RUSSELL BOEKENKROEGER
DARLENE KUMAR
LYNNFIELD — Two candidates are running for one seat on the Board of Library Trustees that has a two-year term during the Town Election on Tuesday, April 9.
The two candidates running for a two-year term are Library Trustee Russell Boekenkroeger and Cultural Council Chair Darlene Kumar.
Voters in all four precincts will cast their ballots at Lynnfield High School from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 9.
The Villager asked the two candidates to answer two questions. The following are their responses.
Why do you want to serve on the Board of Library Trustees?
Russell Boekenkroeger: I am seeking a fourth term because I can and will contribute towards addressing the challenges facing the Trustees and the library in the coming years as an experienced community volunteer. My primary reasons for continuing to serve are implementing the newly revised Library Strategic Plan, and ensuring that the building hosting the Lynnfield Public Library satisfies Lynnfield’s needs.
I have served as the chair of the Library Building Committee since 2015, having been appointed by the Select Board. One of my greatest accomplishments as a Trustee was to secure a $9 million grant to build a new library; a place to address future needs for space, programming, learning, connecting and having fun. The town selected me as the community representative on the renovation feasibility study. As this effort evolves, I would like to continue in this capacity as a re-elected Trustee.
My contributions in organizing the activities that led to a majority approval of the project and grant at the October 2023 Town Meeting, but failed to receive the two-thirds required for passage, will assist me in the renovation efforts. Lynnfield’s needs for the 21st century will emerge from the renovation options presented in the town’s feasibility study. This is an area where I am uniquely positioned to ensure that the insights and knowledge we gain from the Trustees and residents are incorporated into the future direction.
I believe in achieving the library’s mission and realize that this will require strong support for our director, and staff as well as engaging community organizations, town officials and department heads. My experiences as a Trustee position me well. I am continually looking for ways we can spend your tax dollars more wisely while delivering the library services you need and want. It’s about making wise investments.
My fellow Trustees and I kept the library functioning during the COVID period and reopened with ever increasing visits, now at almost an all-time high. Digitization of the Wills collection, supporting creative programming and a modern website are among many other post COVID improvements.
As a Trustee, I understand that sustaining the culture and welcoming atmosphere emanating from the entire staff is a characteristic embraced and carried forward for the 32 years I have been a patron. Our directors have nurtured this value as have the Trustees. As a Trustee, I have reciprocated. I love that our library makes education accessible to anyone no matter their age or background. Our library plays a critical role in connecting people to information and connecting people to people, which is something Lynnfield residents want. It’s a haven for kids, provides and offers after-school homework help and games. There are book clubs, computer classes, yoga and Curious about Cuisine that allows older adults to stay engaged in a digital world.
The Trustees are an integral part of this process. Libraries provide opportunities for every member of the community to meet, get to know each other, and are places where organizations can gather. These are all needs, not wants, and as a Trustee I will diligently pursue these needs. Working with my fellow Trustees, we have improved services, and ensured full staffing.
Although mostly retired now, I served in senior leadership roles for high and information technology companies, creating and servicing software products around the world as well as executive leadership positions. I honed my communications skills, the importance of continual product improvement, and the need to listen while meeting the needs of customers. I have a BA in Government and masters’ degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Civil Engineering. My experiences and education provide a reservoir that I draw upon as well as what I have learned being a community volunteer and trustee. I am also a proud Vietnam veteran.
Darlene Kumar: Throughout my various volunteer experiences, I have learned that our community has a deep desire to form connections. I believe that the library can be the heart of our town and a place for those connections to grow. From book clubs, to children’s story times, to the carefully curated monthly book themes and programs, the library has so much to offer and is a place for everyone.
As a Trustee, I plan to guide our library into fostering collaborations with community groups and expanding our programming for kids and teens. I am dedicated to supporting our librarians in their mission to provide our community with relevant, educational and multi-generational programs and events. I would be honored to have your vote on Tuesday, April 9.
What is your opinion of the proposed renovation options being considered for the Lynnfield Public Library?
Kumar: We are embarking on a new journey for our beloved library.
The potential renovation is exciting and exceedingly necessary, as the last major renovations were in 1991. Updating the library will include preventative measures to protect against water leaks and becoming Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. A renovation is imperative to preserve our book collection and give our librarians a work environment in which they feel inspired to serve our community.
This is an opportune moment to bring in newly elected Trustees who have fresh perspectives and a keen sense for what our community needs.
Boekenkroeger: The renovation options as identified address some of the long standing problems with a structure cobbled together as extensions to the 1865 Centre Schoolhouse. Stabilizing the structure into one entity is a long deferred maintenance issue finally being actively discussed.
The present building must become accessible to support a user-friendly environment that Lynnfield residents require and deserve. It is a necessity to completely reconsider the building at the present location. As stated, there are many challenges, but I’m up to addressing them. The rewards will be long lasting for Lynnfield.
The Trustees need to play a leadership role in obtaining a commitment by the town to fully support a program to progress from stabilization to expanding the building along the lines suggested by the feasibility study. I know how to do that and will provide the leadership as a Trustee to achieve this end. An expanded building does not automatically equate with a structure to host a 21st century library. This outcome will be difficult and challenging to achieve. The new library project taught us to listen to the community express its needs and how they want them to be provided.
Closing the gap from majority vote to the two-thirds required to proceed is required for the renovation option chosen to move forward. The passion that drove me on the new library project will continue to motivate me as a reelected Trustee.
The Board of Library Trustees and director as a collaborative entity (and as supported by outside advisors) will have to cooperate with the larger town team composed of officials, department heads, independent boards and commissions, outside consultants and etc. to arrive at outcomes. The decision makers will be the users, Lynnfield residents who are also the taxpayers, that will fund the outcome.
There will be similarities and differences between what’s been heard in the past. My contributions in organizing these activities will be an asset to the renovation efforts. Bringing everyone together with a commitment to move forward in a single direction is the sole objective.
I hope that I may count on you to vote for me to continue as a Trustee.
