Nancy North, Candidate For The Evergreen Park Public Library Board

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Nancy North is running for 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 North's answers to the Patch questionnaire.

Name: Nancy North

Age (as of Election Day): 69

Town/City of Residence: Evergreen Park

Office Sought: Evergreen Park Library Board Trustee

Family: Two adult children and four grandchildren

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

Occupation: Facilitator at Renaissance Academy for Seniors. Retired: editor, journalist, teacher, and area steward for the IBEW.

Campaign website or Facebook or other social media: No

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

The most pressing issues facing the library are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. It’s important to maintain the current welcoming attitude at the library.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I’m not aware of any critical differences. I promise to bring energy and enthusiasm to the job.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district? The current board is doing a great job. This is an open seat.

How would you help raise awareness about library services, collections and programs? The quarterly newsletters do an excellent job giving the upcoming programs. I would try and include Library news in the weekly emails sent out by the Village of Evergreen Park and the EP Community Center.

What areas of the library collection would you like to see expanded? Being part of the SWAN system means we have access to more books through inter-library loan.

Are there any specific areas of the library collection that you like to use? What are they? I mostly use the fiction section. I’m also excited by new technology like the 3D printer.

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? I think they support inclusivity in their programs.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Library cards are the passports to the universe, worlds of imagination and discovery. I want that to continue for everyone who walks into the Evergreen Park Library.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Balancing a career with raising a family developed a strong organizational skill set.

Why should voters trust you? I love reading and think the library is the most important cultural institution in Evergreen Park. I put my heart into every job. I’ve lived in Evergreen Park since 1984 and raised my children here.

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

Maintaining the great level of service and continue opportunities for young families, middle schoolers, teens, and seniors.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? Taxpayer dollars need to be used for the growth of the library as a whole.

In what ways can intergovernmental relationships with state, county and other local governmental agencies be strengthened or improved? By building strong relationships with state, county, and local government, we can leverage resources and expertise.

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: Your education is the one thing nobody can take away from you.