Meet Your Candidates: Lawrence Levin, Morton Grove Public Library, Board of Trustees

Lawrence Levin is running for a seat in the Morton Grove Public Library Board of Trustees, the seven-member group responsible for shaping the library's fiscal and operating policies. Levin, who is known by most as "Larry," was appointed to the board in spring of 2010.

According to the PROLibrary website, the incumbent worked as a sales manager and trainer in the plastics machining business before semi-retiring. He currently works part-time at Jos. A. Bank in Evanston.

Members of the library board serve six-year terms. This year, three seats are up for six-year terms, and one seat is up for a two-year term on the library board. Two organizations are campaigning for spots on the library board: B-PAC (Mark Albers, Paul Berg, David Calimag and Catherine Peters) and PROLibrary (Bernadette Fahy, Laura Frisch, Lawrence Levin and Renee Miller, a write-in candidate). 

Calimag and Fahy are vying for the two-year term spot, while all other six candidates are campaigning for the six-year term spots.

Morton Grove Patch collects the library enthusiasts' notes with the same Q&As for each candidate, publishes them in alphabetical order, and does not change submitted answers in punctuation, style or content.

Now then, let's get down to the questions:

Patch: How would you assess the state of the library’s budget?

Levin: The county has been late in its payments and interest payments have fallen to near zero. However, the Library staff does a remarkable job of controlling expenses and repeatedly comes in under budget.

Patch: If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut? Be specific.

Levin: The only feasible way to reduce expenses is to reduce services to the community, allowing for a reduction in staff. To me, reducing services is unacceptable at a time when library usage is increasing so dramatically.

Patch: If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Be specific.

Levin: We can be more proactive within our community to solicit additional donations. We can also be more active with our state legislators through Illinois Library Association. We have to get legislators to see that funding of libraries is as important as funding of schools.

Patch: What’s the best way for the library to keep up with changing technologies, such as the way people access books and materials? (Example: eBooks, iPods, and developing technologies).

Levin: The Morton Grove Public Library has done a superb job of keeping up with technology. WWW.Webrary.org is state of the art. E-books are available through www.mymediamall.net. And the Library just received $1,000 for finishing 3rd in the country in the Playaway Audio Books contest.

Patch: 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?

Levin: The Library is woefully short of computers and computer space. Study rooms are virtually non-existent. There are no self-checkout stations and, at this time, the costs would be prohibitive (based on equipment, access and security requirements). There are no food/refreshment facilities.

Patch: Does the wireless connection for patrons need to be upgraded?

Levin: The wireless connection is adequate. However, there are few locations where a patron can plug in his/her own laptop. This reduces the time a patron can spend in the Library with his/her own laptop.

Patch: What is your favorite childhood book? What are you currently reading?

Levin:  I started reading before I was 3, so I don’t remember my early favorites. I was introduced to Robert Heinlein’s science fiction in 6th grade and books like Red Planet and Starship Trooper moved to the top of my list. Currently, I am reading The Last Lie by Stephen White.

Patch: Is the library adequately reaching out to diverse populations, i.e., people with primary languages other than English, people with visual difficulties, others?

Levin: With more than 40% of Morton Grove households having a primary language other than English, we must continue to increase availability to books and media. Space is severely limited for shelving of large-print books, but the audio book collection is growing. Patrons with mobility issues (wheelchairs, walkers, strollers) cannot access the mezzanine level for the non-fiction collection. The Baxter Auditorium will accommodate only 2 wheelchairs. Parents with children in strollers have difficulty negotiating all the twists and turns in Youth Services.  Shelving is both too high and too low for patrons who cannot easily reach the upper and lower shelves.

Patch: Does the library get adequate feedback from patrons? If not, how would you increase the flow of communication? Be specific.

Levin: The friendliness and knowledge of the Library staff gives patrons an easy opportunity to provide opinions and feedback. Flow of communications could be enhanced with a private area near the circulation desk, allowing patrons to express concerns without being overheard.

Patch: Does the library need upgrades to its facilities? Be specific.

Levin: The current Library is inadequate by most measurable standards. There is not enough space, the collection is badly undersized and parking is poor. The building has passed its useful life expectancy and cannot be successfully updated because of issues with load-bearing walls, HVAC systems, imbedded lighting, electricity, low ceilings, asbestos, parking, usable space and so on.

Patch: What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues, point of view or qualifications?

Levin: Personally, I am a strong proponent for a new Morton Grove Public Library that will enable the Library to continue as the foremost Community Service Agency in our village. Library usage continues to increase dramatically and an inadequate facility limits the Library’s ability to respond to the needs of our patrons. More important, as a Library Board Trustee, I will require the approval of Morton Grove voters in a referendum. I will continue to research building sites, financing and construction alternatives so that, if the voters decide a new Library is appropriate, we will be in a position to proceed.