The SWAN Board election process received two self-nominations for the two open board positions. Since there are the two candidates who volunteered for the two open seats, SWAN will not have to conduct an election for the 2026 cycle. Congratulations to the two library directors. You can read their submitted statements below.
Tammy Sheedy, Berwyn Public Library & Stickney-Forest View Public Library District
I am excited to submit my statement of interest for the At-Large Representative position on the SWAN Board. My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to community service, resource sharing, and collaborating across organizations to more effectively serve the public.
In my current role as Library Director, I have seen firsthand how SWAN’s network empowers libraries and their patrons through shared technology, collaborative training, and the exchange of ideas. With nearly four decades of service to the library community, I have participated in multiple system migrations, upgrades, and technological advancements within SWAN, giving me a deep understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities these transitions present
I am especially committed to ensuring that every member library—regardless of size or resources—has a meaningful voice in shaping SWAN’s future. As an At-Large Representative, I would champion diverse perspectives, promote transparent and open communication, and help guide initiatives that help libraries work toward shared objectives and common goals.
Kate Buckson, St Charles Public Library District
I am pleased to submit my statement of interest for serving on the SWAN Board. SWAN has been an important part of my professional life for more than twenty years, and I would welcome the opportunity to give back to the consortium and support my colleagues across member libraries.
My career has included work at three SWAN libraries: Westmont, La Grange Park, and St. Charles. I began in the circulation department at Westmont Public Library in 2004, where I developed a strong appreciation for frontline service and the day‑to‑day impact of the ILS on staff and patrons. If you remember the days of wrapping endless gold bands around books and shaking your fist when you got a message about “all ports in use,” then you might have worked in a SWAN library in the early 2000s!
In 2015, I joined the La Grange Park Public Library as Director, gaining experience in governance, strategic planning, and further deepening my knowledge of SWAN through attendance at quarterly meetings. Since 2022, I have served as Director of the St. Charles Public Library, where I continue to see the impact of the consortium on our day-to-day work.
Across these roles, I have valued SWAN as a collaborator and its desire to strengthen libraries of all sizes. I am interested in serving on the SWAN Board in order to contribute on a practical, leadership‑level, to support thoughtful decision‑making, and to help advance the consortium in a way that reflects the needs of both staff and patrons.
If you have any questions about my candidacy, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at: kbuckson@scpld.org. Thanks for your consideration!