4 Seats, 5 Candidates Running For EP Library Board: Election 2023

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — In Evergreen Park’s only contested race in the April 4 consolidated election, five candidates are running for four seats on the Evergreen Park Public Library Board.

Four out of the five candidates – Nancy North, Kim Shine, Deborah Pearson and Kieran Kellam – answered the Patch candidate questionnaire. Steve Doran is also running for the library board.

Nancy North

Nancy North is a facilitator at Renaissance Academy for Seniors, and a retired editor, journalist, teacher, and area steward for the IBEW. She’d like to see the SWAN system expanded.

“Being part of the SWAN system means we have access to more books through inter-library loan,” North said.

Deborah Pearson

Pearson is an insurance broker. She’s served on the Evergreen Park library board for 18 years, as secretary, treasurer and vice president.

“I believe that the most pressing issue facing the library is to not only maintain, but grow, our library collection and services to meet the needs of our community within the confines of shrinking resources.”

Kim Shine

Kim Shine is a retired teacher and a gifted program facilitator for 35 years in Evergreen Park School District 124. She has been a library trustee for 20 years, as secretary, treasurer and vice president.

“We want to continue to provide the quality services our community has come to expect. Operational costs and capital expenses continue to rise. Additionally, we are charged with ensuring the existing facility is properly maintained and that the space meets community needs. I intend to strive to increase our funding levels to keep up with and to grow our service commitments to the community.”

Kieran Kellam

Kieran Kellam is in his fourteenth year of teaching primarily high school civics and history, but also English and theology. He currently teaches at Mt. Carmel High School and previously taught at St. Rita High School.

“I believe our library board has done an incredible job. Their oversight has led to consistent, responsible maintenance of facilities and offerings. They do so while continuing to grow and advance in unique, effective ways that fulfill the needs of our community. Therefore, the only pressing issue I find is sticking to our current path.”

The 2023 consolidated election is Tuesday, April 4. More storms and severe weather are possible later in the day, so you may want to head out early. You can find your ballot and polling place on the Cook County Clerk website.