Meet the Board

I have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and a master’s degree in computer science.  My working career was in design and implementation of computer systems for factory automation.  I have lived in Novi for 41 years.  My 3 girls graduated from Novi High School, and I have 8 grandchildren.  My husband Don and I have been married for 38 years.  I have always been a reader and loved the library.  I became involved with the Friends in 2012 and became president in 2014.  It is my pleasure to support our Novi Library and work with Julie, Dana and the staff.

I graduated from Oakland University with a degree in English Literature. Prior to finishing my degree, my husband and I had relocated 8 times while raising our three sons. In each location we called home, I volunteered my time and energy in school libraries - from elementary to high school. In one location I worked in a college library (yup, no longer Dewey; now it was Library of Congress cataloging!) Returning to Michigan, I was employed by Northville Public Schools where I taught reading to first and second graders in their Reading Start and Reading Boost programs. I did this for 18 years and loved every minute of it! Still wanting to be of service in my retirement, I volunteered my time to the Novi Library Friends. After a while, I was elected Secretary of the Friends Board, where I still serve.

I retired from nursing after 28 years but worked on contingency basis for another 10 years. I volunteered at Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, sometimes traveling to Louisiana & Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. I started shelving and sorting donated books in the Book Nook which led to becoming a Board member for the Friends serving as Treasurer for several years. I also volunteered in CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), Detroit Public Television and Michigan Humane Society. I have a son & daughter, 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

I was born and raised in Chelsea MI. I received my BA & MA from EMU where met and married my husband, Tom. He passed 5 years ago. We had a wonderful 52 year marriage. We moved to Northville in 1974. We moved on the Lake in 1998. We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I taught 1st & 2nd grade for 40 years in Belleville. I've been retired for 28 years. I enjoy reading, travel, design and going out with friends. Recently I've become involved with the city and working on various committees.

I am a licensed attorney and lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Education. I also facilitate executive education courses with a large online education company. I have lived in the Northville/Novi area since 1992.  I am a life-long reader and bibliofanatic. I cannot overstate how much I love books and reading. My parents were both avid readers and frequenters of our hometown’s Carnegie library and instilled those values in me.  As a mother of four and an educator, I have seen how important access to books is for all individuals, and how libraries can become centers for building community. I look forward to the opportunity to support the Novi library in an active Role within the Friends. 

Proud 11-year resident of Novi, dedicated to serving, contributing, and championing the charitable mission of the Friends, to maintain, grow, and inspire our community to be the charging station to the light that shines upon our beloved library. Alumni of Wayne State University School of Business, with a minor in Africana Studies. A professional employee with 30 years of corporate experience. Currently serving as a City of Novi Ambassador, Board of Directors member HOA, Election Inspector Official, and newly appointed to the Board of Review, Board and Commissions. I am an avid reader. Book reading is my peace, joy, and refuge. I have two adult children who are graduates of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. My past roles included serving as Chair of the Outreach Committee of the Walled Lake African American Parent Network (WLAAPN), Parent Lead of the African American Male Literacy Alliance, and advocate of Special Education Services. I am a member of Brightmoor Christian Church serving on various mission ministries.

I have a BS in Elementary Education.  I taught second grade before going into a career in sales. I sold for much of my work career.  I worked for a publisher of ESL testing and educational materials. Now that I am retired, I am responsible for a book club at my church, St. James, here in Novi.  I also have been managing the Book Nook at the library for over ten years. I have been on the Friends board for the past 15 years and volunteered at Providence Park Hospital. I volunteer for a program called Rock Steady that helps Parkinson patients at a local gym.

Karen and her husband Tom have lived in Novi for 34 years.  They have three daughters, three great sons-in-law and five grandchildren. She has a BS in Accounting. Karen retired from Northville Public Schools where she was a paraprofessional with the Learning Consultant and resource room.  She started with the Friends volunteering in the Book Nook where she both sorted and shelved books as well as selling.  She joined the Board in 2019.  In addition to working in the Book Nook, Karen helps with Friends fundraising events and volunteers at Maybury Farm.  She enjoys being a grandmother and being active in her grandchildren's lives.

I joined Friends because I wanted to contribute to our wonderful library.  Our library has a dedicated staff that serves the Novi community so well, and the Friends support the programs, events, and services that the library offers.  I was an English teacher/Gifted Program Coordinator for 34 years.  I've been a Novi resident for 46 years. My husband and I have two adult daughters, a son-in-law, and a grandson.

I worked 50 years in the banking industry training future loan officers in statement analysis in Chicago and in Credit at what is now Chase Bank. I retired as a Vice President in Credit Operations. I have lived in Novi for 37 years. When my husband of 23 years died, I came to the library and have been there for 13 years.  I am in addition to the Treasurer, the Archivist and Assistant Manager of the Book Nook.

I graduated from University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a minor in English. I began working at a public library in 2007, starting as a Library Page and working my way up to become a Librarian Assistant and Publicity Coordinator. In July 2019, I was brought on at the Novi Public Library as their Communications Coordinator and after getting some experience under my belt, moved into a management position in 2022. I love telling NPL's story and getting the word out to Novi residents about our programs and services. Using my creativity to make a program flyer or posting photos of smiling children on our social media accounts is the highlight of my day! I have been a liaison with the Friends for over 5 years and have loved every moment of it!