7 Shocking Ways The Ferndale Area District Library Is Redefining The Modern Library In 2025

The Ferndale Area District Library (FADL) is not just a quiet place to check out books; it is a vibrant, evolving community hub that has seen significant, positive changes heading into late 2025. This institution, located in the heart of Ferndale, Michigan, continues to redefine its role, moving beyond traditional services to become a central pillar of the city's creative and intellectual life, solidifying its place as a leader in The Library Network (TLN) system. The most crucial update for the community is the recent, dynamic shift in leadership and a renewed focus on unique, patron-centered programming that goes well beyond the standard book collection.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the FADL has embraced a new era, highlighted by the appointment of a new Director from within the organization, ensuring a seamless transition and a deep understanding of Ferndale's unique culture. This change, coupled with a robust 2023–2025 Strategic Plan, positions the library to tackle the challenges of the modern information age, including the ongoing statewide conversation about intellectual freedom and the increasing demand for diverse digital and physical resources. The FADL remains committed to its mission: to inform, enrich, entertain, and empower the entire Ferndale community.

The Ferndale Area District Library Leadership and Institutional Profile (2025)

The Ferndale Area District Library is governed by a dedicated Library Board of Directors, which oversees its budget, policies, and the implementation of its long-term vision. The library serves the residents of Ferndale, Michigan, and is a key member of the regional resource-sharing network.

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• Location: 222 East 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220
• New Director (2025): Drew Macaulay
• Previous Role: Head of Adult Services at FADL
• Transition Context: Macaulay was hired from within the library following the departure of longtime Director Jordan Wright in November 2024.
• Assistant Director: Kricket Hoekstra
• Governing Body: Library Board of Directors
• Current Strategic Plan: 2023–2025 Strategic Plan (developed in partnership with the Midwest Collaborative for Library Service).
• Mission: To strengthen the community by providing access to materials and services that inform, enrich, entertain, and empower.
• Community Role: A leader in building and sustaining Ferndale as a creative city that attracts and nurtures talent and mobilizes ideas.

The New Era of Leadership: Director Drew Macaulay and the 2025 Vision

The most significant organizational change in late 2024 was the resignation of Jordan Wright, who had served the library for 12 years. This transition led to the appointment of Drew Macaulay as the new Director, a move that signals a commitment to continuity and local expertise. Macaulay, who previously served as the Head of Adult Services, has expressed a keen desire to lead the library in building a community that reflects Ferndale's unique qualities and culture.

Macaulay’s leadership is focused on the execution of the ambitious 2023–2025 Strategic Plan, a roadmap designed to keep the FADL at the forefront of modern library services. This plan was developed after a comprehensive community survey, ensuring that the library's goals are directly aligned with the needs and desires of Ferndale residents. The strategic priorities emphasize outreach, diverse programming, and the continued expansion of digital and physical collections, securing the library's role as a vital educational and cultural resource.

The library’s governance, managed by the Library Board of Directors, has been active throughout 2025, with public meetings and the approval of minutes for the ongoing fiscal year. This transparency ensures that the community remains informed about the budget, policy decisions, and the progress of the strategic initiatives under the new leadership.

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7 Unique Services and Programs That Define the FADL Experience

The Ferndale Area District Library distinguishes itself through a variety of unique collections and engaging, current programs that cater to all ages, from infants to seniors. These services demonstrate the library's commitment to being a dynamic, multi-faceted community resource:

1. The Popular Puzzles Collection

Moving beyond just books, the FADL maintains a large and highly-used collection of puzzles for patrons of all ages. This unique offering allows community members to check out jigsaw puzzles for a fun, screen-free activity at home. Patrons can browse the collection in person or place holds by phone, making it a distinctive and highly appreciated service.

2. The Biblioboard Community Collection

For local history enthusiasts and researchers, the FADL offers the Biblioboard Community Collection, an online resource dedicated to Ferndale's heritage. This digital archive features a growing selection of archived content, including historical photos, videos, and other community-specific materials. It serves as a vital tool for preserving and sharing the city's past, directly supporting the library's role in building a "creative city."

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3. Diverse and Frequent Story Times

The Youth Services department, often represented by the work of librarians like Youth Librarian Mary Grahame Hunter, runs a busy calendar of events. This includes popular programs such as Baby Storytime, which typically runs on the first three Fridays of the month, ensuring that early literacy is a central focus.

4. Specialized Adult and Teen Groups

The library fosters a strong sense of community through specialized interest groups. For example, the Middle Grade Tabletop RPG Group and the Fiber Arts Club (a recurring event series) cater to niche interests, creating spaces for hands-on learning and social interaction.

5. The Annual Cookie Swap and Holiday Programming

Seasonal and community-focused events like the annual cookie swap are a highlight, perfectly timed for holiday gatherings. These events transform the library into a festive community center, encouraging social bonds and shared experiences beyond the traditional quiet reading environment.

6. Writers & Readers and Book Clubs

The FADL supports intellectual and literary pursuits with various Book Clubs and "Writers & Readers" events. These programs facilitate critical discussion and support local literary talent, aligning with the library’s goal to mobilize ideas within the community. The library’s commitment to intellectual freedom also places it within the context of the broader 2025 statewide conversation where Michigan voters increasingly oppose book bans.

7. Digital Resources and Online Access

Beyond the physical collections, the FADL provides extensive online resources and digital services, ensuring access to information is not limited by operating hours. The ongoing work of the library's Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Collection Development teams ensures that the digital catalog is constantly updated with new e-books, audiobooks, and research databases for Ferndale residents.