Rachel Forsyth-Tuerck: 2023 candidate for Barrington Area Public Library Board, 6-year term

Bio

Town: Barrington

Age on Election Day: 53

Occupation: At home caregiver

Employer:

Previous offices held: Library trustee, Dedham Public Library, Dedham, Massachusetts.

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 have always been a library advocate, and served as a library trustee in my previous town. Before we moved to the Chicago area, it was important to me to move to a community that had a strong library, and we found that in Barrington. Last summer while attending D220 school board meetings, I became increasingly concerned about the number of people speaking during public comment angrily advocating for several award-winning books to be banned. Several people threatened school board members that they would organize and come after their seats, presumably so they could ban those books. I figured it was only a matter of time before this group would come after our library, too. I think we all benefit when all perspectives can be read and discussed. I am running because I absolutely do NOT want book banners on my local library trustee board and will always advocate for the freedom to read.

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 residents who are eager to read a book no matter what form are motivated to get it online, especially if that's the shortest wait. However, I think the library can be doing more to promote to the public how to access those materials, as well as all of the fabulous databases it has and the movie streaming service "Kanopy."

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: Our library has done so much with self checkout, book returns, and auto-renewal, we take much of it for granted. Residents can also request books online to be delivered to lockers at various locations, making it more convenient to obtain materials. One area I think the library can improve is continual education and tips for kids and adults on digital literacy, media consumption, and online privacy issues.

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 have served as a library trustee before, and know the importance of advocating for the library in the community, supporting the library staff, maintaining a balanced budget while investing wisely in resources, working respectfully with the other trustees and listening to meet the needs of the community.

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

A: Absolutely! I got my card as soon as we moved here in 2015, and I stop by about once a week, if not more.

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: In my previous position (as well as my experience working at General Electric for five years), I liked to approach policy decisions with two parts: the spirit and the letter. The "spirit" addresses the underlying issue we hope to address, and "the letter" addresses the details on how the policy should be carried out. Once the group agrees on "the spirit" or the purpose of the policy, the easier it is to work out the policy details. For example, a library closure policy for inclement weather was always tricky for my town. Did the library director (who lived 40 minutes away) make the decision? The trustees? Should we just follow the local schools? Once we decided the spirit of the policy was the safety of residents and staff, the details on "the letter" were easier to nail down, and we coordinated with the town's offices and Department of Public Works.

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

A: I have previous trustee experience, and a genuine love for public libraries; I know what it's like to depend on them for a lifeline. I will advocate for the freedom to read, and would love the opportunity to create communitywide events that would build more connections between neighbors, local businesses, and nonprofits.