Suzanne Lattanzio: 2023 candidate for Ella Johnson Memorial Library Board
Bio
Town: Hampshire
Age on Election Day: 63
Occupation: Office Administrator
Employer: Cornerstone United Methodist Church
Previous offices held: Current Ella Johnson Memorial Library board member
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: Since I was a teenager, I have loved and used my public library. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and that our local library is the key to knowledge and growth. Our library board is united in serving our 100+ square mile district and growing population. Ella Johnson Library District does a wonderful job with limited resources and space, and I want to continue to support them in the best way possible now, while looking toward our future needs.
Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?
A: It continues to grow, both in users and resources at a steady pace. We promote through our website and social media posts.
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: Not just a repository for books, the library serves our community in a multitude of ways. Meeting place, media resources, children's events, senior services, computer room - library services are a reflection of the values and needs of the community. Because of exponential population growth, EJMPLD will need to build in order to meet those needs, and be prepared to make those important decisions.
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 was appointed to fill a trustee vacancy on the EJMPLD board earlier this year, and look forward to being a part of the decisions that will carry our library forward.
Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
A: I've had one as long as I can remember, at least since I was 16. I went to the public library regularly as soon as I could drive, and used my school library card constantly. I have always been a regular user of the library. When my children were little, we did library activities and story times. Now that they've grown up, I continue to use my library card. Now I use my membership to more often access digital titles and magazines. I have also been a member of a book club for over 20 years, and get my books through the library as often as I possibly can.
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 am fairly new to working on the board, but while I have definite opinions, I am respectful of the experiences of the other board members and I try to build consensus whenever possible.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am passionate about reading - not just for myself, but for the community at large. I feel that as a member of the library district (an one who utilizes digital content as much as possible), I represent a more often unseen segment of the library district. Because I have resided in unincorporated Hampshire for approximately 25 years, I feel I can help guide decisions that benefit the community and library district at large, not just those within Hampshire village limits.