Jan Barshis
Joan Fishman
Lisa Gaines McDonald
Fina Riddle
Joan Fishman
Lisa Gaines McDonald
Fina Riddle
Jan Barshis
Biography
I am completing my second 4-year term as a Wilmette Public Library Board Trustee. I currently serve as Secretary of the Board and am a member of the Landscape Committee where I have worked actively to help develop the popular Butterfly Garden and promote the use of native plants in the WPL’s public spaces. I also serve as a liaison between the Board and the Illinois Library Association (ILA), the Board and the Friends of the Library/Books Down Under, and the Board and Go Green Wilmette (where I am also an Executive Board Member). I am a retired college professor, having taught Reading and English in the City Colleges of Chicago for more than 30 years. My husband and I have lived in Wilmette for more than 40 years.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Library Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
If I am re-elected to be a Library Trustee, I will continue to work toward my three main goals of 1) enhancing the role of the WPL as a vital community resource sensitive to the educational, cultural, social, and technological needs of Wilmette’s citizens; 2) ensuring that the tax dollars that finance WPL operations are used efficiently and effectively so that the community gets the best return on its tax dollar; and 3) promoting responsible environmental practices by the WPL so that the Library can serve as a “green” role model for the community and other public agencies. These goals reflect my belief that public board members should serve as change agents working for the best interests of the community that elects them to represent those interests.
How do you define the value of the Library to the community beyond books and other media?
Libraries are more than repositories for books and media. They are educational institutions and community centers for the young and old alike with a broad array of programs, cultural activities, social opportunities, and community service resources that include everything from meeting rooms for community events to open internet access for patrons.
How would you approach the next budget and tax levy cycles given the current financial picture of the Library and its short-term and long-term needs?
While I believe that the Library has been a good steward of the public’s money in recent years and has tried diligently to exercise restraint in determining its share of the tax levy, I nonetheless favor a more open and transparent detailing and explanation of the annual budget, especially the purpose, legal requirements for, and anticipated uses of the reserve fund. Budget challenges are significant. The Library faces the constant battle of keeping up with technology, maintaining an attractive and functional physical plant, and expanding its community outreach. It also must continue to attract and retain top-tier staff that will maintain the level of quality service our patrons expect, so salaries and benefits must be competitive with neighboring libraries on the North Shore.
As you consider the Library’s future, what aspects of the Wilmette Public Library’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan particularly appeal to you or concern you? Is there anything in the plan you would want to change or strengthen?
The 2018-2021 Strategic Plan emphatically addresses one of my personal goals as a Trustee: enhancing WPL as a community resource by focusing on growing community connections through efforts to bring Library materials out into the community, an example being the new Library Book Bike ; expanding Library resources available to the community through innovative programs like the new Library of Things; increasing WPL’s commitment to diversity in programs and hiring practices; and enhancing the Library’s attractiveness with new landscaping and interior furnishings. While I wish the Strategic Plan mentioned efforts to improve public information about the budgeting process, I’m confident the new Director will address any budget transparency issues in his public communication. The budget should be a document any lay person can understand, and I will work toward making that happen. Finally, I am committed to seeing that WPL is a model for responsible environmental practices as a public agency. Though I wish the Strategic Plan had included more specific statements supporting “green” practices, I hope to use my liaison role with Go Green Wilmette to provide the WPL Board, administration, and staff with helpful information and community resources that can further the Library’s commitment to a healthy environment in its programs and practices.
Joan Fishman
Biography
I have had the pleasure to live in Wilmette for more than 20 years, married to Tom Gutman and have two grown sons. My professional career has been in Nutrition and Marketing. Currently, I’m president of Friends of the Library and have been involved for the past five years with this group of community members who love the library. I’ve worked for the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and am of member of the League of Women Voters, The Women’s Club of Wilmette, and Go Green Wilmette. I’m also an American Field Service (AFS) liaison for the international exchange program for students attending New Trier and Glenbrook North.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Library Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
As President of Friends of the Library for the past four years, I became involved because I love the Library. Taking the next step and running for Library Trustee, I want to share my passion and encourage other community members who perhaps haven’t experienced the magic of the Library to use one of our most valuable community resources. The Library, along with our parks and schools, is what brings and maintains the vitality and unique value to Wilmette and Kenilworth. This is important for attracting new and keeping long - time residents.
