Round Lake – Round Lake Area Public Library Trustee Travis Haley is publicly challenging Vice President Sherry Perkowitz over what he describes as vulgar remarks, harassment, and ongoing unprofessional conduct, saying the board risks losing credibility with the very residents it serves.
The Round Lake Area Public Library has already been at the center of public debate following the defeat of a recent referendum to increase property taxes for a new building. Haley campaigned vigorously against the proposal, arguing that taxpayers should not shoulder the added burden. Voters ultimately rejected the measure, a result Haley says reflected deep dissatisfaction with the board’s leadership and direction.
That campaign vaulted Haley into local politics. Shortly after the referendum defeat, he mounted a write-in campaign for a trustee seat — historically one of the most difficult paths to victory — and won decisively. He has repeatedly pointed to that outcome as a clear sign of voter sentiment. “Winning as a write-in is no small task,” Haley said. “It shows residents are paying attention and want change.”
Now, Haley says, the board’s problems go beyond financial priorities and into matters of professionalism and respect. He recently released screenshots of Perkowitz’s comments on his Facebook posts, which he characterized as condescending, belittling, and designed to undermine him publicly. According to Haley, these types of remarks reflect a pattern of behavior that has occurred both during board meetings and in off-board interactions.
One comment, Haley said, crossed a serious line. Perkowitz allegedly mocked him by suggesting his underwear might be stamped with his name and title at the board meeting. Haley condemned the statement as humiliating and crossing into potential sexual harassment. “If anyone said something like this in a professional work environment, they would be fired immediately,” he said. Adding that “nobody said or did anything about her comments, they all just sat there”.
Haley stated that the comment was not only inappropriate but also meant to intimidate him as a newly elected trustee. He reported the matter to the library’s attorney Jerry Dietz, stressing that it should not be dismissed as harmless banter.
“Trustees are expected to serve the public with dignity and respect, not to engage in bullying or harassment,” Haley said. “The residents of Round Lake deserve a board that takes its responsibilities seriously. Anything less is unacceptable.”
Haley is now calling on Perkowitz to resign her position as vice president and trustee. He argues that stepping down would be “the right thing to do” and the only way to restore confidence in the board. “If we wouldn’t accept this behavior from our employees, how could we accept this from our leadership”.
The controversy comes at a pivotal time for the Round Lake Area Public Library, which is still navigating fallout from the failed referendum and questions about its long-term facilities plan. Haley’s vocal criticism, combined with his unexpected rise to office through a write-in campaign, has made him one of the most visible figures in the local debate.
With Haley’s accusations now made public, pressure is mounting on board leadership to respond. Whether through internal action, community pressure, or potential formal proceedings, the handling of the situation will likely shape public trust in the board for years to come.
The Round Lake Area Public Library board is set to meet today at 6:45pm on 906 Hart Road. The public is open to give their remarks during public comment.