I am an educator, researcher, non-profit professional, and parent running for Oak Park Library Board of Trustees to ensure that our library remains a library for all, for always. I am ready to protect and defend our public library while offering leadership that is both accountable to and that reflects our community and our shared values.
Learn more about me at my About page.
What does our Library Board of Trustees do?
The Oak Park Public Library Board holds comprehensive authority over the library's governance. It is responsible for appointing and evaluating the library director, establishing policies, and collaborating with the director to develop and approve the library's budget. This collaborative approach ensures that the library operates effectively and meets community needs.
Issues I Care About
I support the American Library Association's statement on the fundamental freedom to read. Ensuring access to diverse ideas without censorship protects the free expression and exchange of ideas, fosters critical thinking, and is essential for informed participation in democracy.
Public libraries are a cornerstone of democracy and pillars of our communities. I believe that our library must be a welcoming and accessible space for everyone. By offering free resources, celebrating diversity, and fostering equity and inclusion, we empower everyone in our community and strengthen community connections at a time when it is more important than ever.
I stand for transparent library governance that includes clear communication, ethical leadership, and inclusive representation. I believe this is how we best ensure accountability, integrity, and equitable service for all community members while maintaining public trust in the library’s operations and decision-making processes.
Our library is much more than a repository of information--it is a gathering place, a community hub, and a pillar of our community. I believe in supporting robust and intentional community engagement across all programming areas. This connects our library with all parts of our diverse community and ensures we reflect and respond to the needs, ideas, well-being of everyone who lives here.
Ours is a library for the ages--- ALL ages, that is! I am committed to ensuring that our library meets the needs of children, youth, adults, and older adults while fostering inclusivity across generations. I am particularly dedicated to supporting our library's efforts to offer a relevant, welcoming, and happening place for our teens and young people.
Vote Library 4 All 4 Always
As you support me, please also vote for other Library for All, for Always candidates Mika Yamamoto and Colin Bird-Martinez.
Library 4 All 4 Always candidates: Colin Bird-Martinez, Mika Yamamoto, & Annie Wilkinson
annieforOPPL@gmail.com