Kathryn (Kathy) Caudill: 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: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married for 32 years to Jeff. Two sons (graduate student and college senior).Occupation: Development Director for a non-profit organization.Education: B.A., College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN Major: Government, Minor: Psychology J.D., University of Iowa, College of Law, Iowa City, IA License to practice law in Illinois, - (licenses in MN and IA, currently inactive) Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification 2012, re-certification 2015Civic involvement: Co-Chair, North Suburban Library System Trustee Training Task Force, 2005 - 2007 Volunteer in various roles with Church and Boy ScoutsElected offices held: Trustee, Ela Area Public Library District, 2003 - 2007, 2007- 2011, 2011-2015 Director, North Suburban Library System, Board of Directors, 2005-2007, 2007-2009, 2009-2011 School Board, St. Francis de Sales School, 1995 - 2001Questions 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?There is not any one specific issue that motivates me to run other than the fact that I love our library. I am proud to be a part of this amazing five-star library. As we await the completion of the libraryâ#128;™s renovations this spring, I hope to see the Ela Area Public Library continue to be a welcoming community center where everyone wants to be! It has been a privilege to give back to our community through service on the Ela Area Library Board, and I welcome the opportunity to continue to do so.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.I am proud that our library has achieved two straight years of recognition as a â#128;œ5 star libraryâ#128;ť by Library Journal. I am honored to be the president of this board of dedicated trustees who donate their time and talents to our wonderful library, working with our enthusiastic executive director and his dedicated staff to provide the people of our community with an exciting and thriving place for information, innovation, and inspiration. I have served as the EAPL Board President from 2007 â#128;#147; 2011 and from 2013 - present. I served as the EAPL Board Vice President from 2005 â#128;#147; 2007, and as the EAPL treasurer from 2011-2013. I was the board liaison and member representative to the regional North Suburban Library System (NSLS) for the Ela Library Board from 2004 â#128;#147; 2011. I served on the NSLS board of directors from 2005 â#128;#147; 2011, and served as board vice-president from 2007-2009, and as president from 2009 â#128;#147; 2011. In 2010-2011, I served as a member of the NSLS Merger Design Team and Merger Transition Team which resulted in the merger of five regional library systems in northern and central Illinois. I was named â#128;œNSLS Trustee of the Yearâ#128;ť in 2008, and I completed the NSLS Trustee Training Certification in 2008.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes! I honestly cannot remember a time when I did not have a library card. I have had an EAPL card since shortly after we moved to Lake Zurich in 1987. I am at the library often, sometimes for meetings, and sometimes for books, books on CD, DVDs, or research. Additionally, I frequently visit our library 24/7 online, using our catalog, Zinio, Hoopla, and other online resources.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.Thankfully, space is really not an issue at our library. Thanks to the voters who approved the referendum to build the library, and the planning and creativity of the EAPL Board of Trustees at that time, we have a beautiful 72,000 square foot library building. I believe the current library renovations, including the new makerspace area (Forge), dedicated teen space, and major enhancements to the childrenâ#128;™s area and the second floor, will make our library even more inviting and exciting for people of all ages to visit - often.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Some thought the Internet would be the death knell of libraries, but here at the Ela Area Public Library we know that libraries have expanded and changed in order to best meet the needs of patrons 24/7. Libraries offer opportunities for all of us to become lifelong learners. Google may be able to provide a â#128;œsearchâ#128;ť which locates thousands or millions of sources, but a librarian can help you narrow your search and locate reliable resources. The Ela Area Public Library has much to offer our residents: ~computers for job seekers to apply for jobs online; ~digital media labs for converting VHS to DVDs, make digital photos of negatives and slides, and create films and music; ~demographic databases and business reference materials for business owners and community members; ~databases, books and computers for students; research papers and projects; ~e-books, audio books and e-readers for patrons of all ages to check out; ~picture books and chapter books for early readers to check out and read with their parents; ~video games, anime meetings, and downloaded music for teens to check out; ~DVDs for family night, and entertaining library programs for the whole family to attend; and ~online library services (including Hoopla, Overdrive, Zinio, Mango, etc.).What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I love our library! It would be an honor and a privilege to continue to serve our community as a member of the Ela Area Public Library District Board.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by the hard work and leadership of Matt Womack, Executive Director of our library, who was recently named Citizen of the Year.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?As the oldest of five, I learned a lot about leadership, working hard, and trying my best.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not choose to â#128;œdo-overâ#128;ť any aspect of my life - I have learned valuable lessons from each and every experience.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Extra-curricular activities such as debate and extemporaneous speaking. Those experiences make public speaking as an adult a lot less frightening.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do your best, and love what you do.