The Wednesday Journal sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Journal’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Political experience
Campus Coordinator, Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group; Member, Marshfield MA Democratic Town Committee, Member ACLU
Community experience
Mews of Oak Park Condominium Board President & Treasurer
What are the greatest challenges facing the Oak Park Public Library?
The biggest challenge facing the library is adapting to a rapidly changing informational environment while maintaining traditional services and collections. With so much information and media readily available online the library must enhance its role as a hub for face-to-face cultural, educational and recreational activities in order to enrich the sense of true community in Oak Park.
In the face of national attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, how will you protect and enforce DEI at the library?
The principles of equity, inclusion and diversity are core values of the Village of Oak Park and public libraries long before the designation of DEI as a negative catchphrase in recent culture-war politics. Thankfully, Oak Park Public Library is not dependent on federal funding for its existence. It is the community of Oak Park that funds the library and as long as the principles of DEI are embraced by the community, the library need not heel to outside pressure to deny them. As a trustee of our library I will fight to uphold the place of Oak Park Public Library as a true “Library for all” and resist outside attempts to erode these foundational tenets of our community.
When a new executive director is hired, how will you help ensure a smooth transition and strong leadership?
The abrupt termination of the library director last year provided the impetus for my candidacy. The Board’s explanation indicated that their relationship had deteriorated to the point where the parties could no longer work together. So that this doesn’t happen again, I will ensure that the Board and Director have regular communication and that feedback is given so that their values and priorities are congruent. This process should begin with orientation continuing with regular evaluations of performance. Each month the ED reports activities in key areas of the library’s strategic plan. to the Board This should be examined closely and feedback given as to their alignment with expectations. With these processes in place the new Director will be able to lead confidently and successfully.
What is your take on the library as a third space, or place outside home and work that allows locals to connect with their community?
The library is one of the few places in the community where all are welcome without membership or purchase. To make Oak Park Public a true third space for all it must remain a welcoming place in which all feel comfortable pursuing their interests. To do this the library must appraise its spaces and services to make sure they are meeting community needs, Furnishings need to be both comfortable and sanitary. Spaces should be able to accommodate the activities of individuals, small groups and large public events. The Veterans Room should be upgraded to a space more conducive for performances and other public events.
What should the policy be on banning books at the OPPL?
Oak Park Public Library has robust Freedom to Read and Freedom to View policies in place. The Library and the Village also declared Oak Park a Book Sanctuary in 2023. These policies affirm that collections reflect a broad spectrum of viewpoints representative of all cultures and lifestyles in our community. A process of review of book challenges from community members is in place, but politically organized book banning campaigns motivated by the restriction of collections in contravention of library policies should be rejected.