Activist Toolkit

Susanne Fairfax has not submitted answers to the Activist Toolkit questionnaire.

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1) Why do you want to serve on the Library Board? What makes you qualified to serve? What metrics of success do you plan on holding yourself accountable to? 

2) How do you make decisions? 

3) What are the three biggest challenges or opportunities facing the Library in the next three, five, and ten years and how should the board address them over the next four years? 

4) How would you approach the budgeting process? 

5) What would you say to voters who are worried about the tax burden? 

6) How do you define equity? Have recent discussions in the larger community informed or changed your thinking? 

7) How will you seek feedback from patrons who may be experiencing Oak Park’s libraries in a different way than you? How do you think residents perceive the Library? Are there barriers that might make it more challenging for residents to use the library’s programs and services? 

8) In recent years, the Library has replaced security guards with social workers, increased salaries for its lower-waged workers, and eliminated late fees for borrowers. Do you believe these initiatives have been successful? Why or why not? Are there ways in which you would anticipate expanding or rolling back this work? 

9) What approach should the Library take towards intergovernmental cooperation initiatives such as the Collaboration for Early Childhood Development? Are there other specific initiatives that you would like to implement or expand upon? 

10) What approach should the Library take towards intermunicipal cooperation with neighboring communities? Are there specific initiatives that you would like to implement or expand upon? 

11) What lessons learned from the services provided, or not provided, during the pandemic’s early years, do you believe will be applicable going forward? 

12) In an era of radical changes to how people find and consume information, what should and shouldn’t change about the services provided by the Library? 

13) How do you feel services and supports for homeless patrons fit within the mission of the Library?

14) Libraries have been faced with deciding whether or not to remove books from their shelves if community members deem the content to be inappropriate, too controversial or objectionable. How would you handle this issue and how should the Library Board handle this question? How could you ensure that ALL points of view are heard and the issue addressed in an open and constructive manner? 

15) What is your favorite Oak Park Public Library program, exhibit, or service? 

16) For those who are currently serving or have previously served on the Library Board: What vote are you most proud of, and what vote do you most regret? Why?