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
Oak Park Library Board
Community experience
Oak Park D97 CLAIM Committee, Ernest Hemingway Foundation Board
What are the greatest challenges facing the Oak Park Public Library?
Our most immediate challenge is identifying and hiring a new Executive Director. Beginning the work of the new Director to familiarize themself with the staff and work with the board to set strategic priorities within the first few months. We are fortunate to be in a state with a general assembly and Governor that have repeatedly demonstrated their support for public libraries. However, there have already been groups who have turned their gaze towards us and given the new presidential administration actions I expect these groups will be newly energized. We must also begin to prepare for significant building expenditures in the coming years as our main branch is now over 20 years old with many systems original to that construction that will need to be addressed in the next 5 to 10 years.
In the face of national attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, how will you protect and enforce DEI at the library?
As I stated in my February 11 letter to the paper I strongly believe it is vital that public libraries and other government organizations continue to develop and implement DEI initiatives. The board should continue to review policies and revise them as needed. We must provide support to the new Executive Director in their review of practices and procedures that will guide staff in their day to day operations. The board should ask that clear goals be established that can be assessed for their success.
When a new executive director is hired, how will you help ensure a smooth transition and strong leadership?
I would propose a planning meeting with the Board to establish clear expectations on goals and communication. The board should exercise the portion of the contract with Koya Partners to leverage their experience in onboarding new executive leaders. I will encourage the use of the anonymous staff survey results so that they have a comprehensive and open view into how the staff on all levels is feeling about the work of the library. I would engage with organizations like RAILS and Illinois Library Association to identify tools and resources to assist with onboarding.
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?
Public libraries remain one of the few spaces where you aren’t charged a fee to enter or expected to buy something to stay. The library should continue to establish engaging programs, build an active collection, and develop an empowered, innovative staff so that we continue to set an example of how vital a healthy public library is to the strength of a vibrant community like Oak Park. We must also take care of our physical spaces and insure that our buildings are well maintained to keep up with our year round use.
What should the policy be on banning books at the OPPL?
I am grateful that Illinois recently passed a law that would almost eliminate book bans in public libraries. I am fully opposed to the implementation of any kind of categorical book ban at the Oak Park Public Library. I have trust in the professional judgement of our librarians to build a collection that serves our community’s needs and interests.
Please add final thoughts not covered in this questionnaire. These responses may appear online.
It has been an honor to serve the Oak Park community as a member of the Library Board. I hope that I will be entrusted to be your voice at the table for another term on the Board. I enjoy how excited my daughters get about going to the library and how hard a time they have picking out books from our amazing collection. I am thrilled at the work the staff has done through so many challenging times in the past. Given the new tumultuous era into which we are entering I feel that it is important to have a trustee with experienced leadership and deep roots in our community to help govern and guide our public library. We have the opportunity to continue to be leader in many ways and I believe I can help make that happen. Please vote for me for Library Trustee.
