Longtime Fox Lake District Library board member retires

Germaine A. Patryn joined the Fox Lake District Library's Board of Trustees in May of 1983.

For 12 years, Patryn acted as a trustee, overseeing and contributing to the various sorts of financial decisions and shaping of policies conducted by a library's board. In May of 1995, Patryn was elected to assume the position of board president on the library's board of trustees.

Patryn firmly believed that her community deserved a larger, more accessible library facility. One that could house a larger collection of resources and host bigger community events and classes.

Among her numerous contributions to the library, Patryn's crowning achievement as board president was the development and implementation of the ultimately successful referendum to begin the construction of the new Fox Lake District Library building in 2008.

Standing at 255 E. Grand Ave. in nearly the center-most point of Fox Lake is the embodiment of Patryn's hard work and vision for her community. Construction of the new building began in March of 2009 and was completed in December of 2010 thanks to the tireless efforts of Patryn and fellow trustees.

The doors opened to the public in April of 2010 and a new chapter in the story of the Fox Lake District Library was underway.

On Oct. 6, 2011, the building received the American Institute of Architects Norther Eastern Illinois Chapter Distinguished Building Award for Merit in Design and, in the same year, the building's Green Roof was recognized and awarded the Fox Lake in Bloom Gold Medal for its unique and eco-conscious design.

In addition to her role on the board, Patryn served as the president for the Friends of the Fox Lake Library group and worked to maintain the library's book sale room on the first floor.

After 35 years of dedication to the Fox Lake District Library, Patryn retired from her position of board president in October of 2018.

"On behalf of the library staff and the members of the community, thank you Gerry, for all you have done for this library," said Franklyn Malizia of the Fox Lake District Library. "Words can only scratch the surface of the gratitude we all feel for your services."

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