2013 Election Profile: Terry Tamblyn

Address:  2000 block of Route 25, Oswego

Campaign contact information: (630) 554-2847;

Email- ttamblyn@oswego.lib.il.us

Family: Wife, Kathleen, two married daughters and two grandchildren.        

Education: B.S.- University of Wisconsin, Platteville; M.S.- Northern Illinois University; Ed.D.- Northern Illinois University.

Occupation: Retired Public School Superintendent; Part-Time Self-Employed Consultant for Educational Technology.

Campaign Questions

Why are you seeking office?

I have had an Oswego Library Card for 28 years and been a Library Board Trustee for 12 years (currently board secretary).  My family and I have used library services and I felt it important to give something back to the library… my time.  I see the library as being in a unique position to provide learning and technology for adults and, through a partnership with the schools, our students.  It’s an exciting opportunity.

What set you apart from other candidates?

My tenure as a library trustee, my experience and my passion for a successful Oswego Public Library District.

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

Continuing to update and expand our services while we stay within our balanced budget.  We are open 3,652 hours per year at two campuses.

What do you consider to be the main issues facing the Oswego Public Library today?

• Meeting the needs of over 370,000 community patrons who walked through the Oswego Public Library doors last year and accomplishing that within our budget.
• Serving the needs of walk-in patrons as well as those at home through the use of technology.
• Providing services for users of all ages.
• Working with all Village Agencies to serve the community.
• Making library services easily accessible.

What programs or events do you think the Oswego Library should be taking part in? How will these help the library gain exposure as well as provide learning opportunities for all ages of the public?

The Oswego Public Library is fortunate to have an outstanding director, a professional staff, a good board of trustees, and a supportive community.   We need to support our staff as they continue to learn and sharpen their skills for serving patrons.

We will continue to participate in events including:

• Oswego Prairiefest and Montgomery Fest
• Literacy Events
• Partnerships with our schools

We had over 1 million items checked out in 2012.

How do you think the library can remain current with today's youth and the technology age?

In 2008 before the last election, we had 18 public use computers.  Today we have 80 public use computers and 55,428 uses per year, not counting wireless usage.  We have added downloadable e-books for Kindle, Nook and other devices, 140 downloadable magazines, and downloadable audio books and video games.  We have database access from home computers and iMac Stations for photo and video editing.  We will remain current!