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DISTRICT
Ypsilanti District Library
Campaign Phone
7344784894
Number of years as resident
30
I am currently a Trustee, having been appointed after an open application and interview process. I have board experience from both local organizations and national professional ones. I also have a passion for libraries from being a professor, author, editor, and in a family (parents and twin daughters) who are big library users.
I was on the board of SafeHouse for 6 years, including two as President (term limited). I am currently head of the advisory board for EMU's food pantry. I served in the Executive Committee of EMU's faculty union (as well as on the contract negotiating team). I have also been on a number of editorial boards and the Executive Committee of a division of the American Society of Criminology.
The library has already started a strategic planning process and I work to accomplish the goals that arise from that process. While I will have a voice in the process, the elected Trustee should show leadership in implementing the will of the community and staff.
In addition to the plan, two goals are important for me. One is to help in my role on the fundraising committee to raise money for a new bookmobile (probably $400k or more). The second is to support the Community Cares program, which is led by a Social Worker.
The world is a threat to places where you can go without spending money, where you can use wifi without feeling like you need to buy coffee, where you can get books and movies and have some help you find what you're interested in for free. There are threats from people who want to limit what's in the library. It also faces threats from AI-written book slop that encroaches on electronic offerings and make it harder to find what you really want.
The books and movies online are not likely to be free, like they are through the library. Librarians are experts in helping you find the information you and your children want. We are also growing a "library of things" - tools, cooking and crafting items, recreation passports and more - that people can check out. And people still want community, so the large number and variety of clubs, meet ups and get togethers still has value. Not everyone has a generous data plan, so the library also offers free wifi 24/7 to help people find other information online. (Stop by the parking lot to use the wifi before the library opens in the morning!)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
DISTRICT
Ypsilanti District Library
Number of years as resident
26
Professionally, I have a master's in information science from U-M and have spent 25 years working on U-M websites, focused on information architecture, usability, and accessibility.
Personally, I've been an Ypsilanti resident for 26 years, in both the city and the township. I'm a longtime supporter of our library system and served as a volunteer on the fundraising committee for the new Superior Township branch, which opened in 2022.
My mother worked at my hometown library for about 30 years, and I've had a lifelong love of libraries and information. I believe strongly that information and education should be accessible to everyone.
My top priority is making sure YDL serves the real needs of the community. I have relevant knowledge and experience, but I don't want to come onto the board with an agenda. YDL is currently developing a new strategic plan and having conversations with the community. That feedback should shape all future plans. My background in information science, usability, and accessibility gives me a practical lens for evaluating the plan, especially making sure the library's services and resources are genuinely accessible to everyone in the community.
Funding is usually the biggest challenge for public institutions. At YDL, a current priority is raising money for a new bookmobile, which brings the library to residents who may have difficulty accessing one of YDL's branches on their own. Fortunately, I enjoy fundraising and worked in communications for U-M's Office of University Development for eight years. I'd be excited to be part of the bookmobile campaign, and I'm committed to managing the budget responsibly so YDL can continue providing excellent resources and services to the community.
Libraries stay relevant by adapting to how people learn and access information. This is one of YDL's core values. Today, that means providing access to digital resources like e-books, audiobooks, apps, and databases, along with a wide range of in-person programs: trainings, workshops, and group activities curated for every age and background in the community. Staying current on trends and best practices is an important part of my work as a user experience architect. I'd bring that same mindset to the YDL board.
Printed books will always be an important part of the library, but there is so much more to YDL than books.
