Cynthia "Cindy" Blank: Candidate Profile

Back to Ela Area Library Board 4-year term

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: Lake ZurichWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Ela Area Library Board 4-year term Age: 61Family: Married to Roger Blank for 39 years; 3 grown children raised in Lake Zurich: 2 married Kate (Jarrod), Michael (Kimberly), Kevin and 1 granddaughter with a grandson due in MarchOccupation: Supply Chain professional focusing on process improvements; Retired from Kraft Foods 5 years agoEducation: MBA from University of Chicago BS from Benedictine University with a triple major in Math, Business Economics and Physical EducationCivic involvement: Trustee Ela Library (2011-2015) Current: Active volunteering at St. Francis de Sales Church (Lector Coordinator, Bereavement Ministry, Women's Retreat) Past: St. Franics de Sales Confirmation Leader (2001-2007) co-lead for LZHS Soccer Booster Program (2002-2004) Boy Scout Troop 93 Committee Chair (1997-2004) Cub Scout Pack 309 Cubmaster (1995-1997) Cub Scout Pack 309 Charted Organization Rep (1992-1995)Elected offices held: Trustee Ela Area Public Library (2011-2015)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 continue to love our library which our family has used for the last 33 years. I am proud to be giving back to the community and to be a part of this successful 5 star library. My main focus is keeping us current with technology and trends in libraries (and even leading some trends)while maintaining fiscal responsibility.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.Performed the role and duties of Board Secretary for 4 years. Served on Finance Committee for detail review of budgets; served on Personnel Committee for Exec Director Review and goal establishment. While on the Board, we approved the establishment of 2 Digital Media Labs, developed a long term plan after soliciting input from the community and are near complete with the renovation of Childrens, Teens, and upstair space for collaboration, along with a Maker Space for innovation.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, about 33 years ago. My husband and I use our library cards frequently.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.Not the case at Ela and the renovation will result in improved use of space when completed this Spring.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?The economy requires us to continue to look at value in serving our patrons. As technology changes, libraries need to keep current. Ela provides a service to patrons to try different technologies, such as e-readers, tablets, Macs, PCs and various software. Patrons can copy VHS videos to digital and slides to digital pictures. Ela recently started loaning out telescopes. Ela has filled a huge demand in the community in providing service for getting passports. The Maker Space will provide innovation opportunities with equipment such as a laser cutter, 3D printer and sewing machines. The library becomes a hub for the community to gather and learn and collaborate.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?To continue to support the excellent staff at Ela Area Public Library in serving our patrons and community.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis with his wisdom and compassionWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Use your talents to help othersIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Taking time for myself to exercise and eat right. I needed to retire to make that time!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math. So easy to apply its processes in logic and analysisIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Reflect God's love in everything you do and with everyone with whom you interact