There are four elected positions for Trustee of the Forbes Library on the city ballot for the election taking place on November 4th. There are four candidates who will appear on the ballot. They have each answered a set of questions to help you get to know them.
Rebekah Anderson
Why are you running?
I am running for reelection as Trustee of the Forbes Library Board because I have enjoyed serving in that role since May 2024 and believe I have proven myself to be a good Board member, attending Board meetings and Committee meetings regularly, and actively participating in those meetings. I am motivated to serve as a Forbes Library Trustee because I moved to Northampton from Minneapolis three years ago and I want to give back to the community that has welcomed me so warmly. I am a retired librarian with 30 years of relevant professional experience. I served for 7 years on the Board of my 42-branch “local” library system in Minnesota and, though Forbes Library is a much smaller entity, I am very familiar with the elements of library governance, operations, budgeting, planning, staffing, patron services, and community partnerships that are also relevant to Forbes. Finally, since I am relatively new to Northampton, I have a passion for learning more about the town and what it takes to help it thrive. I ask good questions and can bring “fresh eyes” to problems and opportunities that come before the Board
What are the biggest issues facing Forbes Library?
I think that the biggest issue facing Forbes Library is probably the fact that there are always more ideas and opportunities than the library can afford to take on. The Forbes Library Trustees and leadership team manage the Library budget very well. The Friends of Forbes is a successful and highly valued partner in raising funds for the Library. And the regular Library fundraising efforts are effective, as well. But we can always use more funds to accomplish what is on the Library’s wish lists. This is a pretty universal issue for public libraries.
Another issue facing Forbes Library is the fact that it lives in an older building. It’s a wonderful building with a rich history, but the old basic infrastructure and layout do not always offer the opportunities to flex in ways we might wish, and it doesn’t provide the kind of optimal energy efficiency or environmental control that a more modern building would offer. For example, we have a special collection of older, fragile documents that staff try to maintain without the ability to control humidity, temperature and other elements as well as we would wish.
With recent book challenges, what is your stance on book bans?
Like most librarians (I worked as one for over 40 years), I am strongly opposed to book banning. I believe strongly in our Constitutional protection of freedom of speech, and believe that people should have the freedom to consume information freely. I am frustrated by the abundance of mis- and dis-information in our midst right now, and I believe that the library has a role in helping patrons develop good digital literacy skills. But I do not believe in banning books in libraries, and I am grateful for the support of the Northampton Government and community in supporting this important position.
Where would you like to see the library in the next five years?
I believe that Northampton is blessed to be served by such an excellent library as Forbes. But a Library should never rest on its laurels. The Board, leadership team, and staff at Forbes are strongly committed to continuing to serve its community well by adapting to new and changing needs of the community, taking advantage of new opportunities, technologies, partnerships, service models, funding, and more. Forbes Library also actively seeks solutions to problems posed by the limitations of its older building, and works with outside partners to find innovative ways to overcome those limitations. I would like to see Forbes Library continue its strong commitment to its mission while changing with the times.
What is your relevant experience to serve as a Trustee of the Public Library?
As I mentioned earlier, I am highly motivated to continue to serve as a fully contributing Trustee of Forbes Library based on my passion for the important role Forbes plays in the economic health and quality of life in our vibrant Northampton Community. I bring my 40 years of experience as a professional librarian, my 7 years of public library Board service from the community where I used to live, and my strong interest in continuing to learn about my “new” community (I moved here 3 years ago) and my commitment to give back and support Northampton’s continued strong success and quality of life.
Fred Kass
Why are you running?
I love libraries! Forbes has a great strategic plan, has built an excellent outdoor space, is the only public library that is also a presidential library, and, of course, is the home to the beloved Paco. Libraries serve an essential function in our community, as places of knowledge, discourse, and gathering. In this era of banned books and the commercialization of public spaces, we must maintain and support our exceptional community resources, such as the Forbes Library, for the benefit of everyone in our community. It is a true honor to run (and hopefully serve) as a trustee for Forbes Library.
As Lincoln famously said about the United States, we are a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” To me, this means showing up, giving back to our cherished institutions, and using our knowledge and talents in the service of the greater good. I have spent almost three decades working for liberal arts college libraries and information technology organizations, as well as volunteering to serve on non-profit boards. In these capacities, I have developed a skill in budgeting and process improvement to help organizations enhance their operations and provide better resources and services to their communities. I hope to leverage these experiences to help guide Forbes Library in better serving our community.
What are the most significant issues facing Forbes Library?
That’s a great question! Although I have experience with academic libraries, I have much to learn about public libraries. I have been following the Forbes 2025-2027 Strategic Plan and attending Board of Trustees meetings as a member of the public to gain a better understanding of the library’s needs. Many of the most significant issues facing Forbes at this moment are determining how to achieve its ambitious goals within the context of challenging financial times. Capital Projects, Renovating the Calvin Coolidge Museum, Expanding the Library of Things, and funding more staff development all require a focus on fundraising, navigating town budgets, seeking grants, and maximizing operational efficiencies to make the most progress possible in service of these goals.
