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Ad Lib: Advocacy for Libraries

June 9, 2008

Lunch with Mark Walker, Democratic candidate for the 66th District

On June 9, Mark Walker, the Democratic candidate for State Representative in Illinois’ 66th district, stopped by NSLS for a chance to meet with several system members and be introduced to what libraries in general and NSLS in particular have to offer. Joining us for the conversation were Skip Mosshamer, NSLS Board president; Marilyn Genther from Mt. Prospect Library; Njambi Kamoche from Harper College; David Ruff from Rolling Meadows Library; Paula Moore from Arlington Heights Memorial Library; and NSLS staff members Donna Tieberg, Dale Lawrence, Denise Rotella, Jill Lynch, and myself.

Mr. Walker started off the lunch meeting by talking about his experiences with libraries, explaining how he had used the business section of the Arlington Heights Library regularly to help him start his own business. He expressed his love for libraries, describing them as “so fundamentally ‘America.’”

Skip follow up on that by talking about NSLS and what we do, and built on that by inviting the members present to talk about what the system meant to them. There was mention of the inter-library delivery system, continuing education, networking opportunities, and unique programming. Paula pointed out that, in economic downtimes like now, that’s when people use libraries more, and when libraries in turn rely more on the systems.

In response to the candidate’s question about what libraries’ needs and issues are, the discussion turned to open access and internet filtering. Marilyn explained the position of filtering being a local issue libraries had to decide for themselves, and Mr. Walker responded that, while it was important to him that he make sure to take actions to protect children, he personally believes that the responsibility starts with the parents, not the library or the government.

The conversation then turned to questions of freedom of information, information access, and funding concerns. Njambi talked about the specific role that community college libraries can take on, serving as a de-facto public library for many people who live in unincorporated areas and would otherwise not have full access to a public library collection. Because of this, she said, they need to see an increase in more general use materials, such as kids books and ESL materials, and that state funding can be a strong help in enabling them to provide those services.

Mr. Walker expressed the difficulties in taking a firm funding position; that he “would rather fund education and libraries than other things, but it becomes a terrific balancing act, and I honestly don’t know where all the money is.”

Tying the issues of funding and information access together, David pointed out that “the greatest form of censorship is to have the library doors closed on a Sunday when they used to be open;” a consequence of libraries not having sufficient funding and needing to cut corners. Mr. Walker recognized the problem, and reaffirmed his support of libraries, but pointed out that “if these were simple financial problems, they would’ve already been solved.”

Skip wrapped things up by explaining that libraries are no longer satisfied just receiving passive positive regard from the community, and because of this, NSLS is taking a more active role in the political arena.

posted by Alan at 3:14 pm | Comments (0)