Nann Hilyard
BIO

Nann Blaine Hilyard became a librarian because she likes books and people and enjoys bringing them together.   She was appointed director of the Zion-Benton Public Library District in 2003. A graduate of the University of Missouri, she has been a public library administrator since 1975 with previous positions in Brenham, TX; Pittsburg, KS; Auburn, ME; Fargo, ND; and Lake Villa, IL.

She has been active in state library associations (currently, Illinois), the Public Library Association, and the American Library Association.  She has served three terms on the ALA Council (its governing body) and a three-year term on the ALA Executive Board.

In addition to the Zion Human Relations Commission, Nann’s civic involvement includes the Illinois Beach Sunrise Rotary Club of which she is the 2007-2008 president.   She is a 33-year member of the American Association of University Women. Her present office is program vice president of the Waukegan Area Branch.  She is a 22-year member of P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization for women, and is past president of her local chapter.   

Nann has been married to the Rev. Dr. Stevens Hilyard since 1980.  He is pastor of the United Christian Church in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, which is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ.  Nann and Stevens are avid Elderhostelers who have participated in 20 programs so far.  They do not collect books; rather,  they have books, the way one has air to breathe.  Nann is a fair-weather walker, an unsuccessful vegetable gardener, and a passionate quilter. 

She notes that the Human Relations Commission reflects these passages from the Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ:   
“God calls us…to be servants in the service of the whole human family….
God promises to all who trust in the gospel…courage in the struggle for justice and peace.”