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KALAMAZOO, MI — Voters will be selecting a new majority to join the Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees.
Five of the seven seats on the KPL board will be filled in the Nov. 5 election. Four open seats are for full terms lasting the next four years. One open seat is a partial term ending in 2026.
Incumbents Lisa Godfrey, Kari Jock and Jannie Williams are seeking reelection for full terms. Brenda Hughes, Takisha Johnson and Chelsey Pinto are also seeking the open full terms. The top four vote-getters will win seats.
Jeff Messer and incumbent Dorla Coleman-Bonner are seeking the partial term.
The trustees will be tasked with choosing a new library director when the ongoing search for a leader resumes. The library system has been searching for a new director since 2022. Since then, the board has had two failed searched for a new director.
RELATED: After 2 failed director searches, Kalamazoo Public Library names new interim leader
Coleman-Bonner is retired but previously worked for the city of Kalamazoo, she said in response to a Vote411 survey. Coleman-Bonner has served on the United Way board in Rockford, Illinois. In Kalamazoo, she also served on the Girls on the Run and the Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services board. She has a bachelor’s from Western Michigan University, a master’s from Cornerstone Theological Seminary and a certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University. Coleman-Bonner is also pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry from the Calvin Theological Seminary.
Godfrey, 79, has served eight terms on the KPL board. She was an attorney for 35 years and has served on a number of public governing boards, public and private advisory boards and nonprofit boards, Godfrey said in response to a Vote411 survey. Godfrey has a bachelor’s from Kalamazoo College, a master’s from WMU and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul College of Law.
Hughes is retired and has 40 years of library experience. She is retired and studied public administration at WMU, but doesn’t have a degree. She didn’t provide any additional biographical background.
Jock, 42, has been a KPL trustee since 2022. She has over 15 years of experience in nonprofits, including fundraising and development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Currently, Jock is a principal at her company, Kori Jock Digital. She has a bachelor’s from WMU.
Johnson, 44, is an entrepreneur, founder of a nonprofit and business owner, according to Vote411. Johnson has previously been an adult learning navigation specialist with Kalamazoo Literacy Council, a youth advocate, a business coach and an empowerment coach. Johnson has an associate’s in accounting, bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from WMU and master’s in psychology.
Messer, 50, told Vote411 he’s a gig worker and used to work at KPL’s circulation desk. Messer said he studied accountancy, economics and gender and women’s studies at WMU, but didn’t specify a degree. Messer also said he’s a regular attendee of library board meetings and Kalamazoo City Commission meetings.
Pinto, 34, is a hospitalist. Pinto told Vote411 she’s a “lifelong reader, learner (and) library lover. Pinto has a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and a master’s from University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Williams has served on the library board since 2021. She’s self employed as a landlord. Williams worked at General Motors for 21 years and is cofounder of the nonprofit Restoration and Redemption (R&R). Williams also told Vote411 she’s an event planner and professional fundraiser. Williams has a bachelor’s and master’s.
MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters Michigan Education Fund this year to provide voters with a Vote411 election guide. Candidates filled out general information about their campaigns and answered a list of questions from the League of Women Voters.
All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.
Why are you running for a board seat? What strengths or talents especially qualify you for that role?
Coleman-Bonner: I joined the board in June following an application process to fill a vacant seat. The application requested someone who understood and had experience with issues surround diversity and had board experience. I bring to the board those qualifications. I have sat on three boards ranging in size from 30 to 7. During my tenure at the city I helped create a board and staffed two boards. I was the first Director of Diversity for the City of Kalamazoo. I am a person who is able to see problems and solutions. I try to be mindful that every decision made affects layers of people from staff to those who use the library.
Godfrey: I am running for the Library Board because of my belief that public libraries are the keystone of a strong, vibrant, and literate community. The Library is where free and open access to information in all of its forms is to be found and enables all residents the chance to participate in their community. The Library must be sustained and access must be protected. While on the Library Board, we have built a strong library infrastructure, developed a skilled and committed staff and received deserved professional recognition for the Library’s services and programs. I am proud of my contribution as a steward of Library resources.
Hughes: I am running for Trustee, at this time, because the Board is in the midst of two very important issues, as well as a few on-going issues and/or areas of concern. Strengths & talents: 40+ years direct public library service to every neighborhood, downtown & remote bookmobile stops. Over 40 years union membership, leadership, and bargaining (training as well). Kal County Public Housing Commissioner, 15 yrs (13 as Vice-Chair). Formed five 501C3’s for housing projects for homeless, as part of that service. Founding member with all planning & implementation training of KPL’s Anti-RacismTransformationTeam. Now on Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Board.
