renee cox
wilmette library board
responses to voter guide questions
1. Why are you running for library board and what are your qualifications?
I’ve been a Wilmette resident and library card holder for over 20 years. I am running for the library board because it is at the intersection of my values, skills, and love of learning. I value being civically engaged and volunteering. My skills from working in the nonprofit and higher education sectors include strategic planning, program development, program management, and policy development and I believe these skills can be of service to the board. Lastly, my family and I have been frequent patrons of the library for many years and I am incredibly grateful for its resources.
2. What are your priorities for Wilmette Public Library (WPL) and how will you work with the board and library staff to address them?
My priority is to be a well-prepared, educated, and engaged member of the board. I view it as my responsibility to be informed so I can work with the board and library staff to help make the best decisions possible for the library and Wilmette residents.
3. What have you done to educate yourself on the workings of WPL, including its operations and finances?
I began contemplating running for the board in 2021 and started attending board meetings to educate myself on the role of a Trustee. I applied to fill a vacancy on the board last fall and was appointed to the Board of Trustees in October of 2022. I am currently serving on the policy committee and attended the Finance Committee meeting in October of 2022. I’ve completed the required Trustee onboarding and training. As a current board member, I carefully review the materials provided by the Library Director to prepare for board and committee meetings.
4. How well is WPL meeting its Strategic Plan goals and are there any areas you would like to address?
First, I want to acknowledge that for the fourth consecutive year, Wilmette Public Library has been awarded Five Stars in Library Journal’s annual evaluation of public libraries. This is the highest rating possible and affirms that WPL is a very well-run library and is doing a great job serving the Wilmette community.
WPL is currently in the process of developing the next strategic plan. Three trends were identified during a survey conducted with our community in Spring of 2022 - spaces in the building, services for families and children, and accessing the collections. Based on the feedback, I’d like to see these areas addressed in the next strategic plan.
5. How do you view WPL’s value to the community beyond books and other media?
These two quotes help summarize how I view the value of public libraries beyond books and media:
“Well-run libraries are filled with people because what a good library offers cannot be easily found elsewhere: an indoor public space in which you do not have to buy anything in order to stay.” Zadie Smith, North West London Blues
A library is not just a reference service. It is a place for the vulnerable. From the elderly gentleman whose only remaining interactions is with library staff, to the isolated young mother who relishes the support and friendship that grows from a baby rhyme time session to a slow moving 30 something woman collecting CDs, LIBRARIES ARE A HAVEN. Their services are vital and their worth cannot be measured in books alone. (dozenbestbooks.com)
In summary, I view thriving libraries as critical to thriving communities as a source of education, information, enjoyment, and connection for everyone.
I’ve been a Wilmette resident and library card holder for over 20 years. I am running for the library board because it is at the intersection of my values, skills, and love of learning. I value being civically engaged and volunteering. My skills from working in the nonprofit and higher education sectors include strategic planning, program development, program management, and policy development and I believe these skills can be of service to the board. Lastly, my family and I have been frequent patrons of the library for many years and I am incredibly grateful for its resources.
2. What are your priorities for Wilmette Public Library (WPL) and how will you work with the board and library staff to address them?
My priority is to be a well-prepared, educated, and engaged member of the board. I view it as my responsibility to be informed so I can work with the board and library staff to help make the best decisions possible for the library and Wilmette residents.
3. What have you done to educate yourself on the workings of WPL, including its operations and finances?
I began contemplating running for the board in 2021 and started attending board meetings to educate myself on the role of a Trustee. I applied to fill a vacancy on the board last fall and was appointed to the Board of Trustees in October of 2022. I am currently serving on the policy committee and attended the Finance Committee meeting in October of 2022. I’ve completed the required Trustee onboarding and training. As a current board member, I carefully review the materials provided by the Library Director to prepare for board and committee meetings.
4. How well is WPL meeting its Strategic Plan goals and are there any areas you would like to address?
First, I want to acknowledge that for the fourth consecutive year, Wilmette Public Library has been awarded Five Stars in Library Journal’s annual evaluation of public libraries. This is the highest rating possible and affirms that WPL is a very well-run library and is doing a great job serving the Wilmette community.
WPL is currently in the process of developing the next strategic plan. Three trends were identified during a survey conducted with our community in Spring of 2022 - spaces in the building, services for families and children, and accessing the collections. Based on the feedback, I’d like to see these areas addressed in the next strategic plan.
5. How do you view WPL’s value to the community beyond books and other media?
These two quotes help summarize how I view the value of public libraries beyond books and media:
“Well-run libraries are filled with people because what a good library offers cannot be easily found elsewhere: an indoor public space in which you do not have to buy anything in order to stay.” Zadie Smith, North West London Blues
A library is not just a reference service. It is a place for the vulnerable. From the elderly gentleman whose only remaining interactions is with library staff, to the isolated young mother who relishes the support and friendship that grows from a baby rhyme time session to a slow moving 30 something woman collecting CDs, LIBRARIES ARE A HAVEN. Their services are vital and their worth cannot be measured in books alone. (dozenbestbooks.com)
In summary, I view thriving libraries as critical to thriving communities as a source of education, information, enjoyment, and connection for everyone.