Trustee Mary Alice Fellers Retires From Library Board After 24 Years of Service
Mary Alice Fellers moved to Crystal Lake with her husband, Jim, and son, Henry, 30 years ago. About six years later, Fellers joined the Crystal Lake Public Library Board of Trustees because she wanted to serve the community she lived in.
“I appreciate the important role libraries play in promoting literacy and lifelong learning,” Fellers said. “So when a seat opened up on the CLPL Board, I welcomed the opportunity to serve as a trustee.”
Fellers was appointed to the board in 1999 by the late Mayor Aaron Shepley. She’s served on nearly every subcommittee and as a liaison to the Friends of the Library group. Currently, she is vice-president of the library board. She’s also held the treasurer duties in years past.
During her tenure, Fellers has strived to be a strong advocate for an open and transparent governing process to help engage the public and build trust. She’s always worked to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly. Communicating the value of public libraries and raising awareness about what the library offers has been a challenge for libraries at times.
“Libraries connect people to information and to each other,” Fellers said. “They play a vital role in providing unfettered access, without judgment, to information, ideas and differing perspectives on issues. As libraries evolve, they will remain relevant in meeting the needs of the community.”
Fellers, an avid user of audiobooks, plans to continue visiting CLPL as a patron. She likes to listen to audiobooks on long drives, while she works in the yard and while on her treadmill. She enjoys geocaching, especially targeting select challenges. She’s found caches in 31 states to date. Fellers volunteers with other organizations including Cycling Without Age McHenry County, a group that takes seniors on trishaw rides in town and on local trails. She also plans to play more pickleball.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Crystal Lake for the past 24 years,” Fellers said. “I have truly enjoyed working alongside my fellow trustees over the years and appreciate the value they brought to our discussions. And I’d like to give a special ‘thank you’ and acknowledgment to the dedicated and creative staff of the CLPL.”
