2013 Election: Jan Look

Name: Jan Look

Position Sought: Frankfort Library Distric Trustee

Campaign Contact Information: 815-469-3884, 815735-9649, janlook@ameritech.net

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

As an elected library board member, my single most important priority is to represent, to be the voice of the community in library board decisions and to work collectively and diligently with the other board members and library staff in all matters of the library.

Home Address: 675 Brookside Ln. Frankfort, Ill. 60423

Family Members:

Jim Look, 62, spouse
John Look ,29, Son
Anne Look, 26, Daughter
Kristen Look 22, Daughter

Education: 

Master of Science in Education, University of Chicago, 1980
Master Teacher Certification, National Board, 2004
Bachelor of Science in Education (English) Illinois State University, 1973

Current Occupation and Employer:

Adjunct Instructor in Englsih, Joliet Junior College
University Supervisor in English, Illinois State University
Retired English High School English Teacher- 34 years including 7 years as department chair
Writing Consultant and Member of Language Arts Assessment- Illinois State Board of Eduction 1986-present
Trustee Frankfort Public Library- 2011-present
Frankfort Women's Club Member 1996-present- past president/vice-president

Political Party Affiliation: Non- Partisan

Why are you seeking office?

I see the library as one of the community centers in Frankfort that can provide a variety of services to every community member. I believe I can continue to make a difference as a library trustee to support decisions and initiate changes that support a library that puts taxpayer money to good use, that provides quality programs and services to all patrons, and that plans for the future in the changing direction of patron needs from books to technology.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have lived and been active in the Frankfort community for 35 years. I have made my life here, raised my children here, and know the community as people I see and talk to everyday whether it is at the library, at the schools, at athletic events, at club meetings or in the grocery store. Being an English teacher for over 35 years, brings my experiences as a teacher into the library. To me, the library is the open door from the classroom to another place to find books, information and opportunities to learn. I have a great deal of background in assessing educational programs. This background applies to continue to assess the library services.

If elected, what changes would you work toward within the library district?

If elected, I would continue to contribute to the strategic planning that is in the early stages of committee work within the current Library Board. My background in education and assessment lends itself to the future services the Frankfort Library can provide the community so the library continues to be current and relevant in serving the needs of all library patrons. My recent work as chairman of a Frankfort Library committee that examined a change made a few years ago on how books were organized and shelved for easier access and increased patron use provided some groundwork for reviewing library space and library services that will continue in future planning.

What are the strengths of this library district?

The strength of the Frankfort Library is in the staff, the Friends of the Library, the patrons and the board members who work together to create a library space and library community committed to evolving into a place that brings people together as gathering place for many types of services, information and entertainment. There are computers, ebooks, books on tape, movies, music, shelves of books and programs for everyone from toddlers to seniors. The library is busy and filled with patrons.

What areas of the district are most in need of improvement?

Planning for the future…Presently the Frankfort Library is working well at being responsible for how taxpayers’ money is used for library maintenance, space and resources. However, what libraries are and how they answer to the patron needs today is rapidly changing in the world of technology, electronics and resources. The Frankfort Public Library needs a plan to look ahead and be ready for the future. In the last year, acquiring ebooks and offering programs on “how to use” ebooks, gave patrons the opportunity to use library services for the current trend in “reading.” The future holds more of these changes and the Library needs a plan on how it will financially support and technically offer advances in library services.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

Reason for running----"Supporting you and our Library"