Elizabeth "Lisa" Trousdale: Candidate Profile

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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: Hanover ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Schaumburg Township District Library BoardAge: 44Family: Tom Trousdale, Husband Carter, Natasha and Hannah Trousdale, ChildrenOccupation: PastorEducation: M.A. in Linguistics, Northeastern IL B.A. in Political Science, Calvin CollegeCivic involvement: Committed to volunteering in the community: Girl Scouts, Learning for Life, PTA, volunteer as school and church. Member of Schaumburg Schools District 54 Goals Committee ELL Tutor for Refugee Family, World Relief Run several marathons raising money for clean water in Africa, World VisionElected offices held: noneQuestions 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 am running for the Library Board for the first time because of my lifelong love of reading, books and libraries. When I moved into the community 14 years ago the Hanover Park Branch became my familyâ#8364;#8482;s home away from home. My four-year-old son at the time loved the library so much he wanted to have a sleepover there. The Schaumburg Township Library District has blessed my family and me and now I want to give back to the community by serving as a trustee. Several goals motivate me to run for this office. First, I want to make sure that our three libraries continue to change lives, which will be reflected by their maintaining a 5-star rating. I will help meet the needs of our patrons by keeping our libraries relevant and impactful to all generations of our community. Finally, I intend to help our library district to stay debt free.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 bring my perspective and experiences from being a stay at home and homeschooling mom. I offer energy, enthusiasm and wisdom. As a new member I will add value to the board with fresh ideas. I bring leadership experience from my years as a Section Pastor and volunteer at Willow Creek Community Church.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have had a STDL since I moved to Hanover Park in 2001. I believe that having a library card is so important that my husband and I got one each for my preschooler, toddler and baby at that time. Each of us use our card all the time. Whether Iâ#8364;#8482;m getting books on my favorite hobbies or resources for teaching my homeschooled daughter, I use my card several times 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.The Central library, which was built in 1998, covers 166,000 square feet. The Hoffman Branch was built in 2003 and the Hanover Park Branch in 2006. These amazing facilities offer state of the art resources and programs for the community. I do not believe that any of the library buildings need to be expanded. Last year the central library built a new teen center by repurposing office space. The current library board and administration have been doing an excellent job at maximizing the benefit the physical space of the buildings while providing a top-quality library experience.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Technological changes have had a positive impact on our library system. Schaumburg Township libraries continue to offer the same valuable services: access to a nearly unlimited breadth to media resources, a safe and vibrant community center for all ages, and programming that is practical and enriching. Technology expands on and changes the forms by which patrons access all of the resources and experiences mentioned above. For example, our three libraries have kept up with the digital age by offering free access to computers, e-books and a 3D printer. They offer numerous classes and one-on-one assistance in learning how to use these digital resources. The new teen room is another example of the central library remaining relevant. The library has provided teens a space to connect with others and technology. Whenever there is economic hardship there is an increased circulation of materials as well as a greater use of the library facilities. The Schaumburg library system has been able to meet the economic needs of its community by offering relevant programs for its patrons. For example, individuals who have suffered financial difficulty have sought help from the Business and Careers programs. The Schaumburg Library system will remain relevant by continuing to educate themselves about future trends. Fostering relationships with local schools, governments and community organizations are vital to remaining responsive. Patrons have come to expect a safe and secure space, excellent resources and a well-trained staff.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Fiscal responsibility is necessary if the libraries are to remain responsive to the community. The past trustees have laid excellent groundwork for providing superb service while remaining debt free. I plan to continue the practice of fiscal responsibility if I am elected as a Schaumburg Township District Library Trustee.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.The Italian physician Maria Montessori pioneered the field of early childhood education. She dedicated herself to improving the lives of children from all socio-economic backgrounds.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned from my parents the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself. My parents lived this out in their daily actions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have chosen to get a Masters degree in Education instead of Linguistics. An Education degree would have opened up more opportunities for employment.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?In high school I took every social studies class possible. These classes expanded my understanding of the world and highlighted the value of public service.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I encourage them to love God and their neighbors with their whole heart.