My goals are to be a good listener, someone who is dedicated to community concerns. I’ll take responsibility for transparency with financial budgeting and being a good steward of the community’s tax support, promote relevant programming for patrons of all ages and interests, and secure continuous feedback on our strategic plans.
How do you define the value of the library to the community beyond books and other media?
In our often frenetic and online-oriented society, the library remains a setting that is calming, open, accessible and free. It’s a safe place where community members of all ages, learning preferences, and passions can interact, intersect and share the vitality of our community and beyond. Our Library offers social companionship and a gathering place for older adults, young children and their caregivers, teens, and community members who all share the same space and enjoy the benefits from the resources and programs available.
The Maker Programs and the Library of Things are examples of innovation at the Library beyond books. These exciting programs are bringing new users to the Library and opening doors beyond the mortar and bricks of the building.
How would you approach the next budget and tax levy cycles given the current financial picture of the Library and its short-term and long-term needs?
I feel that it is important that we have detailed a “Line Item” budget for the library’s income & expenses for past year’s, 2017, 2018, and the 2019 budget at a level appropriate so that we can better understand and identify expenditures and growth trends. In addition, I would want a “line item” capital expenditure plan for the next 5-6 years that lists all major capital expenditures along with repairs and maintenance upgrades. Although the library does have a large reserve, it would not be financially prudent to say our request for tax funding is inappropriate or excessive without reviewing all the above details. Given the available funds in the special reserve/capital improvement budget, I would champion Section C: Improve and or Maintain Building & Parking, given the dearth of parking at the Library, which seriously impacts patrons and staff. I’m also concerned about reviewing long-terms plans for the lower level, bathroom access and security to make the most of the Library’s footprint and meet the community’s needs.
As you consider the library’s future, what aspects of the Wilmette Public Library’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan particularly appeal to you or concern you? Is there anything in the plan you would want to change or strengthen?
As President of Friends of the Wilmette Public Library, I was fortunate to participate in the two-day Strategic Planning sessions and community group discussions. I was impressed by the passion, creativity, and wide-range of thinking that emerged from the staff, community members, and board trustees (Library as well as Park) to shape the next three years of the Library. I think that the Growing Community goal is especially important as defined as “Focus library services to promote strong connections in our community.” This initiative speaks to the importance of working collaboratively with the Village, Park, and School District. This brings a collective mindset both for programs and budgeting – and is a win for all. Additionally, the Library strives to be a welcoming destination for all points of view, abilities and interests. This open-door policy should continue to be encouraged and promoted.
I would also piggyback on the Marketing and Communication goal to increase awareness and encourage ongoing active listening sessions within the community for promoting resources and programs at the Wilmette Farmer’s market, Community Recreation Center, Kenilworth train station and Mallinckrodt Community Center to gather feedback from current patrons as well as untapped users.
I have had the pleasure to live in Wilmette for more than 20 years, married to Tom Gutman and have two grown sons. My professional career has been in Nutrition and Marketing. Currently, I’m president of Friends of the Library and have been involved for the past five years with this group of community members who love the library. I’ve worked for the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and am of member of the League of Women Voters, The Women’s Club of Wilmette, and Go Green Wilmette. I’m also an American Field Service (AFS) liaison for the international exchange program for students attending New Trier and Glenbrook North.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Library Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
As President of Friends of the Library for the past four years, I became involved because I love the Library. Taking the next step and running for Library Trustee, I want to share my passion and encourage other community members who perhaps haven’t experienced the magic of the Library to use one of our most valuable community resources. The Library, along with our parks and schools, is what brings and maintains the vitality and unique value to Wilmette and Kenilworth. This is important for attracting new and keeping long - time residents.
My goals are to be a good listener, someone who is dedicated to community concerns. I’ll take responsibility for transparency with financial budgeting and being a good steward of the community’s tax support, promote relevant programming for patrons of all ages and interests, and secure continuous feedback on our strategic plans.
How do you define the value of the library to the community beyond books and other media?
