Amy Prochot: 2021 candidate for Gail Borden Library District

Bio

City: Elgin

Age: 33

Occupation: Assistant Property Manager, Commercial/Office

Employer: Glenstar

Civic involvement: I made a personal 2021 goal to be more involved in my community through volunteering at local organizations and engaging in local politics. Aside from hopefully joining the Gail Borden Library Board, I'd like to donate to organizations helping those hit hardest by the pandemic, support local businesses by shopping small and ordering from Elgin area restaurants, and promoting sustainability efforts in any way that I can. The pandemic has been tough on civic engagement but that just means we have to get creative.

Q&A

Q. Why are you running for the library board, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?

A. This is my first time running for the library trustee position and I jumped on the opportunity as my husband and I officially put down roots in Elgin. I lived in Elgin until I was five and in my early 20s so I am ecstatic to again be a patron of the Gail Borden Library. I credit my mother for kick-starting my love of libraries when I was a child and they have always been a place of solace for me. I worked at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in college and then the Lincolnwood Public Library District as an Operations Manager for six years. My passion and knowledge of the library world makes me an ideal candidate for a trustee role. Whether I am elected or not, I will advocate for the library because it is one of the most important resources our tax dollars can support. Libraries have evolved from a warehouse of books to a community hub where everyone is welcome. It's now a place as the library's mission states: where imagination and transformation flourish, fueled by the power of community.

Q. Did your library continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A. I believe the library has continued to provide excellent service to its customers during the pandemic, even through periods of building closures. For the safety of the staff and customers, the library enforces mask wearing, social distancing, and extra cleanliness. They followed CDC guidelines regarding cleaning protocols, posted signage in the buildings, communicated clearly with the community, increased virtual program offerings, and made the tough decision to close the buildings until state restrictions were lifted. I'm sure it was extremely difficult to remove physical access to quiet spaces for students when schools went virtual, out-of-home educational time for children needing to fight cabin fever, and a warm shelter for the homeless during inclement weather. I know if I were a trustee at the time, I would have carefully weighed the options. And I would have ultimately come to the same decision. Staying home has slowed the spread of the virus and a library needs its patrons as much as the patrons need the library. We are not in the clear yet, but I'm hopeful everyday that we're getting closer to some normalcy. I will keep this in mind if elected in April.

Q. Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?

A. Absolutely! Not only can patrons browse the collection from home and check out e-books and audiobooks from the mobile app, but they can also take advantage of the exceptional virtual services and online resources. They've promoted ways to stay connected by launching several campaigns. Residents in the district that may not have used the library before can sign up for a library card online and use it for 90 days before even stepping foot inside the building. Interactive, virtual exhibits were launched, including the current Black History Month celebration. Kids can still participate in story times via Zoom with Miss Katie. All these offerings are promoted on the website, on social media, and in the newsletters, both paper and electronic. I personally have used these services and I recommend them to anyone wanting to know more about what is so great about the library! I've emailed librarians for help with research, searched the catalog and placed holds on materials online (to be picked up at the drive-up window), and attended programs, book clubs, and board meetings via Zoom, both live and recorded. What are you waiting for? There's a lot of fun to be had-just a few clicks away.

Q. 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.

A. I have shared my three-part campaign promise on my Facebook page. You can check it out at Facebook.com/AmyPforTrustee. In short, my three main goals are to focus on fiscal accountability, access to services, and advocacy. During these unprecedented times, everyone is concerned about finances and the economy. If elected, I will hold the staff accountable for providing the best services within budget. I will ensure the library remains a destination for parents, students, jobseekers, small businesses, and everyone in between to find information and educational programs. In times of uncertainty, the library becomes even more invaluable. As a trustee, it will be my job to listen to the needs of the residents and to push for continuing the growth of library's offerings that help transform lives. Having a group of individuals with different backgrounds will make the board stronger. I will use my work experience in libraries and property management to help the board make decisions regarding the needs of the facilities in the district. In my library career, I've helped bring to life a multimillion dollar building renovation and as a property manager, I am responsible for more than 500,000 square feet of commercial office space.

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

A. My husband and I moved to Elgin at the end of 2018 so within a month or two I stopped in to get my library card. I've been using it regularly for the last two years, at least on a weekly basis. I'm an avid audiobook listener (I have a 45 minute commute to work!) so I am constantly placing holds and downloading from the library's e-book app. I also love checking out new blurays from the media bank. In addition, I enjoy genealogy research so having access to Ancestry.com with my library card saves me money on a personal subscription. Most recently, I've taken advantage of several databases that are accessible to library card holders to do some research on my 1916 home in Elgin.