusive programming that spans varied interests, abilities, generations, and languages. I also appreciate outdoor programs that relieve indoor crowding and get people outside. The library has been creative with enhancing other third spaces too, like staffing a Farmers Market booth and joining Cycle Brookfield’s social rides. I applaud the library’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and outreach and I encourage continued creativity in nurturing our community connections!
What is your favorite library initiative or service? How do you make use of the library?
My family loves the library! Our favorite initiative or service would be “all of them!” We check out piles of books and games monthly. We regularly use study and gaming rooms. We attend programs, from pigeon rescue to a Little Women tea party and movie viewing. I discovered an unknown family member via the library’s ancestry.com service, and used the high-res scanner to digitize our precious paper prints of ancestors. I have also relied on the library for notary services and newspaper access. And we are not alone! In 2024, the library welcomed almost 124k visitors and offered over 1.2k classes and events. Almost 250k items were checked out, and onsite computers were used over 13k times. Check out the 2024 Annual Report online for more data on how our community benefits from the library!
How would you respond to a growing book ban movement?
Libraries nationwide have become a popular target for inflammatory politics. Banning books is a tactic to sow discord and restrict intellectual freedom and learning. The impact is vast: nationally, over 4k titles were challenged in 2023, an increase of 92% over 2022. During September’s Banned Books Week, I volunteered to distribute banned books at the Brookfield Metra station, including titles like Elie Wiesel’s Night, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Orwell’s 1984. Many commuters were surprised by the wide reach of bans, including classics and American “greats.” Thankfully, Illinois law prohibits libraries from banning books and censoring materials based on political or personal opinion, a law I support and for which I am grateful.
What is the biggest challenge facing the library?
Meeting growing community needs with relatively limited funds is the perennial challenge. Expanding collections, upgrading technology, maintaining our space, and offering meaningful programs all take resources and creativity, as does ensuring ever broader access, including for those facing barriers such as transportation, digital literacy, and language. Additionally, as social and political polarization continues, libraries must maintain strong connections across all parts of the community to ensure that we all feel the their benefits rather than seek to diminish or undermine them. As libraries evolve, securing sustainable funding, adapting to changing needs, and maintaining strong community trust and support is key.
How does the library balance development and expansion with conserving tax dollars?
The Board has a vested interest in conserving tax dollars: we pay Brookfield taxes, too! In 2023, 5% of our property taxes supported the library, compared to 60% for our schools. A primary Board responsibility is to maximize library services within this relatively tight funding. As a current Trustee, I can attest that every financial decision is made with thoughtful consideration of the library’s and community’s current and future needs. We prioritize long-term financial health when considering major expenses and investments. We review the library’s finances monthly and scrutinize proposed budgets. I encourage residents to visit the library’s website to understand the financials, including FY25 budget details and past audits, and bring questions to the monthly meetings.
Please add final thoughts not covered in this questionnaire. These responses may appear online.
I’m grateful to the staff, volunteers, and supporters who make the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library a vital and vibrant part of our community! Serving as a Trustee has shown me the passion and dedication behind the scenes. From longtime staff and trustees to young volunteers discovering service, their energy and creativity keep our library welcoming, innovative, and enriching. I’m inspired by how they bring people together, foster learning, and adapt to our community’s needs. I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for our library alongside them.