7 Things to Know About … Library Director Dan Armstrong

Since taking over as director of the Cook Memorial Public Library District, Dan Armstrong has overseen a remarkable flurry of activity.

First and foremost, Armstrong orchestrated the development of a $14 million construction plan that will result a new library in Vernon Hills - a facility that's already under way - and the expansion of the main library in Libertyville's Cook Park.

He's also helped institute other, more modest improvements, such as the relocation of the audiovisual department at the Cook Park site and the implementation of self-checkout machines there.

And for the most part, he's done all of it without the political squabbling that divided Cook Memorial boards - and haunted directors - for years.

But there's more to Armstrong than a passion for libraries. He's a die-hard Cubs fan, for example, and an avid bicyclist. He also has a fondness for a very specific type of fruit pie.

Here are seven things you might not know about Dan Armstrong.

1. He has a long commute: Armstrong was raised in west suburban Elmhurst and still lives there. His wife, Annette, is the director of the Green Hills Public Library in southwest suburban Palos Hills.

2. Some people don't like some of his favorite books: "Whenever I see a list of banned books, it always seems to include many of my favorite novels," Armstrong said. "Some of these books had a great impact on me when I was a teenager, like 'Slaughterhouse-Five' and 'Catch 22.' These are works with great power and, I suppose, that's why some people are afraid of them."

3. He roots for the North Siders: "I am getting a little worn out waiting for the Cubs to win the World Series," Armstrong said. If he could choose a different career, he'd want to operate the famous Wrigley Field scoreboard.

4. A youthful habit led to his career choice: Armstrong spent a lot of time hanging around libraries as a kid. When it came time to select a profession, he said, "I figured I might as well get paid to do something I enjoyed."

5. He's put a lot of miles on his bicycle: Every year on his birthday, Armstrong takes a long ride that covers one mile for every year of his life. He's 58 now. "Every year my wife tells me I'm crazy," he said.

6. He likes pie: Cherry pie from Door County, to be exact. "My favorite calorie splurge is Door County cherry pie with vanilla ice cream," Armstrong said. "I limit myself to one serving a year, consumed only in Door County and only after a long bike ride."

7. He's no technophobe: When asked what three things he'd want if marooned on a deserted island, Armstrong chose his wife, a Door County cherry tree and the Amazon Kindle, a digital book reader. He didn't say what he'd use to charge the Kindle's batteries, however.