Meet Oak Lawn Library Trustee Candidate Katy Swiecicki

OAK LAWN, IL — Katy Swiecicki is one of seven candidates running for two seats on the Oak Lawn Library Board of Trustees in the April 6 election. As a stay-at-home parent Swiecicki relied heavily on the Oak Lawn library to keep her children engaged in the community. She says experiencing the pandemic with an underfunded library has made me curious how other families are surviving. Early voting starts March 22.

Name: Katy Swiecicki

Age (as of Election Day): 37

Town/City of Residence: Oak Lawn

Office Sought: Oak Lawn Public Library Board of Trustees

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): n/a

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

Education: Some college

Occupation: Property manager 10 years, at-home parent 6 years

Campaign website: @katyatthelibrary on Instagram

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

The single most pressing issue facing our library and this is what I intend to do about it.

The disconnect between the library board, library staff and library patrons; and the underfunding of the library. I would like input from all three groups as to what the budget categories mean for them and who is best qualified to decide on funding for those categories. I am interested in what other libraries are doing to improve services and increase library usage.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Black Lives Matter, period. The demonstrations held are a community crying out for equity, justice and leadership. It is the responsibility of the governing bodies of the community to respond to this outcry.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I have not heard from any governing body in Oak Lawn regarding their views on race, including the library. Other libraries in the area have enacted specific policy to address racial inequity in their communities. Oak Lawn should do the same.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

Following CDC guidelines is of utmost importance. I favor following their leadership, including getting as much vaccine into as many arms as possible, continued distancing restrictions and hygiene practices such as mask wearing and handwashing.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

The vaccine distribution has come with expected hurdles. This is an unprecedented time in history. Local governing bodies should be working together with state and federal government to do all we can to get the vaccine to everyone, especially in marginalized communities.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am an at-home parent who leans heavily on the library to keep my children engaged in their community. Experiencing this pandemic as an at-home parent with an underfunded library has made me curious how other families are surviving. I want to know what a fully funded library does for the families of Oak Lawn.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The current library board consists of people who are not library users. They have undervalued its potential, and thereby created a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Oak Lawn Library is not offering the services of other libraries. This way of thinking ultimately affects property values and diminishes the intellectual and emotional literacy of Oak Lawn families.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform?

I’m very curious as to how we can bring the library to families unable to get to the library themselves. In this digital age, our reach is unlimited. A library’s success is measured by how many users, regardless of their race, privilege or status, are being encouraged and enabled to use the library.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a condominium property manager for 10 years, I managed million-dollar budgets for communities. From landscaping to roof replacement, I have overseen projects that have bettered these communities. My job as a community manager will translate effectively into curious, innovative and responsible library management.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

The library would be considered an asset to this community, and it would be funded as such.

Why should voters trust you?

The bottom line is that I am a lifelong library cardholder. I have never been without one. I understand the necessity of a library, and I take advantage of libraries’ offerings. As a fervent library user, I can provide a worthwhile bridge between the library users, the staff and the governing body.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Everything is connected. If we look at a budget only in dollars and cents we misunderstand the true value of the money we’re managing. A healthy library brings up property values and generates funding for infrastructure projects and education. Undervaluing a taxpayer funded institution like the library is undervaluing Oak Lawn as a city, and by extension its residents and families. Tax spending should be done curiously and thoughtfully, and with the future in mind.

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:

Observe the world with gentle curiosity, as though each decision were a piece of a puzzle. Perhaps this piece doesn’t fit into this particular puzzle.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m a mom. I’m a library user. I’m curious. I’m creative. I’m reliable. I’m experienced.