John Kokoris: 2021 candidate for Gail Borden Library District

Four candidates are running for three 4-year terms on the Gail Borden Library board; Randy Hopp did not respond.

Bio

City: Elgin

Age: 30

Occupation: Communications specialist

Employer: Pace Suburban Bus

Civic involvement: Longtime activist for health care, immigration and environmental justice with several local groups and a frequent volunteer on campaigns. I assist with fundraising events at Misericordia Home in Chicago. Prior to COVID, I attended church services at Old St. Pat's in Chicago and several local Elgin churches. I've worked with many civic groups and municipal governments through my job at Pace Suburban Bus and my prior job at Addison Public Library.

Q&A

Q. Why are you running for the library board, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?

A. I was appointed by the library board last fall to fill a vacancy. I had applied because after nine years of working in libraries, I've seen firsthand how they help communities thrive. I'm proud to have been part of that as a library worker and to be part of it again as your trustee.

I'm running for a full term to ensure that our library continues to have another strong advocate on its board, that its staff is encouraged to try new things, and that every person in our diverse district feels welcomed and well-served.

Ensuring our library remains long after we're gone is a trustee's most important role. That's why I'll focus on financial and environmental sustainability. I'll make sure the library maximizes taxpayers' return on investment and minimizes its impact on the environment.

Our library wins national awards because our community recognizes the value it brings us. We built beautiful buildings, hire brilliant workers, and constantly put these assets to use in creative, productive ways. As we emerge from the pandemic, my top priority will be finding ways the library can help us share resources, learn skills, and forge relationships to rebuild a stronger, more just society.

Q. Did your library continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A. I joined the library's board in the middle of the pandemic, so I have seen how Gail Borden continued to serve the public throughout the crisis as both a patron and as a trustee. I've been very impressed. Even during those few months the board deemed too dangerous for the public to visit library buildings, staff found new, creative ways to do their jobs.

Their use of technology to stream programs has been quite effective; I'm amazed at how many virtual events have had more than a thousand people attend!

I am even happier they continue to amend policies and procedures to keep the library safe and accessible - waiving fines, rearranging furniture, upgrading air filters, quarantining materials, the list goes on. While there have been headaches for staff and patrons during the worst of the pandemic, they have always been short lived.

This is not a library that is content doing things the way they've always been done. Their flexibility and creativity helped make our library the state's finest, helped us weather the present storm, and will lead us to new heights when we come out on the other side.

Q. Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?

A. Yes! Since last March, e-book usage increased by 33%, and online A/V usage also increased dramatically. The library made it easier to get a library card online so these materials could be accessed without a single visit. Most amazingly, in the first five months of the pandemic, 19,000 people engaged with Gail Borden's virtual programs.

The library also ensured its physical collection remained accessible. Drive-up service is now available at all three branches, and an expanded home delivery program served hundreds of people who can't drive. With kids home from school and adults cooped up too, I am pleased that the library has continued to serve a more remote public.

I think the library should continue livestreaming programs and increasing online offerings long after the pandemic ends. This will involve, as your question indicates, promoting these digital resources (which the library has done well). But it will also involve working with other public institutions to ensure everyone in our community can access them. The library has already played a role in this endeavor, but I think this should continue to be a goal for our community until every person in our district has cheap, high-speed internet at home.

Q. 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.

A. I was appointed to the board in November, so I have primarily spent my time learning the role. At my first meeting, the board decided to restrict public access to library buildings due to the winter COVID spike. I hope we are never in that position again - so I've helped lead the charge for Kane County to join other Illinois counties in letting front-line library workers get vaccinated in Phase 1B or 1C.

As public servants who show up to work, serve thousands of residents, and come in close contact with elderly, at-risk, and young patrons, a vaccinated workforce would ensure facilities can remain open and safe and taxpayers receive the greatest return on investment possible. I've communicated with staff, officials, and librarians in other counties to further this effort.

If elected to a full term, I will continue to use my professional experience with libraries and local government to advocate for our library. I will encourage the library to continue to innovate, reach out to more diverse groups, and focus on long-term financial and environmental sustainability. We have a well-run, world-class library, and I will do everything I can to keep it that way.

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

A. I have had an active library card for as long as I can remember, and I signed up at Gail Borden in 2018 immediately after moving to town. I visit the library regularly and use or access its resources nearly every day. As trustee I will work to ensure as many people in our community find reason to do so as well.