Crystal Steker: 2023 candidate for Ela Area Public Library Board
Bio
Town: Lake Zurich
Age on Election Day: 66
Occupation: Retired
Employer: N/A
Previous offices held: Ela Area Public Library Trustee (2019-2023), currently serving as board president
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?
A: Libraries are the heart of a community. I value our award-winning library for its amazing collection of resources as well as a place for people to gather, learn, and collaborate. However, to remain relevant the library must continue to adapt to changing times and community needs while remaining fiscally responsible. As the Director of Technology for School District 95 (retired 2019), I worked at the intersection of education and technology for 20 years. I understand trends, the impact of change on an organization and the constraints of public budgets. As your current Board President, I have a successful track record of working collaboratively to produce results. If reelected I will work to ensure that our library continues to evolve while remaining a welcoming space where curiosity is fostered and access to resources is easy, equitable and protected.
Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?
A: One of my favorite things about Ela Library is the variety of virtual materials. We have a robust online library of books, digital magazines and newspapers, research databases, music, and movies ~ something for everyone! Ela Library monitors digital use so that additional resources can be purchased as needed. A recent (June 2021) survey showed that the adoption of online technologies was growing. While it is important to embrace changing technologies, we must also meet patrons where they are. Not everyone has expertise or comfort with online technologies. Finding that right mix of in-person and digital resources is key. It is also important to continue to increase public awareness of digital resources and to offer technology classes to ensure patrons who want online access are empowered.
Q: What do you see as the future of role of libraries in the electronic age? How well prepared is your library for meeting that role? What new steps must the library begin taking?
A: I would argue that libraries are more needed now than ever before and that Ela Library is well situated to meet those changing needs. To remain relevant, a library must continue to evolve to be more than a place to check out books to become a place that provides materials, programs, and unique learning opportunities for everyone in the community.
Ela Library understands this changing role. In January, I was proud to vote "yes" to approve a visiting exhibit from the American Museum of National History: Giants, Dragons and Unicorns. The cost for the exhibit will be spread over three fiscal years, making payments manageable and staying within the library's budget.
In addition to bringing community together at the Library, I would like to continue to explore ways to reach those outside the four walls of the library. This includes expanding digital collections as well as looking at ways to provide additional services to outreach or homebound patrons.
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: The current Board has produced positive results while maintaining a track record of fiscal accountability and responsibility. One of the most visible examples, that I supported, is the current $3.5 million-dollar interior renovation, which will be completed on time and on budget in May 2023. The project was funded through the long-term facility plan and special reserves without asking taxpayers for additional funding.
Another significant initiative is in the area of finance. Over the past two years, the library has changed accounting methods and implemented a new system to make reporting more transparent. Monthly financial and circulation dashboards are now available to the community on the (newly redesigned) library website.
And finally, last year the Board and Executive Director reached a longtime goal of establishing an Ela Public Library Foundation to seek and accept charitable donations to help augment tax funding for special projects.
Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
A: I have a well-used and vintage library card and my usage has evolved over the years. When my children were young, we enjoyed many of the children's services, then moved on to the young adult educational programs and resources. In fact, I attribute both my daughter's love of reading to the quality youth programs they attended as children like Battle of the Books and Summer Reading Challenges. My media of choice for reading is mostly digital but I have been a member of a library sponsored book club, Any Ole Excuse, for fifteen years and recently joined the Senior Book Discussion group. Last year I used the digital media lab to convert old VHS family videos to the cloud. And since my home color printer died, I have found the library's print services invaluable. I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of the library. Even as a power library user, I continue to be surprised with the resources available including the Library of Things. Did you know you can even check out a telescope?
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your library board.
A: I have extensive experience in working in a group setting to determine policy. I served on the School District 95 Policy Committee for many years and was able to leverage that experience over the past four years to library policy. Policymaking is most effective when board members are informed, listen to best practices outlined by the staff, and actively participate discussions. It is the Board President's job to ensure that all perspectives are heard at the table and that discussions are civil. This is something that I have endeavored to do during my term as president. My leadership style is highly collaborative. I believe that dialogue at library board meetings, in general, is respectful and productive and focused on the best interests of our patrons. I also attend multiple trustee trainings each year by the Illinois Library Association to stay current with changing laws and issues facing libraries.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: As the current Board President, I have a four-year track record of experience and success as a trustee who advocates for our library and collaborates effectively with fellow trustees to produce positive results. I also have 22 years as School District 95 Technology Director (retired 2019) which provides experience with operational issues like budget, technology deployment and infrastructure as well more strategic initiatives such as programming, digital transformation, and professional development. My focus in the next four years will be to maintain fiscal responsibility so that our library can continue to expand resources and adapt to evolving community needs.
I am asking for your vote on April 4 for the privilege of continuing to serve as your Ela Library trustee.