Chambana Sun

Champaign residents can meet candidates for Champaign’s library directorship at 6:30 p.m. July 7 at the City Building, where contenders will discuss their qualifications and perspectives on the position.

Even if interested citizens are unable to attend the event at 102 N. Neil St. in person, they will be able to watch live on Champaign Government Television (CGTV) or online at ci.champaign.il.us/live.

Library board president Martin Wolske emphasized that because the board values the community’s input, the public is invited to submit potential questions for finalists by emailing them in advance to LibraryDirector@champaign.org. Likewise, the public will be encouraged to offer feedback about the candidates to the Library Board of Trustees after the session has concluded.

In addition to this public event, each candidate will take part in additional interviews, meet with stakeholders, and tour the community July 7-8.

The candidates are Cynthia (Cindy) Fesemyer, Donna Pittman and Michael Steinmacher.

Fesemyer serves as director for the Columbus Public Library in Columbus, Wisconsin, and maintains extensive ties to the community. Pittman is the interim Library Director for the Champaign Public Library, with a background both in library science and social work. Steinmacher is director of the Barr Memorial Library in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and also was branch services manager for the Louisville Free Public Library in Louisville, Kentucky.

“The Library Board has been very deliberate in its search for the right person to fill this critical position, and we’re fortunate to have received interest from so many distinguished candidates,” Wolske said. “We look forward to further discussions with the finalists in July, learning what the public thinks of the candidates, and moving forward on selecting the Champaign Public Library’s next director.”