The Forest Park Public Library (FPPL) Board of Trustees is excited to announce that Vicki Rakowski will serve as the next Library Director beginning January 23rd!
Rakowski brings nearly 15 years of experience in public libraries, and joins FPPL from the Barrington Area Library where she served as Executive Director for the past two years and Head of Operations for the four years prior. She began her library career at FPPL and has also worked at the Lisle Library District and the La Grange Public Library. Rakowski holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Dominican University.
“I’m honored and thrilled to have been chosen as Forest Park Public Library’s next Director,” said Rakowski. “Forest Park is a special place and I’m so excited to be able to contribute to a town that I admire and respect so much.”
The search for a new director began in October with the hiring of the consultant group Deiters & Todd. The Board of Trustees of the Forest Park Public Library voted to hire Rakowski as the Library’s new Director during their December board meeting. The decision came after a nationwide search following previous Director Pilar Shaker’s resignation in October.
The Board appreciated Rakowski’s experience and empathy. “During the interview, she demonstrated a self-awareness and honesty you don’t see very often,” said Trustee Eboni Murray. Trustee Lin Beribak said “Vicki understands the Forest Park Public Library we want to be. Being a part of the community is important to her.”
The Forest Park Public Library’s mission is to maintain and share a collection that meets the needs of our diverse community, and will provide programs that educate, empower, and entertain our public. For more information, please visit the Library’s website at fppl.org.