In our often frenetic and online-oriented society, the library remains a setting that is calming, open, accessible and free. It’s a safe place where community members of all ages, learning preferences, and passions can interact, intersect and share the vitality of our community and beyond. Our Library offers social companionship and a gathering place for older adults, young children and their caregivers, teens, and community members who all share the same space and enjoy the benefits from the resources and programs available.
The Maker Programs and the Library of Things are examples of innovation at the Library beyond books. These exciting programs are bringing new users to the Library and opening doors beyond the mortar and bricks of the building.
How would you approach the next budget and tax levy cycles given the current financial picture of the Library and its short-term and long-term needs?
I feel that it is important that we have detailed a “Line Item” budget for the library’s income & expenses for past year’s, 2017, 2018, and the 2019 budget at a level appropriate so that we can better understand and identify expenditures and growth trends. In addition, I would want a “line item” capital expenditure plan for the next 5-6 years that lists all major capital expenditures along with repairs and maintenance upgrades. Although the library does have a large reserve, it would not be financially prudent to say our request for tax funding is inappropriate or excessive without reviewing all the above details. Given the available funds in the special reserve/capital improvement budget, I would champion Section C: Improve and or Maintain Building & Parking, given the dearth of parking at the Library, which seriously impacts patrons and staff. I’m also concerned about reviewing long-terms plans for the lower level, bathroom access and security to make the most of the Library’s footprint and meet the community’s needs.
As you consider the library’s future, what aspects of the Wilmette Public Library’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan particularly appeal to you or concern you? Is there anything in the plan you would want to change or strengthen?
As President of Friends of the Wilmette Public Library, I was fortunate to participate in the two-day Strategic Planning sessions and community group discussions. I was impressed by the passion, creativity, and wide-range of thinking that emerged from the staff, community members, and board trustees (Library as well as Park) to shape the next three years of the Library. I think that the Growing Community goal is especially important as defined as “Focus library services to promote strong connections in our community.” This initiative speaks to the importance of working collaboratively with the Village, Park, and School District. This brings a collective mindset both for programs and budgeting – and is a win for all. Additionally, the Library strives to be a welcoming destination for all points of view, abilities and interests. This open-door policy should continue to be encouraged and promoted.
I would also piggyback on the Marketing and Communication goal to increase awareness and encourage ongoing active listening sessions within the community for promoting resources and programs at the Wilmette Farmer’s market, Community Recreation Center, Kenilworth train station and Mallinckrodt Community Center to gather feedback from current patrons as well as untapped users.
Lisa Gaines McDonald
Biography
Age: 65
Residence: Wilmette
Occupation: Market Research Consultant with Research Explorers, Inc
Past local government and business experience includes:
Lisa has an MBA from The University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler School of Business where she also received her BA. Professional affiliations include: Qualitative Research Consultants Association, Chicago Minority Business Development Council and the American Library Association. She is an active member of Unity of the North Shore, the North Shore Illinois Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Diasporal Rhythms.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Library Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
The three basic functions of a trustee are policy-making, finance and community relations. Given those objectives my desired objectives are:
How do you define the value of the library to the community beyond books and other media?
The mission of WPL is to “serve the community’s informational, intellectual, cultural, social and leisure needs” which it does with a host of programs for all generations and ability levels. In 2017-2018 there were 577 programs that served 21,000 adults and children. The programs are diverse whether it is ‘One Book Wilmette’, Digital University, interest or support groups, books groups, Maker Events or Friday night concerts. We had 54,558 E-Resource logins that allow patron to read or listen to books or data bases and resources that assist patrons with learning a new language, finding a job or managing your life or business. WPL has about 1,000 visits a day with an extremely qualified staff that is a safe place to dream, learn, play, create and dialogue. There were 700,000 items checked out last year. If you don’t use WPL it is because you are unaware of the wealth of resources offered. Check out our Library Services Value calculator to see what value you get from WPL! https://www.wilmettelibrary.info/about/about-us/library-use-value-calculator
How would you approach the next budget and tax levy cycles given the current financial picture of the Library and its short-term and long-term needs?
Continue to be fiscally conservative and budget for actual costs in the next 3 years since current reserves are adequate to fund future capital projects.
