Rene Leyva, Fossil Ridge Public Library
Statement of Concern
Dear Members of the Illinois Library Association,
This is a critical time for all libraries as they work through book challenges, censorship demands from outside groups, and school boards cutting already tight budgets. They must also develop policies that will keep their staff safe from threats during day-to-day operations.
We cannot afford to be reactive! Let us work together and use the More Than a Building toolkit as our main guidance. We can continue to protect intellectual freedom, ensure equitable access, and solidify libraries' role as vital community resource hubs while maintaining our staff's mental health. Every library, regardless of its type, size, or geographical location, plays a crucial part in our collective success. Undervaluing even one type of library undermines the foundation of our profession. Let us remind ourselves of our values and make our vision visible by actively showing our members and non-users what libraries provide and why they matter. By sharing our stories and demonstrating our impact, we can build stronger connections and increase support for our work.
Our members' contributions, insights, and dedication have shaped and continue to shape libraries into inclusive, multi-use spaces. You are the backbone of our organization’s success and your support is essential in advocating for the benefits of membership to future leaders as they step into their roles within the library field.
As a father of three sons, I understand firsthand how vital libraries are in helping young minds. At the same time, I recognize the challenges we face as library professionals: safeguarding the right to read, the right to access authoritative information, and the right for our children to explore literature and ideas without barriers. Ensuring that our colleagues are respected and supported in their work is not just important; it is essential. We must prioritize creating a safe environment for everyone.
2025 will mark a decade for me in our profession. My journey includes administrative experience at a nonprofit during the pandemic, where I learned to navigate uncertainty and juggle multiple responsibilities. Serving as a board member of the Frankfort Public Library District deepened my understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that drives library success. This work proved my passion for leadership, resulting in my current position as Executive Director of the Fossil Ridge Public Library District. I have advocated for progressive initiatives to provide our communities with much-needed e-resources while eliminating most financial burdens for working adults and non-resident children.
These experiences have also prepared me for my current role as the FY2024 President of the RAILS Board, where I’ve had the privilege of working with talented individuals across all types of libraries. Participating in various committees within RAILS allowed me to understand how funding cuts and service limitations can affect libraries and their outcomes. At the same time, I have seen how collective efforts, a strong volunteer base, and a shared understanding of the importance of DEIA practices can produce impactful changes.
If elected as your Vice President/President-Elect, I will continue to encourage collaboration with all library systems and strengthen our relationship with the Illinois State Library. Let us stand united, not just as colleagues, but as a community of advocates ready to face challenges head-on together while honoring ILA’s commitment to empowering our members, building networks of support, advocating for impactful legislation, and ensuring no one in our profession feels isolated or unheard.
Thank you for your time and for considering my candidacy.
Experience
Fossil Ridge Public Library District
Executive Director, May 2021–Present
McCord Gallery and Cultural Center
Executive Director, September 2019–May 2021
Palos Park Public Library
Public Services & Marketing Manager, October 2015–September 2019
Cicero Public Library
Reference Librarian, February 2015–October 2015
White Oak Public Library District
Substitute Librarian, March 2015–September 2015
Education
Master's in Library and Information Science with a certification in archives, Dominican University, 2013–2014
Bachelor's in Fine Arts with a concentration in Art History, Governors State University, 2010–2012
Professional Memberships and Activities
Illinois Library Association
Member since 2014
Advocacy Committee, 2024–2027
Conference Program Committee, 2023 and 2024
Diversity Committee Mentorship Program Mentor, 2021–2023
Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)
Board President, July, 2024–June, 2025
Board Member, July, 2022–June, 2025
Ethics & OMA Officer, 2022–2024
Executive Committee, 2023–Present
PrairieCat
Finance Committee, 2022–2024
Boy Scouts of America
Rainbow Council
Assistant Scout Master 2024–Present
Frankfort Public Library District
Library Trustee, 2017–2020
Citizens Committee, 2016
American Library Association, Member
REFORMA, Member
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
