Norman Huntley: 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: 78Family: Wife:Barbara Daughters: Laura, Amy and Leigh Ann Four GrandchildrenOccupation: Retired from EducationEducation: M.S. in EducationCivic involvement: *Library board member for 45 years (President for 37 of those years) *President St. Charles girls and women's softball association for 15 years *Advisor to Roundabout youth group through St. Charles Park Dist. *Girls softball coach *Involved with many families and children as Principal for Lincoln, Munhall, Fox Ridge and Mades Johnstone schoolElected offices held: *Library board member for 45 years (President for 37 of those yearsQuestions 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 truly enjoyed my years of service on the board. It has been a board that works well together to bring about a library which responds to the communities expressed needs and provides the needed services.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 loved serving on the Library Board for 45 years. In that time there have been many changes to the library. Significant highlights include: converting to a district library in 1978; relocating the Children's Department to the lower level; making expansion of Adult Services possible; closing of Walnut Ave. between Fifth and Sixth avenues to create a parking lot; a 35,000 square feet addition to the building in 1988;construction of the Helen Gale Story Room in Youth Services in 1995;restoration of the Carnegie building in 1998; creation of the St. Charles Library Foundation; and the renovation project. As one can see it is now a facility which houses many activities and services. As Board President for 37 years, I take pride in being involved in most of the changes and growth that have taken place. Serving now as Treasurer and being an experienced board member, I wish to continue serving the community.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes-as needed.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 ideal and easy way to solve the problem is to expand a facility. However in our economic climate a board needs to exist within its present space and reconfigure or remodel present spaces. Constant weeding of all collections needs to be done. New material carefully selected by staff will give us a good balance of technology , print, visual and auditory collections.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 question of space is impacted by economic and technological changes. These are some of the main problems a board faces. By addressing the issues through constant questioning what the community wants us to be, we will remain relevant and change as the community wants.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The important issue to me is to continue to serve on the board and provide the community with the library they want.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Do what is right and treat all people as equals.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Do more in my academic studies, or travel more.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?There was not really a favorite subject, but recess, physical ed and sports taught you how to get along with people.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?To make sure they know right from wrong and get along with everyone.