Bethlehem resident: 38 years
Occupation
Retired science teacher
Community service/volunteer work
I have read for the WMHT RISE program, I occasionally plan, organize and cook meals for the Albany Ronald McDonald House and am an Ambassador for NYSUT Retiree Council 10, which is a volunteer position. I serve as a liaison between NYSUT and the Shenendehowa Central School District.
Other details you would like to share: I am an avid gardener, bake a mean loaf of artisan bread and am a cookbook collector.
Experience and goals
What skills do you bring to your tenure on the board?
I am organized, intelligent, resourceful, able to think outside the box, a practiced negotiator and willing to admit when I don’t know something.
What are your goals as a library board member?
I hope to bring a different way of thinking to the board. I believe there have been some poor decisions made in the past, and the building and collection have suffered. I hope to look at these issues with a fresh set of eyes to suggest a different path forward.
Views about libraries
How does a public library best serve its community?
The BPL should have a robust collection for all users both in house and online. Resources need to be available to address the needs of users in a non-political, non-culture wars manner.
What are the most important issues facing public libraries today?
I believe censorship is probably the biggest issue with political and culture wars pressure exacerbating the issue. Libraries need to be selective about what they are including in their space but not cave to special interest pressure.
How are public libraries changing? How can a library board expedite these changes?
Libraries are holders of information. It is the Board’s responsibility to facilitate the accessing of information, however you define it, by having the funds, personnel and infrastructure. It is also incumbent on the Board to effectively communicate with the community to ensure their needs are met.
How have libraries influenced your life?
I have two family members who worked as librarians. As a graduate student, I spent hours in library stacks looking for information for my research. I spent years teaching my students how to access reliable information using libraries. I respect libraries and library professionals.
Views about this library
What do you like best about Bethlehem Public Library?
The BPL is a unique structure with a supportive and involved community base. Children’s programming is good guaranteeing future library users.
What is your vision for the future of this library?
I would like to see the Library building brought back to its original condition with upgrades for safety. I would also like to strengthen the adult collection and work on communication at board meetings so questions from attendees are answered in real time and on the record.