Trustee Candidate Information Page

What are your qualifications for the position of Library trustee?

I've been on the Board of Trustees since 2020 and have served as Treasurer since 2021. I've also served on appointed commissions in Romeoville, where I currently live, and Tinley Park, where I previously lived.

What is your motivation for seeking a position as a Library Trustee?

I have always loved libraries and have been a regular visitor to PAPL since moving to the area in 2009. My family enjoys taking advantage of the many resources provided by the library, and I see serving on the Board as a wonderful way to serve my community through one of my favorite community institutions.

What do you believe are the most essential services the Library should provide for its community?

Many people equate libraries with books, and although books are a critical element to any public library, the community benefits most from a library that also provides essential programs and services residents need, regardless of economic status. If you don't know where to find something, someone at the library either can help or knows where to go. That makes the library an invaluable resource.

If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the Library's community?

For me, the most important role of a Board member is to be a good steward of the taxpayer dollars we receive to ensure residents in every part of the District are served by the library. That can be a challenge when considering the size and makeup of PAPL's reach, which many don't realize is beyond the borders of Plainfield. I think our leadership and staff do a phenomenal job of keeping that focus in mind as well.

What are your qualifications for the position of Library trustee?

I've had 12 years' experience as a Plainfield Library Trustee, Secretary of the Board for 8 years, volunteer with Friends of the Library for 12 years, resident and library card holder since and Registered Nurse for 41 years.

What is your motivation for seeking a position as a Library Trustee?

I've been part of the improvements and expansion for the last 12 years. I want to see through the new expansion to fruition and be part of the exciting changes with the expansion and into the future,

What do you believe are the most essential services the Library should provide for its community?

I see the library as being a hub for the community, a place for residents of all ages to come together to learn and explore their interests and all that the library has to offer.

If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the Library's community?

To make the library a dynamic opportunity for the community, maximizing services while being careful with taxpayer money.

What are your qualifications for the position of Library Trustee?

I’ve been a long timer user of the library system, both here in Plainfield, and everywhere else I’ve lived.

I’ve served on the board on two other occasions as well, and am familiar with the responsibilities and requires of the position.

What is your motivation for seeking a position as a Library Trustee?

My biggest motivation is help oversee the remaining work on the new library renovation to completion.

After that is completed, it will be to work with the rest of the board and library staff to revise our five year, ten year, and twenty year plans.

What do you believe are the most essential services the Library should provide for its community?

A quiet place for reflection in noisy world, filled with as many ways of finding answers as possible.

That means study rooms, access to physical material, and increasingly digital options too.

If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the Library's community?

To make sure that the community’s invest in the library system is used as effectively as possible, to get the most out of our library collection, as well as the new space that will become available when the renovation is finished, and the building is opened up to the public.

What are your qualifications for the position of Library trustee?

I have had the privilege of serving on the Library Board for over nine years, during which I have taken on leadership roles, including committee chair for Finance and Building & Grounds, as well as serving as Treasurer and Vice President. As a licensed architect specializing in library design, I have provided guidance to the board on all building and grounds matters. My expertise has been particularly valuable during the library’s renovation, ensuring that the Library Director and board members had the necessary support, insight, and direction to navigate the process effectively.

Additionally, my experience working in libraries during college has given me a deep understanding of their day-to-day operations. This firsthand knowledge, combined with my professional and board leadership experience, allows me to approach library stewardship with a well-rounded perspective. My commitment to the library’s mission and my comprehensive understanding of its operations make me well-qualified for the position of Library Trustee.

What is your motivation for seeking a position as a Library Trustee?

My motivation for seeking a position as a Library Trustee stems from my deep commitment to community involvement and my understanding of the vital role a library plays in connecting, serving, and fostering growth within our community. Libraries provide invaluable access to educational and social programs, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the opportunity to engage with a wealth of knowledge, literature, and cultural experiences. Beyond being a resource for information, libraries serve as community hubs that promote inclusivity, lifelong learning, and shared experiences. I am passionate about supporting and strengthening these community-centric ideals, ensuring that our library continues to thrive as a space for learning, connection, and enrichment for all.

What do you believe are the most essential services the Library should provide for its community?

I believe some of the most essential services a library should provide for its community are:

1. Access to Literature in All Formats – Ensuring that the community has access to a diverse collection of books, whether in physical, digital, or audio formats, so that everyone, regardless of preference or ability, can engage with literature and expand their knowledge.
2. Educational and Enrichment Programs – Offering programs that promote lifelong learning and creativity for all ages, from book clubs to arts and crafts, technology workshops, and other knowledge-centric activities that inspire curiosity and personal growth.
3. A Social Hub for Community Connection – Serving as a welcoming space where people can gather, exchange ideas, and participate in events that foster community engagement, inclusivity, and intellectual and cultural development.

By providing these essential services, the library remains a cornerstone of the community, supporting education, creativity, and social connection.

If elected, what would you see as your responsibility to the library’s community?

If elected, I see my primary responsibility as being a steward and advocate for the essential services the library provides—ensuring continued access to literature in all formats, fostering educational and enrichment programs for all ages, and maintaining the library as a vital social hub for community connection.

Additionally, I would be committed to supporting the Library Director and staff in their mission, providing guidance and collaboration to help them serve the community effectively.

Lastly, I would prioritize fiscally responsible solutions that align with the community’s needs, ensuring that the library remains sustainable, adaptable, and well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of its patrons.