BOOK BY BOOK

Meet Molly Scheibler, Lake Forest Library’s new Executive Director, and learn more about her fall favorites.

Molly Scheibler traces her interest in library science to her senior year at Loyola University, when she got her first taste of what it’s like to be an ambassador for books and all the other information resources libraries have to offer.

“I worked at a library and discovered how much I enjoyed the field,” explains Scheibler, a Libertyville resident whose mother, also an avid reader, lives in Lake Bluff. “Before entering library work, I had a successful sales career with Abbott Laboratories. After moving to Libertyville with my husband, Patrick, I joined the Cook Memorial Library District and later earned my MLIS from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.”

Since 2018, she has served as an adjunct library science instructor for the university and held positions at several public libraries across the Chicago area before landing her latest role as Executive Director at Lake Forest Library. Scheibler, mother of three adult children (including a son who’s a glacier ice-climbing guide and EMT in Alaska; a daughter pursuing a master’s degree at Trinity College in Dublin; and another daughter who just graduated from Franklin University Switzerland) stepped into her new position in September with a vision for the library’s next chapter.

“I believe Lake Forest Library is a true gem of the community, supported by an outstanding staff and Library Board,” she says. “I look forward to ensuring that every Lake Forester is aware of the many resources and opportunities the library provides, leading the upcoming renovation of our 1931 rooms, and guiding the library into the future.”

Here are a few of her favorite things.

Favorite library you’ve ever visited? The Library of Congress in Washington D.C. It was inspiring and beautiful, and I got to get a Library of Congress library card! Morning person or night person? A morning person. I have always loved mornings. Favorite way to start your day? Drinking coffee while walking my three dogs before the sun comes up. Skin care or beauty product you can’t live without? Chanel Allure perfume, I have worn it for more than 25 years. What are you binging at the moment? (can be TV, a podcast, or even a book) The Chicago Bears, and our 2027 Read Between the Ravines (the Lake Forest / Lake Bluff joint nonfiction reading program) selection: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel.

What’s at the top of your playlist/ in your ear for the new commute to Lake Forest? I love Van Morrison, Nathanial Ratcliff, lately I have been getting into ‘70s music and I also enjoy classical WFMT. Best thing about November? Family, football, and anticipating the holidays and (I hope) lots of snow! Favorite Thanksgiving tradition? Cooking Thanksgiving dinner with my family and if football is on, the Chicago Bears. I also make sure that my family and I discuss how grateful we are every year. Author you’d most like to have dinner with? M.T. Anderson or Ina Garten Favorite winter food and why? Martha Stewart’s butternut squash soup with Barefoot Contessa’s spiced pork shoulder and pumpkin crisp. My family loves these recipes, and they make my house smell amazing.

Favorite writer when you were young? E.B. White and Margery Williams Best movie you’ve seen this year? Project Hail Mary, based on the novel by Andy Weir Favorite way to stay in shape? Running, I have been running with the same friends three days a week for years. Dream vacation? Iceland or Quebec City What’s next on your bucket list? I would like to take more cooking classes, attend more cultural events, and read more!