Novi Library (Technology Initiative)

TURNING THE PAGE

A new book boss in town Novi

Building a library is among exciting changes for director


November 27, 2007

BY KORIE WILKINS

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

In the midst of learning everyone's names and getting a handle on her new duties as director of the Novi Public Library, Julie Farkas also is learning about blueprints and construction timelines.

On Nov. 6, voters approved a $16-million bond for a 60,000-square-foot library that could open as soon as spring 2010. On Nov. 12, Farkas stepped into her role. But instead of being overwhelmed, Farkas said she's relishing the challenge.

"This is an opportunity to do some interesting work," said Farkas, a 35-year-old mother of three. "It's exciting. I'm up for it."

Farkas replaces longtime director Brenda Lussier, who left in February. Mary Ellen Mulcrone, currently the assistant director, had been the interim director.

Farkas came from the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham, where she was the associate director of public services for five years.

"She's bright and energetic and tough but fair. All qualities you need in a library director," said Marti Custer, executive director of the Baldwin Public Library.

As a student at Michigan State University, Farkas studied English and worked in the library. She liked helping people find information and loved the learning environment of a library.

After earning a master's degree in library science from Wayne State University, she worked at a library in Monroe before moving to Aurora, Ill. There she met her husband, Jason, also a Michigan native. They now live in New Boston.

Farkas eventually landed in Birmingham and loved her job there. She said she wasn't looking for a new job but was approached by a recruiter for the Novi position.

The Novi job was appealing because of the growing and well-educated community. The fact that the library bond was coming to a vote and looked likely to pass didn't hurt either, she said.

She also hopes to guide the library and help it meet the changing needs of the community with more computers and technology updates -- although Farkas believes traditional books are not going away anytime soon.

"The support is there for the library," Farkas said.

Vicky McLean, president of the Novi Friends of the Library group, said the new library is bringing a lot of excitement to the city. She said Farkas has an energetic personality and enthusiasm -- assets that will help raise the library's profile and weave even tighter into the community.

"This is a big, big step," said McLean. "And she's right in the beginning of the planning process."

Contact KORIE WILKINS at 248-351-5186 or kwilkins@freepress.com.