Mary K. Peterson: 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: West ChicagoWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: West Chicago libraryAge: 78Family: Three grown daughters and 10 grandchildrenOccupation: RetiredEducation: High school and some college coursesCivic involvement: Currently Vice-President and Chairman of Policy and Personnel Committee at West Chicago Public LibraryBoard Member of Friends of the West Chicago City MuseumElected offices held: West Chicago Public Library BoardHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Careful stewardship of our taxpayers' money as we strive to meet the challenges of providing quality library materials, programs, and activities to meet the recreational, informational, and lifelong learning needs of the residents of the District.Key Issue 2 Integrating new technologies such as e-books and readersKey Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions 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?Candidate did not respond.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.In collaboration with my fellow Library Board members and knowledgeable library staff, ongoing building maintenance as well as materials and programs to meet the needs of the community have been accomplished while staying within each year's budgeted allocations.With purposeful study the Board will meet the ongoing challenge of integrating new technologies. A few short years ago cassette tapes were the current technology - this year it#146;s e-books.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have had a library card for the West Chicago Public Library for at least 50 years and use it regularlySpace 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.This is a topic that is challenging all public libraries. The Board has made studying how to best resolve this issue a priority.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Todays economic climate has brought increased usage. Patrons appreciate the availability of each new technology as well as the service that excellent staff provide.