Election 2025: Orland Park Library Trustee Candidate Bridget Lindbloom

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:

Bridget M. Lindbloom

Position sought:

Orland Park Public Library Trustee

Town/city of residence:

Lindbloom and McShane for Orland Park Public Library Trustees

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.

I have over 25 years in project management; currently I work with trauma surgeons at the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Currently, I serve as an elected trustee on the Orland Park Public Library Board of Trustees.

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

One of the most pressing challenges our board faces is ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality programming and resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility. To enhance transparency and collaboration, I recently requested that the Board of Trustees be involved earlier in the budget development process. While our staff does an excellent job with budgeting and planning, we as Trustees want to take a more active role in these discussions.

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

With six years on the Board of Trustees, combined with my career and volunteer experiences, I bring a unique perspective to the Board. As a frequent library user, I have a deep understanding of its offerings and the vital role it plays in our community. I have over 25 years of experience in budget planning and project management. I have also served on various boards, including President of a 300-unit condo association, President of a charitable board dedicated to networking and Irish culture for young professionals, and President of both the Prairie and Liberty Schools parent organization (PFE) and Secretary of the District-wide PFE board. My extensive community involvement and leadership experience equip me with the insight and dedication needed to best support our 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.

I believe the Library can do a better job of promoting its full range of offerings. It provides so much more than books, yet I frequently hear from patrons who are unaware of the many programs and resources available. To address this, I would like to develop a public relations plan to better highlight these valuable services for all residents of Orland Park.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Over the past six years, the Library has achieved significant milestones, including a major building renovation, additional facility improvements, the creation of a Library of Things, a comprehensive capital needs assessment, and the formalization of our relationship with legal counsel. We also conducted a competitive bidding process for a new auditor, who identified key oversights from the previous audit, and added designated Veterans parking spots, among other enhancements.

Beyond my work with the Library, I have extensive experience in event and budget management. I have overseen registration for conferences and tradeshows with over 10,000 attendees, managed budgets exceeding $5 million, organized networking events, and led a long-term medical fellowship program that has supported nearly 200 fellows annually from hospitals across the country.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have a proven track record of leadership, fiscal responsibility, and dedication to our community. With six years of experience on the Board of Trustees, I have played an active role in key initiatives that have strengthened our Library and its services. My 25+ years in budget planning and project management, along with my extensive volunteer work on multiple boards, demonstrate my ability to make informed, responsible decisions.

I am deeply invested in our community—not only as a Board member but as a frequent library user who understands its impact firsthand. I listen to our patrons, advocate for their needs, and work collaboratively to ensure the Library remains a valuable resource for all. My commitment, experience, and integrity make me a reliable voice for the future of our Library.

A successful term in office would be defined by accomplishments that enhance the Library’s services, fiscal health, and community engagement. Here are key achievements that would mark my term a success:

1. Ensuring the Board of Trustees plays an active role in budget discussions from the start, improving transparency and financial planning, eliminating inefficiencies, and ensuring responsible spending to maximize resources.

2. Implementing a strategic public relations plan to increase awareness of the Library’s programs and services, ensuring more residents are able to take advantage of what’s available. Expanding the Library of Things to include more useful, high-demand items for community members and strengthening online services, Wi-Fi access, and digital resources to ensure the Library remains a modern, accessible hub for learning.

3. Implementing recommendations from the capital needs assessment to maintain and improve the Library’s infrastructure and explore energy-efficient upgrades and environmentally friendly initiatives to reduce long-term costs.

4. Supporting the development of innovative programming for all ages, including job skills workshops, cultural events, and educational opportunities. Ensuring the Library is a welcoming space for all residents by improving accessibility features and expanding services for underserved populations. Collaborating with local schools, businesses, and organizations to create joint initiatives that enhance Library services and outreach.

By accomplishing these goals, I hope my term would leave a lasting positive impact and make the Library more accessible, financially sound, and better connected with the community.

As a Trustee, I believe in responsible fiscal management, ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is used efficiently and effectively to benefit the community. The Library provides essential resources, programs, and services, and it is our duty to maintain financial stability while continuing to meet the evolving needs of our patrons.

I support transparency in budgeting and regular assessments to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality. Government spending should be strategic and justified, with a focus on long-term sustainability. I also believe in seeking alternative funding sources, such as grants and partnerships, to lessen the burden on taxpayers while expanding the Library’s offerings.

Ultimately, my goal is to balance fiscal responsibility with the continued growth and accessibility of Library services, ensuring that every dollar is well spent and directly benefits the residents of Orland Park.

No.

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

I am a dedicated mom, wife, homeowner, taxpayer, and lifelong library patron with a deep commitment to the Orland Park community. My connection to the Orland Park Public Library began early, when I volunteered until I was old enough to get my first job shelving books in the Youth Services Department at the Park Lane building. Today, I continue to nurture that connection by bringing my children to storytimes, craft programs, OPPL-Con, and video game club—instilling in them a love for learning, creativity, and community engagement.

I am passionate about staying engaged with local initiatives to ensure Orland Park residents have access to the best possible resources. My goal is to actively contribute to the growth and success of our community by supporting and advocating for the programs and services that truly make a difference.