We are happy to announce the results of the FY2026/CY2025 IHLS Board Elections! Please join us in congratulating our new Public Library Staff Representative, Laura Naugle, and our Public Library Trustee Representatives, Ann-Marie Harland, Nicholas Alan Norovich, and Christine Westerlund. Our new members will join the board officially when FY2026 starts in July. Learn more about our incoming and reelected board members below!
About the New Board Members
Public Library Staff Representative
Laura Naugle, Library Director
Hillsboro Area Public Library District (Hillsboro, Ill.)
I, Laura Naugle, have been a part of the library most of my life. I first served as a library media aide in high school. This position causemy love of the library to grow and I knew that I would work in libraries some day.I then went on to work part-time as a clerk in our local public library. Then I moved on to work in our school district library as a library media aide. I continued in this position for over 9 years until I finished my bachelors degree in education. From there I moved to my old high school and began the next 8 years of working as a District Librarian. It was at this library that we joined Illinois Heartland Library System. I moved all 4 of my libraries into the IHLS Polaris System. Next, I moved to my present position as a Public Library Director, at Hillsboro Area PLD. My love of reading, library materials and libraries in general has grown over the years. Therefore, I would love to become an IHLS Board of Director so that I can help other libraries to grow within the IHLS community. IHLS has helped me to grow as a librarian and I want to pass that on to as many Illinois libraries that I can. It would be an honor to become an IHLS Board of Directors member.
Public Library Trustee Representatives
Ann-Marie Harland, Public Library Trustee
McCoy Memorial Library (McLeansboro, Ill.)
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 ages; 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.
Linda McDonnell, Public Library Board President
Six Mile Regional Library District (Granite City, Ill.)
As a retired elementary school teacher and reading specialist, I have always valued reading and access to information. My passion is for libraries and the possibilities they offer their communities, whether it be a school or academic population, a special interest group, or a physical community. My passion is evident in the hours I have gladly devoted to my local library board, the Six Mile Regional Library District, and the Illinois Heartland Library System. For a library is not just books. It is a collection of resources organized by professionals who can provide services and programs and help to everyone. A library advances society and protects our democracy. I am committed to the continued success of the Illinois Heartland Library System and for the best interest of the people of Illinois!I would be honored to continue to advocate for libraries and all they offer as a board member of the Illinois Heartland Library System.
Nicholas Alan Norovich, Public Library Board Treasurer
West Frankfort Public Library (West Frankfort, Ill.)
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, that is why I feel it is important to give of one's time to service.
Christine Westerlund, Public Library Board Vice President
Chatham Area Public Library District (Chatham, Ill.)
Long time library user, served as a Illinois state agency librarian for many years (no MLS, 18 graduate hours in Library Science. I have served the CAPLD library for many years - first as a trustee, then board vice president, board president and now, again, as board vice president. I believe that access to public libraries serves as a guiding light for all - the library welcomes and ensures that all community members are welcomed and belong. Exploration, learning, engaging are all vital elements in community - public libraries offer it all.
