Election 2013: Catherine Morrisey-Lebert

Campaign Info

• Position Sought: Orland Park Public Library Board
• Website: Reelect Catherine Morrisey-Lebert and Diane Jennings
• Email:
• Phone:
• Hometown: Orland Park

Personal Info

• Family: Husband, Mark; daughters Molly and Bridget
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Lewis University
• Occupation: Registered Nurse-Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, Hinsdale, Illinois 1987-present
• Political Party Affiliation: Non-Partisan

Candidate Questions

Why are you seeking office?

I have been a member of the Library Board of Trustees for the past seven years and understand how vital a functioning and effective library is for a community.  I understand the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the important goal of ensuring that our library maintains its position as a state of the art learning and resource center for Orland Park.  I believe my experience and stewardship will help the Library Board maintain this approach.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

We are currently moving our on-line catalog system from Swan to Polaris.  This change will improve patron satisfaction, increase productivity and help control our costs.  I list this because it demonstrates my most important priority-keeping up with technological advances while at the same time keeping an eye on the bottom line.  It is essential that the library Board find the right balance on these issues in order to keep costs as low as possible.

What sets you apart from other candidates? 

I have been an OPPL patron for over 40 years and served on the Board of Trustees for the last seven years, including my current position as President. I have a great deal of experience, both as a patron of our wonderful library and as someone involved in a leadership position with the Board.  This gives me a unique perspective and an excellent background for making the kind of decisions that need to be made so that future generations can enjoy the vibrant learning center that we have come to enjoy.

What are the biggest challenges facing the library? How do you propose to solve them?

We have seen some amazing technological advances in the last several years affecting how people access books and other learning materials and information.   The biggest challenges will involve remaining a technologically relevant learning center while at the same time ensuring that the library remains on a solid financial footing.  This means having the resources in our labs so that patrons can access instructional classes on software or downloading an eBook, as well as making sure we have the newest print materials available.  But we must also explore other cost-saving options.  For example, our staff regularly seeks out grants that allow us to offer diverse programming for all ages.  I have attended many of these wonderful programs at our library.  These programs demonstrate that you can control spending while still offering a great library experience.

What can the library do to stay relevant as technology evolves?

It is essential that our library is part of the digital revolution and that we adapt to the shift in how patrons seek resources.  A significant portion of the community need help navigating the digital age and a library can assist them.  Even within budget constraints, our library prides itself on its ability to offer the newest technology.  This past year saw upgrades to our wireless service and the addition of new computers for instructional classes.  We have also added devices such as iPads and notebooks for our customers. Our eBook selection has over 2,400 titles and is growing.  The library has long served as a gathering place.  This will continue as long as we keep up with the digital age and not try to compete with it.

How do you propose constructing a budget that doesn’t burden taxpayers, while keeping the library competitive and desirable?

It is important to balance the OPPL’s goals with a commitment to fiscal responsibility.  Currently the library tax levy represents approximately three percent of an Orland Park real estate tax bill.   The library is consistently in the black.  I have always voted to keep the tax levy low and will continue to do so.

Are there other services the library could provide, and if so what are they?

The OPPL offers the community the opportunity to attend hundreds of programs throughout the year.  These run the gamut from children’s programming to senior services and everyone in between.  We have had movie nights, teen nights, yoga, author lectures, home-bound visits, musicians and magicians. There are book club meetings and discussion groups.  I attended a Mother-Daughter Book Club with my daughter when she was in fourth grade and it is a favorite memory for both of us.  Our staff is always looking for new ideas and opportunities to add programming. 

What’s you favorite book?

This question brings to mind the saying, “So many books, so little time.”  I have had many favorite books over the years, but if I had to name one it would be the treasure ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ by Betty Smith. It is a book I read years ago and I have read it many times since. It is a wonderful coming of age story.

Have you ever been charged with a crime? Were you convicted? If yes, please say what the charge was, and what was the case's outcome as it stands.

No.

Are there any candidates in other races you would like to endorse here?

I am endorsing an intelligent and educated woman, Diane Jennings, who is running for OPPL Board of Trustees as well.

Read about other candidates running for the library board.