Lake County Gazette

Betty J. Birner, an author and former professor, is a candidate for Ela Area Library Trustee in the April 1 election. 

"I have a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Northwestern University (1992), and I taught linguistics and cognitive science at Northern Illinois University for 24 years (2000-2024), and at various other schools before that," Birner told the Lake County Gazette. "I have authored or co-authored nine books and dozens of book chapters and journal articles. I spent five years as the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English at NIU (2007-2012), where I coordinated curricular and budgetary needs, resolved student and personnel issues, and dealt with administrative challenges."

Beyond her academic career, Birner’s leadership experience extends to her church and local community. 

"I also spent two years as President of my church, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights (2008-2009), directing the Congregational Council and working with planning, budgets, and our corporate vision," she said. "In addition, I’ve been involved with a variety of social programs, including serving as the director of our church’s PADS homeless shelter program and founding a social-justice initiative called POWER."

Birner’s connection to libraries and education began early. 

"As an academic, I place a high value on books, research and free access to knowledge and the arts," she said. "Community libraries are founded on these same values, which is why I’ve always loved them. When I retired from NIU in May 2024, I sought a way to serve my community, and working with the library seemed like a natural fit. I’d love nothing more than to ensure that future generations have the same access to the written word that I had, which allowed me to be the first in my family to attend college."

Birner is looking ahead to the future for Ela Area Library Board. 

"The Board’s primary duty is to continually increase the excellence of the Ela Area Library, a duty that the current Board has met well and wisely,” Birner said. “This election represents a significant turnover in Board membership, and moving forward, I will work to ensure that the Board maintains its current level of effectiveness and collegiality.” 

Birner said she has been impressed by the quality of the library since moving to Hawthorn Woods. 

"The Ela Area Library is extraordinary,” she said. “My husband and I moved here a decade ago, and I was amazed at the high quality of the library. It’s by far the best I’ve ever encountered. My role will be to make the best use of the available resources to develop its holdings and programs and facilitate its continued improvement."

She emphasized that the library’s role is about more than meeting immediate community needs. 

"The Library Board isn’t tasked with meeting the needs of residents at all levels of government; it’s tasked with being a repository of knowledge, literature, arts, and community resources to improve the lives of Ela area residents," Birner said. "Libraries are a public trust and a public good. What I can offer for the preservation of our extraordinary library is a history of experience in education, publishing, administration, and public service—along with a deep desire to serve the community."

Looking forward, Birner’s vision for the library is focused on growth and excellence. 

"My vision is for continued excellence, with extensive holdings, innovative programs, and an increase in the number of residents making regular use of the library’s resources," she said. "The best way for me to make a lasting impact will be to leave the library more vibrant, more fully utilized by the community, and with more exciting holdings and programs than I found it."

Birner, along with Adam Gira, Cathy McCauley, Karol Sucec and Frank McCabe, are vying for four trustee seats on the Ela Area Public Library District.

The Ela Area Library serves Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer and parts of North Barrington. 

On its Teens page, the Ela Area Library online portal is currently suggesting Lockjaw, a trans horror novel meant for a young adults ages 12-18.