Eleven potential candidates for Vernon Area Library vacancy

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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:40AM

A year ago, the Vernon Area Public Library had three spots open on its Library Board, and three candidates on the April ballot. This week, it has one unexpected vacancy, and 11 could vie for the position.

What changed?

When the six members of the VAPL Library Board met Monday with the 11 official and potential candidates for appointment to the board, they heard a pair of answers. Some said they love the library but never noticed when its board had open seats; others said they love the library, but love their privacy more.

“I think a lot of people just didn’t want to run in an election,” said Marc Fenton, one of the visitors at the meeting. “They don’t want the disclosure.”

The VAPL board found itself needing someone in January, when Akrom Hossain of Buffalo Grove resigned. Work commitments prevented the first-time board member from attending most meetings. The board will appoint his successor in March.

“Why didn’t they put their names on the ballot?” lamented board Vice President Bill Apostolakis, who wished this crop of candidates had been around a year ago, so voters could have sorted through them. “That would have been more favorable for the community. For us to choose someone, it’s not the people’s choice.”

The appointee will serve the remainder of Hossain’s term, ending in May 2017. Catherine Savage, VAPL spokeswoman, said the district had received nine applications so far;. Two others attended Monday’s meeting to determine whether they wanted to apply.

The VAPL has been a quiet, without controversy or major projects. Its finances appear in order as well, which Fenton said also made the job attractive.

“This library’s lucky because it’s so well-funded,” he said.

None of the candidates revealed serious disagreements with the current board, and few spoke of specific plans. Wen Yee, suggested the library market itself toward the Asian community.

“I want this to be a voice for the Asian community,” she said. “I’m not saying that it isn’t doing a good job, but I would like it to do even more.”

Larry Abrams, another possible replacement, noted that while many libraries are rushing to become more high-tech, much of the technologies they seek — and many of the books in their collections — already fit into taxpayers mobile phones. To remain valuable, the VAPL must offer unique services.

“It’s almost more of the sanctuary,” Abrams said. He envisioned the library as a place where teens could study and seniors could be active, where everyone could meet and communicate.

The board will accept applications through Feb. 27. Applicants must live in the district and be a registered voter. Candidates must complete an application, available at vapld.info or at the library’s Patron Services Desk. Applicants should submit completed packets to the attention of Board President George Goldstein at the library.