Forty-seven young entrepreneurs in grades 2–8 will put their new business skills to the test and sell their products at a Market Sale Day on Saturday, April 5, from 1–3 p.m. at the library.
These students were selected through an application process to be part of the library’s Kid Market program, a learning opportunity for budding entrepreneurs. Over the course of six weeks, Kid Marketers turn their product idea into a real sales booth. “This year we have an amazing group of super motivated kids,” said Ashley Johnson, business librarian at Vernon Area. “I have seen kids enter in with the strongest ideas and a willingness to go over and beyond the expectations of the program.” In the weeks leading up to market day, participants received weekly email lessons on topics such as supply and demand, setting a price point, refining their sales pitch and making their business a force for good. Students completed homework assignments each week and received feedback from Johnson. All their hard work will culminate in a farmers market-style sale day at the library. The Kid Market Sale is open to the public. Shoppers will find a variety of items available to purchase including jewelry, resin crafts, games, stuffies, and original paintings. Vendors are only able to accept cash payments. “I hope this program opens kids’ eyes to the joys of business ownership and demystifies and educates them on what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” Johnson said. “A great idea is priceless, and passion in what you do is what life is all about.” Kid Market was developed at Vernon Area Public Library in 2019. That year, it won the national Money Smart Week Bright Ideas award. Since then the Kid Market concept, lessons and event plans have been adopted by libraries across the country. The program also supports the library’s strategic framework. Johnson said, “We aim to inspire curiosity in everyone who participates through engaging with new concepts, thinking about the business world critically and growing big ideas. At the same time, we foster a sense of belonging by creating a community of kids who are working toward one shared goal: the best market day ever.” For more information about Kid Market, visit VAPLD.info/KidMarket.
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Candidates for Library Board3/10/2025 Five of the seven seats on the Vernon Area Public Library District Board of Trustees will be determined by the results of the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election. There are three full-term seats up for election. Three current trustees are running for these seats. These races are uncontested (3 seats, 3 candidates). In the order they will appear on the ballot, those candidates are:
One 4-year unexpired term is on the ballot. This opening was created in September 2024 by the retirement of trustee Laura Caplin. This race is uncontested (1 seat, 1 candidate):
One 2-year unexpired term is also on the ballot. This opening was created in December 2024 by the retirement of trustee Max Boton, who moved out of the library district. Samira Qureshi was appointed to fill this seat until the April 2025 election. She is running for re-election. Due to the timing of this opening, this seat will be filled by write-in vote. This race is contested (1 seat, 2 candidates). Those candidates are:
A third person filed as a write-in candidate, but has since alerted the library they intend to withdraw. As an informational resource, the library asks candidates to provide answers to a few basic questions. Their unedited responses are offered below. Please click through each tab to read responses from each candidate. The tabs are listed in the order the responses were received.
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Ben Isabel I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: 2021. Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board. My journey with our local library system starts with my work. As the Chief of Staff for State Senator Laura Fine, I have developed meaningful and collaborative relationships with our local libraries through our office’s outreach and constituent service work. It is this work that opened my eyes to all the crucial services our libraries offer. I have also worked with my boss to help shape policies affecting libraries throughout the state. As a Trustee, this work would bring continued insight and experience as state library policy continues to evolve. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? When I was told there may be a chance to serve my community and that there would be a vacancy on the Vernon Area Public Library Board, I jumped at the opportunity. A public library is an important staple of any locality, but we are incredibly lucky to have the Vernon Area Public Library. Our library is a place that provides essential services, a place that provides access to vital information, and a place that provides a sense of community. Where people can come together to learn, collaborate, and unlock countless stories. No matter when I’ve visited the library, it is always busy with people from all ages and walks of life utilizing its many services. It is my hope, as the planning process continues for a possible future renovation of the library, that those tenets are placed front of mind. When I visit the library with my one-year old daughter, it is easy to recognize the importance of the library and the value it adds to the community. I hope to continue the work of cementing its valued place in the community for years to come. Samira Qureshi I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: 2012 Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board. Although earning a masters degree in South Asian Studies, with a concentration in history and literature, I have been a paralegal for 17 years in the area of regulatory compliance. Much of my work entails in simplifying complex statutes and regulations to assist in developing training programs for employees and for drafting policies and procedures for healthcare and other regulated organizations. I have also taught Saturday school at the local Muslim center for the past year. I have moved so much in my life. In my experience, the best way to learn about a community is to visit their library - the type of programs they provide; the diversity and breadth of books they have; the friendliness of the staff; the number of youth/adolescent/adult services and the accessibility of the building - all generally indicate the role of the library, and education, plays in the community. The Vernon Area Library plays an integral role in our community. Indeed it has provided many services to my four children like volunteering (not only for the Summer Reading Program but also for the MLK Day of Service project), studying after school, meeting the visiting authors of their favorite books, and of course, the early literacy programs that my 12 year old has been going to since she was 6 months old. I believe both my work experience and "mom" experience in this district give me a unique perspective and an added advantage to be part of this Board. Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions). I have always believed in giving back to the community and building bridges. I was the Regional Coordinator for the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom for the Chicago Region from 2018-2024, as well as being a chapter leader for the Vernon Hills/Northbrook area. The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom is an interfaith group that believes in building bridges between Jewish and Muslim women and banding together to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia. I also served on the Advisory Board for the Bethany House of Hospitality from 2021-2022. Bethany House offers housing and support services to young immigrant women as they journey towards independence. Additionally, when my children attended District 103, I was on Dr. Warren's SACEE group - Superintendent's Advisory Council for Equitable Education. Currently, I am one of the mentors for a Girls Club for Muslim girls aged 9-13 where we have spearheaded fundraisers and drives for natural disaster victims and local refugees. Being on the Board would allow me the opportunity to give back to a public institution that gives so much to our community in Vernon Hills. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? Libraries continue to be one of the undervalued public institutions in our county. In the days of social media and increased reliance on phones. tablets and computers, social isolation seems to be at a high. Libraries are at the center of education - public libraries provide free access to books and services that are imperative for a free society. People need a "community center" where they can come read, learn and exchange ideas with each other. Coming to the library on any given school day after 4PM, it is clear that our high school students use this library for such an arena. Our community is growing and our need for more space and more free and accessible services and programs will increase. I see our library as an integral part of this growth as it grows with the needs of our population. Jon Passman I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: 2003 Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board. I have a Master's Degree in Knowledge Management from Dominican University and have served two six-year terms on the board to date, but I feel it's important to continue my work on the board to continue to protect the library from those who might seek to stop its mission and vision for their own political agenda. My full time job is a software product manager. Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions). In addition to my volunteering for the VAPLD board, I also volunteer time with a local Boy Scout troop, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and the Village of Buffalo Grove Community Champions. I also assist with the Buffalo Grove Park District swim team and coach freshman soccer at Stevenson High School. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? There's a cliche that libraries are no longer needed because Google has everything. But mirroring society as a whole, libraries are adapting to a new world. I like to argue that Google isn't our competition, but the coffee shop is. It's a meeting place, where people can learn a new skill, collaborate on a school project, or, for the younger ones, take the first steps to learning to read. I love the library of things concept, and I strongly hope that not only is a library a place where you can check out the hottest new novel, but also a cake pan, an electric guitar, or a caulking gun. And of course, in 2025 when facts are being argued about more than ever in a partisan society, the VAPLD can strive to continue to be a trusted source of information to the community. Violeta Flemenbaum I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: 11 years Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board. As a Dept of Housing and Urban Development housing counselor, one of my priorities was connecting clients to community resources. Over and over, the library stood out as a beacon of hope. I would send clients there who needed internet access, information on local resources, and technology education. Contrary to popular belief, the library isn't only a place to get books. It's a place that provides invaluable information to patrons. As someone whose children and clients have benefitted from everything the library has to offer, I know firsthand the importance of a strong library system. Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions). Most of my career has been in civil service. This means that I've had to build relationships with local entities, most notably libraries. As an example, I was able to rely on local libraries to provide information on covid resources such as mortgage and rent assistance. Most recently, libraries helped me get the word out on webinars focusing on first time homebuyers and reducing property taxes. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? I continue to see our library as the hub of community education and information. Books are knowledge and knowledge is power. As I mentioned, not only does our library provide an extensive book collection, it also provides so much more! Did you know that Vernon Area Library also has a vegetable garden that provides fresh produce to our local food pantry? It also offers a free online citizenship class, 3D printing, and notary public services! I see all of these vital resources continuing to get stronger over time. Nathan Libbey I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: 2016 Briefly describe any qualifications (work experience, education, leadership roles, attributes, skills/training) that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board. I have a PhD in public policy, have held senior leadership roles at several tech startups (robotics/AI) as well as Global 50, Fortune 500 firms. I teach graduate-level business students at Kellogg School of Management (including a course on Nonprofit leadership) and remotely in Mogadishu, Somalia. With this experience, I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most diverse populations, the best leaders (present and future) and have hopefully taken away some key learnings I can apply to the Vernon Area Public Library Board. Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community (school groups, service clubs, other boards or commissions). I had the pleasure to serve the community on the Aptakisic-Tripp D102 School Board (Secretary) from 2019-2023. What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future? I see the library’s role now as a key community hub - with a diverse offering of books, ebooks, 3D printers, museum passes, online courses, and programs for residents of all ages. In the future, I think the library will keep growing with tech and evolve offerings to meet the new needs of Vernon Area residents. From the first lending library established by Benjamin Franklin, these public cornerstones have come a long way. But, it's also important to remember what won't change - That excitement of a first visit or library card (digital or print) will hopefully remain a youth’s gateway into learning and community. Donate Prom Dresses at the Library2/11/2025 Visitors to the Vernon Area Public Library are encouraged to drop off new or gently used formal dresses, suits, dress shoes and other prom-appropriate accessories February 22 through March 23, 2025.
