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Susan Moylan: Candidate Profile

Gail Borden 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: ElginWebsite: Suemoylan1@sbcglobal.netTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gail Borden Library Board Age: 75Family: Husband--WilliamDaughters--Liz (Joe) Semro, Kate(Mike)Mini, Rose (Brian) Quincey,Martha MoylanOccupation: Retired administrator, Elgin Community CollegeEducation: MA, Educational Administration, NIUBA, History, Loyola University, ChicagoCivic involvement: Rotary Club of ElginUnited Way of ElginRenz CenterPADSElected offices held: Planning Commission of ElginElgin City CouncilTrustee, Gail Borden Public LibraryQuestions 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 running again to keep the pace of growth we have experienced since 2008 going forward. We have experienced a 53% increase in circulation, and a 66% increase in programs. The talented staff , withBoard support has attracted 66,000People to use the Library.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.I have been Treasurer most of my term. I review the bills each month before the meeting, getting clarification if needed from staff.I also, with staff assistance, began and continue the Armchair Generals, a Civil War Discussion group that meets monthlyDo you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. When we moved to Elgin in 1978, it was the first thing I did for us and our children.I always have at least one library book going. I particularly enjoy historical and bibliographical works.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.Gail Borden (with the help of many community volunteers) put magnetic strips on each book several years ago. That enabled us to keep a good track on usage of books. We have been able to manage the size of the collection to meet the needs of Elgin.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Tech chances have made a considerable change for the better in managing collections, and serving individual customers? Having access to knowledge, both written and electronic available free is an enormous resource to the whole community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Gail Borden has become a community resource, not only for written material, but as a meeting place for educational and enriching experiences. This continued outreach is very important to me and I support new inquiries!Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Barak Obama and Michelle Obama,What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned that each of us has talents and skills that make the whole great!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I wouldn't fret over things I cannot change.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. Loved it then and still do. Met my husband in college in a history class!If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treasure each other!