After a brief but complete renovation at the Dundee Township Public Library District, the books are back on their shelves, computers have been fired up, and patrons are buzzing in and out attending programs.
On Monday, Oct. 26, the last piece of the library’s transformation will be in place as Roxane Bennett takes her seat as the new director.

     Bennett is coming to Dundee from the also newly-renovated Punta Gorda Public Library in Punta Gorda, Fla., where she has been branch manager for the past four years. Previous to that, she had extensive library experience that covered all departments such as circulation, reference, children’s and teens. Bennett has worked in a number of different libraries as well – from small community to school and on up to county and state.

     “It has been a career dream of mine since I first started working in libraries to be the director of a library that is close to its community like Dundee,” said Bennett.

     One of Bennett’s strategies upon starting is to hold what she calls “listening tours” with key groups in the community to get their input on how the library can best serve its patrons.

     “What I hear will help us develop a collective vision for library services. I’m a big believer in cooperation, working together, and developing strong networks,” said Bennett.

     Although coming from Florida with her husband Barry, Bennett is not new to this area. She spent her teenage years in Elgin and other towns in the greater Chicago area. She admitted that family was a big influence in her decision to relocate. Bennett’s mother, daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren also live in the area.

     “The collusion of the right opportunity and the family pull are what made it happen,” said Bennett.