Kathryn (Kathy) Lind Caudill, Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich
Statement of Concern
When I first ran for my local library board, the main issues in our contested campaign were library funding and internet filtering. Today, the concerns for libraries can be many and varied: material challenges; First Amendment audits; ensuring the safety of library staff and patrons; meeting the growing needs/desires for new library programs and services; potential loss of library funding; the importance of seeking alternative revenue sources; and the risk of reduced hours or library closures. These challenges also emphasize the ever growing need to advocate for all libraries, and to share the good news about the “return on investment” available when libraries are staffed by qualified librarians, dedicated support staff, and educated, informed governing bodies. I am grateful for the many opportunities for training and volunteer service that ILA provides for librarians, support staff, and trustees.
In May 2024, the ILA Executive Board adopted its Vision, Mission, Core Strategic Values, Core Values of the Profession, and Strategies and Goals. I believe my library and professional experiences, my education, and my professional memberships and activities outlined below will prove valuable as ILA works to implement the details of the association’s strategic plan strategies and goals (advocacy; member engagement; and ILA organizational health).
Now, more than ever, ILA needs each of us to become more involved in the association’s efforts to live into its mission (“advocacy, equity, learning, and engagement, for the benefit of Illinois libraries”) and vision (“collaboratively shaping a strong future for Illinois libraries”). It would be my privilege and honor to give back to the Illinois Library Association by serving as a director-at-large on the ILA Executive Board.
Experience
Ela Area Public Library District
Trustee, 2003–Present
Served in all board officer roles
Development/Donor Relations for nonprofit organizations, 2006–Present
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), 2012–Present
Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
Licensed Illinois Attorney, 1984–Present
Active legal practice, 1984 – 1995
Primary practice areas – estate planning and estate administration
Education
J.D., University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa City, Iowa – 1983
B.A., Government major, Psychology minor, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota – 1980
Professional Memberships and Activities
Illinois Library Association
Personal Member, 2003–Present
Fundraising Committee member, 2024 – 2026, 2013 – 2015
Annual Conference Committee member, 2023 Conference and 2013 Conference
Trustee Forum Board, 2016 – 2023, served in all officer roles
Attended several Library Legislative Days in Springfield, Illinois and Washington, DC
ILA Legislative Breakfast (Buffalo Grove) – co-coordinator for two meet-ups
Frequent attendee at legislative meet-ups
Trustee Panelist for ILA, RAILS, and IHLS webinar: “Everything Library Trustees
Need to Know During “COVID—19” – May 14, 2020
ILA Trustee of the Year – 2015
Illinois State Library
Citizen Member, Illinois State Library Advisory Committee, 2022–Present (current term ends 2025)
iLEAD Learning Portal (Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Development for Public Library Trustees
Content Contributor
North Suburban Library System (NSLS)
Board member, 2005 – 2011 (served as President, Vice President and Secretary)
Member of NSLS merger team for creation of RAILS, 2010 – 2011
NSLS Trustee of the Year 2008
Member of NSLS Trustee Training Task Force creating NSLS Trustee Certification program,
2005 - 2007
Conference Presenter
ALA Conference and Pre-Conference – trustee programs and fundraising presentations
PLA Conference – Trustee Training and Certification conference program co-presenter
ILA Conference – Co-Presenter on Trustee areas and Fundraising topics
ILA Trustee Forum programs and webinars – Moderator and Co-Presenter on various Trustee topics
IHLS – Member Days – Co-Presenter for Trustee presentations
IHLS – Co-Presenter for presentation on Board/Staff Relations
NSLS – Trustee Training Co-Presenter
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
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