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Mark Saperston: Candidate Profile

Messenger Library Board

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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:BioQA Bio City: North AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Messenger Library Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married to my wife, Melody for 15 years, we have 2 daughters, 2 sons ages 13,11,8 2Occupation: Information Technology SpecialistEducation: Bachelors in Operations Management Information Systems from Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Library Board and Schneider Elementary School Parent Teacher OrganizationElected offices held: North Aurora (Messenger Library) Library Board TrusteeQuestions 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 have always enjoyed going to the library with my kids. On the last election, I saw that there were 2 empty spots. I inquired about becoming Trustee and the rest is history. I am a life long learner, and have children that are excited about education and reading. I enjoy working with the library as a Trustee to vote on new programs and projects that will benefit the children (and adults) of the North Aurora community.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.One of the main initiatives I have led is the update of the Youth Services Area. It gives the patrons and staff more room, more meeting space, and really gave the area a more modern feel.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have a library card and have had it since the new library was built in 2003. All of my kids (except for my 2 year old) also have library cards. I usually use my library card twice a month.Space is an issue at many 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 something we are addressing at the library right now. I feel our library has enough space, we just have to use it wisely. The Youth Services renovation gave the staff (and patrons) more room and laid out the area a lot better. I feel we can use wasted space to our advantage, and make more room for staff and patrons.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?We now mix technology and books together. I feel people still enjoy reading books, and for the ones that don't, the library also offers eBooks. The library also has meeting areas for local activities (North Aurora no longer has a Community Center, the library has been the meeting area), teaches many classes, and has many clubs in which the community is involved. In addition there are many activities for small children during the week.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I support the Library and its wonderful managers and staff. I plan on doing all I can to make sure the library succeeds and is an essential part of the community and doing my part as a Library Trustee.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.My wife, she may not be a leader, but with a full time job and 4 kids, she makes it all work.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Hard workIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Travel with my wifeWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math, I work with IT (Information Technology), and math is a big part of it.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard and the benefits will be seen.