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Lisa Tonkery: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Lisa Tonkery

City: Hainesville

Office sought: Grayslake Area Public Library Trustee

Age: 51

Family: I have been married for 28 years to my husband Gregg. We have three children. Cameron (19) is a freshman at the University of Illinois, Abby (17) is a senior at Grayslake Central High School and Emma (11) is a fifth grader at Frederick School.

Occupation: I am currently a substitute teacher in Grayslake School District 46. Prior to staying home with my children I worked as an elementary schoolteacher.

Education: Indiana University (BS in elementary education 1989) Barat College (Masters in Education 2000)

Civic involvement: I have been a volunteer in Grayslake School District 46 and at my church.

Previous elected offices held:

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? I am finishing my first term as a trustee.

Website: None listed

Facebook: None listed

Twitter: None listed

Issue questions

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

Making the library a focal point of the community and making sure residents know of all the services that we offer is important. Increasing the number of card holders is also a goal that I would like to address. This can be achieved by expanding our community outreach. Funding is always an issue so making wise financial decisions and partnering with local businesses will allow us to meet the needs of the community.

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

My background is in education and there are many parallels between teaching and being a part of the library board. One of the reasons I loved teaching first grade was the joy of teaching children to read. It is important for our schools and libraries to promote a love of reading and life long learning. I want to be a part of making the library a vibrant community center that creates opportunities for learning and discovering new interests and ideas. I would like to see an increased partnership with our library and our local schools.

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 was a member of the committee that created our last long range plan. I am currently the treasurer on the board and a part of the finance committee. During my time on the board we opened the Hub, which is our maker space and renovated the lobby to create Kent's Place, a gathering place for patrons. We expanded the story time area and created a more open floor plan in youth services. I was also a part of interviewing and hiring our new library director.

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

I have had a Grayslake library card for over 25 years. I visit the library two to three times a week. I am an avid reader and my family and I often participate in various programs.

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

Libraries have always been a source of information and education and that remains true today. The format of how that information is delivered has expanded, but the purpose of the library has not. Libraries welcome every member of the community and offer numerous resources and opportunities for learning and socializing with others at no cost. A well run library should function as a community center and expand it's offerings to meet the diverse learning needs of the community.

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