Member Spotlight - Julie Milavec
October 14, 2024
-
This week's member spotlight is on Julie Milavec, Director of the Downers Grove Public Library. Julie has served on the ILA Finance and Reporter Advisory Committees, and has also held the positions of ILA Treasurer and Director-at-Large on the ILA Executive Board.
We asked Julie to answer a few professional and amusing questions. Continue reading to find out more about Julie.
A little background on Julie:
I was born an “Army brat” while my father was stationed in Fort Riley, KS. Following his mustering out and going to graduate school on the GI Bill, the family moved back to the Chicago suburbs, near where my parents met in high school, and stayed. After receiving a B.A. in Psychology from Ripon College and an MLS from Florida State University, I returned to the Chicago suburbs. I’ve been a librarian for more than 30 years and a director for more than 25 years. I’ve worked at the Lemont Public Library District, Worth Public Library District, West Chicago Public Library District, and Plainfield Area Public Library District before becoming the Library Director at Downers Grove Public Library in 2016.
I served on the boards of the Illinois Library Association, Reaching Across Illinois Library System, SWAN, PrairieCat, and more. I’ve also served on numerous committees, including the Illinois State Library Advisory Committee, multiple library system merger committees, and SWAN and PrairieCat Migration and Fee Formula Committees. I’ve spoken at American Library Association conferences, Library Journal online courses, Illinois Library Association conferences, and Directors University 2.0. My greatest accomplishments are being married to John for over 28 years and parenting our three children, Jay, Rachel, and Luke, to be the awesome adults they are. When we’re not doing some crazy thing as a family like holding knife-throwing competitions in our backyard, we love to travel together and have adventures all over the world. I also enjoy hiking, gardening, and trying new restaurants and cuisines.
How did you get your start in libraries?
I am genetically a librarian. My dad, Jim Johnston, was director of the Joliet Public Library for 33 years. My grandfather, Alphonse Trezza, served as Executive Director of the Illinois State Library, Executive Director of the National Commission on Library and Information Science (the precursor to IMLS), and a professor at Florida State University. I wanted to do something that would make a difference in people’s lives and the community. Public libraries were a natural fit. I started volunteering at the Joliet Library when I was a kid and never stopped working in libraries.
Best advice you've received since starting your career in libraries?
Don't read your hate mail. It can be difficult to separate the personal and the professional, especially during tough times or when your library is in crisis. But no matter what people say about you or the library, they don’t know you, will never know you, and mostly don’t care because it’s not really about you anyway. When it comes to social media comments and the like during a crisis, let someone you trust weed through for the things you need to know. Leave the rest. It’s not worth your time and mental health to read whatever the trolls say to get to the things that matter.
Any advice to newcomers working in libraries?
For newbies, I think not taking things personally is so important if you work with the public. You can’t let that crabby complainer pass their negativity to you. If you can do that, you’ll save yourself a lot of anguish over the years!
When and why did you become a member of ILA?
I became a member as soon as I got my first job, right out of library school. I knew the importance of library associations in supporting the development of new professionals from my dad and grandfather. I wanted to meet my fellow librarians, build a network, and find a mentor. I jumped right in and started attending conferences and workshops. Then I got involved in Forums and Committees and eventually served on the Board for two terms.
How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally?
I have made so many connections with librarians from all over the state through my involvement with ILA. Forums and Committees are a great way to expand your network beyond your immediate area. I have such a fabulous network of really smart librarians that I can call when I need help or advice. On the flip side, I’ve met and mentored an equally fabulous network of up-and-coming librarians. When my library needed some legislation to pass to protect certain annexations of property to library districts, I was able to call on that network to connect to librarians and legislators around the state to help.
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
The Downers Grove Public Library was named a Five Star Library in 2022, which, coincidentally, was the final year before Library Journal put its America’s Star Libraries on hiatus. I am so proud of all that DGPL has accomplished in my time here, from reaching 1 million checkouts for the first time to doing seven years of capital replacement projects without a large levy increase. It’s an honor to be recognized for the hard work of my fabulous staff and the support of our community.
Hardcover, paperback, e-reader, audiobook, or all?
All. Audiobooks just let me read while doing other things!
Favorite authors?
My reading tastes vary with my mood and what’s going on in my life. When things are the library are stressful, I prefer screwball comedy, humorous autobiographies, and anything light and funny. When things are going well, I dive into literary fiction. And I’m always up for a little romance.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what five books would you want with you to pass the time until being rescued?
Well, that depends. If I’m not 100% sure about being rescued, I’d have to use at least some of my selections for survival guides, including edible plants. Otherwise, it would need to be a wide variety to suit the mood of the days. It would take me about a year to decide.
Cat or Dog?
I’m primarily a dog person, but I have a soft spot for cuddly kitties. Since my beloved dog Fozzie Bear passed away in April, I haven’t adopted anyone new yet.
Favorite film, podcast, or television show?
Currently, House of the Dragon and the Olympics!
One person you would like to meet, dead or alive why?
My great-great-grandmother Maria Carmella Familiare. She married at 16 and immigrated to the US that same year. She became an entrepreneur and suffragist, raising her two girls in Philadelphia. I’d love to hear her story. My great-grandmother Tess, one of my favorite people in the world, looked up to her and taught me strength, integrity, and resilience using her as an example.
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
