As always, the Public is invited to attend all Library Commission Meetings and Library events. The Library will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities upon adequate notice. If you need assistance, please call the Bennett Civic Center Library at 734-466-2491 or email lvcc@livoniapubliclibrary.org.
Storytime Programs
Programs for children 12 months to 5 years
Reading Challenges
Ask about Our New Grade School Reading Challenges!
Bennett Civic Center Library Programs
32777 Five Mile Rd.
Sandburg Library Programs
30100 Seven Mile Rd.
Board of Library Tweens
Tweens, do you have great ideas for programs you’d love to see at the library? Do you have opinions about the books you are reading that you’d love to share? Just love the library? Join us for a Board of Library Tweens Meeting!
Click here for more information
TumbleBookLibrary
Our Library has a subscription to TumbleBookLibrary, and
your family can access it from home! It’s unlimited, and FREE
for you to use! Explore animated, talking picture books,
read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, and more! Happy Tumbling!
Click here for more digital downloads
Book Bundles
Need help picking out books? The Children’s Librarians at the Livonia Public Library can put together book bundles to help! Each bundle will include 3-10 books based on a common theme. Fill out a form to request a bundle or stop by the Bennett Civic Center Library to browse our ready-to-go picture book bundles!
Storytime Programs
Storytime Programs
Programs for children 12 months to 5 years
Fun for Ones Baby Storytime*
Ages 12 to 23 months with parent or loving caregiver.Songs, simple stories, and other activities that introduce our youngest patrons to the pleasures of the library. Registration required online, in person at the Bennett Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk, or by phone at 734–466–2493. Click here for more information.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Mondays, Sept. 9 – Oct. 21 (Registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024)
10:15-10:35 a.m. OR
11-11:20 a.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Mondays, Nov. 4 – Nov. 25 (Registration begins Monday, October 28, 2024)
No session on Nov. 11
10:15-10:35 a.m. OR
11-11:20 a.m.
Rhythm & Rhyme*
Ages 2-4 with a grown-up.20 minutes of fast-paced, storytime action: dancing, musical instruments, books, and fun! Registration required online, in person at the Bennett Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk, or by phone at 734–466–2493. Click here for more information.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Tuesdays, Sept. 10 – Oct. 22 (Registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024)
10:15-10:35 a.m. OR
10:55-11:15 a.m. OR
11:30-11:50 a.m. OR
2:15-2:35 p.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Tuesdays, Nov. 5 – Nov. 26 (Registration begins Monday, October 28, 2024)
10:15-10:35 a.m. OR
10:55-11:15 a.m. OR
11:30-11:50 a.m. OR
2:15-2:35 p.m.
Tip Top Toddler Storytime*
Ages 2-3.Toddlers and their grown-ups are invited for stories, action songs, sign language and more! Registration required online, in person at the Bennett Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk, or by phone at 734–466–2493. Click here for more information.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Wednesdays, Sept. 11 – Oct. 23 (Registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024)
10:15-10:40 a.m. OR
11:15-11:40 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Thursdays, Sept. 12 – Oct. 24 (no registration required)
10:30 a.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Wednesdays, Nov. 6 – Nov. 27 (Registration begins Monday, October 28, 2024)
10:15-10:40 a.m. OR
11:15-11:40 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Thursdays, Nov. 7 – Nov. 21 (no registration required)
10:30 a.m.
Peppy Preschool Storytime*
Ages 3 to 5.Stories, action songs, games and a small take-home craft. Registration required online, in person at the Bennett Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk, or by phone at 734–466–2493. Click here for more information.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Thursdays, Sept. 12 – Oct. 24 (Registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11:15-11:45 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Wednesdays, Sept. 11 – Oct. 23 (no registration required)
10:30 a.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Thursdays, Nov. 7 – Nov. 21 (Registration begins Monday, October 28, 2024)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11:15-11:45 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Wednesdays, Nov. 6 – Nov. 20 (no registration required)
10:30 a.m.
