Niles library officials recently appointed a 36-year-old elementary school teacher to a vacant seat on the library district board.
Rob Breit, a teacher at Oak Park School District 97, was selected by the board following closed session interviews with all five candidates who applied to fill the seat left by former library trustee Danette Matyas. Matyas, a Niles village trustee, left the library board suddenly in late April, citing a heavy workload as an elected village official.
Susan Lempke, director of the Niles Public Library District, said Breit’s appointment was approved unanimously at the board’s last meeting on July 20.
“As an educator, parent, and homeowner in Niles, I have an inherent interest in our public library. I also have a passion for serving the community in a positive and engaging manner,” Breit wrote in his application letter for the trustee position. “As a trustee, I can fulfill this civic obligation, while offering a unique perspective as an elementary educator.”
He will serve the remainder of Matyas’ term through spring 2017. Breit, who grew up in Skokie and has lived in Niles for the past three years, will need to run for re-election next April to keep his seat on the board.
He wrote in an email that he applied for the open seat because he’s a “big fan” of the Niles Public Library District and would like to see the library “continue to serve the community at a high level.”
Breit emphasized his interest in making sure the library continues to be staffed by qualified employees, and provide community members and students with access to “top notch” resources.
“I have been an educator for the past 13 years, with the last six as an elementary teacher in grades two and four,” Breit wrote in his application. “As a teacher, I see the value of a good library, as a place to read for pleasure, read for information, connect to the internet, attend a meaningful program or make a connection with another community member.”
Breit takes a seat on the board in the middle of the library’s long-term strategic planning process. He will join soon after the board voted to overhaul its retirement offerings and join the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
Board President Linda Ryan said she’s excited to once again have a full board of trustees and believes Breit will bring a “fresh perspective as a new member.”
Lempke previously said she’d like to see more diversity on the library board. At 36, Breit will be one of the younger trustee on the board.
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Lempke wrote in an email that the newly appointed member “seems very familiar with the library.”
“It sounded like some of his educational experience will give him a great perspective,” Lempke said.
Lee Gaines is a freelancer reporter for Pioneer Press.