Wendy Vieth: Candidate Profile

Back to Cook Memorial Library Board 4-year terms

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: LibertyvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Cook Memorial Library Board 4-year terms Age: 50Family: Husband, Stuart, two sons (ages 19 and 16) and one daughter (age 11)Occupation: Illinois Territory Manager, Harper GroupEducation: Undergraduate: Marketing/International Relations Graduate: Marketing CommunicationsCivic involvement: District 70 and 128: parent volunteer. St Joe: parent volunteer. IceCats Hockey: parent volunteer. Cook Memorial Public Library: Libertyville Parking Commission. Current board member for the Cook Memorial Public Library District.Elected offices held: Cook Memorial Public Library: Vice PresidentQuestions 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 to the Cook Memorial Public Library as I would like to continue to contribute to the growth and improvements for the Cook Memorial Public Library DistrictIf 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 am an incumbent and I was a part of the board that managed the completion of the new Aspen Drive and renovated Cook Park buildings. Both were completed within the budgets specified by the board. I have also led the Building and Grounds committee in successfully completing improvements to both buildings. Most recently, I have led the project to expand parking at the Aspen Drive building. This was achieved by continued representation of the Cook Memorial Public Library District with the Village of Vernon Hills and other local Vernon Hills taxing bodies. I am also the appointed representative for the Libertyville Parking Commission and was involved member during the construction of the garage and other local parking improvements in Libertyville.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I do have a library card. I have lived in Libertyville for 11 years and have had my card since I moved into Libertyville. I use it 3-4 times per month.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.In order to create more usable space at our libraries, I would evaluate how effectively we are using our current space. I feel that modifying the layout, making better use of space, etc. would be a better option than 'doing away' with any parts of the collections. If space modifications would not significantly expand space, I would also investigate whether or not physical expansion would be an option as it relates to the economic impact it might have on the district.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Economic and technological changes have had large impacts on libraries. The services provided to patrons have become more important as the economy prevented individual purchases of computers, books, etc. More people look to the library to borrow items that they may no longer be able to afford to purchase for themselves. The programs that libraries offer have become increasingly more important to those looking for jobs, write resumes, learn english, etc. In order for a library to stay current, it must constantly look ahead at all new technology that is available in order to make sure that services, programs, collections and products are those that will be best used by residents within the district. The role of the library in the community should change and mold to the needs of the community. Working with a long range plan, evaluating services, programs and the collection on a regular basis will also help to keep the library's role current for it's community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I also feel that having a qualified, professional and customer-service orientated staff who really cares about the district is very important. Cook Memorial Public Library has great employees who really care. I believe that it is important make sure that resources are available to keep staff well trained and motivated is important to the success of the district.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Aaron LawlorWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always be accountable for your actions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spend more time with my mother's family in Germany.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Reading/writing were always my favorite school subjects. Being able to effectively communicate has allowed me to be successful in both my personal and business life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Stay true to who you are and always give 100% of yourself to everything you choose to do.