VISION & PRIORITIES
Community
As a Library Trustee, Julie has worked to support the move to the new building and the library’s mission. Through her first term she has voted to make sound financial decisions that support maintaining the library into the future, while also being mindful of the needs of the community. Julie supported transfering of the old library property to the park and abating resident taxes with the money from that transfer. Julie has voted to support having a fine-free policy for the libraries. Under the fine free policy, families do not have a cumulative fine for overdue material and only need to replace or return the item, which encourages more engagement with the library and removes a financial barrier of increasing fines which could prevent families from using the library.
The new Helen Plum Library building has become a community hub for gathering, meeting, and working. Whether patrons are enjoying the HUB for a study break and snack; reserving a community room for a wide variety of programs from Girl Scouts to English Language Classes; or reserving a study room for individual work/study Helen Plum Library meets the community needs.
The New Building
The new Helen Plum Library building is a showcase and a place for community connection and growth. In her four years on the Helen Plum Library Board she has made fiscal and environmental sustainability a priority. Investment in the library is investment in the community. While on the board, Julie has made decisions by taking into account the best interest of the library's continued financial sustainability, as well as that of the taxpayer. This includes voting for the transfer of the old library property to the Lombard Park District, voting to abate taxes for the transfer amount, and voting for a flat levy this year which will not increase taxes for residents, but will still maintain the current budget and future economic security of the library.
If I am fortunate enough to be reelected, maintaining the financial stability of the library with budgeted planned maintenance for generations to come will be a priority. One of the reasons the community needed a new library was because previous Library Boards and Executive Directors did not plan and budget to maintain the old building. Similar to owning a home or car, there is a necessity to maintain the asset. Planning and budgeting for maintenance of the new building is a priority of Julie’s, as well as the current director and board.
Additionally, the new library building has an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. Decisions we make today will help the library save money on resources, add to improving the village while balancing the environment with library resources and needs. Future planning for solar panels for the library building has been discussed and Julie is a strong advocate for making the library a shining example of environmental stewardship.
Helen Plum Library is a Resource for All
As trustee, Julie will be a steward of the library’s core values and resources. Julie does not support banning books. One of her core beliefs is that libraries are a resource of diverse materials and it is the individual's right to decide what is appropriate to read or check out at the library.
As an educator, Julie has seen the value that access to books and libraries provides a community, but libraries are so much more than books. The library is a critical part of the community that offers various literacy programs and 21st century skills to residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Helen Plum Library, More than Just Books:
Birth - Preschool:
Among the many early-learning resources Helen Plum has, you’ll find books, puzzles, toys, "1,000 books before Kindergarten", exploratory play area for socialization in the ever changing “Robin’s Nest”, book/story time activities, digital and take-home resources, and organizing resources for families like early childhood screening events.
Elementary School Students:
For teen patrons you’ll find volunteer opportunities, technology resources, a place to study and meet with peers in “The Hive”, gaming, teen study rooms, 21st century research skills, online research databases, online "Teen Book Hub", and a library pen pal program.
Teens:
For teen patrons you’ll find volunteer opportunities, technology resources, a place to study and meet with peers in “The Hive”, gaming, teen study rooms, 21st century research skills, online research databases, online "Teen Book Hub", and a library pen pal program.
Families:
Families have access to museum passes, homeschool resources, DIY story time, homework assistance, iPad rentals, research assistance, and family trivia, book resources and passport services.
Community Hub:
The new building has become a community hub for gathering, meeting, and working. Whether patrons are enjoying The HUB, reserving a community room for programs, community groups like Girl Scouts or reserving a study room for individual work/study. The library also brings together organizations to present, gather donations, and events to help the community like blood drives.
Adults:
Adult resources include technology training, job seeking resources, book clubs, film clubs, craft programming, genealogy resources, business resources, Studio 411 makerspace and programming, online Mango language learning, notary services, speakers who are experts in a variety of topics and more.
Digital & Online Resources:
The library is rich in resources such as digital magazines, comic books, audiobooks, “learn a language” through Mango online, free online classes through a variety of programs like Creativebug. Mango and online classes and subscriptions to many local and national news sources. Apps like Libby and Hoopla allow patrons to engage with the library remotely.
Language Learners:
For patrons who are English language learners, the library provides conversation groups, English Learner (EL) resources for checkout, and community resources in various languages.