Reading Challenges
Reading Challenges
Register for all of these programs (plus some for grownups) at livonialibrary.beanstack.org. You can also register at the Children’s Reference Desk.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
For any child from birth until they enter kindergarten.You are invited to participate in this FREE program which encourages parents to read 1,000 books with their children before they start kindergarten. It’s easy to participate. Mark off the books you have read on your reading log. When you reach 100, show us your log to receive your prize and your new reading log. As children reach their milestones, their names will be displayed in the Livonia Public Libraries on our walls of fame. Sign up on Beanstack today! Click here for staff recommended books.
Kindergarten Challenge
This challenge may be completed the June before kindergarten through the end of their kindergarten year.Continue (or begin) your child’s reading journey by reading 100 books selected for you by the Livonia Public Library’s Children’s Librarians. Simply read a book and mark it off in Beanstack or on the paper log.
50 in First Challenge
This challenge may be completed the June before first grade through the end of the school year.Your child may be beginning to read on their own. Using the 25 pre-selected books and 25 of your child’s choice, complete the 50 in First Challenge by having your child read to you and/or read the books together. Simply read a book and mark it off in Beanstack or on the paper log.
Second Grade Storytellers
This challenge may be completed the June before second grade through the end of the school year.One of the best ways for a child to increase their reading comprehension is to read and book and then tell you what happens. During second grade, you and your child can select 25 books to read together and then have your child tell you the story in their own words. Log the books in Beanstack or on the paper log.
Third Grade – True 25
This challenge may be completed the June before third grade through the end of the school year.Third graders can explore the world of nonfiction. Reading three books in six different categories (biography, social sciences, sciences, technology, poetry, and history/geography) plus seven books in whatever category they like, your child can complete the True 25 challenge. Simply read a book and mark it off in Beanstack or on the paper log.
Fourth Grade – Books Outside the Box
This challenge may be completed the June before fourth grade through the end of the school year.It is important for people to read about cultures outside of their own, and this challenge encourages fourth grade students to read five diverse books. These are books that take place in different countries, have characters of a different race or ethnicity, and/or characters with disabilities, just to name a few examples. Simply read a book and mark it off in Beanstack or on the paper log.
Tween Reading Challenge
For Tween readers in grades 5-7. This challenge runs January – December and may be joined at any time.Complete monthly and bonus challenges for a chance to win a fabulous prize. Sign up on Beanstack today!
Smokey Bear Reading Challenge
Challenge is geared for ages 4 to 10, but all ages are welcome. This challenge runs January 1st to November 28th, 2024 and may be joined at any time.Smokey Bear turns 80 this year! Join Smokey in completing a reading challenge to learn about wildfires and the environment in honor of his birthday. Register on Beanstack today.
Register for all of these Reading Challenges (plus some for grownups) at livonialibrary.beanstack.org. You can also register at the Children’s Reference Desk.
Civic Center Library Programs
Civic Center Library Programs
32777 Five Mile Rd
STORYTIMES
See our Storytime information.
See our Storytime information.
Board of Library Tweens (BLTs) Meeting*
Grades 5-7
Mondays, September 16 and November 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tweens, do you have great ideas for programs you’d love to see at the library? Do you have opinions about the books you are reading that you’d love to share? Just love the library? Join us for a Board of Library Tweens Meeting! Chat about the books we love (and hate), talk about upcoming programs, have plenty of snacks, and earn community service credit through volunteer opportunities. For questions contact Kristen Jayska at (734) 466-2458 or kjayska@livoniapubliclibrary.org or Cathy Moeller at (248) 893-4010 or cmoeller@livoniapubliclibrary.org.
Sensory Shenanigans
Ages 3-8
Saturdays, October 12 and November 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Children of all abilities and ages benefit from sensory-based play. It stimulates the brain and helps develop fine and gross motor skills. Children will experience different types of sensory stations with their caregivers. Please wear appropriate clothing that can get wet and a little messy! No registration required.
