About

After working over 15 years at the Bethalto Public Library, I "retired" amidst the shutdown. My job at the time was as a Programming Specialist, and since there was no programming, I resigned to assist my elderly parents. As soon as an opportunity to serve on the board of the aforementioned library, I jumped at the chance! It's been a privilege to serve my community in this capacity as a strong proponent of free access to materials of all kinds to enhance the lives of those who live here. I've used a library my entire life and would love the opportunity to watch and maybe, even if just a little, help things grow and adapt to our changing environment.

About

My first library job was straight out of high school working part-time the local community college. I didn’t know it then, but that opportunity and the mentors I had put me on a path I never could have imagined for myself. Nearly 20 years later, I feel so fortunate for that opportunity and the other ones that came my way thereafter. I often say something along the lines of, "Libraries are no longer about books, we are about people." Often that sentiment is patron-facing, but it is just as important to be "about people" as we coach, lead, and develop staff. As professionals in the field, we have a responsibility not just to the "Now," but to the future. I hope to do my part in inspiring others to do well in this field as so many have inspired me along the way.

About

I have served on the West Frankfort Library Board for several years. In many different capacities, from member to vice president, to now Treasurer. I have worked in banking for twenty years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's degree in University Administration. I have always loved libraries from an early age. I feel the knowledge from reading can take a person anywhere they want to go in life. I have always been taught to give back to my community, which is why I feel it is important to give of one's time to service.

About

Libraries have played an instrumental role throughout my life. As a child, I spent hours at the library checking out books, doing research for school, and using the computers. Starting in elementary school, it was librarians who taught me to do research, and that continued into college, where the librarians were so instrumental that they inspired me to become one myself. I graduated with my Master of Science in Library and Information Sciences in 2017. I spent the first three years of my career working for the Auburn Public Library District, first as the librarian and then as the library director. It was an honor to serve the Auburn community, but an opportunity to work at the Illinois State Archives arose in 2020 that I couldn't let pass. As a records archivist, I get to assist our patrons with their research. Each research request is like a mini mystery that I get to help solve. I am also passionate about promoting the use of primary sources in education. Libraries and archives go hand in hand as institutions of information, and I look forward to working together to support and uplift each other.

About

I am a seasoned School Library Media Specialist with over 17 years of experience. My wealth of expertise includes managing district libraries, overseeing staff, and implementing instructional technology. In 2023, I served as a public library trustee for the Mississippi Valley Library District, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service and fostering inclusive library experiences. Holding the role of Director of Curriculum Integration & Reporting at Dupo CUSD 196, with additional responsibilities as Media Specialist and Director of Educational Technology, I hope to contribute valuable insights to the IHLS Board. With a master’s in education +32 LIS Hours, I passionately advocate for ensuring public libraries are inclusive and welcoming spaces for all patrons, aiming to enhance educational resources and promote diversity within the IHLS community.

About

It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Granite City since 2003 as trustee and current president of Six Mile Regional Library District. Our mission is to make a significant difference in the everyday lives of the people in our community by providing programs, services and resources. I am an advocate for public libraries that have made a difference especially in these trying times. 

I was on the board of the Lewis and Clark System that transitioned into IHLS, and it [is] a privilege to serve again.

About

This current school year marks my 15th year working in school libraries, primarily at the high school level, though I also have several years of experience in elementary school library positions. I am currently in my second year as a teacher-librarian at Urbana High School. In the past, I have served as the school library representative on the Resource Sharing Alliance System. Although I began my library career at the Bloomington Public Library as a library assistant, my experience with the RSA helped broaden my perspective on libraries. I feel that I would enjoy serving on the board of directors of the Illinois Heartland Library System for similar reasons and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to my career field on a broader level.

About

My career in education began as a school librarian, moved to becoming a reading specialist, principal and ending as a Superintendent of schools, which totaled 38 years in the education field, makes me well qualified to be on the IHLS Board of Directors. Also, I have been on the Taylorville Public Library Board of Trustees for five years and have served as President for three years. I am enthusiastic, passionate, well-versed in the importance of literacy, have great knowledge on how important it is to serve the public, and the critical need of library programs for underserved populations. My latest experience as a Library Trustee has updated my knowledge of the library system and its workings thus giving me the desire to serve as IHLS board member.

