Sue Quinn — a lifelong Oak Parker — took over as director of the River Forest Public Library in early April. On May 11, she answered a few questions about the job for the Forest Leaves.
Q: What was your path to the position?
A: I started at the library in November of 2007 as a children’s librarian. Then I became the children’s services manager in March of 2008. I later became head of strategic services, focusing on implementation of the strategic plan, then to the assistant director position in November of 2014.
Q: Why were you interested in the job, and what are your goals?
A: I was deeply involved in the strategic plan and goals, so I wanted to see that work continue. A lot of the staff here I hired, I’ve mentored, so I want to continue working with them. And I think I know the community pretty well.
Q: How does the library best serve its patrons going forward?
A: It’s sort of a balancing act between giving them what they want in terms of a traditional library, but also what might be out there that they don’t know about. We sought community opinions on what people wanted from the library. … The people of this community came back and said they want more traditional library services. We’re trying to introduce technology in a way that complements what our goals are, instead of driving the goal.
Q: Any surprises since you’ve taken over the job?
A: There’s an awful lot that a library director does that revolves around the physical plant … like negotiating a new contract for phone service, or new carpeting. We just had a new urinal installed.
Q: A recent book you loved?
A: I read it a while ago, but my book club just discussed it: “Being Mortal,” by Atul Gawande. We agreed it should be required reading for everyone. I’m reading Jane Hamilton’s new book, “The Excellent Lombards,” right now, since she’s visiting the library in a few weeks.
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Q: Any upcoming releases you’re looking forward to checking out?
A: The “Me Before You” movie that’s coming out this summer. We always try to take a look at what’s being made into a movie and try to order more copies of the book.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press