Club Create*
Grades 3-4
Thursdays, October 24 and November 21 from 6-7 p.m.
Grades 5-7
Thursdays, October 24 and November 21 from 7-8 p.m.
Do you like to be creative? Bring your creativity and join us for Club Create, where we’ll offer a different themed activity each month. Registration required.
Renegade Writers*
Grades 4-7
Thursdays, October 10 and November 14 from 7-8 p.m.
Join us every month as we dive into the world of creative writing. We will try out different genres and writing styles. Participants will also get a journal to decorate. Registration required.
My First Book Club*
Grades K-2 with a grown-up
Saturday, November 2 from 10:15-10:45 a.m.
An introduction to book clubs, during this program we will answer some questions and do a fun activity related to an exciting book we read, and the book is yours to keep! This month we are reading “Bug Scouts Out in the Wild!” Participants can pick up their books at the Civic Center Library Children’s Reference Desk beginning October 12. Registration required.
Kids & Comics*
Grades 3-4
Saturday, November 2 from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Do you love graphic novels? Join us for the Kids & Comics book club! We’ll talk about the book, do something crafty, have some snacks, and just hang out! This month we are reading “Agents of S.U.I.T.” Participants can pick up their books at the juvenile reference desk at Civic Center beginning October 12. Registration required.
Middle-Grade Masterpieces*
Grades 4-7
Thursday, November 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Are you ready to dive into some fantastic classic books? Join us for the Middle-Grade Masterpieces book club! We’ll discuss the book and have some snacks, and the book is yours to keep! This month we’re reading “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl. Get your copy at the Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk beginning October 17. See you there! Registration required.
Empower Hour Book Club*
Grades 4-7
Saturday, November 2 from 11-11:45 a.m.
This book club is for you and a favorite adult in your life. For this meeting, we will be reading “The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Participants can pick up their books at the juvenile reference desk at Civic Center beginning October 12. Beverages and breakfast pastries will be provided. Registration required.
Code Crackers*
Grades 2-3
Saturday, November 2 from 1:30-2 p.m.
If you’re in 2nd or 3rd grade and you love mysteries, join us for Code Crackers, a book club where we read nothing but mystery books! This month, we’re reading “Nate the Great” by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, and the book is not just for borrowing-it’s yours to keep. Participants can pick up their books at the juvenile reference desk at Civic Center beginning October 12. Registration required.
Haunted StoryWalk®
Ages 2-10
Saturday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join us for a family-friendly spooktacular outdoor trick-or-treat event! Visit the StoryWalk® behind the Bennett Civic Center Library, read the story, and pick up a few (non-candy) treats along the way. This is a drop-in event; families may visit any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Kids are encouraged to attend in costume and bring a treat bag.
Scavenger Hunts
All ages welcome
New every month! Can you find all of the special characters hidden across the children’s room? Find all six of them, tell a librarian, and get a special prize to take home!
Nature Nook with Braille-Enhanced Storywalk®
Enjoy some fresh air and a story! Located behind the Bennett Civic Center Library the Nature Nook was designed and completed by Eagle Scout Candidate Matthew Sas and the Storywalk® was funded by the Livonia AM Rotary. Seedlings Braille Books for Children provided the Braille enhancement. Stories will be available in the Nature Nook from about April through October.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
All ages welcome
Grab your family, get outside, and try to find the items on this outdoor scavenger hunt we created. You can also check out our Summer Reading Scavenger Hunts:
Scavenger Hunt :#1
Scavenger Hunt #2
Scavenger Hunt #3
Homeschooling Resources
All ages welcome
Looking for ideas to keep kids reading, thinking, and learning? Try some of these free Homeschooling Resources, including virtual tours, educational resources, and kid-friendly livestreams.
