Member Spotlight - Billy Treece
July 28, 2025
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This week's ILA member spotlight features Billy Treece. Billy is the Director of Finance and Human Resources at the Oak Park Public Library. He is a member of the ILA Human Resources & Administration Forum (HRAF).
We asked Billy to answer a few professional and amusing questions. Continue reading to find out more about Billy.
A little background on Billy
Billy Treece is a forward-thinking Director of Finance and Human Resources at the Oak Park Public Library, where he has passionately served the Oak Park community since 2017. With two decades of experience in HR and business, Billy is dedicated to fostering thriving and equitable workplaces. He brings a modern, people-first approach to strategic decision-making, empowering individuals and driving organizational success within the library and the wider community.
How did you get your start in libraries?
A happy coincidence! After moving to Oak Park in 2016 and seeking a role closer to home, I serendipitously found an HR opening at the Oak Park Public Library—practically in my backyard. Though new to library work, I quickly discovered that this vital community hub is also an incredibly vibrant and rewarding place to be.
Best Advice you've received since starting your career in libraries?
The best 'advice' I received wasn't a directive, but a profound guiding principle shared by former Deputy Director Jim Madigan: 'Communities build libraries because libraries build communities.' This simple yet powerful statement reminds me that our work here isn't just about materials; it's about fostering a free, inclusive, and welcoming space where everyone can learn, connect, and grow together.
Any advice to newcomers working in libraries?
Connect with your colleagues. The library world is full of passionate and knowledgeable people. You'll find awesome connections and support here.
When and why did you become a member of ILA?
While the Oak Park Public Library has long been an institutional member of ILA, my personal membership journey began last year with the exciting opportunity to serve on the board of the newly established Human Resources and Administration Forum (HRAF).
How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally?
My involvement with HRAF immediately connected me to a network of peers and has since opened my eyes to the wealth of continuing education and professional development that ILA provides.
What is your proudest professional moment to date?
It is particularly meaningful that the Oak Park Public Library was nominated by a colleague and subsequently won the American Library Association's Sustainability Round Table Citation for Wellness in the Workplace in 2023. This recognition validated our dedicated work to support all of our library staff in achieving happiness, well-being, and success—a commitment that remains a priority.
Hardcover, paperback, e-reader, audiobook, or all?
Most? Hardcovers for focused reading, paperbacks for portability, and audiobooks for fitting stories into my day–most likely while doing dishes.
Favorite authors?
I find myself drawn to authors who bridge the gap between storytelling and scientific understanding. Whether their expertise lies in neuroscience, psychology, health, or business, their work often offers a thought-provoking lens on the world.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what five books would you want with you to pass the time until being rescued?
If rescue were coming, I'd definitely focus on learning something new. My five books would be instructional guides: one for playing a musical instrument (if I could sneak one along!), a beginner's course in another language, a guide to meditation, and practical guides on basket weaving and island foraging. Might as well emerge from the island with some new talents!
Cat or Dog?
Dogs, and those wonderfully weird cats who think they're dogs.
Favorite film, podcast, or television show?
My current screen time favorites are a mix of Apple TV gems. I appreciate the blend of humor and heart in Shrinking, the thought-provoking mystery of Severance, and the optimism and comfort in rewatching Ted Lasso. What ties them together is their exploration, in different ways, of the complexities of work and life and how we navigate those often-blurry lines.
One person you would like to meet, dead or alive why?
Without a doubt, Abraham Lincoln. His life story and impact on history fascinate me deeply. Plus, imagine the stories I could share with my daughters, who are just as captivated by him!
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