Trustee Candidates

Office: Trustee

Term: 2025 – 2029

Address: Gurnee

Resident of WNPLD since 2010

Registered voter: Yes

Why are you interested in becoming a WNPLD Trustee?

As a frequent patron of the WNPL, I am extremely grateful for the many services the library provides to our community. I want to share my love for the library with all residents by promoting the library as a hub for community knowledge and engagement. I look forward to serving the community by both preserving and developing the overall welfare of the library.

Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

I am a proud alumnus of Miami University in Oxford, OH. While earning my bachelor’s degree in Marketing, I discovered that I am, undeniably, a “people person”. My professional background is broad and diverse, yet has always been guided by serving people. My experience working with people who represent every segment of our community – from preschool children to the elderly and business leaders to the unhoused – enables me to help the Board extend its network and fulfill its mission statement.  

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions)

Since 2019, I have been an active volunteer in District 50 schools. Last year, I began advocating for PADS of Lake County and became a founding member of Joining Forces for Affordable Housing – Gurnee. Additionally, I have served my neighborhood through many roles. After leading the Events Committee team, I was elected as Secretary and subsequently, Vice President of my HOA Board. As a family, we enjoy volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank and providing meals to Lake County Haven residents.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

My vision for the library is fairly simple, yet deeply meaningful. I aim to ensure that the library remains a free, safe, inclusive and accessible place for ALL. I want everyone in the district to consider the library as their go to source for community-based questions. My hope is that people will instinctively think of the library as the place to find the information, resources, community and programming they need.

Office: Trustee

Term: 2025 – 2029

Address: Gurnee

Resident of WNPLD since 2021

Registered voter: Yes

Why are you interested in becoming a WNPLD Trustee?

I am passionate about ensuring that libraries remain free from bans and censorship, continue to provide open access to literature and information for all ages, and evolve to meet the needs of future generations. Libraries have the unique ability to foster learning, develop community engagement, and protect intellectual freedom. As a library trustee, I would be dedicated to preserving and improving this at the Warren Newport Public Library.

Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

I am a degreed librarian with a Master of Library and Information Science who has worked in public libraries since 2008. I have nearly fifteen years of library management experience, and currently work at Grayslake Library, also a district library, as the Head of Resource Services. I have experience in drafting library policies, strategic planning, budgeting, evaluating materials, and library technology. I am actively involved in providing professional development to librarians in the field.

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions)

As a library employee, I have provided public service to communities for the past seventeen years. I have managed Grayslake’s One Book One Community partnership, planned and executed a school district-wide art fair, and partnered with library Friends at Lake Bluff Library to host book drives. I have participated in numerous outreach events, such as school registrations and visits, farmer’s markets, and the Lake County Fair. I would be honored to represent the WNPL community if elected.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

I believe libraries play a crucial role in fostering intellectual freedom by fighting censorship and ensuring all children have access to diverse literature and educational resources. Libraries should reflect the community’s values while adapting to new technologies like AI to stay relevant. Continued funding is essential to ensure libraries remain vibrant, inclusive spaces for learning, growth, and the exchange of ideas now and in the future.

Office: Trustee

Term: 2025 – 2029

Address: Gurnee

Resident of WNPLD since 1997

Registered voter: Yes

Why are you interested in becoming a WNPLD Trustee?

I’m committed to improving community access to our library, as they are vital hubs of knowledge, technology, training, and cultural experiences for everyone regardless of background or means.

Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

My diverse experience in healthcare and customer service equips me to make a meaningful contribution to community engagement, long term planning and support for the library’s mission to enrich, empower, and enlighten the WNPL community.

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions)

Currently I  am active in my Neighborhood watch program, volunteer with Reading Power as a Tutor, and commit to community service at Bernie’s Books, Friends  of WNPL Library, Feed my Starving Children  and Northern Illinois Food Bank. Since becoming a candidate for Library Trustee I have been attending board meetings to  become familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a trustee.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

Prioritizing promotion of Literacy and lifelong learning, enhancing digital access, securing long term funding, expanding community engagement, and fostering innovation and flexibility.  I see our library as a dynamic, accessible and impactful cornerstone of the community and I’m looking forward to being part of its growth and support.

Office: Trustee

Term: 2025 – 2029

Address: Wadsworth

Resident of WNPLD since May, 1994

Registered voter: Yes

Why are you interested in becoming a WNPLD Trustee?