There has been a reduction in the Tax Levy for the last two consecutive years
2018—2019 $5,428,252 (-5.55%) and 2017-2018 $5,747,103 ( -2.5%) and it was stable at $5,894,465. If you look at your recent 2018 First Installment Property Tax bill you will see that WPL owes no money and we have payed 94.36% of our pension liability. In the past reserves have funded the WPL Renovation and HVAC Upgrade. Current plans include the Outdoor Landscape Renovation which has evolved based on community input. Plans are based on the long-range facilities plan as well as maintaining WPL’s infrastructure to maintain a user friendly, safe and flexible environment. Plans include redoing the basement and refreshing the main floor.
As you consider the library’s future, what aspects of the Wilmette Public Library’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan particularly appeal to you or concern you? Is there anything in the plan you would want to change or strengthen?
WPL Strategic Plan reflects the shared vision of the community, staff and board. I agree with all the objectives and support them since many of them compliment by desired objectives as a trustee stated above. The trustee’s role is to assess the overall progress of the goals and work with the Director to ensure that they are on track.
Age: 65
Residence: Wilmette
Occupation: Market Research Consultant with Research Explorers, Inc
Past local government and business experience includes:
- Trustee and Vice President Wilmette Public Library (2009-2019)
- Election Judge and Voter Registrar in Cook County
- 20+ years of market research, facilitation and marketing consulting experience
- 15 years of Planning and Marketing Experience – General Mills, Inc; Avery Label; University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics
Lisa has an MBA from The University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler School of Business where she also received her BA. Professional affiliations include: Qualitative Research Consultants Association, Chicago Minority Business Development Council and the American Library Association. She is an active member of Unity of the North Shore, the North Shore Illinois Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Diasporal Rhythms.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Library Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
The three basic functions of a trustee are policy-making, finance and community relations. Given those objectives my desired objectives are:
- Facilitate long range and facilities planning incorporating current library trends, demographics, needs and interests to continue to exceed the level of services expected by the residents (WPL received a three-star rating based on 2016 statistics for the first time from the Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service)
- Continue to be a good financial steward of WPL’s resources. Please refer to budget response below for additional information.
- Work with the Director to ensure a smooth transition and that WPL continues to reflect the patrons, staff and board’s desires that are reflected in the Strategic Plan since there have been two directors in the last three years.
- Insure the safety and security of staff and patrons (ice melt system, emergency preparedness, etc.). This also includes a respectful environment to voice different opinions.
- Increase community input by having open houses, town hall meetings and surveys prior to commencing major projects
- Encourage ongoing evaluation of programs to insure the relevancy and effectiveness of programs for patrons
- Extend outreach efforts to reach non-users with targeted programs
- Continue to work cooperatively with our community partners (League of Women Voters Wilmette & Kenilworth; Go Green Wilmette, SCORE, Friends of WPL, School Districts 37 and 39, Wilmette Park District Village of Wilmette and Mallinckrodt Community Center to expand our reach and tap experts.
How do you define the value of the library to the community beyond books and other media?
The mission of WPL is to “serve the community’s informational, intellectual, cultural, social and leisure needs” which it does with a host of programs for all generations and ability levels. In 2017-2018 there were 577 programs that served 21,000 adults and children. The programs are diverse whether it is ‘One Book Wilmette’, Digital University, interest or support groups, books groups, Maker Events or Friday night concerts. We had 54,558 E-Resource logins that allow patron to read or listen to books or data bases and resources that assist patrons with learning a new language, finding a job or managing your life or business. WPL has about 1,000 visits a day with an extremely qualified staff that is a safe place to dream, learn, play, create and dialogue. There were 700,000 items checked out last year. If you don’t use WPL it is because you are unaware of the wealth of resources offered. Check out our Library Services Value calculator to see what value you get from WPL! https://www.wilmettelibrary.info/about/about-us/library-use-value-calculator
How would you approach the next budget and tax levy cycles given the current financial picture of the Library and its short-term and long-term needs?
Continue to be fiscally conservative and budget for actual costs in the next 3 years since current reserves are adequate to fund future capital projects.