However, at this point, I am mostly still in listening and learning mode. Please feel free to reach out to me and let me know what you think are the most significant issues facing Forbes Library!
With recent book challenges, what is your stance on book bans?
I have participated in and helped plan events around Banned Book Week at several libraries where I have previously worked, including reading from Northampton author Jarrett Krosoczka’s challenged book “Hey, Kiddo”. Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to information and promoting information literacy; as such, their collections should be expansive and inclusive. I have read the Forbes Library Collection Development Policy and appreciate its inclusion of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights. I also understand the Forbes strategic plan includes, “We want to particularly focus on preserving resources around local cultural and political movements of the last 50 years, including LGBTQIA+, music, arts, political activism, and journalism.” Many of the book challenges have been particularly impactful to literature that is more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ topics. I would suggest that Forbes Library consider incorporating similar language from the plan into its collection development policy (and special collections policy) to clarify the need to prioritize access to literature from diverse viewpoints, including those from marginalized communities.
Where would you like to see the library in the next five years?
I would love to see the library complete its current 2025-2027 Strategic Plan and help develop the next one. I would like to see consistent iterative improvement in the same areas that Forbes is already focused on, around its values of Welcoming, Inspiring, and Equitable. What I appreciate about the Forbes Library is its ability to listen to the community about what a library needs to be and then find a way to meet that need. I would like to see a library that has undergone capital projects and program improvements in the most judicious way possible, making it an even more welcoming, inspiring, and equitable place than it already is.
What is your relevant experience to serve as a Trustee of the Public Library?
I’ve spent almost three decades working for liberal arts college libraries and information technology organizations, starting at Mount Holyoke College in 1996 and switching to Trinity College in 2013. Although I came from the technology side of the operation, I spent much of my time in leadership roles of the entire organization, including as interim head of Trinity College’s library and information technology services division. I currently serve as Associate CIO for IT Operations at Amherst College, where I focus on process improvement, strategic technology projects, budgeting, and technology governance.
I have also served as a board of trustee and Treasurer for both Nercomp and Friends of Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School. Both of these organizations are non-profit 501 (c) (3) groups whose structures, obligations, and processes have significant overlap with the way the Forbes Library operates its Board of Trustees.
To this point, my experience with public libraries has been as a lifelong patron and appreciative fan. For the last seventeen years, I have lived in Northampton and have enjoyed and appreciated using the libraries here for books, audiobooks, and other resources, as well as raising two children on the importance of spending time and accessing materials from our public libraries.
Shelly Ruocco
Why I am running for Forbes Trustee
I was appointed as a Forbes Trustee by the Forbes Library Board of Trustees in the Spring of 2024. I came forward then and continue as a Trustee as I believe that community libraries are vital to maintain and strengthen. Libraries maintain a wide range of resources and information, and Forbes is no exception. Forbes is a central hub of our community, with open access to all. It is one of the most highly utilized libraries in the State. The collection is strong and the special events offered throughout the year cover a wide range of topics and interests for all in our community, from young children through adults. I want to support this community gem and its multitude of efforts to serve the community.
What I see as a couple of the major issues Forbes is facing
Funding to ensure we can maintain and enhance Forbes’ resources is certainly one huge challenge. We need to adequately compensate our Librarians and other staff, made difficult by City funding constraints, with small annual increases that in many cases do not keep up with inflation or the market. Forbes building maintenance and renovation initiatives are costly ventures. We are currently doing a major renovation of our children’s area and due to unexpected issues during this renovation, as can happen in an older building, we will not have the funds for all the fixtures and furniture in that area.
At a national level, the federal budget line for museums and libraries has been eliminated, and that action may well affect everything from use of the online catalog to the ability to buy and circulate ebooks (one of our most popular items). The Friends of the Library has served the Library so well over the years in their role as fundraisers for the Library. Their Artisan Fair and Garden Tour are well-loved and well-attended events. Unfortunately, our needs far exceed what the Friends alone can provide. The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library has begun planning for a significant renovation that will require funding in the six figures. Without a dedicated fundraiser on staff, Trustees and Friends are receiving training on how to better fundraise, but that is the long game, and some funds, such as the examples above, need more immediate attention and success. I know that the Northampton and surrounding communities value the Forbes Library and as we pursue funding initiatives, they will provide some of the much-needed financial support to maintain and enhance its offerings.
What else? In addition to the current actions of our current federal administration against libraries, museums and universities, I worry that libraries may face additional future challenges that may well negatively affect our patrons and the Northampton community. I believe we need to protect our community from efforts to suppress or limit our access to the widest range of thought and information. I trust that the City government will not be swayed by the actions of the Federal government and will see and support the fact that the strength of our freedom of speech and expression are in part supported by the protection and strengthening of one of our community gems, the Forbes Library.
My stance on book bans
Forbes Library, like other libraries across the US, provides wide access to information and ideas through its collection. When someone tries to restrict access to certain material because of their beliefs, they are also restricting access to those items in the collection from other patrons who wish such access.
The First Amendment states that intellectual freedom is a fundamental right. All of us have the right to speak, read, write and publish, and we are protected from those who attempt to suppress ideas or written matter with which they disagree. In the 1980’s the Supreme Court reaffirmed and upheld this right.
