Virginia Maravilla: 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: HuntleyWebsite: http://NAOffice sought: Huntley Area Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 69Family: Widowed, 2 grown sonsOccupation: Retired LibrarianEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature, Indiana University Master of Arts in Library Science, Indiana UniversityCivic involvement: Huntley Area Public Library Friends' Foundation Illinois Library AssociationElected offices held: NAHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The most important issue to me is that as the population continues to grow , and technology becomes increasingly important, the libary remains responsive to the community and continues to put people first.Key Issue 2 The next issue is making certain that the resources of the library are used wisely. To me, this is one of the most important responsibilities of board members.Key Issue 3 It is urgent that the library plan for the best use of existing space. While technology in some respects saves room, it also requires a different kind of room. The library is hard pressed now to find seating for people using computers, helping students, doing research, or sitting and reading.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?I am running for this office because I care very much about our library. As a person who has had a lot of library experience, I believe I would bring a unique perspective to the board as we weigh the issues.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 special contributions you could make.As the previous director of the Huntley Area Public Library and a resident of Huntley for over 14 years, I am well aware of the challenges lying ahead. Because I have worked in several different public libraries, I know that there are alternative solutions for many issues.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 since I moved to Huntley. I visit the library once or twice a month and usually read about 2 books a week.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.I think we have to take a look at alternative uses for some of the space in the library before looking at an expansion of the building. Items that are seldom used may have to be withdrawn. Once that is accomplished, we can determine how much space is left. It might be possible to use compact shelving in some areas. But as long as more and more people continue to come to the library for programs, books and other materials, additional room will be needed.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?The economic downturn has meant a greater use of our library, and that has been true over the last several years. At the same time, financial support for libraries has not kept pace. Technology has provided new ways to access the library's holdings as well as new information and entertainment resources. The format may change, but as long as libraries respond to their users and provide what is needed, libraries will continue to evolve and be relevant.