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Susan Wiggins: 2021 candidate for Helen Plum Library board

Seven candidates are running for four, 4-year terms on the Helen M. Plum Memorial Public Library District board of trustees in the April 6 election.

They are incumbents Jason Brandt, John T. Larkin, Jr. and Susan Wiggins, and newcomers Kristin Anne Dittrich, Jennifer Erickson, Julie Kowalski-Schmidt, and Kelly Ann Simms.

The Daily Herald asked candidates to respond to a questionnaire about library issues.

Bio

Town: Lombard

Age: 66

Occupation: Legal secretary for Attorney Dennis McNicholas

Civic involvements: Local Hallmark Ornament Club Officer; past Boy Scout Assistant Scoutmaster

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for the library board, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?

A: My seat is up for reelection.

Q: Did your library continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A: Patrons were able to go online to request item(s) and then select a pickup appointment time to pick up those items.

Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?

A: Our library has had online resources for many years and based on requests of patrons those online resources are constantly evaluated for amount of use and value to the community. Online resources are constantly evolving.

Q: In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?

A: The library staff was quick to put in place safeguards/guidelines for employee and patrons. Since this is the first pandemic experienced by the library, I strongly believe those same safeguards and guidelines will be integrated into the standard operating procedures so should this type of crisis occur again, the wheel will not have been reinvented.

Q: 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.

A: I introduce myself to patrons during my visits to the library; inquire what he/she/they like/dislike about the library. Participate in committee and board meetings to make our library the best that it can be.

Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it

A: Yes, of course I have a Lombard library card. I use it very frequently, sometimes several times a week. I have had my card for over 55 years.

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