Meet Neala Jensen: 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.

Neala Jensen

Neala Jensen became aware of the library board's need for a conservative voice during the summer of 2023.

“That seems like a long time ago but my passion for our library remains and led me to run for this office to serve our community - especially our children.” She is running for her first four year term.

“I will advocate for our community's children and their right to remain innocent as long as possible,” Jensen said.

“One easy way to start this process is to move materials that are too sensitive for one age group to a higher age group's section. This has the benefit of having the materials catalogued and available while protecting younger children from accidental access.”

“Another item the library needs to address are the roles of officers on the board. Clarity for each of these roles is needed. Once the roles are known, the job descriptions need to be followed as defined.”

Jensen served on several boards while at Rockford University, including being a senator for the student government and president of BASIC. Jensen also served as the secretary of the performing arts department, and as the vice president of the Commuter Student Organization at Rockford University.

Jensen spent years as music director for a local church whose duties included directing two choirs and playing for at least three services each week. She has served on several church fellowship boards through the years.

Jensen shows her great interest as she has attended almost every library board meeting since June 2023.

She participated with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Rockford Rescue Mission, Metro Soup Kitchen, and various missions trips around the country.

She is a substitute pianist at church and has volunteered as an annual woman's retreat planner since 2001. “I work well with people that have different worldviews to my own. I am extremely organized and love to help others. I've been a lifelong patron and resident of the Talcott Library District,” Jensen said.

Jensen is the wedding pianist and soloist at the Church By The Side of the Road in Rockton. She has a small business as a private piano teacher as well as a homemaker. Jensen also holds a professional educator license in teaching, from the State of Illinois.

Jensen is married to her husband Clifford. They have three children together.

“I've shared my passion for reading and learning with each of my children. I view this election as an opportunity to serve our community. It's an honor to be able to give back to the people of Rockton who have given so much to me throughout my life here. I would appreciate your vote on April 1st.”