Frequently Asked Questiones

  • Is the board trying to ‘de-professionalize’ the library?

    No, EPPL employs the same number if not more, registered librarians than most Illinois libraries. EPPL demonstrated this in 2023 when similar claims were made. Those charts coming soon in 'By the Numbers’.

  • EPPL is not transparent

    All EPPL financials and meetings are online.  Many libraries have recently removed their financials from their websites (likely to remove them from scrutiny- see per cost data on ‘By the Numbers’). This coupled with the current director’s ‘open door policy’ makes EPPL one of the most transparent libraries in the area. If you do not live in Elmwood Park, you should demand such from your library, you may be surprised by what you find.

    “Transparency”, makes for a good campaign buzz-word, but Elmwood Park as a whole is one of the more transparent public entities.

  • EPPL is not fiscally responsible

    The $85.15/resident cost speaks for itself- more programs at less cost than other libraries. The board would say this is a rousing success. Other candidates running for the board will cause this to go up significantly as they seek to add more expensive staff to perform limited roles.

    If you don’t live in Elmwood Park, perhaps you should be asking your library why their cost per resident is so high and start looking into how often your taxes have been raised for little return for your tax dollar. You may be surprised at how those funds are spent.

  • Security in the library ‘scares away’ some patrons

    The library found just the opposite- parents bringing in their children were walking out because prior leadership was allowing those who disobeyed patron conduct rules to remain.  This set-up un-safe conditions for parents.  The current trustees listened to this feedback, made corrections, and has seen record attendance and visits since. The current EPPL board strives for balance for all users to ensure a safe and welcoming environment through their code of patron conduct policies and its enforcement.

    The current board challengers have demonstrated a tendency cater to the needs of the few at the expense of many.

  • The Library is taking time-off away from the employees

    EPPL has made no changes to time-off parameters. However, they continue to look at this for the future. The board has always looked at this with taxpayers in mind. You would be amazed at the generous time-off policies at most libraries. Many of these libraries provide significantly more time off than their taxpayers get for themselves in the private sector. A fiscally responsible board shouldn’t expect taxpayers to foot the bill for something they themselves have little chance at receiving in their careers.

  • The EPPL Board pays the director too much?

    SImply not true. The EPPL board, much like any private sector company, pays based on experience and demonstrated skillsets, along with the rates the market requires for such skillsets. The board also pays for proven performance.

    Recently, the board chose to raise the pay of the director who was one of the lowest paid in the industry at $90K (avg is $120K), and was performing multiple functions most other libraries pay as separate positions. Moreover, the board recognized the incredible performance in the directors first two years (see ‘By the Numbers’). This is one of the reasons why the EPPL has one of the lowest cost per resident ($85 vs $177 at a comparable library), yet still provides more activity than most.

    See for yourself- all public libraries are required to publish the pay of the top roles at the library. You would be shocked at the amount of pay other libraries are paying for similar roles that the private sector pays less for.

    Take the Who Would You Choose challenge and see for yourself.

  • EPPL hires library personnel that others reject.

    Although EPPL has little visibility into what other libraries are basing their hiring decisions upon (speaking of transparency), the track record of the quality staff at EPPL through the guidance of the director speaks for itself (see ‘By the Numbers’) and in the community surveys.

    Given this we are sure EPPL and the board are happy to continue to take on the quality individuals they have been selecting, regardless of what other libraries may think of them (perhaps these other libraries lack the personnel management skills required to acheive such performance.)

    The current staff appears to be very engaged and excited to be a part of the great success in recent years. So much so that other libraries outside of the area are seeking to replicate some of the programs that EPPL is now offering. EPPL staff has received many accolades from the community for their quality service.

  • Library Director is Related to the Village President

    This is a false accusation that the director was chosen because he is related to people in the village administration- he’s not and there has been no proof presented of this other than an accusation someone is trying to perpetuate.

