A Better Winnetka

The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library failed to levy the full amount authorized by the passed referendum three years ago. We need to rethink the board's current composition and take action to restore the trust in the library.

It was a mistake to not listen to Trustee Gerald Smith's advice to hire a business manager.

The library board examines each item of expense with minute detail. We have now learned that auditing the details of revenue is as important.

I suggested in our meetings that in light of over $1,000,000 in reserves over the past three years of less-than-permitted levy the failure to levy the full amount was not a mistake. That judgment was wrong. During our next fiscal budget, we will have to expend $450,000 of that reserve. The proper levy will only positively impact our budget in 18 months; yet another $250,000 to $350,000 of the reserve will be used. The decision to ask for a higher levy was correct; the decision to not use that amount was wrong.

I have resigned my position on the board to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem. I propose that the library board recommend that one of the regular attendees at our meetings fill that position. Five of our six remaining trustees are up for re-election for the next term. I urge the caucus to not slate them again, given the lack of oversight for which all must share equal responsibility.

The good news is our new library director, David Seleb. Not only was he not part of the problem, but it is he who identified it, and has found the best solution going forward. The new, improved online access that his group is crafting, his ability to manage in a two-library district, and his grace and insights under pressure has been outstanding.

We have a need for more space to invite the both villages and all age groups into the intellectually and culturally rich atmosphere of our public library. Each village needs a "Living Library" to preserve its past, provide the resources to examine today's problems, and anticipate the future.

However, I do not anticipate that we can accomplish the "Living Library" mission unless we restore the community's faith in the Library's leadership structure. As we move forward in a spirit of cooperation, I look forward to attending future library board meetings as a resident who loves our library.

Charles Josh McQueen
Winnetka