I believe that we need to allow access to all the Library provides for our community. People can determine for themselves what they or their children can access without the need to restrict any items that may be sought by others. Forbes Library has a policy and process https://forbeslibrary.org/info/policies/collection-development-policy/objections-to-library-resources/ should someone wish to object to a Forbes book or other resource.
My hopes for Forbes in the next 5 years
I hope that Forbes will maintain its role as a central gathering place for all who wish to access it. I hope the Library will have the necessary funding to keep its collection varied and strong, its staff compensation fair, building and renovation efforts on track, and that our relevant programming and collection will continue to draw in our community to learn and share in an open and non-judgmental environment.
My relevant experience
As a Human Resources professional with over 25 years of HR experience, I have worked to support Forbes in areas of need including policy, recruitment, compensation and racial and social justice, as a Trustee, Chair of the Personnel Committee and member of the Racial & Social Justice Committee. In addition, as a former non-profit school director, I understand the challenges of working to serve one’s community with limited funding and will continue to support Library leadership as it encounters these challenges. I hope to continue to support the Library over the next 4 years as a Trustee.
Lolan Sevilla
Why are you running?
I’ve been proud to call Northampton home for the past five years; a place that’s embraced me and where I’m excited to give back.
Libraries have always been my refuge. Growing up in instability, they were the one space where I could exhale – safe, curious, and free. That experience drives my belief that libraries aren’t just buildings with books; they’re sanctuaries of belonging that deserve to thrive.
Professionally, I’ve spent my career organizing across sectors – from service providers and public defenders to medical professionals and philanthropic funders. I know how to build relationships, mobilize resources, and bring people together across difference.
And as a survivor and cultural worker, I lead with both strategy and heart. Emotional intelligence isn’t just a soft skill; it’s how I build trust, bridge divides, and get things done. I’m running for Trustee because I believe Forbes Library is a cornerstone of civic life, and I want to help ensure it continues to be welcoming, equitable, and inspiring for everyone.
What are the biggest issues facing Forbes Library?
First, libraries everywhere are navigating rising attacks on intellectual freedom. I see this not only as a challenge, but also as a call to action. Forbes has the opportunity to model what it looks like to stand firm in our values: to protect access to knowledge, celebrate curiosity, and make room for every voice.
Second, as technology transforms how people engage with information, we need to keep future generations connected to the soul of what libraries offer: belonging, creativity, and the joy of discovery. That means bridging the digital divide and reimagining the library as both a physical and cultural commons.
And third, caring for the building itself is an act of stewardship. Forbes isn’t just a structure; it’s a living part of Northampton’s civic life. Preserving and investing in this space ensures it continues to welcome and inspire our community for generations to come.
With recent book challenges, what is your stance on book bans?
As a writer, cultural worker, and trainer, I believe censorship of any kind undermines the heart of community-building. Stories are how we make sense of ourselves and each other; to erase them is to erase parts of our shared humanity.
That’s why I’m proud to be a member of the National Writers Union and Authors Against Book Bans, and why I see defending the freedom to read as part of a much larger commitment to democracy and care.
My own connection to Forbes began simply – with a library card. It was my first act of grounding in a new place, a reminder that libraries are passports to belonging. Since then, I’ve had the honor of serving on the Racial and Social Justice Advisory Group, helping ensure Forbes remains a space where all members of our community can see themselves reflected, challenged, and welcomed.
For me, opposing book bans isn’t just about protecting titles on a shelf; it’s about safeguarding the collective imagination that keeps our community vibrant and free.
Where would you like to see the library in the next five years?
In the next five years, I want to see Forbes Library thriving – not just surviving. That means deepening its role as a community anchor: a place where people come not only to borrow books, but to connect, learn, and imagine together.
I’d love to help strengthen the library’s long-term sustainability; ensuring a solid financial reserve so it can operate at full capacity, expand its programming, and respond creatively to our community’s evolving needs.
Just as importantly, I want to see the staff – the heart of any library – fully supported. Their salaries and benefits should reflect both the rising cost of living and the essential role they play in keeping Forbes welcoming, equitable, and inspiring.
When we invest in our library’s people and infrastructure, we’re really investing in Northampton’s future; a community that values care, knowledge, and connection for generations to come.
What is your relevant experience to serve as a Trustee of the Public Library?
My experience as a community organizer and fundraiser has given me a deep understanding of how governance can be both principled and practical; especially in times that test our collective values. I’ve spent my career helping organizations build structures rooted in care, accountability, and imagination – lessons that align perfectly with the stewardship a library trustee is called to embody.
I approach leadership as an act of culture-tending: balancing strategy with empathy and ensuring that institutions reflect the communities they serve. I know how to navigate complexity, mobilize resources, and hold space for collaboration across difference (skills that strengthen both governance and community trust).
And above all, I believe that cultivating joy is a political practice. Even in challenging times, joy reminds us why public institutions like Forbes matter – they are where curiosity meets care, and where everyone has a place to belong. This is the energy I would bring to this role every day.