Richard C. Jones

Biography: I have been a resident of Glen Ellyn for over 30 years, where I bought the house, I still live in on Glen Ellyn Pl. I have a BA from Davidson College, a MA from DePaul, and I earned a Ph.D. from U.I.C. in 2005. I’ve been a high school English teacher and department chair for nearly 32 years. I landed in school district Maine Township 207 in 2004, and I’ve worked in that suburban Cook County District as a Department Chair or teacher for almost 19 years. 

My top priority for the Glen Ellyn Public Library is to continue its evolution – there’s a new-ish entrance foyer (with a café), expanded study/collaboration spaces, and a changing physical collection that well-represents the tastes of patrons. There are fewer DVDs and CDs and more graphic novels and lots and lots of shelves of “hot picks” and new titles. Also, the library staff has very smartly added passport application services, which brings a bit of revenue while providing an accessible service. I’d like to assist the library administration to continue adapting (ie. the recent remodel and updates to the collection). Perhaps, we could think of ways to better use the print magazine section?

The citizens of Glen Ellyn should vote for me because I have first-hand experience promoting reading, as I am an English teacher, and I have academic training as well as extensive experience with research and the organization and purpose of libraries in general.