The donations will make their way to the “Pop Up Prom Experience,” a partnership among Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF), Zengeler Cleaners, College of Lake County and University Center of Lake County, which provides prom wear and accessories to high school students for free. The 2025 Pop Up Prom Experience will be held at the University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake, on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to any high school student in Lake County, Illinois. A current high school ID is required for entry. In addition to choosing a prom dress, students will have the opportunity to spend time on a college campus learning about which programs might be perfect for them. In advance of the dress giveaway, program partner Zengeler Cleaners inspects, cleans and repairs the donations as necessary to make sure the dresses are “prom-ready.” MTF volunteers sort the dresses by size, style and color, assuring the shopping experience is as smooth and easy as possible for students. More than 300 volunteers contribute to the success of the event. Zengeler collects dresses year-round at each of their locations. Those interested in attending the event, volunteering at the event or making a monetary donation should visit the Mothers Trust Foundation website at http://MothersTrustFoundation.org. The Vernon Area Public Library has served as a donation point for prom attire since 2010. In the past 15 years, library visitors have donated more than 1,000 dresses and accessories. Donations collected after the Prom Experience in March will be saved for next year. Gale Presents: Udemy2/10/2025 Study subjects like ChatGPT or Microsoft Excel from an expert instructor — anytime, anywhere, and in your choice of language — when you log in to Gale Presents: Udemy with your library card.
Udemy is an on-demand, video-based training platform similar to LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Masterclass. It is typically available only through an employer or by paid subscription, but is now free for Vernon Area Public Library cardholders. Major corporations including Cisco, Citibank, P&G, and others use Udemy for continuing education, and millions of individual learners use Udemy to learn new skills to add to their résumé, study for a professional certification, or just pursue a personal interest. Gale Presents: Udemy provides access to the top ten percent of Udemy courses in categories include cloud computing, data science, design, development, finance and accounting, human resources, IT operations, leadership and management, marketing, office productivity, personal development, project management and operations, and sales. Udemy courses are led by experts in their field. Learning is structured like a traditional college course and supported with hands-on practice and quizzes to confirm and reinforce learning. For learners who prefer a language other than English, Udemy offers an impressive and unique option: courses taught by subject matter experts in their native language, going beyond traditional content dubbing or video captions. Learners can choose from a robust catalog of classes in Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, Hindi, Polish, Russian, Spanish, or nine other languages. Udemy is the only library resource offering virtual skills training taught by native speakers. Udemy courses are always fresh and up-to-date, helping users adapt quickly to changing workplace demands. Udemy continually adds new courses to address market demand and changes and retires older courses that are no longer relevant. The majority of class content is new within the past two years. Like other online learning platforms, Udemy offers anywhere, anytime access via a mobile device. Options also include the ability to listen to classes via podcast-style audio or on Chromecast or Apple TV. Gale Presents: Udemy is the newest way the Vernon Area Public Library is helping patrons pursue their personal and professional goals. Library patrons also enjoy access to LinkedIn Learning (another on-demand, video-based learning platform) and Gale Courses (6-week, online instructor-led classes), in addition to a variety of in-person software and technology classes at the library. To access Udemy through the library, create an account using a Vernon Area Public Library card at VAPLD.info/udemy. Spring at the Library2/3/2025 Spring arrived early at the library. The new issue of Library Quarterly is now available to pick up or view online. Get the latest library news and preview the lineup of spring programming.
Some highlights of this issue include:
There's so much more, including programs for all ages. Sign up is open now for many adult programs, so pick up an issue today. You can now find the current and past issues of Library Quarterly on the dedicated newsletters page on our website. |
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