Meet Raymond Schwarzkopf, a dedicated Coach, Business Owner, Musician, and Teacher running for the Oak Lawn Public Library Board of Trustees. With a strong background in Business Management, Financial Coaching, and Community Service, Raymond is ready to bring fresh ideas and responsible leadership to the Library Board!
Why is Raymond Running?
Oak Lawn’s Public Library is more than just books—it’s a gathering place where residents of all ages learn, exchange ideas, and grow together. Every household in Oak Lawn contributes about $1 per day in taxes to support this incredible resource, and Raymond is committed to ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to expand services and increase library usage.
A Proven Leader with a Passion for Service
Raymond has spent years helping Oak Lawn residents through financial literacy and community programs. As the co-founder of Debt Club, hosted at the Oak Lawn Public Library for the past year, he has helped local families eliminate nearly $500,000 in debt, proving his ability to educate, inspire, and create real change. His leadership experience on various boards—both for-profit and nonprofit—equips him with the skills needed to make smart, fiscally responsible decisions that benefit the entire community.
What’s at Stake in This Election?
This is a non-partisan volunteer position for a six-year term, and only Oak Lawn residents can vote. While this election may not make national headlines, it directly impacts you as a taxpayer and determines how well our library serves the community in the coming years.
Raymond’s priorities as a Trustee:
📚 Make the Library a safe and welcoming hub for learning and connection.
💰 Ensure tax dollars are spent wisely to expand programs and increase engagement.
🤝 Encourage more community involvement and innovative library initiatives.
Why is Raymond Running?
Oak Lawn’s Public Library is more than just books—it’s a gathering place where residents of all ages learn, exchange ideas, and grow together. Every household in Oak Lawn contributes about $1 per day in taxes to support this incredible resource, and Raymond is committed to ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to expand services and increase library usage.
A Proven Leader with a Passion for Service
Raymond has spent years helping Oak Lawn residents through financial literacy and community programs. As the co-founder of Debt Club, hosted at the Oak Lawn Public Library for the past year, he has helped local families eliminate nearly $500,000 in debt, proving his ability to educate, inspire, and create real change. His leadership experience on various boards—both for-profit and nonprofit—equips him with the skills needed to make smart, fiscally responsible decisions that benefit the entire community.
What’s at Stake in This Election?
This is a non-partisan volunteer position for a six-year term, and only Oak Lawn residents can vote. While this election may not make national headlines, it directly impacts you as a taxpayer and determines how well our library serves the community in the coming years.
Raymond’s priorities as a Trustee:
📚 Make the Library a safe and welcoming hub for learning and connection.
💰 Ensure tax dollars are spent wisely to expand programs and increase engagement.
🤝 Encourage more community involvement and innovative library initiatives.
Join the Movement – Vote for Raymond!
The Oak Lawn Public Library deserves Trustees who understand its value and will work to make it even better.
The Oak Lawn Public Library deserves Trustees who understand its value and will work to make it even better.
- Wanna help? We LOVE VOLUNTEERS
- Click the button below for more information on how you can support Raymond and the Library.
Don’t Fool Around on April 1st—elect Raymond Schwarzkopf to the Library Board of Trustees and keep Oak Lawn’s library thriving!
✅ Vote Raymond Schwarzkopf – Because EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND for the Library Board!
✅ Vote Raymond Schwarzkopf – Because EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND for the Library Board!
Endorsements
I am honored to have the support of community leaders, educators, library advocates, and local organizations who believe in my vision for the Oak Lawn Public Library. Their endorsements reflect my commitment to lifelong learning, fiscal responsibility, and making the library a welcoming, thriving resource for all.
Community Leaders & Library Advocates
📚 Matt Egan – Vice President, Oak Lawn High School Board of Education
"I have had the pleasure of calling Raymond Schwarzkopf a friend for nearly 15 years. One of the great things about Raymond is his openness to discussing current and historical issues. And when he is not sure about something, he does his homework. Raymond will make a valuable Library Board member. He will bring thoughtfulness, intelligence, and innovation to that role."
