Meet the board

Jessica Gingerevans – President

What brought you to Dunlap?

My husband and I are both originally from Illinois. After living in Boston, MA for school and Louisville, KY for work we knew we wanted to find somewhere to set down roots. In 2019, a new job opportunity for my husband found us returning to Central Illinois and starting our little family in Dunlap. We couldn’t be happier with that decision!

Why are you interested in establishing the Friends of Dunlap Public Library?

The library has been such an important resource for my family that I really wanted to find a way to give back. Libraries are vital to a healthy community, but are often underappreciated and underfunded. My hope is that through the Friends, we are able to rally around the library as the true center of the Dunlap community.

What is your favorite way to use our library?

All of the children’s programming! There are just so many opportunities for learning and entertainment. It is common to find my two little ones and me at the library three times a week or more! We adore Ms. Amy and storytime. I also love using Libby to check out eBooks for myself.

Rebecca Gilbert – Secretary

What brought you to Dunlap? 

My family was looking for somewhere we could settle and call home. Dunlap and the Greater Peoria Area was the perfect spot! 

Why are you interested in establishing the Friends of the Dunlap Library? 

The library is an integral part of the community and a great resource for folks of all ages. The services it provides are vital to not just to find your next favorite book but also to learn new skills, build a sense of community, and find a safe space. I love that being a Friend can help the library achieve its mission and goals and in turn serve the community. 

What is your favorite way to use our library? 

Reading is my self-care! I get many books from the library, both in physical and audiobook formats. I also love the children’s programing; we have been coming to book babies since my son was 4 months old. 

Tom Custis – Treasurer

What brought you to Dunlap?

We decided to “retire South”; we had lived in Wisconsin for 40 years.  We chose Dunlap primarily to be close to family.

Why are you interested in establishing the Friends of the Dunlap Library?

We discovered the Dunlap Public Library soon after buying our home in Dunlap.  We quickly became fans of the services and staff.  I served on the DLPD Board of Trustees for a short while, until we moved into Peoria.  I wanted to keep giving back to the DLPD, and the Friends group seemed to be a good avenue to do that.

What if your favorite way to use our library?

I like to read.  It is nice to be able to try new books, new authors, and new genres, without having to purchase the books and find space on limited available shelving.  I check out the new book offerings just about every time I am in the library, no matter what specific activity brought me in.

Anne Coghill – Board member at large

What brought you to Dunlap?

While my husband and I are both from Illinois, we bounced back and forth between Illinois and other states as we built careers.   We came back to Illinois in 2007, just as our daughter was starting middle school.  We’ve greatly enjoyed our years in Dunlap.

Why are you interested in establishing the Friends of the Dunlap Library?

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. While work travel transformed me into a Kindle user, I came to the Dunlap Library to attend yoga classes whenever I could. In retirement, I’m participating in more programs at the library and found them to be top notch. That said, programs like the ones the library sponsors, while generally free to patrons, have a cost and often those costs are not covered by tax dollars. I very much want to be part of a group that gives back to our library and provides for the purchase of materials and resources that expands the programs offered by our library.  

What’s your favorite way to use our library?

I enjoy the yoga classes, particularly summer yoga under the trees. I also participate in several book clubs. The book discussions are so much fun and encourage me to read genres that I typically wouldn’t. I really enjoy the camaraderie and find that the questions posed by the librarians are thought provoking. These days my Kindle is gathering dust as I listen to audiobooks through Hoopla and other audio platforms sponsored by the library and read hardcover books.

Celeste Restrepo – Board member at large

What brought you to Dunlap?

I’m a native Peorian, and 20 years ago I moved to our current home to be part of the Dunlap School District. When my children were young, we started going to the summer reading program at the Dunlap Public Library. I fell in love with this library, and I found myself arranging my work commitments to take advantage of the wonderful summer reading program events with my children.

Why were you interested in establishing the Friends of the Dunlap Library?

My entire life I’ve been passionate about libraries. My parents instilled a love of books and libraries, and some of my earliest  memories are going to the main branch of the Peoria Public Library with my father.  As I grew older, my love affair with libraries continued to grow. I realized that libraries are more than a place to get books. They are community centers and through the programming offered, patrons of all ages have the opportunity for education and personal growth. As costs rise, it is imperative that libraries have Friends groups to help support the costs of today’s multidimensional programs and offerings. I jumped at the chance to be part of the founding group of the Friends of the Dunlap Public Library because I believe so passionately in the need of a group such as ours to help the library fulfill its mission and goals.

What’s your favorite way to use our library?

Of course it goes without saying that I love to check out materials, but my favorite things are the activities like CACTUS (Creative Artists Tackle Unfinished Stuff) Club, book discussion groups, and special programs. As a result of attending these programs at the library I have made some of my best friendships, and my business, Creative Soul Gallery, was a result of my involvement with CACTUS Club.