Jock: I ran 2 years ago because of my deep love for the library, which has been constant since childhood. As a Trustee, I’ve spent the last 2 years learning how the library operates, understanding its needs, and supporting it and our community as an elected official. The learning curve has been steep, particularly with the search for a permanent Executive Director and the temporary closure of the Alma Powell branch. The institution and taxpayers have invested in my development, and I want to continue serving by applying my nonprofit and small business experience to enhance the library’s impact and ensure it serves everyone equitably.
Johnson: The library has always been an important part of my life as it is where I played as a child while my grandmother was taking classes to get her GED that came after her passing. It is also where I was able to edit and update my resume when I didn’t have internet at home and where I could find entertainment for my son when I couldn’t afford to take him out. It is a tool for success that I am especially passionate about and willing to support the sustainability of. As a business owner for the last 21 years, nonprofit founder and advocate I believe I can support the forward momentum and stability of the library with my knowledge, skill and ability
Pinto: I started attending KPL board meetings regularly because I’m passionate about my community library and I noticed a particular lack of representation from the younger generations of library users and lovers. I want to add some age diversity representation to the board. The talents that qualify me for the board are communication and clarity in leadership. As a health care professional I am called to synthesize large amounts of information quickly and make a decision that I can clearly communicate with my patient, their family, and my team. Medicine is a team sport, these skills translate well to serving on the board.
Messer: I’m a former KPL circulation desk employee who’s been a very frequent user of in-library services for the past 12 years. I talk to patrons and staff frequently. I’m familiar with their needs. I’m aware of chronic facilities & service shortcomings that need addressing. The library’s primary use now is as a community center. This is why staff has added many non-traditional services like Peer Navigators, U.S. Passport office, Idea Lab, adult gaming computers, emergency foods bags, winter hats, and social work intern. I want to encourage greater patron participation in Board meetings & restore video recordings of past ones (removed in Aug. 2023)
Williams: My candidacy for the board seat is underpinned by eight years of experience as the incumbent candidate. Currently, I am serving as the secretary of the Board. I am actively involved in the community as a volunteer. I am a member of the Board of Community Advocates for Parents and Students (CAPS), a partnership with Kalamazoo College. I am a Board member of the Northside Association for Educational Advancement (NAEA), a scholarship program for underrepresented students. I am a tutor for Specialized Learning Disability (SLD Read). My service is propelled by a commitment to our community and a genuine belief in equal access to education.
If elected, what are your top two priorities for the next four years? How will you strive to address them?
Coleman-Bonner: My first priority will be to assist the leadership in finding an permanent executive director. There has to be an honest thorough review of past attempts and plan made with that review in mind that will set the new director in place for success. Another priority is the make sure the community is aware of the amazing services offered. In the three months that I have served as a trustee I am continually learning about services that should be shared more broadly. I hope to share ideals about the non traditional ways to communicate with the community.
Godfrey: The Library is currently engaged in addressing the library building and service needs of the northside of our district. This will remain a priority until completion of the project. Another priority for the Library is to identify and hire a permanent Director for the Library. It is imperative to have library leadership in place and to develop the strategic initiatives as the Library continues its forward progress and builds the case for community support.
Hughes: Permanent relocation of the Powell Branch Library and selection of a permanent Director. 2b. I will combine the data already collected from the community, along with my experience working in the Powell Branch and my connections to the patrons of the neighborhood and District to insure Powell is where, and what the community needs, wants & deserves. I have experienced 4 different Director’s administrations & have observed the strengths & weaknesses that level of leadership brings the very community that literally insures, through their tax dollars, that KPL exists & is given what it needs to serve every person equally & more than sufficiently.
Jock: If elected, my priorities will be to hire the library’s next Executive Director, and to support and ensure the new Alma Powell branch’s visioning, process, eventual ground-breaking, and temporary location are appropriately resourced and supported. As part of the hiring process and onboarding the library’s next Director, I will support the library’s strategic vision and the development of its next strategic plan. The library’s role as a community hub continues to increase in importance, as does the need to ensure its collections and programs reflect and include Kalamazoo’s diversity and vibrancy.
Johnson: My top priorities are supporting the sustainability of the library so that it remains a stable resource in the community and supporting the work being done to ensure that Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood is not without access to a community library that meets their needs. I will strive to address these priorities by supporting the work needed to make progress in these areas and making decisions with community as the focus.
Pinto: My top priority is helping with every effort to get both the temporary and permanent Alma Powell branch locations up and running. The intended temporary location is great and the board has done a lot of work to get it in place this fall, but the Northside Community deserves a permanent library location to utilize and love. My second top priority is to encourage and develop more library programming for young people in the Kalamazoo community. Children, teenagers, young adults, and young families with children would benefit significantly from more library engagement and recognition.
