Deborah A. Canale: 2023 candidate for Villa Park Public Library Board
Bio
Town: Villa Park
Age on Election Day: 50
Occupation: Permanent Substitute Teacher
Employer: Villa Park-Lombard Elementary District 45
Previous offices held: Villa Park Library Board trustee since 2020
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: I am running for reelection so I can continue to serve, build and manage the library's Plans and Policies for our community. Originally I became involved with the Friends of the Library, then worked on getting the second referendum to pass so we could build our new library that was so desperately needed.
I feel we have established a great foundation for our new library however we MUST keep it alive and moving forward for the many generations ahead. We can only ensure this by managing our current dollars fiscally while advancing our future donations or bequests to our library.
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 we have seen a significant shift in the use of online materials. Our website is very user friendly and you are only one click away from accessing our Digital Library where you can see the library's extensive list of EMEDIA Resources and Digital Reference collections, day or night.
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 should continue to be a third helping hand to ALL of the people in our immediate and surrounding communities in this electronic age. The library is prepared and has formed good relationships with the schools (teachers and students) and Oakbrook Terrace for example in forming an agreement to secure library cards.
You no longer need to physically enter the library in order to have access to all the content offered at our library. For the future we must expand and continue building our relationships with the various community groups in town while maintaining good relationships with the staff and continue serving the residents of Villa Park.
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 was appointed as trustee for the library board in January of 2020 and then was reelected in the general election. I continue to serve on the finance committee while most recently accepting the co-chair position for the strategic planning committee.
We have a good foundation for our new library and I look forward to working with the staff and our community on our next strategic plan to further secure the future of the library. Everyone in our community should be using the library in some fashion no matter what stage of life you are in. The library has everything and more to offer!
Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
A: Yes since we became residents of Villa Park, over 20 years ago. Having a family, being in school and being part of the many program events over the years, I use my card countless times.
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: My experience in working with all the board members and the sub committees has been a positive and enlightening experience. Our current board members are diverse in their experience (current and past) and wisdom. I feel everyone is able to speak their mind and give their opinions. My style is listening to everyone and then making an informed decision based on my past and current experience.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My experience as an investment consultant for over 20 years, as a permanent substitute teacher for District 45, as a mother of two children, a wife, an active community member, and a resident of Villa Park for over 22 years.
I have used the library since my children were young and will continue to use the library as my resource to so many services, books, programs and more. I hope I can continue to serve as Trustee for many years to come. I am so thankful for having such a new library and all the services they have to offer now and to many more services in the future.