There has been a reduction in the Tax Levy for the last two consecutive years
2018—2019 $5,428,252 (-5.55%) and 2017-2018 $5,747,103 ( -2.5%) and it was stable at $5,894,465. If you look at your recent 2018 First Installment Property Tax bill you will see that WPL owes no money and we have payed 94.36% of our pension liability. In the past reserves have funded the WPL Renovation and HVAC Upgrade. Current plans include the Outdoor Landscape Renovation which has evolved based on community input. Plans are based on the long-range facilities plan as well as maintaining WPL’s infrastructure to maintain a user friendly, safe and flexible environment. Plans include redoing the basement and refreshing the main floor.
As you consider the library’s future, what aspects of the Wilmette Public Library’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan particularly appeal to you or concern you? Is there anything in the plan you would want to change or strengthen?
WPL Strategic Plan reflects the shared vision of the community, staff and board. I agree with all the objectives and support them since many of them compliment by desired objectives as a trustee stated above. The trustee’s role is to assess the overall progress of the goals and work with the Director to ensure that they are on track.
Fina Riddle
Biography
Former Bank Regulator and Analyst with 18 years of work experience. Possess in depth knowledge of banking laws, regulatory compliance, accounting and finance. Develop strong, ongoing collaborative relationships to serve as a reliable liaison and two-way communicator.
Mother of three, long time Wilmette resident and New Trier graduate with active interest in local initiatives, active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish. Enjoy free time reading "chick lit" and blogs on parenting and interior design, running to Gilson Beach and traveling.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Library Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
I want to gain a strong understanding in two areas, the operating budget and public feedback, through my participation during committee and board meetings. I would like to better record discussions within detailed minutes for public access. Further, I would look into changing the public meetings location, capabilities of teleconference or video conference, or recording meetings to be posted to WPL's webpage alongside already posted meeting minutes.
To understand the budgetary operating needs of WPL: It is important to obtain further input regarding what the financial or tax implications would be given any change to the operating budget.
To make more prominent the avenue of public suggestions to services or making complaints: It is important to obtain a demonstrated need or request from the public to justify programming and the demand for services and space. It's important to allow for complaints to be made and be addressed in a timely manner. To show patrons this transparency builds goodwill.
Lastly, I aim to be a liaison between family households and WPL to increase participation and feedback. I feel fortunate to have solid roots in Wilmette and I aim to further grow friendships in the community. I could leverage my relationships to solicit feedback on public matters, including those related to WPL services.
How do you define the value of the library to the community beyond books and other media?
WPL is a meeting center for all ages, attracts learning, and builds memories. The value of the library, for me personally, is defined by providing a safe, clean, public center to partner with peers, library professionals, teachers, and especially families. WPL provides a quiet and safe environment for research and study, free access to technology/ WiFi, and is often a retreat for moms and young children. In my experience growing up in Wilmette, I learned to read at WPL in a mother/child reading group. My dad, actually a former WPL trustee, and I would regularly attend readings sitting beside the 1st floor fireplace and then later in the renovated basement auditorium space where we attended movie showings. WPL's photocopy machine took all my change for school reports, when computers and printers were not in every household. Later in high school, I met with the library staff to discuss college applications and ACT/SAT study guides. The WPL was my meeting spot for countless study sessions. And now as a mom with young children, we regularly participate in youth programming and events (e.g. with LEGOS, bubbles, jugglers.) A recent memory for my kids was the day of the solar eclipse at the WPL with one pair of special viewing glasses which we couldn't get our hands on elsewhere.
How would you approach the next budget and tax levy cycles given the current financial picture of the Library and its short-term and long-term needs?
I would approach the next cycles with measured questions and discussion. I aim to gain familiarity with the WPL's financial needs and operation. In particular, the amount of WPL's reserve is certainly a budget line worth attention. I have extensive professional experience with financial reporting as a banking and regulatory professional and I would add to needed further discussion of WPL's short-term and long-term needs. I would partner with the already secured Audit firm to provide advice. Lastly, I would look into consultation with investment advisors on alternative uses of funds within the reserve.
As you consider the library’s future, what aspects of the Wilmette Public Library’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan particularly appeal to you or concern you? Is there anything in the plan you would want to change or strengthen?
