Our Trustee Spotlight Series introduces the dedicated individuals behind the Library’s governance. Through these features, we hope to highlight the diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives that help shape the Library’s mission: engaging our diverse community through resources and experiences that celebrate ideas, inspire creativity, and enrich lives.
This month, we are delighted to introduce Kathie Brown, Board Treasurer and Trustee representing Farmington Hills since August 2021.
Kathie Brown has been a resident of Farmington Hills since 1957. Kathie has led an extensive career in libraries, including serving 20 years as the Coordinator of Automation and Volunteers at FCL before retiring in 2019. Throughout her career Kathie also served as Library Director at the Franklin Library and Brandon Township Library and Software Trainer for The Library Network.
During her time at FCL, Kathie oversaw major technology and service upgrades including:
- Installation and administration of the self-checkout stations and security gates
- Polaris Integrated Library System—the platform managing circulation, cataloging, acquisitions and the online catalog
- Material return conveyor system
- MeLCat—Michigan eLibrary’s online catalog used by the Interlibrary Loan System
After retiring, Kathie has continued to invest her time and passion into to the Library and community. She currently serves on the Farmington Hills Beautification Commission, as a Board Trustee for The Library Network, as a Director for the Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan, as Treasurer of her civic association and as an election official for Farmington Hills. Kathie leans on her comprehensive knowledge of FCL operations and the Farmington/Farmington Hills community as a Trustee and the current Treasurer of the FCL Board.
In this Q&A session, Kathie shares a little bit about herself and her goals as an FCL Trustee.
How long have you been part of this community, and what do you value most about it?
My parents, two brothers and I moved to Farmington Township/Farmington Hills in 1957. I’ve watched Farmington Hills grow from a farming community with mostly dirt roads to the beautiful city it is now, and I value the diversity, culture and wonderful food that comes with these changes.
What inspired you to join the FCL Board of Trustees?
Having worked in libraries for 44 years, with the last 20 at the Farmington Community Library as the Coordinator of Automation, I retired, but wanted to continue my association with FCL. I thought my well-rounded knowledge & background would be put to good use as a Library Trustee.
How long have you been serving on the board, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I’ve been on the Library Board since 2021 and I enjoy being the Treasurer and insuring fiscal responsibility. Approving the invoices lets me see how the money is being spent to provide wonderful materials, research databases and programs for our community.
What is one goal or initiative you're most excited about at the Library?
After our Space Utilization Study, with suggestions from our staff and the community, a Master Facilities Plan was developed. This will help guide many wonderful updates to both of our locations.
What role do you think the Library plays in the community, and why is it important to you?
Our libraries are a gathering place for community members to gain information, enjoy adult and children’s programs, check out a variety of materials and have a good time. Our outreach services provide materials for adults at the Costick Senior Center and Children and Teen librarians visit schools and daycare facilities to promote reading, library events, the summer reading program and other fun things that the library provides.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I was a puppeteer with Kids on the Block. Dressed all in black and with three-foot high puppets with disabilities that were dressed in kids’ clothes, we went to many grade schools and performed skits to help kids understand and be more comfortable around young people with disabilities. It was very cool to watch the kids ask questions after the skits as they were so engaged that they talked to the puppets and not the puppeteers.
About the FCL Board of Trustees
The Farmington Community Library Board of Trustees is composed of eight Trustees, with four appointed from the City of Farmington and four appointed from the City of Farmington Hills. Board members serve four-year terms. The Board is empowered to establish, maintain, and operate a public library for the district and to establish a district library fund.