Meet Your Candidates: Library Write-in Hopeful Michael Levitan

Michael Levitan is a former Wilmette Park District commissioner, 1991 to 1995, who filed a write-in petition for a two-year term on the Library board in late February.

Board members serve four-year terms. Four seats are open this year, and five candidates are running altogether—Levitan, as well as Kathleen M. O'Laughlin, Virginia T. George, Lisa Gaines McDonald and Jan Barshis.

Levitan wants to improve input from residents and to seek ways to provide e-book downloads for patrons. 

How would you assess the state of the library district’s budget?
The budget is in good shape. The new board will have to continue to be diligent in their efforts to maintain services while keeping costs down. Maintaining and building reserves should be of the utmost importance.

If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut?
The new board should always be looking for methods to improve efficiencies and lower costs when possible, even with a balanced budget.

If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose?
I would not support asking the residents for more money in taxes. As a board member I will always be looking toward areas to reduce expenses.

What’s the best way for the library to keep up with changing technologies, such as the way people access books and materials?
With Media Mall, patrons can download e-books and digital audio books. More and more patrons will utilize library services from off-site. Technology is changing so rapidly, the staff and board must be flexible and willing to change long standing beliefs. We must prepare and adapt for a world with less and less printed material. There is no way to deny that the services and the way we deliver them will change as well as the functions of a traditional brick and mortar library in the very near future.

Is the library adequately providing the following, or do you feel these need to be adopted or augmented: computers, study rooms, reading areas, drive-through book drop-offs, self-checkout stations, refreshments/food. Would you suggest any others?
Self-checkout stations should only be added if they result in labor cost savings. We have adequate computer availability. The library also has adequate drive-through locations. Wilmette is not that large, and additional locations would not be worth the cost. In regards to offering refreshments, the library should not engage in such activities.

Does the wireless connection for patrons need to be upgraded?
I believe the wireless service is adequate. Many patrons utilize their own personal devices to connect to the internet.  

What is your favorite childhood book? What are you currently reading?
In high school, Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" was very influential. Currently, I am reading the latest book by P.J. O'Rourke, "Don't Vote, it Just Encourages the Bastards". The last fiction book I read was "American Assassin" by Vince Flynn.

Is the library adequately reaching out to diverse populations, i.e., people with primary languages other than English, people with visual difficulties, others?
Yes, they have a large selection of large print and audio books for people with visual difficulties.

Does the library get adequate feedback from patrons? If not, how would you increase the flow of communication?
Elected boards can always improve feedback and communications. As a trustee, I will always be seeking input from as many patrons and taxpayers as possible. I advocate that the library establish email accounts for each trustee, a practice utilized by other village governments. Furthermore, the library should utilize the internet to survey users and taxpayers frequently.

Does the library need upgrades to its facilities?
The library is not in need of any upgrades. Efforts should be on maintaining the current facilities.

What do you think of the Village's Master Plan and how it will relate to the library in the future?
I would hope that any efforts the village takes to develop surrounding real estate does not negatively affect the parking situation for the library.