Rec Center Readers Book Club: 'The Book of Lost Names'

February's book is "The Book of Lost Names" by Kristin Harmel. Books are available through Livonia Public Libraries. We will meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Livonia Senior Wellness Center Bentley Room. Please enter through the Kirksey Recreation Center. There is a door directly into the Bentley Room from The Rec. Center. Register through our online catalog. This event is free for members, $3 for residents, and $5 for non-residents.

"The Book of Lost Names" is a historical fiction novel by Kristin Harmel set during World War II. It follows Eva Traube Abrams, a young Jewish woman who escapes Nazi-occupied France and joins the Resistance, using her talent for forgery to create false documents that save hundreds of Jewish children. Years later, when she discovers a mysterious code linked to her past, she is forced to confront the secrets, sacrifices, and lost identities that shaped her life.

Stuff-a-Pet Party: Winter Waddles

Waddle in for some penguin fun Saturday, Feb. 28! Listen to the story "Pierre the Penguin" by Jean Marzollo, stuff your own penguin squishie to take home, and enjoy some themed games, arts and crafts for penguin awareness day. This event can be a stop-and-go event for those with busy schedules. Do all your crafts with us or take them home for completion. A complete take-home class can be requested if you can't attend at all. Check-in can be anytime from 1-2 p.m. 

If you have additional children younger than the age of 4 who would like to attend, please call. All children must be registered to attend this program.

Contact Helen at (734) 466-2915 for more information.

Mayor's Noble Task Force Livonia Community Input

The site of the former Alfred Noble Library, vacant since 2019, is seeing renewed hope for re-use following the formation of a task force in December 2025.

By April, the task force is charged with providing the Mayor with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to distribute to potential partners. This RFQ will outline the requirements and priorities for site redevelopment, with a preference for preserving the building to ensure the Noble property remains an asset to the community.

At this time, the future of the structure is unclear. While plans to demolish were halted in 2023, the City does not presently have the ability to fund repairs or renovation. A full assessment in 2025 identified substantial interior water damage and mold. Any effort will require a significant investment of outside resources.

The Mayor's Noble Task Force began regular meetings in January to draft an RFQ and identify opportunities for site activation. The phased planning includes ideas for the near- and long-term, looking at what can be done even before potential funding becomes available.

This survey is intended to gather community input on what the Alfred Noble site should support moving forward. It focuses on outcomes, priorities, and tradeoffs rather than specific programs or designs.

Your responses will help inform how ideas and proposals are evaluated — not serve as a vote or final decision. Feedback will be reviewed in aggregate and used alongside other considerations such as feasibility, funding, and long-term stewardship.

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective via our survey by noon Friday, Feb. 20