Timothy Spadoni: Candidate Profile

Back to Niles Library Board

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:BioQA Bio City: NilesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Niles Library Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: I am married to my lovely wife and best friend, Cathy, and we have one beautiful daughter, Mary.Occupation: Information Systems Project ManagerEducation: B.S. Loyola University of Chicago. Currently working on a Masters of Libraries and Information Science at Dominican University.Civic involvement: I volunteer as a VIRTUS facilitator at St. John Brebeuf. VIRTUS is the Chicago Archdiocese's program for sexual predator awareness and prevention. I also volunteer in the St. John Brebeuf Marriage Preparation program. I run a monthly song writer's group at the Niles Library. I am a board member of the North Shore Ukulele Society. I volunteer at the Niles 4th of July parade and at various fund-raising and social events throughout the year.Elected offices held: St. John Brebeuf PSA President, Vice-President and Treasurer.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?I have a deep and profound respect for the entire institution of our countryâ#128;™s library system and the role it has played in the formation of our society. I would be honored to contribute to this system by supporting my own library as a member of its board. Because of my interest in the music and the arts, I strongly support programs such as The Shakespeare Project and other artistic presentations. The Niles Library is one of the few places in Niles that offers cultural enrichment. Though we should never lose sight of the libraryâ#128;™s fundamental purpose as a materials resource for our community, we should keep in mind that our library is the villageâ#128;™s only intellectual, social and community center that is free and available to all age groups and we should work to strengthen its role as a community cultural center.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.With my 30-year career in computer system management and development, I will be a resource and an asset to any discussion regarding the use of technology. My continuing studies toward a Masters of Libraries and Information Services at Dominican University provide me with an awareness of current library trends and issues. And because I am a long-time patron, I can bring a patronâ#128;™s viewpoint to every discussion.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I am a proud Niles Library card holder and I also have a Chicago Library card. I have had a Niles Library account for over thirty years and I use my card on a weekly basis.Space is an issue at many 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.With the recent remodeling of the Niles Library, a number of the space issues have been addressed and, at this point, a further physical expansion of the library should not be necessary. That being said, assessing collections and materials should be an ongoing process, and any items that are no longer necessary due to advances in technology or for any other reason, should be eliminated, repurposed or replaced.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Historically, libraries have always responded to the changing needs of the community. With the recent unemployment issues, libraries have increased job search related materials, resources and programs and the Niles Library is no exception. Aiding our residents in their search for employment is a mission that benefits not only individual patrons but the entire community. Now that the economy looks to be on a recovery road and unemployment is decreasing, the library can once again assess its role in this area and provide an appropriate level of community support. In order to remain relevant to the entire community, libraries have found that they need to provide access to computers, digital media and the internet. The Niles Library should continue to promote the use of electronic devices for research, learning and leisure activities and support intra-library sharing of digital media. However, the library should always to encourage everyone, especially the young, to put down the iPad and pick up a book.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I feel it is of the utmost importance for the library board to support the library staff and its programs. As a board member, I will do that to the best of my ability. When speaking to members of the community regarding library issues, I have heard suggestions for a number of programs and services that, unknown to them, already exist. This highlights a need to discuss the methods used to inform the public of what the library has to offer. As a board member, I will encourage more effective ways to â#128;œget the word outâ#128;ť on the many programs available to our community.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Village of Niles Trustee Rosemary Palicki: She applies reason to all her decisions with no personal agenda and in the best interest of Niles residents.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My father taught me how to use tools and how to approach every problem calmly and with a plan.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would go back and audition for the play in my freshman year of high school.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Film Studies: It taught me that many things often have deeper layers than what is first evident.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Read.