Meet Alicia Ragaller: Talcott Library Board candidate

Seven candidates are vying for a seat on the Talcott Free Library Board in the April 1 election: Loren Floto, Neala Jensen, Nadine Kelley, Gary Kovanda, Mary-Katherine Lindt, Hilaree Lombardo, and Alicia Ragaller. Five candidates are running for a four year term, and two, for a two year term.

Alicia Ragaller

Alicia Ragaller served on the Talcott Library board for four years. She started with an appointed term, resigned when she thought her family was moving out of the district, and was reappointed last summer. Ragaller is running for another four year term.

In 2001 Ragaller said, “I wanted to volunteer my time to make the community that I live in and am raising a family in to be as diverse and inclusive for many people,” adding, “I think all people deserve resources and opportunities to assist in many aspects of their lives. I want to help be a voice for those people.”

“I see the library as the jewel of downtown. For me the library was very important in my teenage years. It gave me resources when my immigrant parents did not have the means for a tutor or to help me with my education. It was also the place I would meet friends to socialize and to meet for clubs. I want to see people valuing Talcott Free Library as a safe place for community and growth.”

Ragaller is a Latina from San Antonio but spent middle school through high school in Rockford. She is a 2010 graduate of SIU Carbondale.

Outside of the library board, Ragaller has been involved in the PP Feminine hygiene drive, and other various organizations that assist BIPOC communities with resources for health and education.

Alicia is married to her husband Kyle.