Alicia Timm: 2023 candidate for Ela Area Public Library Board (2 year-term)

Bio

Town: Lake Zurich

Age on Election Day: 48

Occupation: Volunteer

Employer: N/A

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for the library board, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I am running for trustee to protect the mission, policies, and bylaws. Libraries are for everyone and I will preserve the right for ALL community members to access library materials. Our Library is a 5-Star Library. To maintain this high ranking, the library must continue to serve the needs of a diverse community. Creating strong partnerships is one way to serve the community. As Volunteer Chair of the Ancient Oaks Foundation Board, I have worked in partnership with the Village of Lake Zurich, the LZ school district, volunteer groups, scout groups, and the library. These opportunities have been valuable for my professional development. I have reviewed budgets, participated in strategic planning, improved our marketing, increased our fundraising, expanded our volunteer resources, and included more community partners. The power of inclusion is key to quality service and as a board trustee I will reach out to the community to promote the library's mission to "share the joy of discovery."

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

A: The Ela Library's app is a great resource for instant access to all of the library's offerings. The apps available for streaming and downloading are Libby by Overdrive for e-books and e-audiobooks, Kanopy for films, Flipster for magazines, PressReader for national and international newspapers and magazines, Freegal for streaming and downloading music, and Hoopla for e-books, audiobooks, comics, movies, TV, and music. The pandemic was a true test of any library's ability to keep up with the digital age. Our library thrived during this time because they were well-positioned to offer virtual access to library materials. They do a wonderful job of promoting their online materials and programs through their Footnotes newsletter which is mailed or emailed to all library card holders, and they have an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. A recent survey revealed that patrons still love an actual book and they are really enjoying the new Library of Things collection.

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: Libraries are already thriving in the electronic age. Ela Library has 5-Star ranking among libraries in a similar budget bracket. The Library Journal ranks a library through these seven criteria that demonstrate user engagement: program attendance, public computer uses, wi-fi sessions, database retrievals, library website visits, checkouts, and visits to the library. All but one of these criteria (patron visits to the library) are related to electronic access and Ela Library excels in all seven areas. Many programs are offered virtually. Library databases are varied and available to users from home. The library website offers a portal to these online resources. Next to the information desk is a pamphlet area full of information on digital resources. The pandemic put a spotlight on the quality of the library's online resources. They received 5-Star Library status even during the first year of COVID. Our library is well-positioned to thrive in the electronic age.

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: My relationships with many community partners make me uniquely qualified to promote the library's newly updated vision, which is: "All are welcome and treated with respect and kindness. Access to library resources is easy, equitable, and protected. Knowledge evolves, and creativity shines." Promoting the library's mission and vision is the vital work of a trustee. A trustee is also responsible for continuously examining and assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the library and its services to determine what areas of growth are needed for the library. My nonprofit board experience and collaboration with community groups has given me unique insight into how a group can be instrumental to bringing people together. I will use these skills to ensure that the interests and needs of library users and the community are front and center when making board decisions.

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

A: We obtained library cards shortly after we had the utilities turned on at our new home in Lake Zurich. That is how vital the library is to my family. We've lived here since my oldest was in kindergarten. My children are now in high school and middle school. We visit the library weekly. We started in the children's department checking out our weekly bag of picture books and family movie DVDs. My son would check out video games to take home for a trial run. My daughter enjoyed the weekly crafts and animated cartoon novels. The Lego robotics classes in the Forge makerspace were so fun for my Lego-crazy son. These days when I have a virtual meeting you will find me in a study room. My nonprofit group uses the meeting rooms when we have committee meetings. I love the nonfiction area upstairs as my interests change over the seasons. The copy card comes in handy when I need color prints. Most recently we renewed our children's passports. The library is a treasure trove of resources.

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: When working in a group to set policy, every group member brings their own expertise and perspective. It's good practice to allow each person to shine and to listen to their ideas. Once the brainstorming session has concluded, the work to synthesize those ideas and solidify action plans begins. I am a good listener and am open-minded to all voices. The best way to determine policy and participate in strategic planning is to remember the mission. When the path forward is confusing, revisiting the mission is the best way to focus, collaborate, and determine the best policies and plans for an organization.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: The job of a library board trustee is to hire and evaluate the Executive Director, to set policy, to establish the mission, and to promote the library to the community it serves. From what I have seen at library board meetings and experienced as a patron, our library has an excellent staff who works well together and respects the mission of the library. They just completed their strategic plan for 2023-2025 and I'm excited to support their action plan. I will fulfill my trustee duties faithfully and follow the mission of the library. I will promote the library to the community and ensure their needs are met by the library. My proven commitment to and enthusiasm for serving our area makes me the best candidate for the trustee role. I am an open minded candidate who will prioritize the needs and values of our diverse community.