As a Hillside resident since 2003 and working as a Chicago area journalist, I understand the vital role libraries play in fostering curiosity and intellectual growth. Being a Hillside Public Library Trustee allows me to contribute my skills and insights to support and advocate for this vital community space. My motivation to run is two-fold: It’s my community library. It’s a place where I not only get books for myself but it's the place my child loved to spend his free time in, in countless programs for many years. It’s a dynamic and welcoming safe space for learning and inclusivity. I’m eager to help shape initiatives that ensure libraries remain accessible, well-resourced, and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
The primary role of the public library is to serve as a hub for knowledge, access, and connection. Libraries provide free and equal access to information, ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn and engage with their community and the world around them. Beyond books, they offer essential resources such as digital access and early literacy programs. Libraries also foster a sense of community by hosting programming that brings people together. Importantly, they stand as guardians of intellectual freedom, resisting censorship to ensure open access to ideas. As society evolves, libraries continue to adapt, providing innovative services that meet the changing needs of their patrons while remaining a welcoming space for everyone.
A major challenge facing libraries is securing adequate funding to meet the evolving needs of the community. Libraries are no longer just about books—they serve as essential hubs for digital access, early literacy programs, and community engagement. As an ESL tutor at a neighboring library, I’ve seen firsthand how libraries provide vital resources that empower individuals to learn and grow. However, many libraries struggle with outdated infrastructure, limited staffing, and insufficient budgets, making it difficult to expand their services. I strongly support increased funding at both local and state levels to ensure libraries remain accessible and responsive to the changing needs of their patrons.
The Hillside Public Library has been evolving into a dynamic community hub, and our resources continue to reflect the diverse needs of the people here. While books remain at the heart of the experience, I’d like to see an expansion of our offerings that go beyond traditional materials. Libraries can also serve as vital spaces for cultural events and additionally, expanding access to maker spaces can help bridge gaps in accessibility and opportunity. I’d like to continue strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations to further enhance the library’s role as a trusted community resource. This way we can ensure that the library offers our residents access to the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to thrive.
It’s important to support the library, but it must be done with an awareness of budget restrictions. The staff is the backbone, providing essential services, programming, and expertise keeping the HPL running smoothly. It’s always a challenge to keep wages competitive to attract and retain skilled library professionals, along with ongoing training and professional development to ensure they can meet the changing needs of our patrons, whether through digital literacy instruction or evolving technologies. Even though budgets may be tight, investing in our staff is an investment in the Hillside community. Properly supported employees can provide better services, foster engagement, and help the HPL offer a place for our residents to thrive.
I’m firmly against censorship and believe libraries must remain committed to intellectual freedom and the right to access a wide range of ideas and perspectives. My work as a journalist is rooted in the principles of free expression and the importance of providing people with the information they need to think critically and make informed decisions. Libraries are places where people can learn about different viewpoints without restriction. I understand that some materials may be controversial, but it’s not the role of the library to censor content based on personal beliefs or ideological differences. Open access to information is a cornerstone of democracy. I strongly support upholding policies that protect the freedom to read and learn.
In 2001, I moved to Hillside, and a year later, my daughter was born. Our family quickly became active at the Hillside Public Library, where we found not just books and media, but also engaging programs that nurtured my little learner’s curiosity. About 20 years ago, I saw a post for a Trustee vacancy. When asked about my reasons for running, I expressed my passion for promoting literacy, fostering community engagement, and ensuring equity among neighboring libraries.
Over the years, my vision has expanded to include reaching out to reluctant library users, upholding constitutional values, and working toward moving our library into a new building. I remain committed to ensuring the library continues to be a vibrant resource for all.
Hillside Public Library is a trusted and inclusive hub where everyone has equitable access to information, resources, and technology. We uphold the right to read freely, support learning at all stages of life, and serve as a welcoming space where diverse voices and cultures are celebrated. Through community partnerships and engagement, we foster a strong, resilient, and informed community.
Recent political shifts have lead to increased scrutiny of library collections, programs, and policies, especially regarding book challenges, diversity initiatives, and privacy concerns.
We plan to strengthen language around intellectual freedom, privacy rights, and resistance to censorship to affirm the library’s commitment.
Our dedicated staff is engaging, knowledgeable, and creative, ensuring that our programs are both enriching and enjoyable. We take pride in providing excellent customer service that meets the needs of our patrons.
However, our building is in need of a significant update. As part of our vision for the future, we aim to relocate and modernize our space, programs, and resources to better serve our community. I am looking forward to this exciting transformation!
At Hillside Library, we are committed to supporting staff with competitive wages, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional development. Even before the 2025 minimum wage increase in Illinois, we ensured that our salaries remained competitive by working with a human resources consultant who considers our budget, village population, and staff size.
We offer valuable benefits, including paid leave and tuition reimbursement, to invest in our employees' well-being and growth. Our staff also participates in bi-annual professional development training, reinforcing our dedication to lifelong learning. As an organization, we believe in continuous education and strive to empower our staff to grow both personally and professionally.
I am committed to upholding intellectual freedom and ensuring that our collection remains diverse, inclusive, and accessible to all. I will adhere to state and federal guidelines on intellectual freedom. Our collection development and reconsideration policies align with the Library Bill of Rights and best practices set by the American Library Association (ALA). While not every book will appeal to every reader, I believe in the right of individuals to choose what is best for themselves and their families. Requests to remove or restrict materials are carefully reviewed through established policies and procedures to ensure that decisions are made thoughtfully and in accordance with professional ethics.
