302 S. First Street
Dunlap, IL 61525
(309) 243-5716
Dunlap, IL 61525
(309) 243-5716
Meet the board
Diane Lehn – President
What brought you to Dunlap?
In the fall of 2016, on my oldest son’s birthday, we moved to Peoria (a few months later, we closed on our home in Lake of the Woods). We loaded up in a genuine blizzard in Minnesota and made our very slow way here. Some of my favorite stories are about the blizzards in my life! We moved here for multiple reasons:
- More diversity. We liked that the whole world is reflected in the schools of Dunlap. I wanted my sons to grow up and have friends with names that would not be found in our small, rural Minnesota town, pop 350.
- Mark, my husband, was offered a career opportunity that made leaving Minnesota easier. We did not know anyone here.
- House prices. We were able to buy a home that would have easily cost about 40% more in our small resort town.
- The fantastic weather. Yes, I am serious! I grew up and went to college in North Dakota. Mark grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota and can tell you so many stories about rescuing baby animals in blizzards. He swore when he was a kid that he was moving to Arizona, never to be cold again. Then he married me, who hates the heat. The weather in Illinois is excellent!
Why are you interested in establishing the Friends of Dunlap Public Library?
I can talk about my love of the library for hours, and I’m pleased to be a part of the team establishing the Friends of Dunlap Library as a way to give back to the library. I am surrounded by incredible people in our founding Friends group, and I’m grateful for the support of the leadership team: Brian, who keeps track of our finances; Jessica J, who applies her organizational skills in her role as secretary; Jessica G, our Vice President, who balances my “big picture” skill set with her detailed planning; Celeste, who shares her considerable marketing expertise and ensures that our events are publicized; and Anne, who helps us organize projects and meet deadlines.
What is your favorite way to use our library?
When we first moved here, we didn’t know anyone. I was more than a little stunned at the level of loneliness that could occur. I didn’t know how to find a good pediatrician, where to get a haircut, or who was a good car mechanic. Do you know where you will find the people who will welcome you and know your name? Dunlap Library. Everyone knows Tina; she and her fellow professionals are the heart of this library and my very first friends in Dunlap. My favorite thing about the library? Tina, Amy, and Melissa. They welcomed me, and they welcomed my sons.
Jessica Gingerevans – Vice 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.
Jessica Johnson – Secretary
What brought you to Dunlap?
After living and working near Decatur for many years, my family and I moved to Dunlap in 2018 for work. We were so excited to find a cozy, friendly library in Dunlap that made us instantly feel at home.
Why are you interested in establishing the Friends of Dunlap Public Library?
Libraries need Friends! I envision this group of Friends becoming Dunlap Public Library ambassadors, supporting, and encouraging participation in events and programing offered by the library.
What is your favorite way to use our library?
My four children love to come spend an afternoon or lazy Saturday morning at the library, whether in story time, doing puzzles, or curling up with a pile of books. I use the library as an informal meeting place and an endless resource of not only books, but also magazines, games, and movies.
Brian Budzynski – Treasurer
What brought you to Dunlap?
We moved to the Dunlap area in 2019 for work. At the time, our kids were in or starting elementary school and we wanted to find a community that we could call home while they continued their schooling.
Why are you interested in establishing the Friends of Dunlap Public Library?
We’ve always been big fans of public libraries and the services they provide to the community. We live in the Peoria Public Library District, but when we moved here, we often found ourselves taking our kids to the wonderful programming offered by the Dunlap Library. When my wife, Erika, mentioned that there was interest in starting a friends group for the Dunlap Library, I wanted to be involved as a way to give back to a library that has provided much to us.
What is your favorite way to use our library?
We love the programming for children (what can be better than reading to animals?). Our children are getting older now, but continue to be active readers. The library plays no small part in keeping us supplied with a steady stream of material. I also just love the library building. It is such a wonderful space. On many occasions I’ve used it as a study/workspace while one of our kids is attending an activity at the nearby schools. It is really hard to beat a good library!