Jo Beckwith: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Jo Beckwith

City: Wadsworth

Office sought: Warren-Newport Public Library District Trustee

Family: Two adult sons

Occupation: Reference and Instruction Librarian at the College of Lake County

Education: Bachelor of Arts, MacMurray College; Master of Science, University of Illinois

Civic involvement: Volunteered in District 56 schools as a room mom, Partners in Literacy Tutor, and Parent Advisory Committee member. As a library volunteer, I led an effort to establish a library at Gurnee Grade School.

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? 2011

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your library district and how do you intend to address them?

Many important WNPLD issues are addressed in our current strategic plan as goals to serve our community. These include seeking community partnerships to reach out to our diverse community, establishing fundraising priorities, creating a multiuse, flexible space with new technologies, conducting community surveys to reach out to nonusers, partnering with local school districts to include library cards with school registration, and collaborating with local businesses to increase users. Our capital expenditures plan also shows upcoming expenses that must be factored into budgetary planning. Like all libraries, we must choose goals that address the needs of our community while staying within the budget.

Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what is it?

I'm running for the Board because volunteering in my community is important to me, and WNPL is a wonderful community resource. Trustees have a stewardship of the Library that involves employing and collaborating with the Executive Director, maintaining the fiscal well-being of the Library, and setting policies for the Staff and community to rely on. I continue to enjoy all of these responsibilities that support our wonderful library, our excellent Executive Director, our dedicated Staff, and our users. I am also passionate about libraries and enjoy being part of the discussion around where the Library goes next.

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.

Since joining the Board, I've been Secretary and Policy Chair for four years followed by President for nearly four years. I've participated in many WNPL events outside of meetings, such as Bingo in the Books (a fundraiser), Staff Appreciation luncheons, National Library Workers Day appreciation for Staff, and Friends of the Library book sales, to name a few. Beyond that, I have learned a lot about what qualities make a good Trustee. The primary one is that Trustees should love libraries and WNPL in particular. A good Trustee must also have time to give to their Board. There's plenty of work to do, and sharing in that is a responsibility I take seriously. Building consensus is not always easy, but it's imperative to a strong Board. Good Trustees must listen to one another and must be open-minded, respectful, and accepting of Board decisions. A willingness to learn is also important. Libraries are changing, and Trustees must understand that and embrace the change. Finally, a commitment to the community is a must. What makes each library unique is that it reflects the needs of its community. I am committed to the Warren-Newport Public Library District, to our residents, and to our Executive Director and Staff.

Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?

I've had a library card all my life and use it often. I've also used many WNPL services and materials over the years - different ones have suited my needs at different times. We took our sons to the Library when they were young and throughout their school years. I also borrow materials for myself - books and eBooks, as well as DVDs and CDs. I'm always checking the new bookshelf for the latest books. My book club has also taken advantage of the book club kits a few times. I regularly view the student artwork displayed in Youth Services by our school districts. I have also turned to Lynda.com to learn something new. And now that my sons are grown, I have time to attend WNPL programs. My favorite program this year was a visit by Matthew Cordell, a WNPLD resident who won the 2018 Caldecott Medal for children's book illustration for his book Wolf in the Snow.

What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?

Libraries have become so much more than just a collection of books. They are vibrant community centers that engage and welcome everyone - not just with materials, but through programming and learning. Technology is an increasingly important part of library service as well, and it is embraced by Staff and the Board. Last year, the Lake County Astronomical Society partnered with the Library to conduct programs and provide telescopes for circulation. In another partnership, the Warren Township High School Trident Robotics Team donated a 3-D printer to the Library, and they regularly collaborate with the Library to present programs such as STEMbots, 3-D Design and Printing, and Hour of Code. The completion of The Flex multiuse space this year will have new technological features and will be an exciting change for our users.