(Vote for up to 3)Illinois public libraries are governed by boards of trustees elected or appointed according to the provisions of the Illinois Compiled Statutes under which the libraries are established—village, city, district, township, commission form, etc. Each library board carries the full responsibility for the library and its policies. The responsibility for administering library policy, including management of day-to-day operations, collection management, and employment decisions, is delegated to the library administrator. In addition, the library administrator provides the board with clear, relevant, and timely information that will enable it to make informed decisions in regard to policy, planning, and budget.The Roselle Public Library District is its own separate entity and taxing district, not included under the auspices of the Village of Roselle.Library trustees are not paid.
A library trustee plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting the library’s mission, securing funding, ensuring financial stewardship, supporting the director, and overseeing building maintenance and renovations. They are responsible for ensuring the library’s sustainability and relevance within the community while serving as a dedicated champion for its growth and impact.
The most important library services depend on the community’s needs, and there are many that play a vital role. However, for me and my family, the most valuable services include access to books and information, digital and technology services, educational and literacy programs, community and cultural engagement, and social services and support.
Public libraries exist to provide free and open access to information. I believe libraries should be neutral spaces that encourage learning, critical thinking, and open discussion, while allowing individuals to make personal choices about what they read.
I understand that not everyone supported the referendum, and I appreciate the community’s concerns. I would acknowledge the public concerns, highlight how the library will benefit the entire community (some examples, expanded access to books/ digital/resources/technology, community gathering spaces for meetings, events, and improved accessibility), address financial concerns while sharing the commitment to using funds responsibly (openly sharing how and where money is being spent, share cost-saving measures, provide data showing the economic benefits), welcome/invite ongoing community input to ensure the library meets everyone’s needs, and proactively share successes as the project moves forward.
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The library is FOR the community! It functions as a resource haven, meeting place, and one of the few spaces left for people to congregate without an expectation of financial reciprocation. It holds programs to teach patrons useful skills; provides information about a vast array of topics; gives access to a variety of resources such as books, movies, video games, and an increasing number of miscellaneous things; offers learning resources through databases; provides notary services and access to legal forms; helps citizens register to vote; promotes early and lifelong literacy; assists in language learning; is a cooling or warming center during inclement weather; and so much more. We are so lucky to have libraries!
The most important services at the library are those that are used and enjoyed by the community. Our library offers services and programs geared to many different demographics and interests, as well as practical services to help people with necessary tasks like filing taxes, notarizing documents, creating wills, printing, etc. Another important service that the library offers is to give opportunities to learn about different cultures through programming and materials. Through the library, we can celebrate our unique differences and also come together in our similarities.
I am vehemently against book banning. All library users should have access to any information they desire. If the library does not have a copy of a particular book, they are able to borrow it from a different library to ensure access. It is not up to me, or anyone else, to limit access to books. Our librarians do a wonderful job of providing materials which will be used and enjoyed by their patrons and I trust their judgment in curating the stock. Age-appropriate materials are in the children’s section, and parents are able to vet the books that their children encounter. Some of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read have been banned or challenged, and I would not deign to decide on someone else’s behalf what they can or cannot read.
My enthusiasm for the new library is contagious. I have held many conversations with people who were initially unsupportive of the project, and in informing them of the many services that the library already offers and the effect the new library will have on the resale value of our homes, I have convinced many to share my excitement. As a trustee, I will ensure that our community’s tax money is spent wisely with a priority of longevity so we do not need to return to referendum for additional repair or construction. I will make sure we consider local contractors in the bidding process so we can bolster our village’s economy. I’ll also continue to listen to the concerns of my neighbors so I can advocate for their needs to be met.