Your Trustees and Candidates

Your best trustees have been long time residents living and working among the residents of Elmwood Park

  • Peter Fosco

    bio coming soon

  • About Alice

    Alice Balundis brings a lifetime of community dedication and cultural heritage to her role on the Elmwood Park Public Library Board. Born in Poland, Alice immigrated to the U.S. 56 years ago and still speaks fluent Polish, embodying the rich cultural diversity that makes our community vibrant. For the past 44 years, she and her husband have called Elmwood Park home, where they raised their two children—both graduates of Elmwood Elementary and Elm Middle School, with one continuing to Elmwood Park High School and the other attending St. Patrick High School in Chicago. Now a proud grandmother of three, Alice continues to foster a love of learning through frequent visits to the library for storytime and other enriching programs.

    A devoted community volunteer, Alice has served as Treasurer for Parents and Teachers Together in School District 401, chaired Market Day Fundraisers, and led Girl Scout troops, among numerous other volunteer roles. Her passion for community engagement didn’t stop there—she joined the Elmwood Park Library Board in 2021, driven by a belief that libraries are essential to community growth and lifelong learning.

    Alice is dedicated to ensuring that the library remains a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming space for all. She is committed to supporting programs where children discover the joy of reading, young adults explore their passions, and seniors find companionship and opportunities for lifelong learning. Her unique perspective as an immigrant, parent, and grandparent enhances her role on the board, allowing her to advocate effectively for the diverse needs of the community.

    Retiring in 2021 to care for her parents and grandchildren, Alice’s life experiences fuel her dedication to making the library a community treasure. She is honored to be endorsed by Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano and is eager to continue her vital work on the board. Alice invites the Elmwood Park community to support her vision for a dynamic, accessible, and resource-rich library by re-electing her on April 1st.

  • About “SK”

    Shakundala "SK" Narayan has called Elmwood Park home for 20 years. After the passing of her spouse a decade ago, she courageously raised her daughter, who is now 21.

    SK has dedicated 15 years as a Girl Scout Leader, 10 years as a Village Crossing Guard, and 8 years delivering Meals on Wheels, serving her community with commitment and compassion.

    Currently, she contributes to the community at the Parks and Recreation Building and recently became an active member of the LaFrambois Senior Center, supporting the needs of local seniors.

    As an Elmwood Park Library Trustee for six years, SK has consistently demonstrated her passion for both Elmwood Park and its library.

    She is dedicated to ensuring the library remains a welcoming space where everyone feels safe, comfortable, valued, and respected.

    SK brings a unique, diverse perspective to the board and is proudly endorsed by Village President Angelo "Skip" Saviano.

  • About Chuy

    Jesus “Chuy” Segura has been a resident of Elmwood Park for over 8 years, with deep-rooted connections to the community going back 20 years. As a dedicated father of three children who attend local schools, Jesus is passionate about ensuring that the Elmwood Park Public Library serves as a valuable resource for families and individuals of all ages.

    An Iraq War veteran, Jesus brings over 10 years of experience in education and public service, including his previous role as Dean of Students, where he honed his leadership, crisis management, and communication skills. In his current role as Veterans Affairs and Community Outreach Liaison for Leyden Township, he advocates for the well-being of both the veteran community and township residents, working to ensure that vital services are accessible to all. Jesus recently became accredited by the VA as a Veterans Service Officer, serving Leyden Township veterans with claims assistance, benefits navigation, and advocacy.

    Jesus has been attending Elmwood Park Library board meetings for the past year, learning about its operations and advocating for services that benefit the entire community. He is also an active member of the Elmwood Park Community Church, where he volunteers at the food pantry, further solidifying his commitment to the well-being of his neighbors.

    Believing that libraries play an essential role in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community connection, Jesus aims to ensure the library continues to be a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all. He is committed to helping the library adapt to the digital age, advocating for diverse programming, and ensuring that library services meet the needs of all residents, from students to lifelong learners.

    Jesus brings additional diversity to the board and is proud to be endorsed by Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano.