Michael Hill: 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: St. CharlesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: St. Charles Library Board Age: 72Family: Married for 47 years to Nancy; two children and two grandchildren.Occupation: Retired Educator/librarianEducation: Bachelor in Education, Master's Degree in Educational Administration, additional course hours in library science, audiovisual and technology educationCivic involvement: 10 plus years as STC Library Trustee, former STC Heritage Center board member, member of St. Patrick's Parish, Library representative to the STC monthly Inter-Governmental Committee, member of the STC Township Senior Services CommitteeElected offices held: STC Library Trustee (10 Years), STC Heritage Center board member (8 years)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 am running for re-election because I have enjoyed serving as a trustee of what I consider a major educational and cultural institution that makes this community so special.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.Because of my 38 years of experience as a teacher, school librarian and media and technology leader, I bring that knowledge to the table when we are considering issues that impact our working relations with the schools.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes and I use in on a weekly basis.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.The St. Charles Library is always ranked in the top ten libraries in the state as to usage by our patrons and we do need additional space especially for programming, tutoring and technology classes. The board is currently looking at a variety of projects that will address those needs. This would require some expansion using existing funds.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?A library remains relevant by anticipating and meeting the needs of our patrons. This means we need to work very hard at keeping up with the latest technology, but also provide materials and services for those who are not as interested in using technology.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe that all of our patrons should view the STC Public Library as their library and feel comfortable and welcome weather they are actually in the library, online at home or at one of the many programs that enrich our community. I encourage everyone to let us know what we do well and how we can improve.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Take care of your responsibilities each day and also make time for some fun.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Telling my parents how grateful I was for all of the sacrifices that they made for me.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I loved any class that explored literature and history which resulted in a lifelong love of reading.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Keep balance in your life.