Kim Shine, Candidate for Evergreen Park Public Library Board

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Kim Shine is running for another term on the Evergreen Park Public Library Board of Trustees. She is one of five candidates running for four seats in this race.

>>> Are you a candidate for local office? Please email Lorraine Swanson, lorraine.swanson@patch.com and we'll send you a candidate questionnaire to feature on Patch.

The consolidated election is April 4.

Read Shine's questions to the Patch candidate survey.

Name: Kim Shine

Town/City of Residence: Evergreen Park

Office Sought: Evergreen Park Library Trustee

Family: Husband Jim, son Nick, daughter-in-law Stephanie, daughter Kelly

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Occupation: I am currently retired. I was a teacher and Project TREE Gifted Facilitator for 35 years in Evergreen Park School District 124.

Campaign website or Facebook or other social media: No

Previous or current elected or appointed office: I have served on the EP Library Board for 20 years, and held the offices of Secretary, Vice President and am currently the President.

The most pressing issue facing the library is fiscal health, and this is what I intend to do about them. 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.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience. I have had the honor and privilege of serving on the board through a major and then minor facility renovation, the creation of a satellite parking lot, the search for and interviewing process of our past two Library Directors, the adaptation of policies and service in order to continue to operate the library during the pandemic and numerous other situations that arise when running a business.

How would you help raise awareness about library services, collections and programs? Between podcasts, newsletters, newspaper articles and varied social media platforms I believe we are doing an amazing job! Part of a Board member’s job is to encourage the Director and staff to use their creativity and knowledge as professionals to lead the way, then we need to be there to support them in any way that is helpful. It’s a team effort!

What areas of the library collection would you like to see expanded? The library is committed to listening to the community to grow its collections. Best sellers and large print books continue to be in high demand. Digital content is on the rise, especially video streaming options. As our readers continue to access information in different formats, the collection will continue to evolve to meet patron needs.

Are there any specific areas of the library collection that you like to use? What are they? I am pretty eclectic in my book choices. I also enjoy the access to audiobooks. I’m excited to learn how to use our new 3-D printer, poster printer and Cricut Machines.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support inclusivity for all community members, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so? It is an ongoing process although we always strive for increasing inclusivity. We have supported and encouraged diverse programing and materials hoping to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected as individuals. Some examples include our bilingual programming, programing for our special need’s populations (thanks to an Autism Awareness grant) and starting our Stacks Social Club. Additionally, we purchased easy to use tablets for our seniors and have hosted a LBGTQ+ dance for local teens the past two years.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I have always encouraged lifelong learning and strive to continue to grow a welcoming place in our village where that can happen. The added bonus to that is it gives us a place to develop new and diverse friendships and to promote a sense of community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Besides my experience on the Library Board since 2003, I have served as Teacher Union Co-President and Vice-President, managed the Project TREE Program for many years and facilitated The Model Classrooms Project (a teacher growth program).

Why should voters trust you? I love this community! I only want the best for those who live here. Volunteering in this capacity allows me to contribute to our community and promote reading and personal growth.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

Libraries are evolving. We need to listen to community members needs and wants and incorporate that into our programming and collections. More difficult, but still a goal, is to keep pace with technological advances in library offerings and equipment.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? As a Board we have always been conservative in our spending. We are active in seeking partnerships, sponsorships and grant opportunities to augment funding in order to improve library facilities and to offer unique activities or equipment. We ensure every budget is balanced and that there is some funding available to address needed capital repair projects.

In what ways can intergovernmental relationships with state, county and other local governmental agencies be strengthened or improved? Communication is always essential. Reaching out to other governmental entities communicating our needs, or offering our services, creating an open dialog then maintaining that relationship.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No

The best advice ever shared with me was: Listen, be present, and speak up.