As I mentioned above, WPL is a central community attraction. WPL should maintain and work on its local partnerships. I think it's valuable to obtain strong participation of patrons and Wilmette residents through surveys, forums, focus groups, and suggestion/complaint drop boxes. Further, continuing partnership with Friends of the Library, the Wilmette Beacon, Wilmette Schools and Wilmette garden clubs is worthwhile to demonstrate a need for programming and services. Lastly, partnering with the Village of Wilmette is imperative to maintain safe access to WPL's building via parking and public transport and ensure both are sufficient for the level of public use.
Former Bank Regulator and Analyst with 18 years of work experience. Possess in depth knowledge of banking laws, regulatory compliance, accounting and finance. Develop strong, ongoing collaborative relationships to serve as a reliable liaison and two-way communicator.
Mother of three, long time Wilmette resident and New Trier graduate with active interest in local initiatives, active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish. Enjoy free time reading "chick lit" and blogs on parenting and interior design, running to Gilson Beach and traveling.
Voter Guide Responses
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected as a Library Trustee? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
I want to gain a strong understanding in two areas, the operating budget and public feedback, through my participation during committee and board meetings. I would like to better record discussions within detailed minutes for public access. Further, I would look into changing the public meetings location, capabilities of teleconference or video conference, or recording meetings to be posted to WPL's webpage alongside already posted meeting minutes.
To understand the budgetary operating needs of WPL: It is important to obtain further input regarding what the financial or tax implications would be given any change to the operating budget.
To make more prominent the avenue of public suggestions to services or making complaints: It is important to obtain a demonstrated need or request from the public to justify programming and the demand for services and space. It's important to allow for complaints to be made and be addressed in a timely manner. To show patrons this transparency builds goodwill.
Lastly, I aim to be a liaison between family households and WPL to increase participation and feedback. I feel fortunate to have solid roots in Wilmette and I aim to further grow friendships in the community. I could leverage my relationships to solicit feedback on public matters, including those related to WPL services.
How do you define the value of the library to the community beyond books and other media?
WPL is a meeting center for all ages, attracts learning, and builds memories. The value of the library, for me personally, is defined by providing a safe, clean, public center to partner with peers, library professionals, teachers, and especially families. WPL provides a quiet and safe environment for research and study, free access to technology/ WiFi, and is often a retreat for moms and young children. In my experience growing up in Wilmette, I learned to read at WPL in a mother/child reading group. My dad, actually a former WPL trustee, and I would regularly attend readings sitting beside the 1st floor fireplace and then later in the renovated basement auditorium space where we attended movie showings. WPL's photocopy machine took all my change for school reports, when computers and printers were not in every household. Later in high school, I met with the library staff to discuss college applications and ACT/SAT study guides. The WPL was my meeting spot for countless study sessions. And now as a mom with young children, we regularly participate in youth programming and events (e.g. with LEGOS, bubbles, jugglers.) A recent memory for my kids was the day of the solar eclipse at the WPL with one pair of special viewing glasses which we couldn't get our hands on elsewhere.
How would you approach the next budget and tax levy cycles given the current financial picture of the Library and its short-term and long-term needs?
I would approach the next cycles with measured questions and discussion. I aim to gain familiarity with the WPL's financial needs and operation. In particular, the amount of WPL's reserve is certainly a budget line worth attention. I have extensive professional experience with financial reporting as a banking and regulatory professional and I would add to needed further discussion of WPL's short-term and long-term needs. I would partner with the already secured Audit firm to provide advice. Lastly, I would look into consultation with investment advisors on alternative uses of funds within the reserve.
As you consider the library’s future, what aspects of the Wilmette Public Library’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan particularly appeal to you or concern you? Is there anything in the plan you would want to change or strengthen?
As I mentioned above, WPL is a central community attraction. WPL should maintain and work on its local partnerships. I think it's valuable to obtain strong participation of patrons and Wilmette residents through surveys, forums, focus groups, and suggestion/complaint drop boxes. Further, continuing partnership with Friends of the Library, the Wilmette Beacon, Wilmette Schools and Wilmette garden clubs is worthwhile to demonstrate a need for programming and services. Lastly, partnering with the Village of Wilmette is imperative to maintain safe access to WPL's building via parking and public transport and ensure both are sufficient for the level of public use.