TUESDAY, MARCH 19: OPEN FOR VOTING ONLY

The library is open for voting only on Tuesday, March 19. We are the voting location for Precinct 2 and 7.

Bookmobile will maintain its normal schedule.

Board of Trustees

The Homer Township Public Library District is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of seven elected members. These trustees have varied backgrounds and reflect a rich diversity of public service and interest in the library community. They serve without compensation. The Executive Director manages the day-to-day operations of the library.

Board Members

Tax Levy information can be found here

Contact the Board 

Sheree Kozel-La Ha

Sheree Kozel-LaHa

Executive Library Director

Name three words that describe Homer Library.
Life-Long Learning & Enrichment

Describe yourself in three words.
Intelligent, Community-minded, Dedicated

Why did you want to be a Librarian?
Information impacts lives and I desired to be at that forefront.

Dr. Eileen McCaffrey

Dr. Eileen McCaffrey

President

Name three phrases that describe our Library.
Responsive to Community Needs, More than Just Books,
Warm and Welcoming

Describe yourself in three words.
Dedicated, Hard-Working, Ardent Reader

Why did you want to be a Library Trustee?
The Homer Library has always been my happy place. When I first moved to Homer 30+ years ago, it was a place my children and could enjoy together. Having no Park District in our community, the Library was the place where my children took classes and met new friends. Throughout the years, the library has offered our community members so much: free classes, private work spaces, zoo and museum passes, computers, and the list could go on and on. I felt it was time to give back to the library by becoming a Trustee. I want to do anything I can to help our Library continue to serve our community.

Occupation/Education/Personal Statement:
I was a Classroom Teacher for 9 years in New Lenox, a Principal in Wilmington for 9 years and have been a Principal in North Palos District 117 for the past 15 years (and continue in this role now). I have a BA in Education and an MA in Educational Administration from St. Xavier University and an EdD in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent's Endorsement from Lewis University. My husband, Chris, and I have lived in Homer Glen for almost 30+ years and have three children (Colleen, Sean and Molly) who were all born and raised here and educated in 33C and LTHS. 

Dr. Phyllis Levine Dahlstrand

Dr. Phyllis Levine Dahlstrand

Vice-President

Name three words that describe our Library.
Responsive, Current, Community-centered

Describe yourself in three words.
Amicable, Diligent, Dedicated

Why did you want to be a library trustee?
I wanted to give back to our community where I have lived for 37+ years. The library is central to Homer Glen.

Occupation/Education/Personal Statement:
Retired physical therapist after 47+ years, the last 20 years were in my private practice in Homer Glen.  I have a doctorate in PT.

Kitty Mitchell

Kitty Mitchell

Treasurer

Name a phrase that describes our Library.
The heart of Homer Township.

Describe yourself in 3 phrases.
Passionate about travel, reading, and my family and friends.

Why did you want to be a library trustee?
My love of libraries began as a child with weekly trips to my neighborhood library. My first job was as a desk clerk for Chicago Public Library at the Montclair Library branch. I also worked in my high school library during study period for 4 years. After retiring from Homer Library in 2012, becoming a trustee brought me full circle by staying active in the library’s mission of providing exceptional educational, information, and recreational access to everyone in our community.

Occupational Statement
I started my employment at the Homer Library in 1982 when it was a Demonstration Library, to facilitate Children’s programming. I have been privileged to have been part of the growth of our Library starting in the unused library at Reed School, with a collection of 2000 books. I am so proud of the beautiful building our patrons are able to enjoy today.

Cindy Bochenek

Cindy Bochenek

Secretary

Name three words that describe our Library.
Innovative, Community-centered, Cutting-edge

Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, Diligent, Engaged

Why did you want to be a library trustee?
I have always been a "library-user" and became a trustee after being an employee for 13 years. I enjoyed working with the public and wanted to continue my community involvement. I believe the programs and services that the library offers are second to none.

Occupation/Education/Personal Statement:
I am a 32+ year resident of Homer Glen. All three of my children went to Homer Township grade schools and graduated from Lockport Township High School. I currently work as a Simulation Specialist in the nursing department at Joliet Junior College.

Jane Klunk

Jane Klunk

Trustee

Name three words that describe Homer Library.
Dynamic, Comprehensive, Facilitator

Describe yourself in three words.
Responsible, Cooperative, Thoughtful

Why did you want to be a library trustee?
HTPL is the most valuable resource of our community. I am proud to have been a part of its development and expansion over the years. I've been a resident of Homer Township for 35 years and I am retired from Chicago Public Schools where I was a Special Education Teacher. I have had the privilege of serving as a library trustee for more than 25 yrs. I believe that HTPL is the heart beat of our community.

Dr. Rita Woods

Dr. Rita Woods

Trustee

Name three words that describe our Library.
Innovative, Accessible, Integral

Describe yourself in three words.
Curious, Competitive, Funny

Why did you want to be a library trustee?
I have always found libraries to be part of the soul of a community, a place of magic and inclusion. HTPL exhibits the best qualities of a library and I wanted to both, be a part of that and to give back to the community in some small way.

Occupation
Medical Director of the Pipefitters 597 Wellness Center and a writer.

Clare Lund

Clare Lund

Trustee

Name three words that describe our Library.
Welcoming, Inclusive, Community-focused

Describe yourself in three words.
Optimistic, Passionate, Adventurous 

Why did you want to be a library trustee?
To serve my community and support the future of our public library system

Occupation
K-8 Librarian at Gower 62 School District in Willowbrook

Education
B.S. in English Education
M.Ed. in School Library Administration

Personal Statement:
Our library is truly the heart of Homer Township, serving as a space where everyone feels welcome and has access to the resources they need. We are lucky to have such a helpful staff and supportive community, which makes it possible to provide a wide array of programs and materials for patrons of all ages. I'm very proud to be part of this wonderful organization!

Board Meetings

Notice of Meetings: The Board of Trustees generally meets every fourth Monday of the month at 7pm (unless otherwise noted) in the library’s meeting room at 14320 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL. Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Board of Trustees.

2024 Meetings

  • January 22, 2024
  • February 26, 2024
  • March 18, 2024
  • April 22, 2024
  • May 20, 2024
  • June 24, 2024
  • July 22, 2024 (tentative)
  • August 26, 2024 (tentative)
  • September 23, 2024 (tentative)
  • October 28, 2024 (tentative)
  • November 18, 2024 (tentative)

Public Comment Rules for Board Meetings

Visitors wishing to address the Board shall have up to three (3) minutes per person at the designated place on the agenda for citizen’s comments. A person addressing the Board shall limit comments to items within the jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees.

Agendas & Minutes

Title Report Type Date File
March 2024 Agenda Agendas View Document
Agenda February 26 2024 Agendas View Document
January 2024 Agenda Agendas View Document
January 2024 Minutes Agendas View Document
Agenda December 2023 Agendas View Document
December 2023 minutes Minutes View Document
October 2023 Agenda Agendas View Document
September 2023 Agenda Agendas View Document
Minutes Sept 2023 Minutes View Document

The Homer Township Public Library District is subject to the Requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend any meetings of the Board and who require certain accommodations or have questions are requested to contact Sheree Kozel-La Ha at 708-301-7908 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting date. 

Library agendas are posted 48 hours prior to a meeting at 14320 West 151st Street and on the library's website at homerlibrary.org.