Gail Borden library candidates on new programming, tax levy
Several candidates for the Gail Borden Public Library board in Elgin suggested new programming, and most said they would not support keeping the property tax levy flat.
Incumbents Amanda Garcia, Tiffany Henderson, Jean Bednar and Herbert Gross and challengers Randy Hopp and Winfried Cooper are vying for four 4-year seats in the April 2 election. They participated in a forum at the library Thursday night hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area.
Bednar, 58, suggested classes that teach kids how to use a checkbook, more technology programs for seniors and "outside the box" initiatives like teaching people how to change tires. Bednar has served on the board since 2005 and works as director of communications for a church financial agency.
Garcia, 32, said there's a need for financial literacy programming for students, such as teaching high schoolers about home loans. Garcia is the founder and CEO of ColorWord Creative, Inc.
Henderson, 40, an attorney and pastor, said she'd like to create a "community think tank" that would meet regularly and brainstorm about "all the ways we can make our community better." She and Garcia were appointed in 2017.
Gross, 82, who's served on the board a total of 11 years, said evolving technology in the next decade will put people out of work, such as in the auto industry, so the library will have to provide adequate programming for youth and jobseekers. He is a retired clinical psychologist.
Cooper, 30, said he'd want a tutoring program at the library in partnership with Elgin Community College or Judson University, and more programs for the homeless. He works in retail management and is a Democratic precinct committeeman.
Hopp, 67, who's retired, said he would like the computer training classroom to be unlocked at all times, not just during classes.
Hopp was a library trustee from 2009 to 2013. He is banned from the two branches and for a few years was banned from the main library - allowed only to attend board meetings - after staff members complained of harassing behavior.
The candidates said they would not support a flat property tax levy except for Henderson, who said she'd want to discuss that with the executive director and financial advisers before deciding. The library, like other taxing bodies, can increase the amount of taxes levied each year by the Consumer Price Index or up to 5 percent, whichever is lower.
The candidates agreed the library must keep up with changing times and technology.
"Technology is going to be a big factor in how things change physically, but not for the basic purpose of the library, which is still the communication of ideas," Gross said.
Garcia said, "As technology evolves, I would like to see new and better ways to get knowledge into the hands of children."
Henderson said the library must reach all those it serves, not just those who live close by.
Bednar agreed, saying, "I think it keeps our librarians up at night to try to think of ways to do that better."
Cooper said the biggest issue facing the library is "people coming in trying to access stuff" and getting into fights with security. After the forum, he clarified he didn't think that happens often, but "even one time is too many."
Hopp said his main concern is a plan approved by the board to convert part of a computer area downstairs into a program space with priority for children. The estimated $375,000 remodel will leave 35, down from 60, computers downstairs.
Library officials said there has been a 26-percent decrease in computer usage since 2016 and there is more need for programming space. There will still be computers upstairs and the library is adding 12 laptops for use inside the building.