Over our years on the board through its multiple director appointments, we have created new services for the community such as the local history room, 3D printing/Project Next Gen program, beyond books offerings and many more. We have added staff members versed in Polish, Spanish, and Ukrainian to assist customers who have difficulty communicating in English. These efforts help the board to reach our goal of providing the most benefit to all members of the community.
With the prevalence of online services through computers and smart phones, books and traditional materials from libraries are seeing a decline in interest. I along with the current board are working to position the library to offer new items, services and programs that fit the changing needs of its residents while doing so with an engaging, customer service-oriented staff.
Our community of Elmwood Park continues to have its roots in white-collar and blue-collar America, which is its strength. We have a unique mix of community members with varying needs and perspectives. The library is changing to better represent the evolving needs of our community and to create a space that is safe and welcoming to all residents. We are transforming the library, its services and its staff by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit encased in a team that is eager to provide assistance to anyone who steps through the door.
I am very proud to serve with such a diverse board, which currently consists of five women and two men, two trustees who raised children with disabilities, a trustee and two board members with kids who are active in the LGBTQ+ community, and more. This allows for a diverse mix of thought and skillsets, all based in a desire to serve the entire community in which all members actively participate.
Among us we represent Polish, Italian, Indian, African-American, Cuban, German, Scottish, and Belarusian backgrounds. Our board members represent a wide spectrum of cultures and we hope this diversity continues with future elected board members.
Awareness of library activities is paramount to creating value for the community. We realize that to do this, the board and staff need to engage the community, partner with local organizations, and work with schools to foster collaboration on exciting programs. This will bring the community back into the library to see all it has to offer. The library needs to step up its marketing efforts to attract residents back into the facility and make it a community meeting place.
Additionally, the board is striving to make the library a safe space for all residents to enjoy, especially families. The board is aligned on direction and has taken steps to start this transformation with the selection of a new director and security resources.
We have an exciting future planned for the residents of Elmwood Park, including offering hands on learning experiences in home maintenance, Cyber security presentations/programs focused to seniors and all ages, and cooperative endeavors with the school district, including ‘Ask a teenager’ for assistance with technology and much more you will be hearing about soon.
We hope you are as excited as our board is over the direction we are moving. We look forward to seeing everyone come back to the library!
I have been a member of the Elmwood Park community for over 25 years. Along with my wife Gina (a life-long resident), we raised both of our children (Sydney and Tyler) in Elmwood Park, relying on the public school system and the library.
While our kids were young, I served on the board from 2001-2009. I was asked by the board to come back in 2013 to fill a vacancy and have served ever since mostly as board president.
I have contributed to our community through many volunteer efforts. I helped to develop many of Elmwood Park’s youth community as a coach and Vice President of the Elmwood Park Rush Youth Football program and as a coach in EP’s AYSO soccer program.
My family continues to support the community including the Elmwood Park School District, the Peter N Silvestri Cultural and Learning Center (Elmwood Park Public Library), the Montclare/Elmwood Park Lions Club, The Grand Chamber by O’Hare, Elmwood Park Women’s Club, Elmwood Park Garden Club, and many more through our service and donations.
