Livonia has 26 commissions on topics ranging from sustainability to the economic development of Plymouth Road. VRS will spotlight the activities and opportunities for engagement with each of these commissions. Today we’re looking at the Livonia Library Commission.

The Livonia Library Commission is an advisory board that provides oversight for the city’s 3 libraries and vest pocket. The Commission has up to 5 members appointed by the Mayor (including VRS’ Carrie Budzinski) and meets on the 4th Monday of each month (next meeting September 26th) from 4pm to 5pm. The public can attend these meetings.

The current members of the Library Commission have prioritized the maintenance of the buildings, with a special emphasis on the roofs at Civic Center and Sandburg. The physical state of the libraries has been an on-going resident concern and the Commission hopes to elevate the public conversation and help create a pathway for the future by launching a strategic planning process in early 2023. The Library Commission frequently engages elected officials about the state of the library and City Council will discuss the matter of library improvements at the October 10th Capital Outlay and Infrastructure Committee. https://livoniami.civicclerk.com/web/Player.aspx?id=319&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0

Other accomplishments of the Library Commission have been the funding of the Livonia Seed Library and the creation of the One City, One Book program.

Residents can find free seeds for flowers, plants and produce at the second floor of the library. Seed packets can be ‘checked out’ and, if you’re able to preserve the seeds, returned (that is not required).

One City, One Book is an on-going program that runs from August to October. Residents are invited to read Anxious People by Fredrick Backman and participate in free public events that are open to all ages. The Library Commission is hosting a book discussion on Wednesday, September 28th  at 6pm. The event is free, open to the public and will include light refreshments. Find all the events here: https://www.livonia.gov/1887/One-City-One-Book

Learn more about the Library Commission: https://livonia.gov/1453/Library-Commission

The Library Commission currently has no opening; however, if you would like to express interest for future consideration, you can contact the Mayor’s office here: https://livonia.gov/…/Mayors…/Get-Involved-Livonia-110

Thank you to local artist Maddy VerVaecke for this incredible representation of some of Livonia’s Commissions.