Evanston Public Library Board Asks Public For Input On Search For New Director

EVANSTON, IL — Community members have until Oct. 28 to fill out a survey to help library trustees identify the most important qualities to look for in a new executive director.

Karen Danczak Lyons retired in June after a decade as Evanston Public Library's the chief administrator. Heather Norborg, the library's adult learning and literacy manager, was named interim executive director following her departure.

“We are very fortunate to have effective leadership in place, allowing for an intentional search process,” Board President Tracy Fulce said in a statement.

The community survey asks residents to rank which leadership quality they think are most important. It also asks respondents about opportunities and challenges the next director will face, as well as anything else they would like the board to know.

“We are moving deliberately and thoughtfully to identify what we believe is most important for library director candidates to know about our library and our community," Fulce said.

According to library representatives, survey responses will be used to "fundamentally shape" the candidate search prior to the interview stage.

Take the Evanston Public Library Director Search Community Survey »

A truth in taxation hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19. Trustees have proposed a 3.9 percent increase to its property tax levy. According to library officials, that equates to an extra $11 a year on the property tax bills to the median homeowner.

Combined with the municipal property tax increase included in the city manager's proposed budget, the owner of a home with an assessed value of $300,000 can expect to pay an extra $64.

Related: Karen Danczak Lyons To Step Down As Evanston Library Director