By Carol McGowan
The Stickney Forest View Public Library District has a new interim executive director following the sudden departure of Leighton Shell.
Details are unclear why Shell is no longer with the library, but Danielle Taylor has taken over the helm.
Taylor has been the interim director since December 16, but has been with the library as Head of Youth Services and Head of Outreach for the last 10 years.
“I’m glad to have been chosen to keep things running until a new director is named. I love working with children, and the plan is for me to return to my former position once a new executive director is named,” said Taylor.
Taylor says the library is looking forward to an exciting new year in 2023.
Their website is filled with information and can be found at sfvpld.org
If you haven’t visited the library, they offer more than just what one would expect at a library.
From free internet services with public computers for adults and children, they offer print, scan, copy and fax services, home delivery to Stickney and Forest View residents that are permanently or temporarily homebound, smart lockers for library materials, home delivery, museum passes, and even notary and Illinois license plate renewal stickers.
“Our programs are open to all, not just our residents. What most people don’t know, is that they can use their library card from any library to check out books at ours,” said Taylor.
New library board members will be elected at the April 4 election and there will be at least two new faces on the board as incumbent board members Sylvia Hosek and Marge Blatter are not running for re-election.
On the April 4 ballot will be incumbent Debra Johnson and newcomers Brian Klouda, Annette Hoffmann, and Juan Manuel Camberos-Bear.
The library is located at 6800 W. 43rd Street in Stickney.
There is no mystery behind Leighton’s departure. Jeff Walek’s ego. Jeff wanted him gone, so he’s gone. Just like Tony Murillo, the Central Stickney Board member who Jeff had kicked off the ballot in 2019. Jeff doesn’t want the library to spend money in Central Stickney or Forest View. He wants it all for himself.Look who is on the board. Look who is on the ballot in April.