The Lakeview Public Library has welcomed newly elected trustee Andrea Maddison as she begins her first full five-year term on the library’s board.
Maddison, who ran unopposed, was elected on Dec. 2. While this marks her first full term, her involvement with the library began well before her election.
“She was a resident who would bring her daughter to the library,” said library director Camina Raphaël-Lubin. “She wasn’t really familiar with the board, per se, but she was familiar with the library and the programs it offered.”
Maddison, 41, was first appointed to the board in March 2024, following the retirement of Michael Alexander, who served as a trustee for more than 20 years. After her appointment, Maddison ran for and was elected to a one-year term in December 2024, which she completed before seeking her current term.
“She was recommended by folks in the community,” Raphaël-Lubin said. “We interviewed her as a board — myself and the other board members — and we liked her.”
The transition went smoothly as Maddison completed Alexander’s unexpired term.
“The rest of the trustee board members were very helpful,” Maddison said. “And Camina as well — very helpful in teaching me the ropes and guiding me on what I need to do.”
A longtime Lakeview resident, Maddison said she was already well acquainted with the library and its offerings.
“I took advantage of a lot of the activities and programs that the library has, especially when my daughter was younger,” she said.
Her family’s involvement spanned generations. Maddison said her daughter once participated in the library’s dance program, and her mother took part in strength-training classes offered at the facility.
“So, it seemed like a good fit,” Maddison said.
Lakeview has been home to Maddison for decades.
“My family’s been here since ’96, so I’m very familiar with the community and some of the history of Lakeview,” she said.
As she begins her first full term, Maddison said she is eager to see the library continue to grow and expand its reach.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the library progress more,” she said. “Camina and the rest of the board have done an excellent job securing funding so far, and helping to expand programs, increase visibility and make the community more aware of what’s going on at the library and the services they provide.”
With a professional background in compliance and experience as a parent, Maddison brings a valuable perspective to the board, Raphaël-Lubin said.
“She keeps an ear to what the community is saying and what they’re requesting,” Raphaël-Lubin said. “She brings that back to our meetings so we can continue offering programs and make sure people are getting what they want from their local library.”
For Maddison, the library holds personal significance, and she hopes her role will help strengthen its connection to the community.
“I just hope this brings more awareness to Lakeview and the Lakeview Public Library, and all the wonderful programs it has to offer,” she said.
For more information, visit LakeviewLibrary.org.
