Learn about library board candidates

During the April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election, three candidates will compete for two seats on the Vernon Area Public Library Board of Trustees. 

As an informational resource, the library asked 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 ballot order.

• Laura Caplin
• Gayathri Kalyanaraman​
• ​Akrom Hossain

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Laura Caplin

I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: 2012

Briefly describe any qualifications that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board. 
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I have been a member of the library board since 2017, have chaired the personnel committee for several years, and have participated on the finance and planning committees.  I have been secretary of the board for several years as well, and I think that prior experience will prove useful in the upcoming term when we have another large potential construction project on the horizon.  I am a commercial litigator with a focus on construction litigation in my day job, and I have drawn on my attorney skill set on a number of occasions as a trustee, particularly in connection with the library's construction projects.  I have also provided pro bono legal services in connection with the recent build out of the drive through at the library.  I believe these skills will continue to be valuable to the library as we move forward with a potential expansion project.    ​

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community.

​I have served as a trustee of our library since 2017, have acted as secretary of the board for a number of years, and have chaired the personnel committee for the past several years.  I am particularly proud of having successfully pursued and implemented the library's first-ever paid parental leave policy during my time as chair of the personnel committee, which initially provided 8 weeks of paid leave and was subsequently increased to 12 weeks.  Not only is this a wonderful outcome for our employees, but it puts our library in a more competitive position with regard to recruiting and retaining employees.  Similarly, as Chair of the personnel committee, I tackled the issue of employee health insurance contributions.  While our library has always provided a cost-free option for individual employees, we have drastically improved our contributions to the employee + spouse and employee + family plans over the past few years.  Insurance contribution is a critical recruiting tool when it comes to bringing on new employees, and I am thrilled that we have made our employment package more competitive in this area. 

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

​Libraries are critical connectors of people - a role that was truly emphasized over the COVID pandemic.  Of course libraries have a significant role in providing information and the expertise to use that information, but I think they are perhaps even more important in providing a community space, whether that is for studying, story times, crafting sessions, or work.

Gayathri Kalyanaraman

I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: I moved into the VAPLD district in 2011 with my husband and two boys. The library was an invaluable resource that helped us settle into the community. Over the years, we have relied on it for books, school projects and even a go-pro camera for vacation. However, what I value most, are the people I have to come to know through the library – including seniors, busy professionals, curious youngsters and new parents. I have an appreciation of how much impact VAPLD has on their lives.

Briefly describe any qualifications that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.

I have been associated with the VAPLD for over a decade as a patron, volunteer and as an employee. I have first-hand knowledge of the value it provides its’ patrons. As a double masters’ in molecular biology, I know the integral role played by libraries in general.

Through my work at VAPLD, the D103 PTO board, the Stevenson Band Parent association and Daniel Wright, I have come to understand the diverse needs of our community. These valuable experiences qualify me well to contribute as a trustee.

Please describe any former or current public service activities and accomplishments, especially if they are related to libraries and library service, in the community.

I volunteered at the VAPLD over 2012-16, stacking books, assisting staff with programs, and aiding patrons in navigating the facilities and resources.

I was an active member of the District 103 PTO and served as communications director from 2014-18. I was given the 2016 Scott Guziec Volunteer of the Year award. I also managed the website for the Stevenson Band Parents Association over 2018-22.

As a trustee, I hope to serve both the community and library, to bring them closer to each other.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

Library is more than a repository of books and information, it is also truly the one public institution that is, as Andrew Carnegie described “a palace of the people”. It bolsters the feeling of community among its patrons by offering an inclusive and safe space for them to interact meaningfully. In an increasingly divided and digital world, I see the library evolving to meet the needs of the community by diversifying its programs, while continuing to remain a hub of collaboration and learning.

Akrom Hossain

I have been a resident of the Vernon Area Public Library District since: I have lived in VAPLD district since 2000. I am married and I have a daughter and a son. They both grew up in Long Grove and graduated from Stevenson High School.

Briefly describe any qualifications that you feel would provide positive input to the work of the library board.    

This community have given me and my family so much since I moved here 30 years ago from India.  It is my desire to serve to assure that our Vernon Area Public Library remains and flourish further as a community connector and source of knowledge.

I am an executive at a healthcare company. I have masters degrees in management and technology. In my profession, I lead initiatives and teams for the last 20 years and I want to bring my leadership experience to serve at the library board.

I am the current chair of Vernon Township’s mental health board. My experience in both local governments at the township and at the library and my leadership experience from private industries uniquely qualifies me for the 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.

I am a current Vernon Area Library board member. I was elected 2 years ago. During this time, we have safely opened the library for in-person service. We have added EV charging stations and promoted sustainable energy. Vernon Area Public Library has been named among America's Star Libraries for 2022, as announced by Library Journal. 

The distinction places the library in Lincolnshire among the top 20 public libraries in the U.S. in its budget category. I am proud of our achievements, and I would like to continue serving our community by ensuring that library remains a source of authentic information and knowledge.

What do you see as the library’s role in the community now and in the future?

I would like to see that we continue to grow our services to our diverse communities. I would like to see that we continue to adopt in the post-pandemic environment by using digital technology wherever possible to increase access and reduce expenditure.

Library is a connecter of community members. 

I am a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility of our governments. I would like to find efficiency and reduce duplication of services in local government agencies.
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I would like to continue to work with our community and library management to develop and deliver programs and services that addresses needs for both adults, children, and senior citizens.

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