Lindsay Prigge: 2023 candidate for Barrington Area Public Library Board, 6-year term

Bio

Town: Barrington

Age on Election Day: 37

Occupation: Payroll Specialist

Employer: Paychex

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 in Barrington because I believe libraries should be a safe haven where people can go to read, learn, dream, and be themselves. BAL is this sort of space and I want to protect that for our community. For those who can't afford books at home. For those seeking to see themselves in what they read. For those who need to feel a connection with their community through volunteerism. For those who need a place where they feel safe. It's hard to land on one issue alone that it motivating. My campaign is prioritizing issues that matter most to the Barrington area like expanding community services, being a voice for all, and preserving access to information in an age when censorship is on the rise.

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

A: Since the spring of 2020, the demand for online access to the library services has increased. Barrington Area Library continues to support and further that demand with virtual events, additional e-reading and audiobook selections, and the addition of parking lot pick up through the website for a blended approach to reading in a digital world. Members also have access to digital databases such as the Chicago Tribune, Gale courses, HeritageQuest, Mango Languages, and more.

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 have long been resources for the community above and beyond books. As the digital age continues to evolve, BAL has evolved beautifully along side it. For example, the library board and executive director are exploring expanding the current Maker space into more of a true Maker Lab. With the explosion of video content on social media, more people than ever are being to explore 3-D printing, digital design, video editing, and beyond. If elected, this would be an initiative I believe would benefit our community greatly and that I would absolutely support.

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 first time candidate for local office, I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with the current board; Barrington Area Library has done an exemplary job in the last 20 years ensuring they have a stable and adequate working budget, hiring educated and hard working directors, and continuing to develop the libraries amenities to maintain it's destination library status. One contribution I would love to make during the next six years is to encourage bolstering the library's section of books in Spanish and Chinese. Right now BAL has a very limited offering of books in foreign languages, especially Spanish and Chinese, both of which are dual languages programs that are highly competitive in the school district. This would be a great opportunity to partner with the Spanish Dual and Chinese Immersion programs to fill a gap in community need.

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

A: Yes. In fact, everyone in our household has their own card. When we moved to Barrington in 2019, it was one of the first post move tasks we took care of. I personally enjoy having the flexibility to borrow books through the BAL app and read or listen to them on Libby. The Library is one of the most asked for places my kids want to visit so you can find us all in the children's services area several times a week. I am also very excited to be volunteering at BAL's Fandom Fest on March 4 and attending the Ombre Wind Chime event with friends on March 23rd.

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: Working in management for a small Credit Union, I had many opportunities to help shape and direct the

policies and procedures we used both in our office, and company wide. One of the most important skills in a group decision setting is communication. I've successfully navigated group decisions by being open to suggestions, handling critical feedback productively, and trusting the knowledge of my fellow teammates where their expertise outweighed my own. Having fluid, respectful, and honest communication is key to making forward progress.

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

A: For me, it's that my heart is in it. I wasn't asked to run, it's not a check mark in a political career map, or a booster for my resume. I truly love reading, am passionate about making sure our public spaces (especially libraries) are for everyone - not just a vocal minority, and want to use my abilities to give back to my community. I encourage everyone to research all six candidates running for the Barrington Area Library board and come out to vote on April 4.