Carmen Patlan, Director at Large Candidate

Carmen Patlan, Highwood Public Library

Statement of Concern 

Of any institution, libraries are our best hope for full community inclusivity. Libraries allow everyone, men, women, and children, regardless of ethnicity, income, language, gender, or age, to have access to the wide world of knowledge. They are judgement free zones. This is especially important in today’s political climate, where it sometimes feels like exclusivity has taken center stage and fear is all around us.

Illinois libraries are strategically positioned to be the missing link between individuals and their successful future. Libraries are a trusted third place where we all can exchange ideas, enjoy free time, and build relationships. We do this by offering full access to resources, community partnerships, relevant learning opportunities, and entertainment. It is time to take our libraries to the next level of engagement.

My work has always focused on connecting with the community by understanding their individual needs and the barriers that hold them back, and then providing for those needs. This work took the Waukegan Public Library to the White House to receive the 2013 IMLS Gold Medal for the Promotoras/Ambassador program I created. That program led to a 300% increase in Hispanic library cardholders with 60% of those continuously accessing library services. That program also gave me an audience with changemakers in Washington D.C., senators, congressmen, local leaders, and other social service and nonprofit organizations, to stress the importance of serving our communities where they are, when they are in need, and with trusted friends.

The Illinois Library Association does a wonderful job of encouraging libraries to grow beyond traditional services by supporting new ideas that lead to the creation of inclusive and welcoming spaces for our families who need it the most. Through conferences, workshops, committees, and resources, ILA can lead our libraries to a new future where we think beyond what has been and envision what can be for the hard to serve and underserved populations in our communities.

I would be honored to work with you to help ILA continue to empower library leaders and staff to grow. As a member of the ILA Executive Board, I will bring knowledge of ways to maintain cultural sensitivity and nontraditional thinking into our libraries. Of ways to collaborate and form partnerships. Of ways to heal rifts, welcome diversity, and overcome fears of change and the unknown.

Experience 

Highwood Public Library
     Library Director, 2019- Present

Waukegan Public Library
     Community Engagement and Development Manager, 2011-2016

Professional Memberships and Activities

Illinois Library Association, Member

American Library Association, Member

Public Library Association, Member

Reaching Across Illinois Library System, Member

Governor Pat Quinn’s Anti-Racial Profiling Committee
     Board Member 2013

Zion Benton Children’s Service
     Committee Member 2015

Immigrant Integration Network
     Lake County Committee Member 2014

Awarded the Institute of Museum and Library Services Gold Medal
     For Waukegan Public Library’s Promotoras/Ambassador Program 2013

Recognized by Library Journal
     “Mover and Shaker,” for Ambassadors Community Engagement Program 2014

 

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