Wendy Vieth: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Wendy Vieth
City: Libertyville
Office sought: Trustee, Cook Memorial Public Library District
Age: 54
Family: Husband, Son (23), Son (20), Daughter (15)
Occupation: Sales - Territory Manager, Gift Industry
Education: Bachelor of Science: NIU, Marketing/International Relations Masters: Roosevelt University, Marketing Communications
Civic involvement: Current trustee for the CMPLD (Vice President), Village of Libertyville Parking Commission member
Previous elected offices held: Gurnee Park District, Commissioner; CMPLD, Trustee (Vice President, Building and Grounds Committee Chairperson)
Incumbent? Yes. If yes, when were you first elected? 2008
Website: N/A
Facebook: N/A
Twitter: N/A
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your library district and how do you intend to address them?
There are several important issues facing the Cook Memorial Public Library District at this time. The district is physically growing as it catches up to the space needs in the southern portion of the district. As the expansion project continues at the Aspen facility, it will be important to make sure that the project is completed on time and within the prescribed budget. As a re-elected board member, I will continue to be involved in the details pertaining to this project as it related to budget, etc. Serving the growing and changing needs of the CMPLD residents is also an important issue facing the district. Products and services that the library provides to residents continues to change with the times. Technology, subscription services, creative space, collections etc. are all areas of the library that continue to change. Keeping up with these areas and growing/changing them as necessary is always a challenge. CMPLD has been successful in putting in place a strategic plan that has addressed these changes. A talented and loyal staff has been an important part of the success. As a re-elected board member, I would continue to take part in long range planning for all areas of the library.
Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what is it?
I am a loyal library user and have enjoyed being a part of the CMPLD board. I consider it an honor to have been re-elected in the past and would like to continue to serve as a trustee.
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 currently serving as the Vice President of the board. I have been involved with the district as it grew from one facility (Cook) to two (Aspen). I was very involved in the process of building a second location for the district without a tax increase to residents. I am proud of this accomplishment. I am also proud that our board has been operating both buildings in a very fiscally responsible way since the I have been on the board.
Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
I do have a library card. I have had it since the first year (maybe even month!) since I moved to Libertyville in 2003. I use the library/my card several time each month.
What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?
Economic and technological changes do impact libraries in the services they offer, the budgets, etc. It is important to have a strategic plan in place so that decisions can be made in regards to all aspects of the library as technology and the needs of the library continue to change. A library district must continue to monitor and plan in order to meet the changing needs of it's residents. A library remains relevant by knowing and planning for the needs of it's users.