Name: Amanda J Garcia

Position for which you are a candidate: Gail Borden Library Board

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I understand that Elgin residents want easy access to resources they need to thrive. Whether that’s a quiet place to study, a passport, translation of a job application, an umbrella for the rain, or a wifi hotspot. To have all that, we need library leadership that is committed to thinking outside the box and asking, “What do our neighbors need right now, and how can we get it for them?”

Do they need license plate stickers? A 3D printer? A recording studio? Historical records? Home delivery? Stories in the park?

Too many libraries are a step behind instead of ahead of the curve, which can cause patrons to wonder what good their tax dollars are doing.

I believe that libraries should exist to provide whatever resources and information their community needs, be it books, computers, classes, or a warm place to sip a coffee. I understand the need for reliable internet to attend a meeting or submit a paper on time, and for a free way to get the kids out of the house on a winter afternoon. I understand that access to the right software can be the difference between a talent stuck or soaring.

That’s why I first ran for office in 2016 and have diligently served as Trustee, Treasurer, and now Vice President of the GBPL Board ever since.

So here’s the plan:

1. Ask me anything–I love to talk about the work we’ve done in the last 6 years.
2. Vote for me on April 4!
3. Enjoy all that GBPL offers now, and watch for even more to come.

Never wonder what your library is doing for you. Re-elect a Trustee that is committed to supplying whatever you need to thrive.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

– I was appointed to the GBPL Board of Trustees in 2017 and then elected to a full term in 2019.

– I served as Treasurer for 2 years before being elected to Vice President in 2021.

– I helped guide leadership through the twists and turns of a world-wide shutdown, navigating the move to online programming and new safety protocols. I’ve been proud to vote for HR policies that protect all employees, including a rolling process to raise pay for our lowest tier staff ahead of the $15/hour minimum wage requirement. It was a joy to approve the addition of passport services, and to serve on the nominating committee that recommended our last 3 appointed trustees.

– I supported the library’s request for a federal grant that will allow us to nearly triple the usable space at the South Elgin Branch without asking for more money from the taxpayers.

– My unique perspective is that of former student, current small business owner, homeowner, and new mother of 1 and 2 year old children in Elgin, all of which inform my decisions on the board.

– I hold a BA in Communications from Judson University and an MBA from Southern Illinois University, and both have equipped me to lend valuable input to a wide variety of library projects–everything from annual budget approval to special library events.

– I am a current board member of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce and Elgin Community Bikes, and I serve many charitable organizations through my work as Founder & CEO of ColorWord Creative. I am fortunate to be immersed in both the business and nonprofit sectors of our community.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

– Maintaining the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and accountability.

– Supporting new and ongoing efforts to make our library branches even greener, including the addition of electric vehicle charging stations.

– Providing board oversight of the expansion of the South Elgin Branch.

– Creating more dedicated study space at the Main Branch.

– Ensuring effective communication about library services to all patrons.

– Protecting access to diverse resources and education for all.

– Imaging and supplying new and creative ways to equip our community with resources they need to thrive.

 

Will you be attending the Candidate Night?  Yes

 

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