📚 Tomorrow A. Moore - Oak Lawn Bank & Trust
"I am proud to endorse my dear friend and mentor, Raymond Schwarzkopf, for the Library Board in 2025. Raymond is a dedicated leader with a deep passion for lifelong learning, community engagement, and ensuring our libraries remain accessible and innovative resources for all. His integrity, experience, and commitment to public service make him the ideal candidate to help shape the future of our library system. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and encourage others to do the same!"
📚 Kate McDermott – Current Oak Lawn Library Board President
"In the short time that I’ve met and gotten to know Raymond, he has shown great enthusiasm for the Oak Lawn Public Library. He is an avid user of the library and has proven that he wants to support and see continued progress with the library. Raymond is a good communicator and listener and demonstrates strong team player characteristics. I believe he would be a great candidate for the library board and shaping its future."
📚 Kate Donley – Oak Lawn Resident & Library Advocate
"Raymond Schwarzkopf loves the library and is a regular library user. He’s a generous citizen who has experience on other boards. I think his perspective will help guide the library to even better service for the Oak Lawn community."
Union Support
📚 Carla Williams – AFSCME Council 31 Staff Representative
"Local 736 is proud to endorse Raymond Schwarzkopf for the Oak Lawn Public Library Board. Our local leaders appreciate his long-time support of the library and his work with the Debt Club. During our interview, it was clear that he truly listens to library staff, asks thoughtful questions, and is committed to addressing our concerns.
His proactive approach, including requesting direct input from our members, demonstrates his dedication to making the library a better place for both staff and the community. It became apparent early on why Kate Donley encouraged him to run, and we believe he will be a strong advocate for the library and its employees."
As you can see:
"Everybody Loves Raymond for the Library Board!"
Community Leaders & Library Advocates
📚 Matt Egan – Vice President, Oak Lawn High School Board of Education
"I have had the pleasure of calling Raymond Schwarzkopf a friend for nearly 15 years. One of the great things about Raymond is his openness to discussing current and historical issues. And when he is not sure about something, he does his homework. Raymond will make a valuable Library Board member. He will bring thoughtfulness, intelligence, and innovation to that role."
📚 Tomorrow A. Moore - Oak Lawn Bank & Trust
"I am proud to endorse my dear friend and mentor, Raymond Schwarzkopf, for the Library Board in 2025. Raymond is a dedicated leader with a deep passion for lifelong learning, community engagement, and ensuring our libraries remain accessible and innovative resources for all. His integrity, experience, and commitment to public service make him the ideal candidate to help shape the future of our library system. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and encourage others to do the same!"
📚 Kate McDermott – Current Oak Lawn Library Board President
"In the short time that I’ve met and gotten to know Raymond, he has shown great enthusiasm for the Oak Lawn Public Library. He is an avid user of the library and has proven that he wants to support and see continued progress with the library. Raymond is a good communicator and listener and demonstrates strong team player characteristics. I believe he would be a great candidate for the library board and shaping its future."
📚 Kate Donley – Oak Lawn Resident & Library Advocate
"Raymond Schwarzkopf loves the library and is a regular library user. He’s a generous citizen who has experience on other boards. I think his perspective will help guide the library to even better service for the Oak Lawn community."
Union Support
📚 Carla Williams – AFSCME Council 31 Staff Representative
"Local 736 is proud to endorse Raymond Schwarzkopf for the Oak Lawn Public Library Board. Our local leaders appreciate his long-time support of the library and his work with the Debt Club. During our interview, it was clear that he truly listens to library staff, asks thoughtful questions, and is committed to addressing our concerns.
His proactive approach, including requesting direct input from our members, demonstrates his dedication to making the library a better place for both staff and the community. It became apparent early on why Kate Donley encouraged him to run, and we believe he will be a strong advocate for the library and its employees."
As you can see:
"Everybody Loves Raymond for the Library Board!"