Kristin Cunningham: 2023 candidate for Barrington Area Public Library Board, 6-year term

Bio

Town: Barrington

Age on Election Day: 42

Occupation: Not given

Employer: Not given

Previous offices held: None

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 the library board because I care about the library and I would like to help shape its future.

The Barrington Library is an important community resource for not only education, but socialization as well. One of my goals for the library is to prioritize the patron experience and to make sure that the community knows all of the great resources that are currently available to them. We have so many apps, magazine subscriptions and programs that a lot of people aren't even aware of. I'd like to stay engaged with the community and promote all of the current educational tools that are available to them simply by using their library card. Another goal is fiscal responsibility and transparency. I think it's essential to have a long term plan and remain responsible stewards of the taxpayers' money. Effective planning will ensure that the library we love will remain an amazing asset for our children and grandchildren in the future.

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

A: I think the pandemic helped shift the use of online materials. There are a lot of apps that are available that offer free language courses, music, e-books and movies. If you're subscribed to the library newsletter, you would be informed of all the great things the library is currently offering or any special programs they are promoting. For those that aren't subscribed or on social media, I think we would have to find a different outlet to get the word out. I'm not sure what the perfect solution would be, but I think we could find a great one if we actively sought to solve the problem. Another issue that I've heard patrons mention is that they would like more digital copies of new releases, so they could get a hold of them sooner.

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 think that libraries represent a place where education and community members of all ages come together.

Our library is great at staying up to date in the electronic age and has recently added Wi-Fi hot spots to its list of items that patrons can borrow. We have a new library director that is focused on keeping the library current and was open to discussing new ideas and suggestions when I spoke with him, which I appreciate. One thing I've heard a lot of people mention lately is that they would like to have access to more peer reviewed journals and online research, so that's something I'd be interested in looking in to. Along with staying current in the electronic age, I'd like to make sure we're keeping a wide array of hard copy books. I think putting the electronic devices down and reading an actual book is something that is still extremely important to a lot of people, myself included.

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: As a patron of the library, I advocated for graphing calculators to be added to the "library of things." Every school year, I run into so many parents that are looking for a used graphing calculator for their student, because they can be expensive. I thought it would solve a community need and would hopefully bring more teens into the library. It was approved and will they will hopefully be available by the next school year.

Another initiative that I'm interested in working on is adding more volunteer opportunities. There has been a rise in tween and teen anxiety over the past few years and there could be a great opportunity for a teen volunteer program that involved taking care of the library gardens. Spending time outdoors, with other community members, while doing something productive, could help with the anxiety and isolation they are coping with after the pandemic. I've spoken with a lot of senior patrons that would love to volunteer as well.

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

A: I've always had a library card. I'm currently using my card daily because I'm reading an e-book on the Libby App and practicing several languages on the Mango app. When my kids were younger, they loved to go to story time and pick out books to bring home, whereas I'm more of a "book buyer." I love having a collection of the books that I've read and being able to reread them, but now that my children are a little older and have activities of their own, I'm constantly borrowing books on Libby. It's just extremely convenient and great to have while I'm on the go and during the periods that I'm waiting to pick up my kids. I like to sign up for maker lab classes and my son likes the "take and make" crafts. There are a lot of fun things that come with a Barrington Library card.

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've always worked well in groups and I find that communication is key. While working as a business manager for several different cosmetic companies, I've learned to find creative and positive ways of

communicating with many personalities that were different than mine. The way that I've handled situations where we've determined policy, or times when we've had to reach and agreement, are similar. Before I make a decision, I like to find out as much information as possible, prior to a meeting. I always like to be prepared.

Once in the meeting, I think it's important to listen to each member of the group and hear their thoughts. If there are a lot of opposing views, further discussion may be needed, as long as it's not something that needs an immediate decision. For urgent matters, I'm decisive and I'm able to make a decision based on the information that I have. Overall, I am open minded, logical and I look for the best solution, not the easiest.

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

A: believe that my work ethic, integrity, business background and my love for the library would make me the best candidate.

I don't believe in banning books at public libraries. I think a truly great library is one that has something to offend everyone.

I'm fiscally responsible, so I don't believe in unnecessarily taxing people just because we can. I always take amazing care of things that I love. I volunteer at an animal shelter, because I love animals. I volunteer at GiGi's playhouse, because I love children. I'd like to volunteer as a Barrington Area Library Trustee for the next 6 years, because I love the library.