Grades 5-7
Mondays, September 16 and November 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tweens, do you have great ideas for programs you’d love to see at the library? Do you have opinions about the books you are reading that you’d love to share? Just love the library? Join us for a Board of Library Tweens Meeting! Chat about the books we love (and hate), talk about upcoming programs, have plenty of snacks, and earn community service credit through volunteer opportunities. For questions contact Kristen Jayska at (734) 466-2458 or kjayska@livoniapubliclibrary.org or Cathy Moeller at (248) 893-4010 or cmoeller@livoniapubliclibrary.org.
Sensory Shenanigans
Ages 3-8
Saturdays, October 12 and November 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Children of all abilities and ages benefit from sensory-based play. It stimulates the brain and helps develop fine and gross motor skills. Children will experience different types of sensory stations with their caregivers. Please wear appropriate clothing that can get wet and a little messy! No registration required.
Club Create*
Grades 3-4
Thursdays, October 24 and November 21 from 6-7 p.m.
Grades 5-7
Thursdays, October 24 and November 21 from 7-8 p.m.
Do you like to be creative? Bring your creativity and join us for Club Create, where we’ll offer a different themed activity each month. Registration required.
Renegade Writers*
Grades 4-7
Thursdays, October 10 and November 14 from 7-8 p.m.
Join us every month as we dive into the world of creative writing. We will try out different genres and writing styles. Participants will also get a journal to decorate. Registration required.
My First Book Club*
Grades K-2 with a grown-up
Saturday, November 2 from 10:15-10:45 a.m.
An introduction to book clubs, during this program we will answer some questions and do a fun activity related to an exciting book we read, and the book is yours to keep! This month we are reading “Bug Scouts Out in the Wild!” Participants can pick up their books at the Civic Center Library Children’s Reference Desk beginning October 12. Registration required.
Kids & Comics*
Grades 3-4
Saturday, November 2 from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Do you love graphic novels? Join us for the Kids & Comics book club! We’ll talk about the book, do something crafty, have some snacks, and just hang out! This month we are reading “Agents of S.U.I.T.” Participants can pick up their books at the juvenile reference desk at Civic Center beginning October 12. Registration required.
Middle-Grade Masterpieces*
Grades 4-7
Thursday, November 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Are you ready to dive into some fantastic classic books? Join us for the Middle-Grade Masterpieces book club! We’ll discuss the book and have some snacks, and the book is yours to keep! This month we’re reading “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl. Get your copy at the Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk beginning October 17. See you there! Registration required.
Empower Hour Book Club*
Grades 4-7
Saturday, November 2 from 11-11:45 a.m.
This book club is for you and a favorite adult in your life. For this meeting, we will be reading “The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Participants can pick up their books at the juvenile reference desk at Civic Center beginning October 12. Beverages and breakfast pastries will be provided. Registration required.
Code Crackers*
Grades 2-3
Saturday, November 2 from 1:30-2 p.m.
If you’re in 2nd or 3rd grade and you love mysteries, join us for Code Crackers, a book club where we read nothing but mystery books! This month, we’re reading “Nate the Great” by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, and the book is not just for borrowing-it’s yours to keep. Participants can pick up their books at the juvenile reference desk at Civic Center beginning October 12. Registration required.
Haunted StoryWalk®
Ages 2-10
Saturday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join us for a family-friendly spooktacular outdoor trick-or-treat event! Visit the StoryWalk® behind the Bennett Civic Center Library, read the story, and pick up a few (non-candy) treats along the way. This is a drop-in event; families may visit any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Kids are encouraged to attend in costume and bring a treat bag.
Scavenger Hunts
All ages welcome
New every month! Can you find all of the special characters hidden across the children’s room? Find all six of them, tell a librarian, and get a special prize to take home!
