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
This is my first political campaign.
Community experience
A part of the Oak Park community for over 20 years, involved in schools, PTO and ran block parties for several years.
What is the greatest challenges facing the Oak Park Public Library?
Good governance is currently our most pressing challenge at the library. The departure of our previous Executive Director revealed the need for stronger leadership and transparency in Board decisions, as well as the need for improved relations and communication between the Board and the Executive Director. As a professional librarian, I would bring valuable expertise and a fresh perspective to the Board, helping to ensure our decisions align with our community’s diverse needs.
In the face of national attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, how will you protect and enforce DEI at the library?
As a librarian, I am strongly committed to librarianship and its values. DEI is foundational to our work – it is built into an official interpretation of the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights and is one of ALA’s four strategic priorities and key action areas. The OPPL has established equity and anti-racism as one of its four strategic priorities, alongside learning, engagement, and stewardship. This commitment fundamentally informs all library work and is reported monthly to the Board. Having DEI policies woven into the core work of an organization makes it a robust and enduring policy that protects it from shifting political climates or individual preferences. I strongly support DEI and am committed to maintaining the library as a diverse institution.
When a new executive director is hired, how will you help ensure a smooth transition and strong leadership?
As a Board member, I would ensure a smooth leadership transition by working collaboratively with the new Executive Director to establish clear expectations and processes. The Board’s role would be to provide strategic guidance while respecting the Director’s autonomy to manage daily operations and implement their vision within the established priorities and budget set by the Board.
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?
Modern libraries serve as vital third spaces in communities. Nurturing this essential function at OPPL is one of my top priorities. The library should be a welcoming space to all members of our community. A truly welcoming space must also be a secure one, and I support strengthening our Social Services & Public Safety area with additional staff and resources to create a responsible space for everyone.
What should the policy be on banning books at the OPPL?
As a librarian, I strongly endorse OPPL’s Freedom to Read policy, as it perfectly aligns with my professional values. The policy firmly grounds our commitment in the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement. It explicitly protects intellectual freedom and opposes censorship in all forms. Thanks to the work of our previous Executive Director, Oak Park became a Book Sanctuary Community in 2023, reflecting our commitment to ensuring diverse collections that represent multiple viewpoints and defending every community member’s right to read and access information freely.
Please add final thoughts not covered in this questionnaire. These responses may appear online.
With 30 years of experience as a law librarian, managing professional librarians and researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise, I would bring valuable leadership perspective to the Board.Throughout my career, I have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom and firmly believe that organizational culture is shaped by leadership. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to help guide and support the new Executive Director as they transition into their role, ensuring they have the resources, guidance and backing needed to succeed in leading our library forward.