Livonia Public Library To Receive Major Upgrades Thanks To Grant Provided By Senator Catharine Young

$250,000 SAM Grant will bring modern updates to local library

LIVONIA – Saying they were “overjoyed” to hear the news, Livonia Public Library officials applauded state Senator Catharine Young for securing a $250,000 capital grant that will be used toward a major expansion of the building and services.

Built in 1927, the Livonia Public Library has served the community for nearly 90 years. But with increasing demands for greater access to books, public programming, and modern resources like computers and high speed internet, the library had begun exploring avenues to grow.

Following a February visit to the library, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District) went to work on obtaining funds for the project, which culminated in today’s announcement of a $250,000 State and Municipalities (SAM) grant awarded through the Senate that will help make the dream to a reality.

The entire project will cost $2.1 million, and includes extensive renovations to the existing facility while adding more than 5,000 square feet of new space. A parking lot will be constructed, and the building will be brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mechanical utilities will be replaced, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and lighting. Walls and ceilings will be repaired, new carpeting will be installed, and the historic entrance will be restored.

The Town of Livonia has committed $1.7 million to the project and the Village of Livonia will provide in-kind work by installing the parking lot. A private donation campaign also has been launched, and it is hoped that community members also will support the library expansion so that all work can be completed.

As part of this year’s state budget, Senator Young also secured a $5,000 grant for the library. That funding will be used to assist with ongoing renovation projects and provide additional operating support.

Mary “Mae” Sharman, President of the Livonia Public Library Board of Trustees said, “The services of the library have significantly expanded over the decades, but its mission to encourage literacy, enrich lives and create lifelong learners remains unchanged. Today, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. In order to meet the increasing needs of our community, we must expand and renovate our physical space, improve the infrastructure, enhance our collections and technology, and ensure that we are accessible to all of our citizens. We thank Senator Young for securing this much-needed capital grant and making it possible for this project to move forward. Her support of the Library and this community is so very much appreciated!”

Frank Sykes, Library Director, said, “In our area and across the country, libraries have become more important than ever to their communities. In addition to traditional services such as borrowing books, they are now places to receive help with a job resume, experience an array of early literacy programs, use free Wi-Fi, or attend a computer class. They are destinations of solitude and personal enrichment; yet at the same time have become community centers and social hubs. However, we are now at a critical point and the need for an updated and expanded Livonia Public Library facility has become imperative. In 2014 alone, it received more than 46,000 visitors and circulated roughly 80,000 items; all out of a 2,400 square foot building!

“We have been working diligently over the past few years to organize a library expansion and renovation project that will solve the numerous inadequacies of the current library building and create a community library for all to enjoy for decades to come. Now, with the help of Senator Young and this historic grant she was able to secure, we are able to make this library improvement project happen! As a direct result, we will be able to offer more programs and events, enriched services, increased material selection and volume, and an overall enhanced ability to serve the Livonia community within an updated and modern facility. We are all very appreciative of the Senator’s continued support for libraries!”

Senator Young said, “What really struck me is the level of enthusiasm and commitment by everyone involved with the library. It is a labor of love by dedicated staff and volunteers. People recognize their library is a treasure. It has great historical and sentimental value, and is a major gathering place for the community.”

“The library is a resource for everyone of all ages. It provides learning for our young people, and on-line access for job seekers and senior citizens. It truly is a worthy cause,” she said.

“Library officials have demonstrated not only an imperative need for funding, but also a clear and concise plan for growth. As someone who grew up in Livingston County, I was thrilled to secure this grant for them, because these improvements will help the library continue to serve the community for generations to come,” Senator Young said.

Video from the event is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9QYvwK2ixc.