About the Board
The nine-member Library Board, established by City Ordinance in 1898, governs the Library pursuant to the bylaws. The members of the Board are selected by the Caucus and appointed by the Mayor with approval by the City Council. Trustees serve a maximum of two three-year terms. Officers are elected annually in July.
The Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are currently held online. The public is welcome to attend. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. For guidelines on how to participate, please see our Public Comment at Board Meetings Policy.
Individuals with disabilities who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in Board meetings, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meetings or the facilities, are requested to contact the Library Director at 847.810.4602 promptly to allow the Library to make reasonable accommodations.
Upcoming Meetings
Bundle Up BINGO Winter Reading Program (Virtual)
Afternoons with Judy Levin: The Long Petal of the Sea (Virtual)
Try a New Exploration Kit: Snap Circuits for ages 8+ (Virtual)
Library Board Special Meeting Workshop (Virtual)
Virtual Game Night
Wendy Darling
President
Second term ends June 2021
Email Wendy
Interests, Passions, Hobbies
- Cooking, especially replicating dishes I've enjoyed while traveling
- Spending time in Wisconsin
- Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal, Ireland with my husband
My favorite thing about libraries
The best part of a library's mission is accessibility for all. It's a multi-generational place to gather in a community. Not many places or things truly are for everyone. It's a beautiful thing!
Why I serve on the Board
Lake Forest Library offers its patrons inspiration on many levels—the architecture, a place to be, collections, programming. I've had access to great libraries throughout my life, and it's been a focal point for me everywhere I've lived. For my children growing up in Lake Forest, I've tried to instill the same love of libraries and books. I wanted to give back to the community and help deliver the best library possible.
David Rose
Vice President
Second term ends June 2021
Email David
Interests, passions, hobbies
- Music
- Reading
- Chicago Cubs
- Michigan Wolverines
- My Golden Retriever Bailey
My favorite thing about libraries
I love exploring new ideas, making new discoveries, and revisiting old friends.
Why I serve on the Board
Libraries have been a constant in my life since I can remember. I cherish the memories of visits with my family when I was very young. All through high school and college I worked at libraries and I understand and appreciate all facets of their operation. They are a unique place in our society where all are welcome and ideas and information are freely exchanged. They provide a safe place for lifelong learning and exploration.
JoAnn Desmond
Secretary
First term ends June 2022
Email JoAnn
Interests, passions, hobbies
- Reading and being a lifelong learner
- Preserving our environment, treasuring our open lands, and taking a peaceful and restorative walk through the Middlefork Savanna
My favorite thing about libraries
Libraries play a critically important role in a healthy and vibrant community. Beyond being a repository of books and countless resources, they are a foundation for lifelong learning from birth through old age. The library is more than a welcoming and gathering place for all ages: it serves a dynamic and vital role in creating the joy of learning new things and a social setting to build community.
Why I serve on the Board
As a career educator and retired school superintendent, I view the library as an extension of everything that is the mission of our schools except that the population served starts at birth and continues throughout one's lifetime. It was the perfect segue for someone with a passion for lifelong learning and a desire to serve the community. I hope to contribute in some small way to assure that we continue to have a world-class library and 21st century programming services for our entire community.
Andrea Lemke
Treasurer
Second term ends June 2023
Email Andrea
Interest, passions, hobbies
- Reading
- Biking
- Gardening
My favorite thing about libraries
An important thing to me about libraries is their accessibility to anyone in the community. How remarkable to be able to access programs, materials, space, and information just by walking through the door—or by utilizing the online platforms supported by the library! Libraries are one of the great educational institutions we have, supporting life-long learning for anyone who cares to take advantage of them.
Why I serve on the Board
As my own children approached adulthood, I considered ways that I could give back to the community that gave us so much as a family as our children grew up. Lake Forest Library supported the growth and development of my son and daughter from the time we moved here and they were ages 2 and 5, right through to their leaving home. Indeed, it also supported my husband and me in giving us access to information and to entertainment at no cost. The mission of public libraries as educational institutions for the community is one I believe in to my core, so I sought to be on the Board. It has been and continues to be an amazing experience, and one where I try to keep centered on the idea of continually improving access for all.
Carrie Travers
Trustee
Second term ends June 2021
Email Carrie
Interest, passions, hobbies
- Active travel
- World history
- Archaeology
My favorite thing about libraries
I love that libraries promote and facilitate intellectual curiosity.
Why I serve on the Board
When we first moved here 25 years ago to raise our family, we visited the library on a weekly basis. The Lake Forest Library is one of the great amenities the city has to offer.
Germaine Arnson
Trustee
Second term ends June 2022
Email Germaine
Interest, passions, hobbies
- Exploring nature
- Tutoring for Reading Power, a childhood literacy organization
- Working on my golf game
My favorite thing about libraries
I love that libraries empower people and ignite the spirit of the communities they serve. Our Library's mission of inspiring lifelong learning, promoting the free and respectful exchange of ideas, and building community is something we can all embrace and make part of the fabric of our community.
Why I serve on the Board
The opportunity to serve on the Library Board is my way of contributing to the City. I grew up in Lake Forest and the Library has always been a important part of my family's life. I am excited to be working with others to set a strategic course that will assure that the Library continues to be a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming community resource.
Elizabeth Grob
Trustee
Second term ends June 2022
Email Elizabeth
Interest, passions, hobbies
- Gardening/Landscape design
- Genealogy
- Antiquing
My favorite thing about libraries
My favorite thing about libraries in the feeling of a community coming together, whether physically or virtually, to share in the joy of lifelong learning.
Why I serve on the Board
I was led to serve on the Lake Forest Library Board because my diverse experiences in the library field would benefit the Board and Library.
"JJ" John F. Johnson
Trustee
First term ends June 2023
Email JJ
Interest, passions, hobbies
- Music
- Reading
- Perennial gardening
My favorite thing about libraries
Reading pages and documents on a screen is possible, but holding a book is still a special way for me to learn. Having this extraordinary place in our community with a knowledgeable staff offers an opportunity for all ages to take a deeper dive into subjects that stretch our minds whether you use a book or digital media.
Why I serve on the Board
Since my youth, libraries have always attracted my thirst for learning. After observing so many volunteers and leaders helping over the past thirty years, it was time for me to take a turn in serving.
Bryan Bertola
Trustee
First term ends June 2023
Email Bryan
Interest, passions, hobbies
- Architecture
- Sports
- Tinkering
My favorite thing about libraries
My favorite thing about libraries are that they offer opportunities and amenities to community members at all stages of life.
Why I serve on the Board
Having fulfilled my full term on the Lake Forest Caucus Committee, I was looking for the next opportunity to serve the City of Lake Forest. The Library Board is a good fit for my personal and professional interests, and I think I can make a valuable contribution to this important civic asset.