Election 2025: Orland Park Library Trustee Candidate Charles McShane

ORLAND PARK, IL — The consolidated election is April 1, and two spots on the Orland Park Public Library Board of Trustees are up for grabs.

The board consists of seven residents of the Village of Orland Park who are elected biennially to six-year terms, and serve as the policymaking body of the library.

Seeking to keep their seats are incumbents Bridget M. Lindbloom and Charles McShane. They're challenged by John Nugent and Linda S. Michaels.

Patch provided a questionnaire to candidates. Their answers are now published in candidate profiles.

Candidate:

Charles McShane

Campaign website:

Lindbloom and McShane for Orland Park Public Library Trustees

Position sought:

Library trustee

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

Party affiliation (if a partisan race):

Non-partisan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

IT professional - 15 years of experience

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Secretary/Trustee of the board for the Orland Park Public Library Board

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

The most pressing issues facing our library are keeping it modern in an increasingly technology-driven world and ensuring that it remains a place that serves everyone in the community.

An ongoing challenge is balancing traditional library offerings with new services that people expect in today’s world. This means continuing to expand programs like the Library of Things, offering more experiences beyond books, and adapting our collection to meet the changing needs of our patrons. Audiobooks, for example, are in high demand but are significantly more expensive than print books, so we need to be smart about how we allocate resources to make sure we provide the services people want without overspending.

Another major focus is making sure the library remains a place for everyone. We work hard to offer programs that appeal to a wide range of patrons, from young children to seniors, and to provide spaces where people can gather, work, and learn. The library should be a place where anyone can find something that benefits them, whether it’s through events, technology, quiet reading areas, or hands-on activities. It’s important that we keep listening to the community and making adjustments so that the library continues to serve Orland Park in the best way possible.

One of the biggest differences between me and the other candidates is my experience and deep connection to the library. I have served on the board for eight years, which has given me a strong understanding of how the library operates, the challenges it faces, and what steps need to be taken to keep it moving forward. I have been involved in major decisions, from building renovations to program expansions, and I understand the financial and logistical considerations that come with maintaining and improving a public library. Because of this experience, I will not need time to adjust or catch up. I can continue serving the community effectively from day one and keep the library on the path of growth and innovation.

I am also a lifelong resident of Orland Park and have used the library for as long as I can remember. It has always been an essential part of my life, and I want to make sure it remains just as valuable for others. Some candidates may approach the library with the mindset of making sweeping budget cuts or eliminating programs without fully considering the impact on the community. I believe in a more thoughtful and balanced approach. The library should be financially responsible, but it also needs to continue providing resources and opportunities that benefit residents of all ages. I have always been committed to ensuring that our library can grow and adapt without sacrificing the services that make it such an important part of Orland Park.

As a parent, I want the library to continue being an incredible resource for my children and future generations. I understand firsthand how valuable it is to families, students, job seekers, and lifelong learners. The library is not just a place to check out books. It is a community hub that provides educational programs, technology access, and spaces for people to gather and learn. My goal is to ensure that it remains a place that welcomes everyone, adapts to changing needs, and continues to serve the community in meaningful ways. I am committed to making sure the library is not only preserved but also improved so that it can meet the needs of both current and future patrons.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

A key issue that defines my campaign platform is ensuring that the Orland Park Public Library continues to be a leader in the area. Our library has set a high standard by offering innovative programs, maintaining a well-curated collection, and providing a space for residents of all ages. Many other communities have allowed their libraries to fall behind, but Orland Park has consistently invested in its future. I want to make sure we continue to lead the way by embracing new ideas, improving our facilities, and keeping our library at the forefront of what a modern public library can and should be.

Expanding services is another major focus of my campaign. A library should evolve with the needs of its patrons. Whether it is through expanding digital resources, adding more community programs, or improving access to technology, I want to make sure our library continues to grow in ways that benefit as many people as possible. This also means ensuring that the library remains accessible to everyone, from young children attending storytime to adults seeking job resources or seniors looking for a welcoming space to connect with others.

At the same time, maintaining the excellence that our library already has is just as important as expanding it. Growth should never come at the expense of what already makes the library great. We have built a strong foundation of services, a dedicated staff, and a space that is valued by the community. My goal is to ensure that every new initiative enhances the library without compromising what residents already love about it. Through careful planning, responsible budgeting, and a commitment to serving the community, I will work to keep Orland Park Public Library a place that continues to thrive for years to come.

I consider how we navigated the challenges of COVID while keeping the library open and continuing to provide services to the community to be a huge accomplishment. Many libraries in the area struggled to adapt, but we worked hard to ensure that Orland Park residents still had access to the resources they needed. We adjusted operations, implemented safety measures, and found creative ways to continue offering programs and materials at a time when people needed them the most. Keeping the library accessible during such a difficult period was not easy, but it proved how important our services are to the community and reinforced my commitment to keeping the library strong no matter the circumstances.

Another major achievement was the successful completion of a massive renovation that improved accessibility, modernized the space, and enhanced the overall experience for patrons. Large-scale projects like this come with challenges, but we ensured that the work was completed on time and within budget. Careful planning and responsible financial management were key to making it a success, and it demonstrated our ability to invest in the library’s future without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.

On a personal level, my professional experience has prepared me for this role. My job requires me to manage complex projects, make strategic decisions, and ensure that initiatives are completed on time and on budget. I have been promoted multiple times because of my ability to navigate these challenges successfully. These same skills translate directly to my work on the Library Board, where careful planning, financial responsibility, and strong leadership are essential to keeping the library moving forward. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, and I am committed to continuing that success in the years ahead.

Voters should trust me because I am not running for personal gain or to push any kind of political agenda. My commitment to the Library Board comes from a genuine desire to serve the community and ensure that our library remains a valuable resource for everyone in Orland Park. This role is about making thoughtful, responsible decisions that benefit all residents, not about advancing personal interests.

I take this responsibility seriously and always strive to listen to different perspectives. Even when I do not agree with someone, I work hard to find common ground and have productive discussions. The best solutions come from collaboration, and I am committed to making sure that the decisions we make reflect the needs of the entire community.

As a lifelong Orland Park resident, I have seen firsthand how important the library is to people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, culture, or circumstances. It serves as a space where everyone can learn, connect, and grow, whether they are students, working professionals, parents, or seniors. I chose to raise my family here because I believe in this town and want to help make it the best it can be. The library is a vital part of our community, and I want to ensure that it continues to serve all residents in meaningful ways. I will always make decisions with the best interests of the community in mind, and I am dedicated to keeping the library strong, accessible, and innovative for years to come.

For me, success in this role is not just about big projects or new initiatives, though those are certainly important. In my first term, we introduced new services through the library remodel, including spaces like the sensory room, which have made the library more accessible to more members of our community. Expanding services and continuing to improve what the library offers will always be a priority.

But the real measure of success comes from the experiences of the people who use the library every day. When parents tell me how much they love spending hours at the library with their kids, when someone shares how a staff member went above and beyond to help them, or when I hear that someone discovered a new hobby through the Library of Things, that is what matters most. Knowing that the library is a place where people feel supported, inspired, and engaged is what truly defines success. Whether it is a child developing a love for reading, a student finding a quiet place to study, or a resident accessing new tools and programs, the impact the library has on the daily lives of our patrons is the greatest achievement.

The library is a small portion of property taxes, making up around three percent, but every dollar spent needs to be justified. I believe in responsible financial management that ensures taxpayer dollars are used wisely while allowing the library to grow and provide valuable services. Every project and expenditure should be carefully evaluated, and if it benefits the community and improves the library, it should be pursued. At the same time, I do not believe in making cuts simply to reduce spending. It is important to continuously review programs and budget allocations to ensure that resources are being used efficiently and effectively.

An overlooked aspect of fiscal management is maintaining a strong and experienced staff. Through careful budgeting and financial planning, we have been able to retain employees for long periods of time. This stability improves efficiency, reduces the costs associated with turnover, and ensures that patrons receive consistent service from knowledgeable staff members. A well-managed budget does not just keep the library running. It also creates an environment where employees can thrive and continue providing excellent service to the community.

To further improve financial oversight, we are establishing a meeting of the whole board dedicated to reviewing budget line items. This will allow for a more detailed examination of how funds are allocated and ensure that every expense is appropriate and supports the library’s mission. Taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to financial planning will allow the library to continue expanding services, modernizing its offerings, and remaining a valuable resource for all residents of Orland Park while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

No.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The Orland Park Public Library has always been an important part of my life, and I am passionate about making sure it remains a resource that benefits everyone in our community. I am not running for re-election to push an agenda. I am running because I care about the library, the people who use it, and the role it plays in our town.

I believe in practical, responsible decision-making. Every project and investment should have a clear purpose, and every dollar spent should bring value to the community. That mindset has helped us make meaningful improvements while ensuring that our financial management remains strong. We have worked hard to maintain and expand library services while keeping spending in check, and I am committed to continuing that approach.

I am also running alongside Bridget Lindbloom, who has served with integrity and dedicates an incredible amount of her time to volunteering around the village. She is passionate about making sure the library remains a strong and vital part of the community, and I am proud to be running with someone who shares that same commitment.

I grew up in Orland Park and attended St. Michael’s for grade school. This town has always been my home, and I care deeply about making it the best it can be. Outside of work, I enjoy messing with technology as a hobby, reading non-fiction, and watching movies.

I appreciate your support.