Rockford Public Library Update
Lynn Stainbrook has been the Executive Director of the Rockford Public Library since 2014. Prior to that she was Director at Brown County Library, Green Bay Wi ( 2008- 2014); Arlington Heights Memorial Library (IL) (2004-2008); Warren-Newport Public Library (Gurnee IL) (1997-2004); and libraries in Ohio and Wisconsin.
She has Degrees from University of Wisconsin, including a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences.
Since arriving at RPL:
- negotiations with ComEd were concluded;
- re-design of the old RIC building to the Interim Hart Library and move to the site accomplished;
- installed self-checkout kiosks, automated check-in and sorters;
- created and continue to implement a 20 year capital improvements & maintenance plan for library buildings;
- state of the art server room built;
- Nordlof Center use defined and functioning;
- tested a Maker Lab function in the Hart Interim which has been very successful;
- new strategic plans developed that emphasized the library’s connection to the community;
- added an Online High School Diploma service, which currently has over 60 students and 30+ graduates;
- right-sized budget expenses with move from branches in rental locations to a mobile library;
- design of the replacement Main Library and construction finally underway.
Of course, all of these things were done with a team and expert assistance and leadership, for which she very grateful. And please don’t give me credit as if I did these alone. I did not. Do you need personal info?
Lynn and her husband grew up in Janesville Wi (so Rockford was a little like coming home). They have two children – a son who followed in our footsteps and graduated from the University of Wisconsin and a daughter who graduated from the University of Illinois and then got a doctorate from Northwestern. This was much to my husband’s dismay as he was an ardent Badger and Packer fan. I always joked that she at least stayed in the Big Ten. There are currently five grandchildren (one set of twins in there inflated the number).
As you meet each week and observe the construction of the library, do you find yourself wondering just what is going on? This is your chance to get the latest and greatest update from the boss herself.
This will be an opportunity to bring a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via zoom.
As a special added treat, there will be a special Memorial Day Invocation from one of our veterans,