Learn more about the functions of the library and develop an understanding of what functions could be improved. Then develop activities that can address any identified deficiencies.

Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

Completed 5 years of post-graduate education (Ph.D. in polymer science) that has provided to me leadership skills and the ability to evaluate needed adjustments in means of action.

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions)

Served as club treasurer for Little Fort Kennel Club of Waukegan for at least 5 years.  Part of my duties included coordinating all needed activities relating to the club’s annual all breed dog show, leading to repeatedly successful dog shows.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

Enhance the content of the library website based on input from the Warren-Newport community.  Investigate the need for further senior citizen programs and grow such programs as needed.

Office: Trustee

Term: 2025 – 2029

Address: Gurnee

Resident of WNPLD since 2022

Registered voter: Yes

Why are you interested in becoming a WNPLD Trustee?

The library, the Gurnee library, us where I took my kids to read, check out videos, go to story time, and where I did my grad school research. The library is the cornerstone of any good community

Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

I started working in a library in high school and college, I’ve used a library my whole life. I am special ed teacher, I am active in the lake county community in schools and nonprofits. My first masters degree focused on nonprofits and government

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions)

Mom’s Club, Girl Scouts, destination imagination, theatre in fist 56 and 121, as well as finding 3 brothers theatre, board member of the Robert E Gard Foundation, finding board member or lake Count LBGTQ center and run the drama and book club at Kenneth Murphy Elementary

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

It should be a place for learning, gathering, free or inexpensive events around many subjects and sectors, a place you can use a computer, study, tutoring, or group meetings. Workshops. It should be a place everyone wants to be and have a significant presence in our community for everyone

Office: Trustee

Term: 2025 – 2029

Address: Gurnee

Resident of WNPLD since 2022

Registered voter: Yes

Why are you interested in becoming a WNPLD Trustee?

I am interested in becoming a library trustee because I believe in the transformation power of libraries to improve communities. Moreover, I love books and want to see equitable access to them and the other important resources provided by WNPL to all community members. As a former educator (substitute teaching and college professor) I’ve seen the value of libraries to student education and social development and want to leverage these experiences in service as a library trustee.

Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

With a 25 year career in non-profit health and human services, leadership roles in community coalitions, professional associations, and the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, I am eager to provide positive input on the library board. I’ve earned a BA in UWW (Multicultural Psychology focus), MS Organizational Leadership, MA Pastoral Counseling, MJ Health Law (candidate) and PhD in Community Psychology among a variety of certificates in Conflict Resolution, Marketing, and Fundraising.

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions)

As a Community Health Worker and other outreach roles I have partnered with libraries to deliver health education on end-of-life planning such as advance directives. In Feb. 2025 I collaborated with the Highwood Library to provide a professional development staff training. I am a former girl scout leader, youth programming parish leader, and have served on multiple boards including Access to Care, Howard Brown Health Women’s Board, Chicago Dental Society Foundation and LGBTQ Ctr of Lake County.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

Libraries are more than a place to check out books, they are safe spaces for individuals and groups to gather, learn about vital resources, opportunities to develop a new skill or hobby, and support other interests. Libraries can be intergenerational community hubs and are important to thriving communities. Libraries are key collaborators with other organizations to promote the overall health and well-being of communities.

Office: Trustee

Term: 2025-2029

Address: Gurnee

Resident of WNPLD since 1992

Registered voter: Yes

Why are you interested in becoming a WNPLD Trustee?

I am particularly interested in being a trustee for the Warren Newport library because I have been a community member since 1992 and have utilized the library for all of those years. I have used our library as a resource for my two daughters and two grandchildren over these years. I feel that I have unique skills honed as an academic advisor at the College of Lake County that will be beneficial to the WNPL.

Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

I have a B. A. in history from University of Wisconsin – Parkside and my Master’s from Dominican University in education. I have worked for the last 17 years as an academic advisor at the College of Lake County. While working at the college I have served on several committees that directly impacted students and their families. I have worked closely with the library at the college and feel that those skills and relationships will be an asset to my position as a trustee.

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions)

I have been an advisor to several groups at the College of Lake County that focused on encouraging and helping minority male students reach their goals, both academically and as contributing members of their community.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

I see the library’s role in the community as an evolving role that should grow with our community and be flexible and inclusive to the demographics of our community. I would also like to expand the reach of our bookmobile program so that our services are known to the entire community.