Nature Nook with Braille-Enhanced Storywalk®
Enjoy some fresh air and a story! Located behind the Bennett Civic Center Library the Nature Nook was designed and completed by Eagle Scout Candidate Matthew Sas and the Storywalk® was funded by the Livonia AM Rotary. Seedlings Braille Books for Children provided the Braille enhancement. Stories will be available in the Nature Nook from about April through October.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
All ages welcome
Grab your family, get outside, and try to find the items on this outdoor scavenger hunt we created. You can also check out our Summer Reading Scavenger Hunts:
Scavenger Hunt :#1
Scavenger Hunt #2
Scavenger Hunt #3
Homeschooling Resources
All ages welcome
Looking for ideas to keep kids reading, thinking, and learning? Try some of these free Homeschooling Resources, including virtual tours, educational resources, and kid-friendly livestreams.
Sandburg Library Programs
Sandburg Library Programs
30100 Seven Mile Rd.
STORYTIMES
See our Storytime information.
Chess Club
Grades 5-12
Thursdays, October 10, November 14, and December 12 from 4-5:30 p.m.
Are you looking to hone your chess strategy? If you know how to play chess and need a friend to play against, join us for a drop-in chess club. Learn from each other and see who comes out on top! No registration required.
Graphic Novel Book Club*
Grades 5-7
Monday, December 9 from 6-7 p.m.
A book club dedicated to our favorite graphic novels. A copy of the book will be available for pick up at the Sandburg Library beginning three weeks before the meeting date. Registration required.
Don’t Read This Book!*
Grades 5-7
Mondays, October 14 and December 2 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
A crafty, trivia, sometimes book club just for Tweens in grades 5-7! All registered participants will be able to pick up a free copy of the book. During the program, we’ll hang out, compete for trivia prizes, and talk about the book! Registration required.
Crayons, Glitter & Glue
Ages 2-7
Thursdays, December 12 & 19 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Join us for stories and art projects. Dress for mess. There will be glitter! No registration required.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
All ages welcome
Grab your family, get outside, and try to find the items on this outdoor scavenger hunt we created. You can also check out our Summer Reading Scavenger Hunts:
Scavenger Hunt :#1
Scavenger Hunt #2
Scavenger Hunt #3
Tween Volunteers
Interested in volunteering? Check out our Board of Library Tweens for more information.
See our Storytime information.
Chess Club
Grades 5-12
Thursdays, October 10, November 14, and December 12 from 4-5:30 p.m.
Are you looking to hone your chess strategy? If you know how to play chess and need a friend to play against, join us for a drop-in chess club. Learn from each other and see who comes out on top! No registration required.
Graphic Novel Book Club*
Grades 5-7
Monday, December 9 from 6-7 p.m.
A book club dedicated to our favorite graphic novels. A copy of the book will be available for pick up at the Sandburg Library beginning three weeks before the meeting date. Registration required.
Don’t Read This Book!*
Grades 5-7
Mondays, October 14 and December 2 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
A crafty, trivia, sometimes book club just for Tweens in grades 5-7! All registered participants will be able to pick up a free copy of the book. During the program, we’ll hang out, compete for trivia prizes, and talk about the book! Registration required.
Crayons, Glitter & Glue
Ages 2-7
Thursdays, December 12 & 19 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Join us for stories and art projects. Dress for mess. There will be glitter! No registration required.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
All ages welcome
Grab your family, get outside, and try to find the items on this outdoor scavenger hunt we created. You can also check out our Summer Reading Scavenger Hunts:
Scavenger Hunt :#1
Scavenger Hunt #2
Scavenger Hunt #3
Tween Volunteers
Interested in volunteering? Check out our Board of Library Tweens for more information.
*Registration required in person or by phone.
Children under the age of five must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible caregiver over the age of 17 at all times (refer to the Livonia Public Library’s Unattended Children Policy). Children ages five through ten may use the library and attend library programs independently while a parent or caregiver over the age of 17 remains in the library. Please make arrangements for other siblings as necessary.
Children under the age of five must be accompanied by a parent or a responsible caregiver over the age of 17 at all times (refer to the Livonia Public Library’s Unattended Children Policy). Children ages five through ten may use the library and attend library programs independently while a parent or caregiver over the age of 17 remains in the library. Please make arrangements for other siblings as necessary.