Tiffany L. Henderson: 2023 candidate for Gail Borden Public Library District board
Bio
Town: Bartlett
Age on Election Day: 44
Occupation: Attorney/Pastor
Employer: The Kingdom Advancement Center
Previous offices held: Gail Borden Library Board since 2017
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 as an incumbent for the library board because our library is simply one of the greatest resources in our community and I want to do my part to ensure its accessibility, sustainability, and relevancy for future generations.
Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?
A: Yes! There was a major uptick in online materials during the height of the pandemic and people have continued to use them more and more. As a result of the usage we have expanded our online catalog and added more options to our online collection.
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 throughout the decades have come to be more than a repository of books, it's a community hub and family resource center. Our library is leading the industry with resources that bring folks through our doors for banking, passports, concerts, exhibits, and even coffee!
Even with all of that, there's more to come! We will continue to add meeting rooms, study spaces, new exhibits, and expand our digital creative footprint to stay in lock step with current technology trends. In this digital age our library will remain relevant and alive with most of the educational resources you will ever need.
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 library trustee, one of my first important initiatives was the opening of the South Elgin Branch, which is now expanding! The expansion is largely possible due to a generous grant we procured from our Congressman. I also co-led the committee to appoint the last three new trustees.
Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
A: Yes! I have had a library card my entire life and received a Gail Borden library card when I moved into the district in 2004. I use my card every time I need to check out a book I don't own (not too often) or when my kids forget their library card (more often)!
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 have a listen, learn, then lead approach to reach an agreement. I listen to the thoughts, ideas, and perspectives of others first. This helps me learn what they truly want that they may or may not have adequately articulated. I then take the collective wants and lead everyone to a solution that either meets or gets very close to what they truly want. Listening and learning are always effective in group settings. Once I show that I listened and learned from each of them, they will feel seen and heard and will be eager to reach an agreement.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have been a library trustee for many years now and have learned what it means to advocate, care for, and develop this library in ways only incumbents would understand. All of the incumbents are the best candidates for this job.