Hoenig departing to take position at Redford's library

Wixom’s library director has tendered her resignation and is expected to vacate her post effective May 27.

Lisa Hoenig has been the Wixom library director since April 2005. She is leaving Wixom to take a position with Redford Township as its new district library director.

“I came from a larger library in the past and it will be a challenge for me to return to a bigger collection that will have a bigger impact on a greater constituency,” Hoenig said.

While the parting of ways between Hoenig and the municipality is amicable, she said her departure is bittersweet.

“It’s sad to leave Wixom because I really enjoyed my time here,” she said. “We’ve accomplished much in the past six years.”

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed having Lisa as library director and feel she’s taken the library in a great direction and wish her luck in her new position,” said Wixom Library Board President Leslie Carnacchi.

In 2006, Wixom voters passed a millage that re-established the library under a different section of state law, and during that campaign the library pledged to bring to fruition five campaign promises.

“We delivered on all five and essentially it gave the library board more autonomy so now the voters elect board members,” Hoenig said.

During Hoenig’s tenure, she ensured that capital improvements were facilitated.

“We renovated the children’s department, the check out, entry way and computers area,” she said.

The library also doubled its collection budget, meaning new books were integrated into the library’s collection.

Under Hoenig’s direction, the library more than doubled the number of computers made available to the public and offered a number of databases and electronic options for users.

Finally, it modified its hours of operation. Throughout the school year, the library is now open on Sundays.

The library board selects and hires the city’s library director. Currently the board is working out the details of conducting a director search.

“We don’t have anyone lined up for the position yet,” Carnacchi said. “Our full board meets this week to determine a timeline to develop the posting and disseminate it to the proper sources. I hope to have a better handle on the the process to secure the best candidate as possible once we convene.”