Monday, June 2, 2025
The La Grange Public Library is celebrating the work and dedication of Becky Spratford, who served nearly a quarter century on the Library Board.
In the 24 years Spratford served on the La Grange Public Library Board of Trustees, she passionately advocated for the construction of the current Library building, participated in three library director searches and was involved in multiple strategic plan processes that that guided the Library’s goals and priorities.
First elected to the La Grange Public Library Board of Trustees in 2001, Spratford has served a total of six terms in the capacity of Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, Vice President and President. She also served on multiple committees, including the Chair of the Finance Committee. When the current Library was being built in 2005, Spratford led the relocation of the Library to a temporary facility, ensuring patrons could still access materials and services during the two years of construction.
“Becky Spratford is the La Grange Public Library’s greatest champion. We are so fortunate to have had such a fierce library advocate on the board and in our community for nearly a quarter century,” said Katie Gardner, La Grange Public Library Board President.
“Her professional expertise, sound fiscal stewardship, and passionate support helped make our vibrant, modern library building a reality. Although she leaves after an extraordinary 24 years of service, I know Becky’s service to libraries will never truly end. No doubt she’ll continue to use her voice to advance the work of the La Grange Public Library and libraries near and far.”
In addition to her work on the Library Board, Spratford has been a dedicated member of the Illinois Library Association (ILA), the American Library Association (ALA) and has been the Library Board’s liaison to the Illinois Library Association and Reaching Across Illinois Library Association (RAILS). She has also served on the ILA Conference planning committee and has overseen training for the ILA Trustee Forum and Trustee days at ILA. Conference.
Previously having worked as a librarian at the Berwyn Public Library, Spratford now runs her own business, RA for All, which is focused on training library workers all over the world on how to better serve leisure readers.
“Kudos to the exemplary Becky Spratford for her deep and meaningful investment of public service to this community. Through her many terms on the La Grange Library Board it was expanded, improved and re-invigorated many times. Keeping it a safe, meaningful educational haven where learning and fun collide,” said Village of La Grange Trustee, Beth Augustine.
Her insider skills as a professional librarian were an asset, but her mindset, tenacious personality and sense of humor are what made her so effective. Few people will ever serve in an elected role, let alone six terms but Becky did it because she wanted to share her enthusiasm for making our Library the best it could be. Institutions need leaders who listen and follow through. Becky did that for our Community and it should be noted that we, our children and future generations are all better off as a result.”