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Caroline Jacobson: Candidate Profile

Lake Villa Library Board (6-year Terms) (Republican)

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: Lake VillaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake Villa Library Board (6-year Terms)Age: 68Family: One daughter and son-in-law in Gurnee. One grandson at University of Chicago. Sister in Kansas City, MO. half-brother in Minnesota.Occupation: Owner/Electrical contractor 20 years. Currently working as a lighting consultant 15 years. Prior experience as Administrative Assistant, Vice President of a large electrical contruction company and mortgage paralegal.Education: Graduate Warren High School, Gurnee. Roosevelt University approx. 2-1/2 years studying Business Administration. Continuing education classes in my field.Civic involvement: Altrusa International Lake County, all offices and current Scholarship Chair. Waukegan Women's City Club, Lake Villa Lions Club. Previously associated with Waukegan Junior Women's League, Aux Plaines Chapter of International Association of Female Pilots, Habitat for Humanity and HOG chapter of Harley International.Elected offices held: Current trustee at Lake Villa District LibraryHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NeverCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Lake Villa Township has a current population of approximately 35K and will eventually build out at approximately 60K. Our current library will not be able to serve the expanded population. I would like to be a part of the process of evaluating all our options and creating a long range plan. Studying plans for repurposing, remodeling or building will all be a part of that long range plan.Key Issue 2 Lake Villa Library has a phenomenonal staff. Creating budgets that support and encourage the wonderful activities they envision is important. Supporting the areas of programing, collections, staff and building are important to me.Key Issue 3 The board could use some teambuilding training. After this election, it would be a great time for the new and old board members to pursue this.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?The responsibilities of the library trustees is mainly the governance of the library. It is our responsibiliity to enact a budget and have policies in place for the operation of the library. Another responsibility is creating both short and long range plans. We have done pretty well with most of our responsibilities, but will need to invest more time and talent into our long range plans.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.I led the creation of our charitable foundation. I became aware of a program allowing people to purchase books in memory of loved ones at their passing. With a charitable foundation we are able to not only bestow this honor but also to allow someone to make the library a part of their estate planning. It isn't a money issue, but a way for some to remain a part of this library forever. I have advocated for the Board to be transparent in all its actions.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes I do. I have had a library card most of my life. My first card was to the Carniege Library at Washington and Sheridan Road in Waukegan. I use the card weekly. I listen to one or two audio books per week during my work commute.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.Lake Villa Township has a current population of approximately 35K and will eventually build out at approximately 60K. The current facility will not be adequate for that growth. Initially the thought was that the township would build out in 20-25 years, but with the economic slowdown that may be longer. I believe my talents would be useful in helping plan for our growth. Whether it is re-purposing, adding additions or building new, I am committed to ensuring we continue to have the very best library for our patrons well into the future.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?I have older friends who still want to hold and read a book, I have a teenage grandson who also prefers to read a book vs a nook. Yes, the content of the library will change, and we certainly aren't sure exactly how. The library is more than books, ebooks, cds, dvds, computers and magazines, it is meeting places, classes and community events. There are staff to help guide you to where you want to be or just offer a suggestion on a new author. Recently a staff person addressed this idea by saying something to the effect that with the internet you have a huge amount of information available but you may not know exactly how to find the answer you are looking for.