Jordan Wright Announced as New Ferndale Area District Library Director
(FADL, Jan. 22, 2024)
Ferndale, MI – After more than six years of dedicated service, Library Director Jenny Marr has announced her departure from Ferndale Area District Library to pursue a new professional opportunity. During her tenure, Marr played a pivotal role in advancing FADL’s mission and vision while working to expand library services to Ferndale residents.
“Jenny started in 2017, shortly after Ferndale citizens approved a millage increase,” said Board President Judeen Bartos. “She immediately set out achieving its objectives.” Under Marr’s leadership, the library expanded its hours, staying open seven days a week; staff wages and numbers were increased along with the library’s circulating collections, events, and outreach programs. Marr also spearheaded several essential building projects, including a remodeled youth area and playroom, new exterior signage, and interior wayfinding.
“And when the pandemic upended everyone’s lives in 2020,” Bartos said, “Jenny worked to quickly adapt library services during the lockdown, ensuring that Ferndalians could continue accessing the resources, materials, and programs they depended on.”
“I am so grateful to have been a part of this vibrant community,” Marr said. “Ferndale welcomed me in, and it has been a home to me for so many years now. I’m honored that the Library Board entrusted me with leading the library. We have worked closely together over the years through service-centered strategic planning to make FADL a well-respected and loved community center.”
The Board of Directors expresses its sincerest appreciation for Jenny Marr’s unwavering commitment and the positive impact she has had on the library and the Ferndale community, and they congratulate her on her new position at the Capital Area District Library. Marr’s last day at the library will be Friday, January 19.
Moving forward, the Board of Directors is thus pleased to announce the selection of its new Library Director, Jordan Wright, who has been serving as Assistant Director. Wright was approved by a unanimous vote at the Board’s January 18 meeting.
Jordan Wright has been an integral part of FADL’s staff since he started as a Library Assistant in 2013. He steadily rose through the ranks, including Youth Services Librarian, Head of Youth Services in 2018, and Assistant Director at the end of 2021, increasing his responsibilities and augmenting his leadership role along the way. Many Ferndale families likely recall attending Storytimes and Summer Reading Programs led by “Mr. Jordan” throughout the late 2010s.
As Assistant Director, Wright has been involved in hiring and evaluating employee performance and plays an important part in facilities maintenance and overseeing new projects. He also worked in tandem with Marr in implementing the library’s strategic plan. As a member of last year’s Collective Bargaining Committee, Wright represented the Board and helped negotiate and draft the first labor agreement for library workers.
“Like all libraries, FADL continually grows and adapts to meet the evolving needs of its community,” Marr said. “I have total confidence that Jordan is the right person to lead our excellent staff into a new chapter and continue FADL’s track record of responsive, future-ready public service.”
The Board had previously appointed Wright as Interim Director at its January 3rd meeting but felt comfortable and confident enough in his abilities to appoint him to the role permanently.
“We felt like we had the very best candidate within our own library,” Bartos said. “We like to provide growth opportunities for our employees when possible, and this was a no-brainer in that regard. Jordan has performed admirably in every position he has previously held, and he has the skills and experience to make an excellent Director.”
Please join us in congratulating Jordan Wright on the next chapter in his career at the Ferndale Area District Library.
