Barbara Pintozzi: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Barbara Pintozzi
City: Barrington
Office sought: Barrington Area Library trustee
Age: 55
Family: married, two college-age children
Occupation: former 2d District Appellate Court staff attorney, garden writer
Education: J.D.
Civic involvement: Blueprint 220 referendum committee
Previous elected offices held: Library trustee
Incumbent? Yes. If yes, when were you first elected? 2007
Website: reelectcarrpintozziclifford.org
Facebook: Protect our library
Tumblr: Protect-our-library.tumblr.com
Twitter:
Instagram: protectourlibrary
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your library district and how do you intend to address them?
The paramount issue is getting out the message to nonusers and political leaders of all the library offers, that it is more than merely a book repository. Libraries are integral to the community, providing essential services for those in need, ascertaining needs in advance, and providing social infrastructure through meeting spaces and programs. An example of this is the prosthetic hand project for Chicago Cares, which created affordable 3-D printer prosthetic hands in the Makerlab and made them available to disadvantaged people.
Libraries are accessible, welcoming all for free, providing safe spaces for young people to congregate and collaborate, without a time limit; opportunities for the elderly to get out of the house and interact with others; and a link to other caregivers, whether of parents or children.
Libraries are a foundation of democracy and a force of societal equalization, from free internet access, to programs on avoiding fake news, to championing intellectual freedom. The solution, in addition to library newsletters sent to subscribers, is ongoing and expanding community outreach and networking.
Why are you running for office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what is it?
I am running again to help continue to guide and guard the library as it fulfills its mission to the community. My current motivation is to ensure the library extends its programming fostering inclusivity and diversity. Specifically, I'm concerned about the LGBTQ+ kids in our community. District 220 does a fantastic job of supporting them, and suicides in Barrington have decreased. The library needs to provide the element of community support and a safe space, which are especially crucial now when hate crimes are on the rise. I've requested the executive director to have the library recognize Gay Pride month, and we have discussed the library offering programs in support. Through information and interaction, people's understanding of and empathy for those who are viewed as "other" may be increased. Having programs focused on LGBTQ+ experiences and authors lets these kids know that they are a valuable part of our community and that they belong.
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.
When I first ran, I intended to see to it that Young People's Services was moved to the first floor, so caregivers of toddlers and babies didn't have to shepherd little ones up the stairs while hauling an infant in a seat. I succeeded in that, and the new Youth Services is a model for other libraries and a draw for customers beyond our district. I was involved with the gallery in the library, which promotes local artists and brings to the public art to which most would not otherwise be exposed. I was also influential in choosing our previous executive director, who spearheaded the library's change to the cutting edge of meeting customers' needs in the digital age.
Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
I've had a library card for as long as I can remember. I use my card at least twice a week, to check out reading materials, consult Consumer Reports, watch movies on Kanopy and TV shows on Hoopla.
What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?
With the increasing wealth disparity in our country, libraries are more relevant than ever. Those in need can access free internet, use the Makerlab, a video green screen room to make podcasts, get assistance with a resume, have a safe place to meet with others where they don't need to pay for a coffee or be subject to a time limit, or get help researching their ancestry.
Technological changes have made libraries more necessary than ever. Libraries provide free internet use without sharing users' information. Our library offers classes in using technology, in addition to one-on-one help from our staff to enable information access and creativity.
The library is the center of the community. It brings people together, offers different viewpoints, fosters literacy (both written and technological) and encourages critical thought. Its role in the community should be ever-expanding, to meet the needs and challenges of today and tomorrow.