Cynthia Fuerst

Experience: Director, Kankakee Public Library, 1995-Present; Library Consultant, Heritage Trail Library System (now Prairie Area Library System), 1991-1995; Youth Services Librarian, Matteson Public Library, 1990-1991; Youth Services Assistant, Homewood Public Library, 1987-1990.

Education: M.L.S., Northern Illinois University, 1993; B.A., Governors State University, 1988; A.A., Prairie State College, 1984.

Professional Activities: American Library Association, 1988 –present; Public Library Association, 2006 –present; Illinois Library Association, 1988 – present; ILA IREAD Publicity Chair, 1995-1996; Prairie Area Library System (PALS) Librarians Advisory Committee, 2006 – present; PALS Continuing Education Committee, 2004-2007; PALS Systems Merger Committee, 2004-2005; Heritage Trail Library System Automation Selection Committee, 2001-2002; Kankakee Area Librarians Association (KALA), 1996- present; KALA Founder/President 1996; KALA Awards Dinner Chair, 2005-2008; KALA One Book, One Community Chair, 2007; Kankakee County Club Kiwanis, 1995- present; Kiwanis Executive Board 2001-2003; Kiwanis Newsletter Editor 1996-1997; Illinois School Library Association (ISLMA), 1992-1996; ISLMA Conference Committee, 1994-1995; Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Committee, 1993-1996; Northern Illinois Children’s Literature Conference Committee, 1992-1995; Library Journal Mover and Shaker, 2005; SIRSI/DYNIX Building Better Communities Award Finalist, 2007.

Statement of Concern:
More than a concern I have a hope, a vision for Illinois libraries and the Illinois Library Association. My hope is that all librarians and library advocates will find value and be active in our association. That all libraries will be adequately funded so that we will be able to provide access to current information in all formats, and offer fair salaries to retain and attract the brightest and most talented to our profession. That all libraries, regardless of their size or type, will be innovative technology leaders in their institutions and/or communities. Technology is permanently shifting our culture, changing how libraries interact with their users. It is challenging, it is exciting, and it is up to us to utilize these technologies to provide relevant library services in the 21st century; because librarians and libraries really do change lives. Please visit my website at www.libraries1st.org where you can find out more information about me, and how I have implemented my vision at the Kankakee Public Library. If you share my hopes for Illinois libraries, I would be honored to work on your behalf to make them a reality.

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