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Mirela Mehmeti: Candidate Profile

Carol Stream Library Board

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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: Carol StreamWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Carol Stream Library Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: ESL Adjunct Faculty - College of DuPage (2 years) ESL Department -Addison Trail H.S. (8 years)Education: BA- Linguistics MA - Reading Specialist (Concordia University) ESL Endorsement (National Louis University) Journalism Training - BBCCivic involvement: * Ethnic Media of Illinois-member (2002-2007) * Ethnic TV Show Host/Producer (6 years) * American Associate University of Women - local branch (V/President 2005-2006) * Community Diversity training program * Addison Trail H.S.International Club Sponsor (8 years) * Addison Trail H.S. International Dance Club Sponsor (7 years)Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.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 believe that library is very important part of the community. The purpose is to help serve all its members. Nowadays, Carol Stream represents far more diverse ethnic groups compare to years ago. Based on this diversity also, fast changes in our lives, education system, jobs, or technology, the needs of our community are different from those of 10-15 years ago. I want to help representing our diversity and give my contribution on decision making, in order to better serve and make our library one of the best libraries in the area.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.My focus will be on bringing more educational programs for our youth, more technological focus sessions and services for our adult members, and more fun presentations or activities for all ages that can bring even more people in our library.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes! I have been library member since 2004. I use my library card at least once a week.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.In more than one referendum, our community strongly expressed the opinion of not being ready, for now, to expand the space by building a new facility. I, completely, respect the voice of our members, so my plan is to work together with the board library director, in order to find efficient ways to use better the space that it is available.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Economy has a huge impact on funding that library gets, so it is very important to address the needs of our residents for books, materials or other information, by being also, fiscal responsible. Regarding technology, we know, now, that the library is much more that a place to check out a book. I think our library is working on the right direction by introducing e-books, different research tools/website, or other technological elements that help with presentations and activities. My focus will to be bring more training for our residents how to use these technological tools in their benefits.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Being fiscal responsible, representing the diversity of our community, creating a friendly environment in our library for all residents and listen to their voices -these are my goals as library board trustee.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Hilary ClintonWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Education and hard work are the keys to success.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Traveling in many places, learning about languages and their origins.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I always loved reading learning about historical events, different traditions, cultures or languages.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Find what do you like to do in life and never give up on your dreams, but work towards them.