Tiana Brazzale: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Arlington Heights Library Board (6-year Terms)Age: 47Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Grants Administrator at Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities.Education: B.A., Business Administration, Dominican University, River Forest, IL.Civic involvement: Longtime volunteer and current Site Director at a PADS shelter with Journeys - The Road Home. Longtime supporter of Metropolis PAC.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I hope to play a more formal role in the continued success of our library - one of Arlington Heights' most valuable resources.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key 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?When I learned of an open Trustee position I jumped at the chance to become a part of the AH Memorial Library. Our library is so well run and such a shining example of what a library should be. I hope to be part of its continued success.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.In both my professional and volunteer lives, I have held many leadership positions. I am also passionate about my village and hope to bring my energy and ideas to this board.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have always had a library card and the library has been an important part of my life since I was a child. I spent many evenings in my youth studying at the Lyons public library. In high school and college I spent many hours at the Oak Park library as it was an excellent place to research on microfiche. Times have certainly changed since then! In my adult life I especially enjoy checking out travel books as I research travel ideas.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.Our library is housed in a perfectly suitable structure; I see no reason why the space would be expanded. Recent renovations seem to have been implemented with great care and with future needs in mind. The library has already made big decisions to change and evolve based on new technologies and most commonly used materials. This is evidenced by the expanded computer section, children's section, etc.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Economic changes make the library an ever more important community resource. It is important that all residents are aware of the many library services available. As an employee of non-profit organization, I understand the realities of working in an atmosphere of budget constraints and continuing to thrive and find ways to expand programming. The way people use the library will continue to change with advances in technology. The stewards of our library have done an outstanding job of keeping pace with these changes. It is an exciting place to explore and outreach efforts must focus on ensuring all residents are aware of the services available.