Marla Wolf: 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: MundeleinWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Fremont Library Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Husband2 children 5 grandchildrenOccupation: Retired TeacherEducation: BA in Education -Roosevelt UniversityMA in Instructional Media-Northeastern UniversityEd.D in Educational Leadership -Nova Southeastern UniversityCivic involvement: #ERROR!Elected offices held: 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 am committed to the importance of reading for all age groups, the availability of quality programs, a diverse collection of print and non-print materials and technological resources for the Fremont library patrons.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.As a current library trustee I have been privileged to work with the other trustees of the Fremont Public Library Board. I promote the library, it's programs and resources to residents, in addition to when I volunteer in the library at Washington Elementary School and at Chamber of Commerce functions. My contributions and responsibility as a library board trustee include the review of pertinent issues, expenditures and voting on matters of fiscal responsibility.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have had a Fremont Library card since we moved into the library district in 2012. Prior to that time I had a library card from the Vernon Area Library. I use my library card on a regular basis, in addition to attending library board meetings and many of the diverse programs offered by the library.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.Space issues can be addressed in a variety of ways. It is important for all libraries to keep their collections and programs current and relevant to the needs of their patrons. This could be accomplished, in part, by removing items with a lower circulation rate, damaged books, materials and technology components that are no longer current. This would help provide additional shelf/display space for replacement items. Another possibility, after the weeding process, might also include relocating collections to the second floor thereby providing additional main floor space for such programs as the library's partnership with Mundelein High School and their ESL tutoring program in math and reading. The library staff and volunteers conduct these classes and would like to expand the program. Libraries need to review their strategic plans and fiscal responsibility to the community in order to determine what services to provide.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Many issues including reduced local, state and federal funding can effect libraries and their ability to provide relevant, quality materials and programs.Previous declines in the housing market and industrial expansion had their affect on libraries. This situation appears to currently be in the process of changing as the economy improves.Libraries need to provide employees with on going staff development opportunities to help them keep pace with economic and technological changes. It is important to offer various services and updated materials to support all library users including children, students, adults, seniors and homebound residents. When a library district experiences change, due to a revised demographic area, as a result of new housing development and/or local industry, there may be additional sources of revenue that become available.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is a brilliant jurist who speaks her mind and has devoted her life to helping others.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To have respect for others and the importance of volunteering. No matter your financial background one can always give back to the community.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To be financially able to establish a trust to provide and support opportunities relevant to the education of children and adults.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was reading. Reading afforded the opportunity to explore materials that expanded my knowledge and an appreciation of other cultures and their contributions.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be true to yourself and always care for others.