Karen Singer: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Karen Singer
City: Vernon Hills, IL
Office sought: Cook Memorial Library Board Trustee
Age: 55
Family: Single, no children
Occupation: Travel Agency Administrator
Education: Graduated Indiana University - Bachelor's Degree
Civic involvement: Volunteer since 2007
Previous elected offices held: none - I'm an appointed Precinct Commiteewoman for Precinct 198
Incumbent? No
Website: TBA
Facebook: @KarenSingerforCookMemorialLibraryTrustee
Twitter: TBA
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your library district and how do you intend to address them?
Talking to people to determine and assess important issues surrounding the Cook Memorial Library District is, to my mind, the most exciting part of the road ahead leading to the Elections. I look forward to this most of all (second to getting to serve, of course!). Put simply, I will address any issues or tasks bringing my strengths to bear, 100%. I think the approaches and details would vary depending on the issue(s) at hand.
Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what is it?
I'm running because of my lifelong love and respect for libraries and the people who staff them and use them, and for my enjoyment of having used so many different services and aspects of libraries. It just feels like a perfect fit. My passion is programming. In this divisive era, I'm so motivated by the possibilities for programs in the area of cultural and ethnic awareness - of coming together. Libraries are centers for information and learning, and there is so much cultural richness to learn about!
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 would very much like to contribute my 30 years administrative experience to the Cook Memorial Library Board, and absolutely my lifelong experience as a dedicated library enjoyer.
Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
I sure do! I've had my Cook Memorial Library Card for about exactly two years. I've had library cards steadily since my family moved to Illinois when I was about 8 years old.
What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?
I think in a technological age, a warm, solid place to get information, learn, meet, be entertained, inspired ... is all the more important. Libraries are tremendously relevant - On a weekly basis, I'm either attending events or meetings at libraries, picking up books and music, asking questions, reading a magazine to relax for a few moments ... Not to mention that the library is a source of help to get through that technological jungle! And of course ever-newer, better ways to catalog, store and access information are key. As is keeping as current as possible.