New Lenox Public Library District Candidate: Gary Suggett

Running as a candidate for the New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees is Gary Suggett. He is a newcomer looking to volunteer his service to the community. 

Library trustees serve a 6-year term of office.

Get to know Suggett: 

Education: Lincoln-Way Central and Joliet Junior College Web Programming

Current Occupation: Web programming

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I've been attending the meetings since November, and in my time there, I've noticed the board has a few questions about the new technologies they decide on. Being a web programmer, I work with technology all day and would be able to advise on those topics.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Revamping the website and working with other branches of government to better advertise the library's new hours and the different programs that many may not be aware of, like the ability to checkout ebooks with just a home computer, no e-reader required, or the vast collection of ebooks that the library has to offer with no checkout limit or card required.

Why Are You Seeking Office?

To better advertise the changes the library has made recently.

What are the biggest issues facing the library district?

The library makes changes for the better but then the word doesn't get out. Many people still ask me if I will work to have the library open on Friday.

How can you keep spending to a minimum while keeping up with the demand for e-readers and the like?

The library offers 40,000 ebooks with zero checkout limit that anyone can download at any time on their ebook reader or home computer. Most of these books are classics and if better advertised, could greatly reduce the load on the books that do have checkout limits.

What programs would you like to see expanded or enhanced?

I would like to see grace periods or amnesty weeks that involve donations to the New Lenox Township's food pantry in exchange for waiving late fees. Working with the township gives the library the advertising through the township's newsletters, which could help highlight the library's new hours or programs, all the while helping feed the hungry that are local to the New Lenox community.

The six candidates running for the New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees are:

• Gary Suggett 

• Michelle DeBella Monbrod 

• Louis J. Broccolo, current board president

• Mary Susan Zekich 

• Bonnie M. Ulstad 

• James Allen

NEW TO PATCH?

Join Patch! Create a free user account and join the discussion about the New Lenox Public Library District and the direction the candidate's would like to take. You'll be subscribed to the free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.