Sarah Duby: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Sarah Duby

City: Round Lake

Office sought: Round Lake Area Public Library Board Trustee

Age: 31

Family: Live with my husband Patrick and to borrow a page from Dr. Seuss's book (1 fish, 2 fish, red fish, blue fish) our 3 pet goldfish

Occupation: Congressional Caseworker

Education: Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science & International Studies from Bradley University in Peoria, IL

Civic involvement: Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Lake County and A Safe Place (Lake County, IL) and through work I have had involvements with the Round Lake Area B.E.S.T. organization and the Lake County Opioid Initiative

Previous elected offices held: Currently hold this office for Round Lake Area Library Board Trustee

Incumbent? Yes. If yes, when were you first elected? I was selected in a competitive appointment by the current board to fill a vacancy in 2018.

Website: N/A

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.rla.library/

Twitter: N/A

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your library district and how do you intend to address them?

Our library district has many important issues facing it but above all the board needs to are reflect the library's increasingly diverse population and balance the appropriate services for all patrons. The library has increased the number and types of services offered. This is to be commended, and with my continued role on the board I will continue to

support and expand these programs. Usable space in the library is at a premium, so I see the need to either expand or become more efficient within the current facility. I intend to address this by working with my fellow board members to develop financial options within our budget so we can operate a first-class facility to best serve the entire community.

I spoke to the expanded services, but I feel it is critical to strike a balance between wants and needs. A board trustee should have a firm understanding of finances and fiscal responsibility. Overall, I would like to enhance the relationships within our community, support and expand the programs offered, and make the best choices of how to assign resources.

Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what is it?

Imagine the five senses - Sight, Touch, Sound, Smell, and Taste.

Sight - Seeing rows of possibilities on bookshelves; seeing the library that is created to help people learn.

Touch - Feeling the pages as you turn to delve into a character; feeling the warmth in your heart as someone seeking employment uses the computer lab for their resume and they get a position with the help of these resources.

Sound - Hearing children's laughter as they read to "Holly Collie" the Library's therapy dog and knowing adults continue to learn on their commutes with the books on tape they checked out from the library.

Smell - The smell of wood being designed with the new 'Glowforge' printer in the X-Lab creating projects.

Taste - Having your taste buds be tantalized as new dishes are shared with the Cook Book Club.

As a current trustee, I'm asking for your vote for library board to bolster these five senses and open the library door for others to explore. This board is where I think I could have the most meaningful impact to help my community and neighbors. Having worked in public service for close to a decade, this is my opportunity to directly give back.

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.

In the relative short period that I have served on the board, I have already helped with reviewing the yearly audit to ensure our taxpayers had their funds being used appropriately for the best possible programs and services. In addition, I supported our 'green' education with the seed library. In addition, I have donated planting supplies to the library gardening group and have used and supported such programs as the passport services and the scholastic book fair. During my next term I aim to keep the library accessible for all walks of life (from fans of anime to those enthusiastic about knitting and everyone in between). The library is still one of remaining places where all members of society could learn, play, and explore, regardless of background, race, religion, or any of societies constrictions.

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

Everywhere I have lived, I have carried a library card. I have a had card since I started reading about breakfast with 'Green Eggs and Ham' and going on adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Now there are many more ways to access resources and information like 'Hoopla.' But in addition, I love to use and support the numerous programs the library offers.

What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?

Our library district is fortunate that it encompasses multiple villages so if there is an economic downturn in the economy then the impact is lessened. However, the state budget impasse from a few years ago did stop the flow of the state related grant coming to the library. The funds were eventually corrected and continuing a good working relationship with local officials helps them understand how much the community values what the library offers. Now people use the library in more unconventional ways than a traditional library setting. But as a result, the technology impact has allowed our library to really turn a page with offering unique creative ways to engage in patrons, like a makers-space. Libraries remain relevant by adapting and answering the public needs. Round Lake Area Public Library is doing great but there always can be improvements and organizations need to continually evolve and I feel I bring the best knowledge to this position to keep the library moving forward. I would be honored to have your vote, so that I may continue my public service for our community.