Sarah J. Edwards: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Fox River GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Fox River Grove libraryAge: 52Family: Husband, Randy Daughter, Katie Son, NealOccupation: fundraiserEducation: B.S. Occupational SafetyM.A. Elementary EducationCivic involvement: Fox River Grove Memorial Library Board of DirectorsFox River Grove School District #3 Music Parent OrganizationMcHenry County Scenic Roads CommitteeElected offices held: Trustee, Fox River Grove Memorial Library 2002-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Be sure library addresses all citizens' needsKey Issue 2 Appropriate spending of tax-payer moneyKey Issue 3 Informing citizens of what the library has to offerQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?In tough economic times, the public library is a facility that taxpayers can turn to for knowledge, learning and entertainment. Also, the library is a public building that the community can use for many functions.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are a non-incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.I am the chairman of the library's policy committee. This committee reviews and revises public and internal library policies, clarifying procedures that address proper handling of library issues. I am glad I'm able to assist in putting good policies and procedures in place that make the director's and staff's jobs easier by allowing them to make the appropriate decisions using guidelines that have been put in place.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have had a library card in every community I've lived in, starting in my hometown when I was 6 years old. I have had a library card since I moved into Fox River Grove in 1992. I use my library card every week, sometimes multiple times a week. Sometimes I use it in the library, and sometimes I use it from home.Space is usually an issue at libraries. If that's the case at your library, would your solution be to expand the physical plant or make room by doing away with parts of the collection that technology has made less critical? Explain.In an effort to use space more wisely, our library's director constantly weeds materials that are not utilized as much as other materials. This weeding has opened up space for technology stations and display areas. While a larger physical building is desireable, the board of trustees and the director together need to work within the limitations of the community's ability to support the library facility and functions.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?When economic times are hard and money is tight, people should feel good knowing that they can turn to tax-supported facilities for knowledge and entertainment. The library can be a place that can help people understand and use technology. It can be a place where someone can search for a job, brush up a resume, learn about new careers, and new skills. A library remains relevant by understanting its community's needs. A library needs to understand the demographics of its community and citizens. It needs to know about changes in the economy and anticipate how that can change its role in the community.