Position for which you are a candidate: Gail Borden Public Library Trustee

I am passionate about the impact of our library, and there are many significant projects that I want to see through to completion.
First, I want to continue my efforts to increase transparency. It took two years, but I finally succeeded in getting our Board meetings livestreamed. We are a leader in virtual programming but the Board’s own operations lagged behind.
Ready access to video recordings is an important step toward accountability to our patrons. It is the best way for patrons to see for themselves if our actions match our words, so they can hold us accountable.
Second, we will be reopening the newly renovated and expanded South Elgin Branch and debuting a newly renovated Early Learning Center later this year. I am pleased to report that both projects are under budget and include wonderful updates, especially for young families. In the coming years we plan to update the youth services area and improve our aging infrastructure.
Third, we must prepare for personnel transitions. Like many organizations, our top leadership is nearing retirement age, and a new generation of library leaders will soon step up. I pushed to get a detailed succession plan in place, so the Board and staff can be prepared in the event of an extended absence (planned or unplanned) or the retirement of our CEO. We also have an updated CEO job description and written plans for staff who will serve in interim positions as needed.

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

Number one – I am a passionate library patron. Libraries and bookshops have always been my happy place. I feel most like myself when I am browsing, choosing and reading new books. I am dedicated to ensuring everyone in our community has access to this wonderful resource.
I bring more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, ten years of dedicated community involvement, and nine years of success as a family business owner.
I currently serve as the Treasurer for the Board of Directors for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. Over the past two years, I have overseen a significant overhaul of our finances, including a bank transition, hiring a new bookkeeper, reorganizing our chart of accounts, simplifying board reports, and the implementation of responsible financial policies to reflect the organization’s growing presence and impact.
As a mother of three young children, I offer an important perspective. I advocated for a main exhibit with hands-on activities for children while the Early Learning Center is closed for renovations in the middle of winter. I also recommended installing dimmable lighting in a new nursing room for breastfeeding mothers instead of keeping the previous fluorescent lighting. These may seem like small things, but they make a world of difference for young families.
I have previous experience in public service, a master’s degree in Security Policy Studies and am not afraid to get into the weeds of best practices, budgets, research, reports, policies and programs.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

Pursuing increased transparency and good governance. When I decided to run for this position four years ago, I committed to increase transparency and accountability as a Trustee.
In the past four years, I have advocated for and achieved:
• Livestreaming of Board Meetings on the Library website;
• Written explanations in Board packets to educate Board members and the public on upcoming votes; and
• Permanent and Temporary Succession Plans to prepare Board and Staff for significant leadership transitions.
I will continue to ask questions. I will continue to encourage frequent communication with patrons about important library developments. And, I will continue to vote for transparency, accountability and responsibility.
I would be honored to have your trust and your vote to serve for the next four years on the Gail Borden Public Library Board of Trustees.

I will participate in the candidate meet & greet: