Endorsements: Harkin, Henderson, Kruger for Gail Borden Library board
The April 4 election finds Gail Borden Library district coming off some recent successes. Its first floor was renovated into the Market Place, which has added space, brought more materials to checkout, made checking out easier than ever and provided more services. The district just opened a South Elgin branch and more recently purchased more of the building housing it so that someday it can expand. And, the library is seeing more materials checked out and its growing programs well-attended.
Six people who love their library are running for three open seats on the board. Sue Moylan, the board's treasurer, is running for her third term. Beth Kruger, the board's vice president, and Patricia Harkin, the board's secretary, are running for their second terms. Tiffany Henderson is the vice president of Gail Borden's fundraising foundation running again for the board. Randy Hopp is a former board member trying again to get back onto the board. Amanda Garcia is an Elgin businesswoman making her first run for the board.
The recent quick purchase to expand the South Elgin branch is a small point of contention among these candidates. Moylan and Harkin think the purchase was a smart move financially and necessary for space. Henderson, from South Elgin herself, sees the move as key to reaching residents there, and Garcia, an MBA, sees the move as a good long-term investment. Kruger thinks the decision was a little rushed, but she says she has come to see its value. Hopp thinks the decision was hasty and the district could have arranged smarter financing.
How do the candidates view the library's next steps? Moylan, while displaying a thorough knowledge of the library's business, says she relies on the library staff's expertise for operation of the institution but isn't providing many ideas for the future herself. Harkin also thoroughly knows the library, and she has shared ideas such as exploring extended hours.
Making more of the public aware of the library's offerings is key to Henderson's platform. That kind of thinking, along with her intimate experience with the library through her fundraising leadership, distinguish Henderson from the other challengers and suggest a more dynamic approach that would be valuable on the body that sets policy and vision for the library.
With these characteristics in mind, adding Henderson to the mix with incumbents Harkin and Kruger would bring the best combination of experience and ideas as the library makes its next moves. They are endorsed.