April 4 is Election Day!
Illinois will be holding a Consolidated Election for township, municipal, park district, library district, school district, and fire district officials. The Harnish Main Library is an early voting location for all McHenry County residents. Check out the schedule to know when and where you can vote early!
The Algonquin Area Public Library will have board seats on the ballot on April 4: one 2-year unexpired term and two 6-year full terms. We believe it is important for the community to be informed before voting, so we asked our trustee candidates to answer a few questions. Responses are verbatim.
2-Year Unexpired Term (vote for 1)
Melissa Iwinski
I have been a resident of the Algonquin Area Public Library District since: 2005
Why are you interested in becoming a library trustee?
My interest stems from my passion for the library and its place in the community, and I would love to continue my service on the Board of Trustees. It would be an honor to be able to continue to work with the Board, library staff, and community to make the most of the Eastgate Branch renovation. My family and I have benefitted so much from the library and its resources and it’s a privilege to be able to give back to the library and the community through my service as a 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.
I have worked as a classroom teacher, and I am an educator and advocate at heart. My work in curriculum development and product research has enabled me to hone my ability to listen to the needs of others and to ask questions to get at the heart of the matter to find the best solutions. I am a good facilitator and strive to bring together different viewpoints to find the best way forward.
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 am currently a library trustee for the Algonquin Area Public Library District. I also currently serve on the Parent Advisory Committee for District 300. I have also served on the PTO at Algonquin Lakes Elementary School, and served as a volunteer for One School, One Book at Algonquin Lakes Elementary School for 6 years.
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 invaluable resource that serves all individuals within the community. It’s so much more than books – it’s digital access, it’s a way to upskill for your job, it’s a way to build community through the various library programs, it’s access to all kinds of resources. I also believe that it’s the library’s role to grow and evolve with the community so that the library can continue to meet the needs of the community in the future.
James D. Johnson
I have been a resident of the Algonquin Area Public Library District since: 1993
Why are you interested in becoming a library trustee?
Libraries have always been part of my life starting from my parents taking me to the library as a child. When I was able to go on my own I was thrilled to be able to explore all the library offered. The library was, and is, such a treasure trove. When my wife and I moved to Algonquin we took our kids to the library (when Eastgate was THE library) and was thrilled to watch them embrace the library too. Libraries don’t just happen – we need to take an active role to keep them thriving.
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.
Professionally, I am a patent researcher and analyst. My path to this began when I got my Masters in Library Science. While I have never worked in a public library, it certainly gave me a strong grounding in understanding all the things that need to go into developing and sustaining a strong library. This includes all of the back end work the public doesn’t see, collection & services development and a constant drive to understand the entire community and its needs.
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).
The other major public service activity I’ve been involved with is Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. I’ve been matched as a volunteer Big for most of the past 25 years. It has been extremely gratifying as I’ve had some long standing matches and gotten to see them grow into adults, attend weddings and see them become professionals and parents. It has also helped me see that resources such as the local library are so important across the entire community.
What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?
That is quite the question. I believe the library needs to be a resource and a haven that serves the entire community – from people being able to explore themselves and the world at large to local businesses being able to access resources and information to help them grow. I guess that combination of breadth and public service is what makes the library such an exciting and vibrant part of the community.
6-Year Full Term (vote for 2)
Fred Becker
I have been a resident of the Algonquin Area Public Library District since: 1986 this time. First time 1956 – 1959
Why are you interested in becoming a library trustee?
Our library is a treasure. I have so many great memories of wandering the stacks, taking home new books, reading for hours, dreaming. My kids got to have these same opportunities. I want others to continue to have them. It seems today Libraries across this country are being pressured to align with politics and agendas that would interfere with what most folks thinks libraries should be. My purpose is to support common sense as we continue to value and develope this wonderful resource.
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.
During my career in IT QA, I was known for bringing clarity to confusing situations, team building, and bringing order to chaos. These skills are valuable in almost any situation. Not that there is current need for these now at the library, but you never know. ;~})>
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 participated in local children’s theatre, served on an advisory board to a local newspaper, filled the office of Chairman for a local church, and for fun play old guy baseball at our local rec center. This community is pretty much stuck with me.
What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?
As stated previously, the library is a treasure. From being primarily a source of books it has become a center of community activity, a regular beehive reflecting many different interests and groups. While the role will no doubt continue to change, the mission of providing good things to read from many great sources should continue to be central for many years to come.