Kimberly D. Reese: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Saint CharlesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: St. Charles libraryAge: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: TeacherEducation: Bachelor of Arts in English, University of IowaMaster of Arts in Clinical Counseling, Denver SeminaryCertificate Program in Education, Judson UniversityCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Trustee St. Charles Public LibraryHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My number one campaign issue is to continue to ensure that patrons of the St. Charles Public Library continue to receive excellent service from a dedicated staff, access to a comprehensive collection that meets their information needs, and connection to the internet and other online services.Key Issue 2 My number two campaign issue is to utilize the library#146;s funding and facilities to their fullest for the benefit of patrons.Key Issue 3 My third campaign issue is to see that the excellent service, comprehensive collection, and online connections continue to grow and expand to meet the growing needs of the St. Charles community well into the future.Questions 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 in the importance of lifelong learning. A democratic country#146;s strength lies in the knowledge of its populace. All Americans should have open access to information. As a child, the books I checked out of the library transported me to worlds I would not have discovered on my own; as an adult when I want to learn about a topic, my first stop is the library; as a teacher I encourage students to seek out their own answers through their own libraries. Free and open access to all kinds of information, facilitates and fortifies lifelong learning.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.All members of the current board have worked collaboratively on many levels, including careful fiduciary planning, during this recent economic downturn to maintain our excellent staff, services, and facilities all for the benefit of our patrons.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have proudly carried a public library in my billfold since obtaining my first one from the Des Moines Public Library when I was in second grade! From 1991 until today that card has had the insignia of the St. Charles Public Library. I use the library several times a month.Space is usually an issue at 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 is definitely an issue at the St. Charles Public Library, and recently the board did take the action of going to referendum. The fact that the referendum failed to pass is much more of a reflection on the current economic state than lack of legitimate need. The library is facing some difficult decisions regarding limited space, and this will continue to be a prime issue of discussion. How can the library continue to practically and responsibly maintain its excellent service, open availability to a comprehensive collection, and viable online access for a growing and diverse patronage?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 St. Charles Public Library#146;s role in the community will only grow stronger in the coming months, years and decades. Even though the form that information takes may change, the library as a place where information is readily available for those who engage in lifelong learning will always remain crucial part of any dynamic community.