Preet Singh: 2021 candidate for Palatine Library Trustee

Two candidates for one 2-year term

Bio

Hometown: Palatine

Age: Did not respond.

Occupation: Teacher

Employer: Did not respond.

Civic involvement: Did not respond.

Q&A

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

A. The library board of trustees has a role in determining the mission of the library and setting the policy that governs the library. I feel my skills as an educator can help aid the library.

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. Once the state mandated restrictions were lifted, the library director and board worked together to keep the library open, limited the number of patrons at one time, created cleaning procedures for books/AV materials and to distribute materials or services at a single pickup location (curbside pickup). The library accomplished all of this while construction had begun on the facility.

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

A. Yes.

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. Providing resources and a work environment that promotes personal hygiene. For example, provide tissues, no-touch trash cans, hand soap, alcohol-based hand rubs containing

at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectants, and disposable towels for workers to clean their work surfaces.

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

A. Yes. Over 20 years. About once a month.

Q. What other issues need to be addressed?

A. The library's role in the community is shifting from that of a storage facility to a community center. In general, Americans feel somewhat well-informed about the various services offered by their local libraries. While many feel they are aware of all or most of the services and programs their public library offers, there are just as many people that say they don't much about services offered by their library. It has been my goal to enfranchise those folks who don't know much about the library.