Questions for the board candidates: John Sobiecki

JOHN SOBIECKI is senior project director with Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture and Engineering in Albany. He was appointed to the board in 2006 to complete an unexpired term. He is a member of the Historic Albany Foundation and the Eastern New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He is actively involved in the community, and has lived in Bethlehem for seventeen years.

 

Experience and goals

What do you consider your most meaningful career accomplishment?

As an architect, what means the most to me is the reaction of clients on opening day of a new project—in particular, the happy looks of students, parents and staff at the opening of a new school. School projects can take many years to complete. There is great satisfaction in knowing you have delivered what your clients have asked for.

What skills would you bring to your tenure on the board?

I bring more than twenty years experience in understanding building envelope and energy systems, how buildings operate and how they are managed. I also understand library design, having been involved in the design of several library projects in my career.

What goals would you set as a library board member?

My goals are to work collaboratively with other trustees toward the best interests of the library, staff and community; to bring my expertise to bear when needed; to listen; to attend meetings and actively participate; and to work with the board to manage the library’s budget and finances in a responsible manner.

Views about libraries

How does a library best serve its community?

A library serves by acting as a resource to its many constituents, through traditional means such as books and reference materials, or as a place where groups can meet to work together, collaborate on ideas, socialize, and learn.

What are the most important issues facing public libraries today?

Libraries now provide access to many different sources of information through a variety of print and electronic media. Libraries need space for storage and use of these resources, as well as different zones where people of all ages can use resources without interfering with others. Lobbying for additional state and federal funding for libraries is another issue.

How are public libraries changing? How can a library board expedite these changes?

Libraries need to continually change as information availability becomes broader. Most importantly, libraries should serve as centers for people to meet, exchange ideas, collaborate, do research, etc. We clearly need to communicate that the library can provide much more than the Internet can.

How have libraries influenced your life?

I have had a life-long love for reading and books and have always used the library as a resource. Having lived in Bethlehem for 17 years, my family has also grown up with the library as a place to obtain material, work on group projects, and meet friends.

Views about Bethlehem Public Library

What do you like best about Bethlehem Public Library?

This library has always been a place where community members of all ages can enjoy the many resources and programs available to them. The recent renovations make it even more inviting.

What is your vision for the future of this library?

To continue to grow and serve the needs of this community. Clearly, by listening to the thoughts of our constituents, the library can and will continue to be accessible to the entire community. The challenge is to prioritize those resources and programs while managing growth in a fiscally prudent way.

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