Lorna Turner: 2023 candidate for Lisle Library District board
Bio
Town: Lisle
Age on Election Day: 68
Occupation: Retired accountant
Employer: N/A
Previous offices held: Former Lisle Village Clerk; and current Lisle Library board member since 2021
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: Reelection. I have been involved in the library renovation and would like to see it through to completion, and further some of the other projects that I have been involved in.
Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?
A: There has been substantial increase in both the availability of online materials and their use by the patrons. We are continually promoting our online collections as they expand, both through social and print media. Employees at the library are always ready to assist patrons out on their use of our online materials.
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 see libraries on the forefront of promoting materials in the electronic age. Our library staff is fully versed on the latest technology and what is needed for its implementation. In fact, our library was recently mentioned in Consumer Reports because of all that we have to offer. The library is working on a strategic plan that will take us through 2025, which includes a technology component.
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 am an incumbent, having been named to the board in 2021. I came in at an exciting time, when renovation was just about ready to be completed, and was named the chairperson of the Finance Committee. We have been asked to reach decisions on crucial variances within the renovation project, and have shepherded the project through, still staying within the budget. I was involved in the fundraising for the Litzella board, for the Youth Services Department.
Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
A: I have had a Lisle library card for 37 years and will use it on a weekly basis, in some way or another.
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: Our board is a very cohesive group of individuals. We respect each other's opinions, and will give everyone a fair chance to speak their mind, without being critical. Each of us have our strengths (mine being finance, since I am a CPA), and sometimes we defer to those individuals who have particular strengths to lead us to the right decision. In addition, our Director is a very knowledgeable individual, whom we look to for input on our decisions.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I believe that I can still add value, to the library board, even when the renovation is completed. I visit the library at lease once a week, and will talk to patrons about their likes, dislikes, and their needs. In doing so, I think I have the pulse of the community, and have numerous ideas on how to continue to promote the library, which I would like to continue to share.