Member Spotlight - Chris Renkosiak

August 8, 2022

This week's member spotlight is on Chris Renkosiak. Chris is the deputy director of the Lincolnwood Public Library District and a member of the ILA Marketing Forum (soon to be co-manager). We asked Chris to tell us a little bit about himself and answer a few professional and amusing questions. Continue reading to find out more about Chris. 

How did you get your start in libraries?

A craigslist ad and a dream. My first role in libraries was a graphic design position at the Helen Plum Library in Lombard.

Best advice you've received since starting your career in libraries?

Learn to know when “okay” is enough.

Any advice to newcomers working in libraries?

Be ready to justify everything you do–to patrons, to your colleagues, to your supervisors, and to your boards. Be kind enough to know that there is a time and place for helping one person at a time, but be wise enough to know that libraries are indeed still places of business.

When and why did you become a member of ILA?

I became a member of ILA in 2016 to be a member of the recently created/revamped ILA Marketing Forum (formerly the ILA Marketing roundtable, I believe).

How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally?

The networking and continuing education opportunities have been helpful in meeting colleagues (past and present) and in making me more thoughtful about library services.

What is your proudest professional achievement to date?

Winning the 2019 Illinois Library Association Deborah Dowley Preiser Marketing Award and becoming Deputy Director of the Lincolnwood Public Library District at the end of 2020.

Hardcover, paperback, e-reader, audiobook, or all?

Audiobook and hardcover/paperback. Sometimes both at the same time!

Favorite author?

Brené Brown

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what five books would you bring with you to pass the time until being rescued?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Lord of the Rings, War and Peace, and a manual on how to survive being stuck on a deserted island.

Cat or Dog?

Both, but if my two cats Eli and Hazel ask, cats 100%.

Favorite film, podcast, or television show?

Golden Girls!

One person you would like to meet, dead or alive why?

I gotta pick two… Betty White and Dolly Parton. Both have shown incredible strength, generosity, and resilience. Plus the stories the two of them would have! And can you imagine Betty White after a couple cocktails?! What a hoot!

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