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
None
Community experience
I was an active member of Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity from 2006-2014, serving as Secretary and various committee chairs. I was also a member of Central Elementary’s PTO board from 2014-2020. I served as Co-president, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian and committee chairs.
How do you view the library’s role as a “third space” in Riverside? What can it do better in that regard?
I think the library proves itself as an incredibly important third space in Riverside. Our library serves as a community gathering space offering different programs among all age groups. It also serves as a safe space for fostering inclusivity and helping the underserved in our community. In addition to the traditional library services, our library has tax preparation services, space for yoga classes, its Library of Things, crafts using its 3D printer, author zoom calls and seminars on everything from Medicare to interesting things to do in our state! Calling this space a library doesn’t seem to do it justice sometimes.
What is your favorite library initiative or service? How do you make use of the library?
Curb side pick-up and the ability to request books from other libraries are my favorite services and the ones I use most.
How would you respond to a growing book ban movement?
I do not believe in banning books. Book banning comes with significant consequences, and it can be challenging to determine where to draw the line once the process starts. Restricting access to books sets a precedent on the road to broader censorship. But I do think that we should continue to listen to our community when concerns are raised about books in our library.
What is the biggest challenge facing the library?
The biggest challenge facing our library is what every library in our country is facing, a rise in book banning and censorship. Other challenges are how to stay relevant in a world relying more on digital media and less on books and how to better help the underserved populations in our community.
How does the library balance development and expansion with conserving tax dollars?
I believe the library does a great job of maximizing their budget to bring new and diverse books and tools to the library for the community at large to use. But the reality is that libraries face increasing demands for diverse and sometimes costly offerings. Different sized libraries have different sized budgets, so staff must work with the board to maximize value while maintaining fiduciary responsibilities to taxpayers.