Justin Lynch, President
Why I wanted to be a Library trustee:
I saw being a library trustee as an opportunity to serve an institution I grew up in. I've always appreciated the opportunities libraries provide to explore and learn about anything. My goal is to work with the staff and fellow trustees to keep our library a place where people of all ages want to go to learn and explore in Carol Stream.
What I love about Carol Stream:
I've lived in Carol Stream for over 30 years now. I love this town because there is a real volunteer spirit and civic pride that manifests itself in a multitude of events throughout the year-- Relay for Life, the Community Food Drive, the outstanding Fourth of July parade and the Summer Concert Series that are funded through donations, and a multitude of other events.
Besides being a Board member, I'm involved in the community in the following ways:
I've participated in Pond and Stream Sweeps and the Community Food Drive. Both have been rewarding experiences and have a lot of fellow residents helping out.
My favorite thing about our library:
I love how helpful the staff is. If I can't find a book on the shelf or if there's something that I need from another library, they are always friendly and willing to assist. My routine when I get to the library is finding a chair in the quiet zone and diving in to on a book or something I'm working on.
My all-time favorite things to read, watch, or listen to:
I enjoy books about history (especially about wars and Chicago), and politics (I am fascinated in elections and campaigns.) I'm a big movie buff and I'm always on the lookout for good TV shows.
David Larimer, Vice President
Why I wanted to be a Library trustee:
I wanted to assist in the fulfillment of the strategic plan.
What I love about Carol Stream:
It is a quiet safe community and one that is good for children from all walks of life.
Besides being a Board member, I'm involved in the community in the following ways:
I participate in library activities. I enjoy the festivities put on by the city. Lastly, I enjoy helping my neighbors whenever I can.
My favorite thing about our library:
The employees are so helpful and always smiling. It makes me happy to visit.
My all-time favorite things to read, watch, or listen to:
History, science fiction, and fantasy.
Mansi Patel, Secretary
Why I wanted to be a Library trustee:
I want to serve as Library trustee so that we can keep the Library fabulous for years to come! My family and I are big advocates of the Library, and we are grateful for all the programs available to us. I want to be a part of something great - and do my part, too!
What I love about Carol Stream:
I love Carol Stream because of the people. Everyone is so friendly, especially at the Library. To be in a town where everyone wants to help each other always puts a big smile on my face.
Besides being a Board member, I'm involved in the community in the following ways:
I am always looking for ways to give back and be supportive of those around me, whether it is supporting a drive or participating in community events. I live by this quote from Mother Teresa: "It is not about how much we give, but about how much love we put into giving."
My favorite thing about our library:
The programs and the people.
My all-time favorite things to read, watch, or listen to:
I love reading self-help and help-each-other books. I really feel it helps you to be a better person while learning how to help others in the community.
Tim Rogers, Treasurer
Why I wanted to be a Library trustee:
I believe in the importance of the library as a space for people to grow knowledge and pursue their interests. I believe in the mission of the library to promote literacy and education, as a gathering place for members of our community, and as a facilitator of digital inclusion. I wanted to be a Trustee so I could do something to help the library further that mission.
What I love about Carol Stream:
I love that Carol Stream is big enough to have great resources like our libraries, schools, and parks but still small enough that you always bump into someone you know when enjoying those resources.
Besides being a Board member, I'm involved in the community in the following ways:
I spent many years as a youth softball and basketball coach, and I am a parishioner at St. Isidore.
My favorite thing about our library:
I love how our library staff is always innovating and finding new ways to bring people in the library- from children to teens to adults, there is always something new going on at the library.
My all-time favorite things to read, watch, or listen to:
I really enjoy non-fiction. I am always on the lookout for a new title about a subject that I do not know much about (no shortage there). I love grabbing the audiobook version of that title so I can listen to it when I run or workout.
Mary Hudspeath, Trustee
Why I wanted to be a Library trustee:
After 13+ years on the library board, I just want to say I love libraries, but the community support for this institution, reflected in the modern library that showcases the best of staff and practices to benefit everyone is what's most important to me.
What I love about Carol Stream:
Small town with a big heart, willing to stand up for what matters.
Besides being a Board member, I'm involved in the community in the following ways:
Focusing on just the library right now.
My favorite thing about our library:
The staff! Always there to provide information and suggestions, particularly important in the current media climate.
My all-time favorite things to read, watch, or listen to:
Mystery, history, and anything interesting on audio for my commute.
Tara Leszczewicz, Trustee
Why I wanted to be a Library trustee: |
I have always aspired to be a library trustee. I believe it is a privilege to be in a position to support the expansion of knowledge and interests of the residents we serve by ensuring access to books and other resources in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
What I love about Carol Stream:
After moving to Carol Stream nearly 20 years ago, I quickly found it to be a very welcoming community with an amazing library, park district, and parks which my children and I frequently visited.
Besides being a Board member, I'm involved in the community in the following ways:
I value serving my community by having served on a local school board and as secretary of the Benjamin School District 25 Foundation for Educational Excellence. Additionally, I have volunteered with various organizations such as Illinois Science Olympiad, Junior Achievement, and Feed My Starving Children.
My favorite thing about our library:
I have always been impressed by the wide variety of innovative programming that exists to serve all ages, especially the various youth age groups. And, of course, I love our beautiful facility, including the outdoors, which provides a peaceful place to enjoy a good book and connect with nature.
My all-time favorite things to read, watch, or listen to:
I enjoy reading non-fiction, self-help type books to enhance my personal well-being and professional skills. In addition, I enjoy listening to podcasts, particularly of interest in my current stage of life are topics of minimalism and organization.
Nancy Olson, Trustee
Why I wanted to be a Library trustee:
After four new Trustees were elected in 2013, I saw the Library move forward in a new and exciting direction. I was asked if I would consider running for one of the open positions at the next election. I wanted to be a part of the positive changes at the Library and to ensure that they continue into the future.
What I love about Carol Stream:
There is a huge commitment to volunteerism throughout the community. This is a great place to live with upstanding leaders and “regular” people doing good!
Besides being a Board member, I'm involved in the community in the following ways:
I have been an officer with the Carol Stream Woman’s Club since 2011 and am currently serving my second term as Treasurer. I am Co-Chair of a “spin-off” of Woman’s Club, the Carol Stream Book Club open to members and non-members. I am a member of Heritage Presbyterian Church and my association with the church has gotten me involved in even more service with Outreach Community Center, PADS and the Summer Lunch Program. In addition to serving on the Library Board, I am also a member of the Friends of the Library and the Carol Stream Historical Society.
My favorite thing about our library:
What is awesome is the large collection of audio books available at the Carol Stream Library – I am never without one. In addition to all the rest of the good stuff (large, relevant collections, great programs, etc.), I am thrilled the Library is so active in the community. It is one of the things that makes Carol Stream such a great place to live!
My all-time favorite things to read, watch, or listen to:
I am a mystery fan and especially murder mysteries – I love a book that grabs me on the first page and I can’t turn the pages fast enough.