Meet the Candidates for Library Trustee in 2025

April 1, 2025 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.

The Algonquin Area Public Library will have board seats on the ballot on April 1. We believe it is important for the community to be informed before voting, so we will be asking our trustee candidates to answer a few questions.

6-Year Full Term (Vote for 3)

Serena Noelle Jamison

I have been a resident of the Algonquin Area Public Library District since: 2021

Why are you interested in serving as a library trustee?
I want to work to ensure resources are available for the public to learn and to relax, to build connections within our community, and to safeguard materials for all generations.

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 work simultaneously within Customs compliance law as well as an adjunct professor at Harper College. I am also well-versed in finance. I look forward to being able to bring a strong analytical experience as well as a background in education.

Please describe your 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 volunteered within the community, notably working with Cub Scouts.

What do you see as AAPLD’s role in the community now and in the future?
AAPLD can be a leader in providing education to adults and to children. It can be the best place for the community to come together to learn about each other and help everyone grow. The library was a sanctuary for me when I was younger and it remains a highlight when I have a chance to go now as an adult.

Peter J. Pelke II

I have been a resident of the Algonquin Area Public Library District since: 1997

Why are you interested in serving as a library trustee?
The library is a fortress dedicated to the preservation of the first amendment of the constitution and should be preserved in our society. The library provides many services to the community; passports, license plate renewals, and notary services, just to name a few. I see my role as the person that can help preserve the library by maintaining its presence in Algonquin.

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 United States Air Force retired veteran. I worked for an aircraft (C-130 Hercules) maintenance squadron as a mechanic and then as a First Sergeant, the enlisted advisor to the Commander for deployment, military readiness and discipline; travel, training, and preparation for mission completion. The Air Force core values are Integrity First, Service before Self and Excellence in all we do. These values guide me in every aspect of my life; family, work, and community service.

Please describe your 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).
This will be my second term as a Trustee. During my first term the Eastgate branch renovation project was completed within budget and in a timely fashion. I am especially pleased that as the appointed treasurer, the project did not exceed our tax levy funding. We completed the project without having to provide an undue tax burden within the district. The Algonquin Area Public Library is an extremely responsible steward of the tax dollars the district provides for budgetary use.

What do you see as AAPLD’s role in the community now and in the future?
The role of the library is the pursuit of knowledge. Times are changing and the library is learning to adapt. Learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), using the Makerspace, or providing digital resources shows the need for a library in the community. The library, now and in the future will always provide a place where people can learn, share new experiences and express themselves. The Algonquin Area Library is of true value to our village.

Fatima Medrano-Sanchez

Did not reply.

4-Year Unexpired Term (Vote for 1)

James D. Johnson

I have been a resident of the Algonquin Area Public Library District since: 1993

Why are you interested in serving as a library trustee?
Libraries have been a driving force since I was a child. From getting my fix of Frontier Dan books in grade school to the excitement of using one of the very first online catalogs in the world for college research (showing my age here) libraries have filled many needs and aspirations. I still use it to find information & stories about the world and explore the programming and technologies found at the Algonquin library. I want a hand in ensuring the library continues to provide this to all.

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 been a library trustee for the past several years and have enjoyed the role very much. I am currently the Chair of the Facilities Committee and am very excited about the renovation and reopening of the Eastgate branch library.

Please describe your 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).
While I do have a library education and background, my career has been focused on patent information and work in the corporate world. However, I believe I have a good understanding of the work of public libraries and certainly appreciate the enthusiasm, knowledge and professionalism of the library staff.

I have also been an active volunteer for Big Brother Big Sisters of McHenry County for over thirty years.

What do you see as AAPLD’s role in the community now and in the future?
The library is a hub for community, connections, learning and personal exploration. The breadth of offerings – from the traditional lending of books to live programming, the Makerspace, online books and media and services (passports, notarizations), spaces for study and community groups allows the library to fill many roles and offers a multitude of opportunities.