Board Changes

Ben Isabel was appointed to the Vernon Area Public Library Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on Monday, October 21, 2024. Isabel is filling a vacancy created in September when library trustee Laura Caplin resigned. 

​Isabel is employed as chief of staff for State Senator Laura Fine (IL-9). He lives in Buffalo Grove with his wife and 11-month-old daughter.

“A public library is an important staple of any locality, and we are incredibly lucky to have the Vernon Area Public Library,” said Isabel. “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.”

While Caplin’s term was slated to end in 2029, Illinois law requires that the remainder of the unexpired term be filled by vote during the next Consolidated Election, which will take place on April 1, 2025. The four-year seat will appear on the ballot as a separate race from the three full-term (six-year) seats up for election.

Isabel intends to be among the candidates on that ballot. Incumbents George I. Goldstein and Jonathan Passman have also indicated their intent to run. Prospective candidates must file nominating paperwork at the library between Tuesday, November 12, and Monday, November 18, 2024.

The appointment of Isabel is the second such appointment made by the Vernon Area Public Library Board of Trustees in recent months. In June, Vernon Hills resident Edward Kogan was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of trustee Victoria Thompson. Kogan previously served on the library board from 2012–2021.