Jennifer Cheng: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Jennifer Cheng

City: Gurnee

Office sought: Warren-Newport Public Library District Trustee

Family: Married with two kids

Occupation: Finance coordinator at CBRE

Education: B.A., Universidad de Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano and MBA, North Park University

Civic involvement: volunteered at Woodland Elementary and Intermediate schools as room mom, kindergarten camp at Mano a Mano, and for United Way of Lake County education programs volunteer.

Previous elected offices held: none

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes, appointed in August 2018.

Website:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Issue questions

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

Technological engagement. Foster community engagement in technology by offering more spaces for creative thinking and collaborations.

Outreach to new members. The warren Newport Library is immersed in a community enriched with many different cultures, maintaining its relevance to continuously offer programs and services that meet the needs of our residents.

Increase fundraising efforts to support the library programs and capital investments, while achieving a sustainable budget that will help prioritize areas that are more valuable to our library members and the community.

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

I made wonderful memories with my children at the WNPL and would like to ensure that the library continues to be a building foundation for parents in the educational growth and enrichment of their children, as well as for individuals of all ages.

* 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 joined to Board of Trustees in August of 2018 bringing to the table over nine years of nonprofit experience. I would like to support the library fundraising activities and help expand the work that the library has established over the years.

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

I have a WNPL library card as well as the rest of my family members. We've been members since 2002 and have used many of the different programs and services the library offers for personal and professional growth, children literacy and leisure.

* 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 will continue to be an integral component to education despite the economic and budgetary challenges and constraints, and despite the rapid changes of the new digital era. Regardless of the method of delivery (reading materials or digital) libraries should continue to be the driving force for sharing of knowledge and having access to information.