Micki Pflug Mounce: 2023 candidate for Fremont Public Library Board

Bio

Town: Mundelein

Age on Election Day: 52

Occupation: Writer

Employer: Abbott Laboratories

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've been a Mundelein resident for 15 years, and I have two kids at Mundelein High School. I've spent many hours going to the library since my kids were young, whether for story time, meeting with a tutor, checking out materials or enjoying various programs. Now that my kids are older, I have more time to give back to my community, and I'd love to be a part of our library and help it continue to thrive and meet the needs of people of all ages. The Fremont Public Library offers a free, safe space where people can gather together, find opportunities, check out materials and have access to important resources. It provides a sense of community and belonging, and I'd be honored to be a part of all of that.

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 Fremont Public Library has seen an increase in the use of online materials and virtual programs. It has bolstered and promoted its online collection, and it regularly encourages people to access digital materials. One of the library's initiatives is to continue increasing its virtual collections and enable greater access to a wider variety of materials for learning and entertainment.

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: The future role of libraries in the electronic age is to continue to provide a healthy mix of different types of online and digital services, resources and programs. This includes paying attention to the technological needs of the community and staying current with the latest advancements. The Fremont Public Library is well prepared for meeting that role and regularly seeks out ways enhance its digital offerings and services.

The library can continue taking steps to ensure that access to media and enrichment activities are adaptive and accessible for all.

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 Fremont Library Trustee, the contributions I'd make to the library are, first and foremost, to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of the community and provide high-quality resources, materials and services that our patrons have come to expect and enjoy. I'd look to see what else we can do to make accessing our materials and resources easier. From a business perspective, I'm excited to help make sure that we're using the library building space effectively and that our structure is safe and sound.

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

A: I've had a library card all my life, and I use it often throughout the year.

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: Throughout my life, I've held roles in different professional and community organizations where we've needed to make decisions or set a course of action. When working in a group setting to determine policy, I feel that it's important to hear all viewpoints and pay attention to different perspectives and information before making a decision. Looking at issues from all angles is critical in order to be a solid leader who is comfortable making decisions and taking action. I will make effective choices for our community to see that the library continues to thrive.

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

A: As an avid library-goer and resident of Mundelein for 15 years, the library has been an important part of life for me and my family. I am the best candidate for Fremont Library Trustee because not only do I go to the library regularly as a patron, but I truly value our library and appreciate how it is a critical part of our community. I am passionate about ensuring that people of all ages have access to resources, programs and services that are meaningful and relevant to their lives, and I am committed to ensuring that we have a safe, vibrant location where we can continue to provide those resources.