January 08, 2025
Election

Glen Ellyn Library Board candidate Q&A: Barbara B. Rundell

Barbara B. Rundell is a candidate for Glen Ellyn library trustee seeking nomination at the 2014 Civic Betterment Party town meeting, which will be held Saturday. In anticipation of the meeting, Glen Ellyn Suburban Life is publishing questionnaires submitted by participating candidates. For more information, visit www.shawurl.com/1l5k.

Name: Barbara B. Rundell

Age: 68

Email: barbara.rundell@gmail.com

Website: None

Family: Married to Doug Rundell, three adult children

Profession: Retired biology professor

Employer: College of DuPage

Education: 1968 B.A. Biology University of Rochester

1970 M.S. Food Science Cornell University

1979 Ph.D. Microbiology University of Rochester

Why are you seeking Civic Betterment Party nomination for library trustee?

I have lived in Glen Ellyn for 36 years. During this time my family and I have enjoyed borrowing materials and participating in a rich array of programs at the Glen Ellyn Public Library. I wish to serve as a library trustee to help the library and its staff to continue to be a vital hub connecting to the community through their services and programs. I want to use my former work experience to help the library become even better as it continues to adapt and respond to changes in technology and society.

If elected, what will be your top priority for the library?

I want to insure that library remains a primary focus in our village that draws people in to learn and explore, and enables those with common interests to connect with each other. Towards that end, I will seek to make library usage even more attractive by continuing to provide state-of-the-art electronic and hard-copy media services that provide current offerings, easy catalogue searches and convenient methods for borrowing and returning materials. As some people rely more on electronic access for their media and entertainment, they might make fewer visits to the library and be less aware of the broad selection of activities provided by the library. To address this, I will listen to the public to insure that the library is delivering programs that meet their needs and interests. I will seek to use the most effective ways to publicize the library’s events. I will help the library link to new residents and to those who don’t currently make a habit of using the library. I will work productively with the Library Board and staff to continue the library’s existing partnerships with local business, philanthropic, cultural and educational organizations and also explore possible new connections.

What qualifies you to serve on the Glen Ellyn Public Library Board of Trustees?

My previous work and volunteer service positions have provided me with experience and skills, which will enable me to be an effective trustee. As a faculty member of the College of DuPage, I worked towards goals that are similar to those of the Glen Ellyn library. I encouraged my students to use libraries, not only to meet their educational needs, but also to enjoy encountering new ideas and becoming well-informed. I served on many college committees that oversaw the maintenance of campus facilities, designed new classroom spaces and developed school policies and budgets. I currently volunteer in several local service organizations that provide programs that enrich our community. These experiences have made me more aware of local needs and of ways for groups with shared interests to work to use their resources to best advantage to work toward a common goal.