Ferndale Library Board President Resigns

Jim O’Donnell recently resigned from his position as president of the Ferndale Public Library Board of Trustees.

O'Donnell, who was elected in November for a seat on the Ferndale Schools Board of Education, announced his resignation at a recent library board meeting and his resignation took effect on Dec. 31.

The first school board meeting of the year is this Monday, Jan. 7.

O’Donnell was first appointed to the library board to fill the vacancy left by Kevin Deegan-Krause in 2009 and was then elected to his own seat.

"I have been honored to serve the library and Ferndale over the past few years," O'Donnell said in a press release. "My experiences with board colleagues, staff, patrons, and library supporters have been truly enriching, and will remain with me during my term on the school board. I look forward to continuing to support the library as a reader, a patron and Friend of the Ferndale Library."

Library board members donated four new books to the library's 19th Century American history collection — an interest of O’Donnell's — in honor of his service.

"It would be hard for me to summarize all of Jim's contributions during his three years on the board," Library Board Vice President Patrick Dengate said in the release. "He demonstrated strong leadership through difficult challenges faced in 2012, and his expertise, strong analytical skills, and integrity will be missed. I think I am safe in speaking for all the library's trustees in saying we admire him and wish him well."

Applicantions accepted for vacancy

The library board is the elected body that oversees the work of the director and sets policy. When there is a vacancy, it may appoint an interim successor to serve until the next general election.

Anyone interested in being appointed to fill the seat should send a resume or letter outlining their qualifications and stating why they wish to serve on the board. Any appointee must be a resident of the city and having a background in libraries, literacy and/or volunteer service in the community is a plus.

Letters should be addressed to the Ferndale Library Board and may be sent via email to ferndale.libboard@gmail.com or may be mailed to or dropped off at the library at 222 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, Michigan 48220.

The deadline for applying is Friday, Feb. 1.

Applicants may be called for an interview at a meeting of the board via e-mail or a letter from the board. The successful applicant will be required to run in the November 2013 election if they wish to fill out the remainder of O'Donnell's term, which expires in November 2017.

Source: Ferndale Public Library press release.