Candidates for Library Board

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: 

• Ben Isabel
• George I. Goldstein
• Jonathan Passman

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):

• Violeta Flemenbaum

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:

• Samira Qureshi (Write-in)
• Nathan Libbey (Write-in)

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.

• Ben Isabel
• Samira Qureshi
• Jon Passman
• Violeta Flemenbaum
• Nathan Libbey

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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.