About

I am the Library Director of the Tolono Public Library District and also serve as Director for the Willow Branch Township Library. Libraries matter to me because they are one of the few truly democratic institutions where access to information, opportunity, and community support is not dependent on income, background, or status. Throughout my career, my focus has been on strengthening libraries as welcoming, reliable, and evolving community anchors. I am especially passionate about supporting small and rural libraries, building strong partnerships, and ensuring that library systems remain accessible, responsive, and sustainable. I believe libraries play a critical role in lifelong learning, civic engagement, and community connection, and that collaboration across systems is essential to their continued success. I am honored to serve on the Illinois Heartland Library System Board of Directors and am committed to advancing shared resources and cooperative service for member libraries.

About

It has been my honor to serve as a member of the Effingham Public Library the Board of Trustees. Most of this time I have served as Co-President of the Board. My service on the Board saw major challenges and transitions from moving into a new building to dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Public libraries are an invaluable asset to their communities and provide a haven of literacy and public service beyond the traditional role of public libraries. As we move forward, public libraries will have to find ways to stay relevant to the communities that they serve.

About

My love of reading comes from both of my parents. They introduced books to me at a very early age, and I gave that love of books to my sons and grandchildren. One of the highlights when spending time with my grandchildren is reading new books, and yes, sometimes the same book over and over again. Seeing the joy of imagination, learning, and understanding is what is going to carry reading on to the next generation. In my career, I have had the pleasure to have worked with children from birth to high school to our golden senior generation. Presently, I am a library technician at my local Jr./Sr. High School Library and a board member of the McCoy Memorial Library. I feel privileged to be able to encourage others to learn about the love of reading and, of course, finding that one favorite book

About

I serve as an elected Trustee of the Vespasian Warner Public Library in Clinton, Illinois. My professional background is in software development, systems design, and digital communication, where I have spent nearly two decades working with technology and information systems.

I believe libraries are essential civic infrastructure — places where access to knowledge, community connection, and lifelong learning remain open to everyone. I am committed to supporting strong, well-resourced libraries across our region and helping ensure they continue to adapt and serve their communities effectively.

About

I have been an active member of the Ashley Library Board for the past 4.5 years, during which time I have gained a strong understanding of library governance, community needs, and the importance of regional collaboration. In 2025, I accepted an officer position as Clerk of the Library Board. In this role, I have strengthened my organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills while supporting transparency and effective board operations. In addition, I am currently working toward becoming the Ashley Historian and am collaborating directly with the library to digitize the city’s historical records, ensuring long-term preservation and public access to important local history. My desire to join the Illinois Heartland Library System stems from a commitment to serve as a knowledgeable and engaged representative for the Ashley Library. I hope to bring forward new ideas, share updates and resources, and help strengthen connections between our local library and the broader system. I value collaboration, innovation, and equitable access to information, and I am eager to contribute these strengths in service to both Ashley and the regional library community.

About

I have 30 years of professional experience working in academic libraries in multiple roles, including: student worker, administrative assistant, graduate assistant, archivist, and circulation, collection development, and research/instruction librarian. I first joined the Millikin University library faculty in 2004, and became director in 2021. As is typical for librarians at a small, private university, I have worn many hats at Millikin and worked through the ongoing challenges of such institutions in recent times. 

In addition to my various professional roles in academic libraries, I have always been an ardent patron of my community's public library wherever I have lived. I can remember my first time using interlibrary loan, browsing the new books and my favorite genre shelves, meeting high school classmates to work on group projects, and attending special programs. A big part of the reason I was motivated to get a driver's license as a teen was to drive myself to the library whenever I needed something new to read. If elected as an IHLS board member, it would be my honor to be an advocate for the incredible ecosystem our profession has built in Illinois to support all types of libraries and the communities that need them.

About

I am entering my 10th year working in an elementary library, with time logged as a library volunteer before that. Helping kids get excited about reading and learning gives purpose to my days. My students may not realize the lifelong importance libraries of all kinds can play in their academic, cultural, civic, and social lives going forward, but I do. Therefore, I believe in supporting libraries to keep knowledge accessible and promote community engagement as a patron and a professional. Joining the IHLS Board feels like a great way to merge my daily library experiences with decades of prior volunteer work.