Messer: Facilities & patron experience. The current board has neglected these areas, resulting in their failure to hire a permanent director since Dec. 2022 & allowing the Powell branch to close. The roof leaks, facilities are worn and dirty, security guards are inattentive, front entry needs regular power washing, & patrons regularly complain about the lack of chairs for reading. I would like to see a designated indoor eating area w/ hot water dispenser, recycling for plastic bottles and aluminum cans, plant seed library, better security for the Library of Things collection, facilities for laptop computer use, more quiet study space, & longer hours.
Williams: If elected, my vision for the next four years is to see the Powell Branch on the Northside of Kalamazoo fully operational. I also aim to implement a robust organizational metrics and data system to guide our five-year strategic plan, ensuring it aligns with our community’s needs and aspirations. This vision is not just a plan but a promise of a brighter future for our library and community. I firmly believe that values and character are paramount. We are on a journey towards an organizational culture that genuinely values equity and inclusion. My commitment to equity and inclusion is unwavering.
Are you satisfied with how well the library is serving the community? Explain why or what more should be done to make the library accessible, inclusive and equitable?
Coleman-Bonner: I am impressed with what I’ve seen and heard about the library since I’ve become a trustee. However I am concerned with the challenge we are facing and working diligently to address with the closing of the Alma Powell branch. I am also concerned with the challenges of equitable treatment of our houseless residents that come to the library. Because of my experience in equity I am not quick to say what should be done. There is no exact recipe on how to become equitable, accessible and inclusive. However I will commit to bringing my experience to the conversation to make sure voices are heard and truth is told and action is taken.
Godfrey: I am proud of the Library’s service to the community but one should never be complacent about what is being done or can be done. The fundamental value of a public library is its commitment to providing a place accessible to all and where everyone belongs. This value applies not only to patrons but to how buildings are designed/located, how staff is recruited/hired/treated, and how services/programs/collections policies/procedures are planned/developed/implemented. The Library has a history of responding to the ever changing needs of the community but vigilance in shaping future opportunities is critical.
Hughes: Yes, for programs & materials. 3b. I was a founding member of KPL’s ARTT. After thorough training & given the mission of disrupting racism, the Board wrote a resolution committing to that same mission. We need to have a Board that always supports and in fact, insures that the institution & all employees are living into that mission, every day for every person. I will join those voices & be a staunch defender of equity, inclusion, & assuring we are all accountable to the community, the entire community. Transparency in all levels from within & without is absolutely necessary always.
Jock: The community’s needs are significant; I applaud the library staff for their efforts. This year’s biggest challenge was the temporary closure of the Alma Powell branch under Interim leadership. As a Trustee, I’ve listened and know that the library isn’t serving the community equitably. The immediate priority is reopening the temporary Alma Powell branch and securing the permanent branch’s future. The evolving needs of individuals and families require KPL to continually adapt its programming and access to information. Beyond this, I support returning to the DEI Strategic Plan to ensure everyone benefits from the library.
Johnson: Kalamazoo Public Library is an amazing community resource, they provide a multitude of tools for community to use for their development and entertainment, yet there is always room for improvement. As a community supporter, business owner and patron, there are some processes that can be executed more efficiently that would make resources more accessible and a great need for inclusivity in decision making that will lead to more equitable outcomes for every patron.
Pinto: I think the Kalamazoo Public Library does a fantastic job, and it’s an amazing organization. That said, there is always room for improvement. We have one of the highest millage rates in the state, meaning our budget is able to support reinvestment in library infrastructure, technology, and employees to allow for amazing programming and events for library patrons.
Messer: The current board lacks diversity. Since Jan. 2021, it’s been all female, a fact they’ve celebrated. During this time, there’s been infighting that’s led to dysfunction, such as the meeting where 2 of the candidates for reelection argued for 20 minutes over the selection of board Vice President. The board also lacks an actual patron user of the library. In Jan. 2023, I asked board members to spend time in the library & form independent opinions of how it’s operating. The board distances itself from patrons so much that they enter via the employee entrance, bypassing all patron areas. Of the 8 board candidates, I’m the only male & patron user.
Williams: My work continues until I see evidence of an anti-racist board and institution. When I know that we have crossed over the racist bridge to an anti-racist board and organization, then I will be satisfied with how well the library is serving our community. By actively collecting data from our community and staff will measure our library’s commitment to equitable service. Also by continuing to partner with community organizations like the Literacy Council and KPS. Lastly, we need a director who seeks to remove implicit bias, promotes innovation, practices equity and social justice and is committed to inclusion and access for all on a daily basis
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