Clare Lund, Homer Township Public Library Trustee Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — Clare Lund is a candidate for Homer Township Public Library trustee. There are eight candidates running for four open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

You can find Lund's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your Name:

Clare Lund

Age (as of Election Day):

38

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office sought:

Library board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

This is a non-partisan race.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

B.S. in English Education from Illinois State University; M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction and School Library Studies from National-Louis University

Occupation:

K-8 School Librarian (5 years); previously Language Arts Teacher (12 years)

Campaign Website or Facebook:

N/A

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Current Homer Township Library Trustee

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

Our most immediate issue is to wrap up this current construction project and plan for a smooth transition into using the new spaces. The board is updated regularly about the progress of the construction, and we will continue the discussion with library staff so we can all plan appropriately.

The library also has an aging bookmobile that will need to be replaced soon. This is a beloved fixture in our community and will be a large expense. Luckily we have funds earmarked for that, due to the conservative budgeting and saving funds for expenditures such as this.

Otherwise, the library is in a strong financial position, with a knowledgeable staff who works hard to develop the collection and offer programming to meet the needs of our community.

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

I believe that the role of the public library is to offer free and open access to all information and materials, and that it is up to individual patrons and families to decide which books they want to read.

Our opponents have stated that they want certain materials to be age-restricted and require parent approval to be borrowed. Censorship is not and should not be the role of the public library system. I believe this should be the role of involved and informed parents to monitor their own child's reading materials and discuss these topics together, as each family is different and should have the right to make their own decisions. Materials should not be restricted in a public library. This is a slippery slope, and it violates the ALA Bill of Rights.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Or what changes would you like to see?

N/A

Describe the other issues or ideas that define your campaign platform:

While raising our family here in Homer Glen, I felt a strong desire to become more involved in our community. So when a position on the Homer Township Library Board became available in 2019, I was excited for the opportunity, and felt it was a perfect fit for someone with my professional background. I love our library, and want to support our excellent and knowledgeable staff, as well as maintain the level of services provided to our patrons. I believe that my experience and knowledge as a librarian is and will continue to be an asset to the board.

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

I oversee multiple budgets in my work as a school librarian, and I fully understand the role of libraries in our community. I am an active member of the Association of Illinois School Library Educators, participating in regular professional development with my fellow librarians. I have served on the Homer Township Library Board since 2019, and have learned so much during my time there.

Why should voters trust you?

My only goal as a library trustee is to defend and support the incredible community resource that is Homer Township Library. I also am aware of the obligation to spend taxpayer money responsibly, and I feel our current board and staff has made appropriate financial decisions.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

My term will be a success if the patrons of Homer Library still feel as if this community resource is meeting their needs. We currently offer a wide variety of programs for all ages, and have a diverse collection of books and digital resources. We will be able to support larger programs when our new spaces are unveiled, which will give our library room to grow.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Homer Library accounts for only 1.8% of a resident’s tax bill, and this rate has not increased in the past ten years. Our library runs a conservative budget, and plans ahead by setting aside funds for anticipated larger expenditures.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

This issue is not part of my role as library trustee.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality? If not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Homer Township Library provides equal access to information and materials for all patrons, regardless of race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. Our collection represents diverse identities so every reader can see themselves in a book, and can develop more empathy and understanding for experiences that might be different from their own. While I feel these are important features of our library, we will continue to engage in ongoing dialogue with all community members to best meet their needs, as there are always ways we can improve.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

This issue is not part of my role as library trustee.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

This issue is not part of my role as library trustee.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

This issue is not part of my role as library trustee.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

This issue is not part of my role as library trustee.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes."

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

I believe in the value of a strong public library system, and I know how important Homer Township Library is to our community. I have been honored to be part of such a wonderful organization, and hope to serve my neighbors in this role for many years to come.