Diane Blodgett: 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: BataviaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Batavia Library Board Age: 62Family: Married to Art for 42 1/2 years. We have three grown children and six grandchildren.Occupation: RetiredEducation: Master's of Science in Education, Specialist degree in School PsychologyCivic involvement: Batavia Public Library Board of Trustees memberVolunteered at Save My Starving Children and Hesed HouseStephen Minister at the Congregational Church of BataviaElected offices held: Vice President of the Batavia Public Library Board of TrusteesQuestions 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 believe that our library provides a valuable service to our community. It is important to maintain a functioning library while keeping pace with new technologies. It is also important to maintain our beautiful building. While keeping pace with new technologies and maintaining our building, it is also important to be cognizant of how we spend the taxpayers money.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 an incumbent, I have not led any important initiatives because I have not felt the need. Presently, I believe we have a wonderful facility that provides many services to our constituents. I am open to hearing from the public about any concerns or initiatives they may have.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have a library card! I applied for my Batavia Public Library card within the first week of moving to Batavia in 1989. I have had a library card from the libraries in the towns I lived in before moving to Batavia for as long as I can remember. I visit the Batavia Public Library at least once a week and I have attended many of the wonderful programs that we offer.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.We have been able to accommodate growth in our collections by consolidating, rearranging our shelving, and digitizing what we can. Before exploring the need to enlarge our facility, I believe we should continue to explore ways to utilize the space we have by continuing to rearrange our shelving, digitizing what we can, and by eliminating collections that are better served by technology.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 economy has always had an impact on libraries. There is a finite amount of money that libraries receive from property taxes, grants, fundraising, and gifts. The advances in technology have been very exciting for libraries and have brought about significant changes in how we do business and what we can provide. I can access the library catalog from my telephone and put a book on hold. I can download a book to my Kindle. I could go on and on about the changes brought on by the increased use of technology.Libraries remain relevant by keeping pace with technology, exploring the needs of the community, and implementing new ways to meet the needs of our communities.Our libraries have become meeting places for people who need a small private space or a space for a small group, a place for people to come in from the cold and the heat of summer, a place to utilize in house computers or to use free wifi on their own computers, a place to enjoy lectures, entertainment, and collections. I cannot imagine libraries ever becoming irrelevant!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.Tammy DuckworthWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?If you feel the need to complain, then figure out what you can do to make things better.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have never quit piano lessons when I was young!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History has been my favorite subject since I was in elementary school. Studying history has taught me that history repeats itself--very relevant today!If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never stop learning!