Endorsements: Barry, Sias, Patel for Bartlett Library Board

There is no doubt that retired accountant Joseph Olsen loves libraries and has thrown himself full force into studying the issues affecting the Bartlett Library Board.

We are charmed by the wonderful, even inspirational, story of his introduction long ago to an old Dale Carnegie Library and the devotion to reading that became intertwined with it.

For all those reasons, Olsen could be a great contributor to the Bartlett Library Board.

Problem is, he sees sinister forces at work with the library board as if it is a highly politicized institution rather than the example of civic volunteerism that it largely is.

For all those reasons, regrettably, we fear Olsen would be a distraction if elected to the board rather than the asset his devotion otherwise could provide.

Four candidates are competing for three 6-year terms in the April 2 election. In addition, Peggy Deyne is running unopposed for a 4-year term.

For the 6-year terms, our endorsements go to library Board President Dave Barry, a retired attorney whose dedication and skill led to his being honored in 2017 as Library Trustee of the Year by the Illinois Library Association; library Trustee John Sias, a civic-minded business owner with good judgment who was first elected as a write-in candidate two years ago; and accountant Parth Patel, whose youthful perspective and idealism offers the promise of new ideas to help the library respond more effectively to new patrons and to expand its role as a community meeting space.