Nancy Bagdonas: Candidate Profile

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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: Carol StreamWebsite: STLCarolStream.Blogspot.comOffice sought: Carol Stream Library Board Age: 63Family: Divorced, one adult son and daughter-in-law who live in Woodridge, IL. I also have 3 sisters and 1 brother and my Mom (87) lives in Lisle.Occupation: Retired from CSX TransportationEducation: Associate Degree in Business from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilant, MI. 1971Civic involvement: 2013 Citizen of the Year 2013 President of Carol Stream Woman's Club; 2014 2015 Treasurer of Carol Stream Woman's Club; Current Treasurer of Friends of the Library. Volunteer at HSP and Carol Stream Christmas Sharing. 2014 2015 Co-Chairman of Carol Stream Book Club; Member of Friends of the Library; Member of the Library Strategic Plan, Focus Group.Elected offices held: NoneQuestions 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 was asked as a Community Leader to participate in the Focus Group this past summer regarding the Library's Strategic Plan for the next three years. I was then asked to participate in the two-day Strategic Planning Conference. Being involved in the community in a number of ways, I was excited to learn of the upcoming opening on the Library Board of Trustees and felt it would be a great way to see the Strategic Plan go from its inception to its completion. As a Carol Stream resident and Library user, I am driven to make sure that the residents of Carol Stream have a library that reflects their needs and that the Strategic Plan be implemented in a fiscally responsible manner.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.Having been an Executive Board member of the Carol Stream Woman's Club for the past 4 years, a member of the Friends of the Library, and a retiree, I hope to be able to share with the board the desires and requirements of that segment of the population. I am a great believer in quality programs that draw patrons to the library so they can see that a library is much more than just a collection of books. I also hope to inspire a sense of community on the Board and a willingness to work together for the common cause.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, getting my Library Card was one of the first things I did after moving to Carol Stream in 2007. I use it often especially since I am a co-chair of the Carol Stream Book Club.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 a major part of the Strategic Plan as we are unable at this time to expand to a larger facility. Many of the Plan's goals are to study the current use and design of the library changing and updating where possible for better use of the current space.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 library must constantly keep updated in technology, which is expensive and that is one area of the Strategic Plan's focus. However, all areas of the library need to remain current as well - the media, the book collections, the eBook collection and technology as well as relevant programming. The Library is not only a collection of books, but a meeting place, an educational experience for all from toddlers to retirees; for English as a second language to teen after school programming. It is all vital and necessary for the health of the community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe it is imperative that the Library Board work together leaving personality issues at the door. There is no room for back-biting and ego. Instead, I would like to see the Board working together for the good of the community and the enhancement of the Library and all it entails. We have worked hard to create this Strategic Plan and I would like to see the Board help the Plan to succeed.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Sheila Simon - hearing her speak on Domestic Violence and having been a victim myself inspires me to also get involved in 2015.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned a great work ethic from both my parents - to work hard and do the best you can.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have had more than one child.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I loved English and I spent my 40-year working life as an administrative assistant - using language skills on my job every day.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do the best you can in every situation and you will never have regrets.