Mariann Evans: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Glendale HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Glenside libraryAge: 62Family: Husband: Michael EvansSon: Paul SipesOccupation: Legal SecretaryEducation: Asoociates in Legal Secretarial ScienceCasco Bay College Portland MECivic involvement: DuPage Republican PartyElected offices held: Secretary Glen Ellyn Townhome AssociationHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No!Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I would like the Glenside Public Library to provide materials and space where volunteers can help people 8-years-old and older to learn to read if they are still not reading by that age. There are already materials on-hand along the back wall of the library, and we could get volunteers through the Community Outreach Center.Key Issue 2 In getting my signatures to be on the ballot, several parents have expressed their concerns that after-school access to the library is being hampered by rowdy teens. The librarians have also complained, telling me that they frequently have to tell the kids to go to the park next door. Perhaps someone could be hired or a volunteer could be deputized to keep order.Key Issue 3 We need more books that deal with ideas and current affairs. There are too many novels and lite-reading books, and not enough classic books. We need more books that deal with serious subjects that young people can use for researching term papers, and voters can access in order to make a more informed choice at election time.Questions 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?LiteracyIf 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.Candidate did not respond.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes! I and all my family members have had a library card since I moved to Glendale Heights in 1994. I or some member of my immediate family have gone to the library at least once a week since that time. My son checks out a lot of movies.Space is usually an issue at 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.It would always be good to expand the building. The question is: can we afford that improvement right now? Certainly, we should have more books that people want to read, books that will enhance circulation. People can get books through interlibrary loan, but sometimes they don't know what they might like to borrow. If an interesting, new book is displayed prominently, it will attract readers.Certainly, books on the New York Times' best sellers list should be included in the collection.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?I taught my son to read with the help of the Gail Borden Library in Elgin, when the special education department of his school had given up on teaching him. I know that there are other parents that have been faced with a public school education system that is not meeting their needs. Though the schools in this area are much better than in Elgin. Parents or perhaps illiterate adults would benefit from a Reading Center at the Glenside Public Library.