Carrie O'Keefe, Candidate For Oak Lawn Public Library Board

OAK LAWN, IL — Carrie O'Keefe is running for the Oak Lawn Public Library Board of Trustees. She is one of four candidates running for three open seats. Term are for six years.

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Early voting is underway. The consolidated election is April 4.

Read O'Keefe's answers to the Patch candidate survey.

Name: Carrie O’Keefe

Age (as of Election Day):40

Town/City of Residence: Oak Lawn

Office Sought: Oak Lawn Library Trustee

Family: Husband Tim and four young sons

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Occupation: Co-owner of two companies, Keeler Construction and City Fence Solutions, and a former elementary school teacher for 15 years

Campaign website or Facebook or other social media: N/A

Previous or current elected or appointed office: No

The most pressing issues facing the library are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Like almost all libraries, the pressing issue is declining patronage. My goal is to bring a state-of-the-art library to Oak Lawn that will drive patronage back in a positive direction.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I prefer not to speak badly about others who are running but rather focus on my strengths and what I can bring to the library board: experience running businesses, and 15 years of teaching young children and adults how to learn and grow.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district? I don’t know that the current board members have done a good or bad job. I just know that I will do a good job.

How would you help raise awareness about library services, collections and programs? I spend a good amount of time marketing our 2 family businesses on social networks and via other mediums. I think the library would see more interest and patronage if they marketed their offerings and programs more effectively.

What areas of the library collection would you like to see expanded? The world is moving at lightning-fast speed toward better technology and I think the library should move just as quickly.

Are there any specific areas of the library collection that you like to use? What are they? With four young boys we get a lot out of the library’s offerings, in addition to the traditional services provided. We like the movies and story-times, and my son’s love the escape rooms and traveling exhibits, like Lego.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support inclusivity for all community members, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so? I’m not aware of any issues or circumstances where the current board were not being inclusive.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I want to make our library the envy of all area libraries with expanded services and offerings. And I want to find ways to cut waste and eliminate outdated ways of doing things and devote those savings and energies toward new and popular ideas and initiatives.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My number 1 accomplishment is being able to raise 4 young boys while running 2 companies. I am able to do that in large part thanks to the things I learned in my 15 years as a teacher: patience, restraint, compassion, and understanding.

Why should voters trust you? I am a passionate woman/mom who wants the best for her community.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? To introduce innovative ideas and events that make people want to come to the library, and to also provide the tools necessary for the library staff to do their jobs effectively.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? Taxpayer dollars need to be used for the growth of the library as a whole.

In what ways can intergovernmental relationships with state, county, and other local governmental agencies be strengthened or improved? Taxpayers benefit when governments cooperate. Having good relationships with other government bodies shouldn’t even be a question, and if it is, it will be one of the first things I focus on.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No

The best advice ever shared with me was: Being hardworking and having a positive outlook every day will make you successful!