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.
One City, One Book
The Livonia Public Library, along with the Livonia Library Commission, invites you to join us in participating in the One City, One Book project! The 2023 focus will be on the importance of libraries, literacy and the Great Depression. Our hope is that this will open a dialog about the importance of literacy and how it can be used to combat bigotry and prejudice.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson has been chosen as the 2023 book for the One City, One Book project.
Inspired by the true and historical blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek showcases a first in traditionally published literary novels— a bold and unique story and tale of fierce strength and one woman’s belief that books can carry us anywhere — even back home.
Visit our One City One Book page for more information and program schedule.
Book Bundles
Need help picking out books? The Children’s Librarians at the Livonia Public Library have been busy putting together book bundles to help! Each bundle will include 3-10 books based on a common theme. You may even find a surprise inside! Use the forms below to request a bundle, and a staff member will call you to schedule a pickup time.
Use these forms to request a book bundle:
Bennett Civic Center Library:
Carl Sandburg Library:
Dial-a-Story
We are excited to announce our new Dial-a-Story service — our always available phone number where you can listen to stories for free! New stories will be added monthly. You may even hear a story read by your favorite librarian! Call (734) 884-4400 to reach our Dial-a-Story.
TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten
Did you know that a child’s brain develops the fastest from birth to age 5? Little ones learn best through daily interactions with parents and caregivers, and the new “TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten” program is here to help! Sign up and receive just two texts a week with simple early literacy activities that can easily be incorporated into every day routines. The service also notifies parents of free activities and services at the library. To sign up, text TALK to 75547, or visit texttolearn.com for more information.
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, September 11 – October 16 (Registration begins Tuesday, September 5, 2023)
10:15-10:35 a.m. OR
11-11:20 a.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Mondays, October 30 – November 27 (Registration begins Monday, October 23, 2023)
10:15-10:35 a.m. OR
11-11:20 a.m.
Terrific Twos Toddler Storytime*
Ages 24 to 36 months.
Stories, fingerplays, and large movement activities for that terrific two in your life. Registration required online, in person at the Bennett Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk, or by phone at 734–466–2493, beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Click here for more information.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Tuesdays, September 12 – October 17 (Registration begins Tuesday, September 5, 2023)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11-11:30 a.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Tuesdays, October 31 – November 28 (Registration begins Monday, October 23, 2023)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11-11:30 a.m.
Tip Top Toddler Storytime*
Ages 2-3.
Toddlers and their grown-ups are invited for stories, finger plays, action songs, and more! Registration required online, in person at the Bennett Civic Center Children’s Reference Desk, or by phone at 734–466–2493, beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Click here for more information.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Wednesdays, September 13 – October 18 (Registration begins Tuesday, September 5, 2023)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11:15-11:45 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Thursdays, September 14 – October 19 (no registration required.)
10:15 a.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Wednesdays, November 1 – November 29 (Registration begins Monday, October 23, 2023)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11:15-11:45 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Thursdays, November 2 – November 30 (no registration required.)
10:15 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, beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Click here for more information.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Thursdays, September 14 – October 19 (Registration begins Tuesday, September 5, 2023)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11:15-11:45 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Thursdays, September 14 – October 19 (no registration required.)
11 a.m.
@ Bennett Civic Center
Thursdays, November 2 – November 30 (Registration begins Monday, October 23, 2023)
10:15-10:45 a.m. OR
11:15-11:45 a.m.
@ Carl Sandburg
Thursdays, November 2 – November 30 (no registration required.)
11 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!
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.
Saturday Cinema
All ages welcome
Saturdays, September 23 and October 28 at 2 p.m.
Join us for monthly G or PG movies in the Bennett Civic Center Library Auditorium! All ages welcome. Young children must be accompanied by an adult (no food or drink allowed in the auditorium). No registration required.
Board of Library Tweens (BLTs) Meeting*
Grades 5-7
Mondays, September 18 and November 6 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
Thursdays, September 14 and October 19 from 2-4 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. During the program, children will experience different messy stations, such as water beads and shaving cream, with their caregivers, as well as dry sensory stations and fidget toys. Please wear appropriate clothing that can get wet and a little messy!
September is Library Card Sign Up Month
Kids and Tweens
The Livonia Public Library wants to make sure that every Livonia child has the most important school supply of all—a library card. Every child who signs up for a library card (at any branch of the Livonia Public Library) during the month of September will receive a FREE book.
Learn to Make Your Own Balloon Animals*
Grades 2-6
Saturday, September 9 from 1-2 p.m.
See a demonstration of the making of a variety of types of balloon animals. Then make your own to bring home! Balloons and instructional handouts are provided. Registration required beginning Saturday, August 26.
Empower Hour Book Club*
Grades 4-7
Saturday, October 14 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
This semi-annual book club is for you and a favorite adult in your life. We will read and discuss books centered around strong female protagonists, and the book will be yours to keep! (Beverages and breakfast pastries will be served.) Registration required beginning Saturday, September 16.
Kids & Comics*
Grades 3-4
Saturday, October 14 from 2-3 p.m.
Do you love graphic novels? Then join us for the Kids & Comics book club! We’ll talk about the book, do something crafty related to the book, have some snacks, and just hang out! Registration required beginning Saturday, September 16.
Fun and Simple Jewelry Making*
Grades 2-6
Saturday, October 21 from 1-2 p.m.
Create jewelry to match your own sense of style! Supervision is required, especially for young children. Registration required beginning Saturday, September 9.
My First Book Club*
Grades K-2 with a grown up
Saturday, October 28 from 10-10:30 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. The book is yours to keep! Registration required beginning October 7.
Creative Play Saturday
Grades K-3
Saturday, October 28 from 1-3 p.m.
Creative play is a crucial element in child development. During this drop-in event, children can build a structure with wooden logs, get creative with math, design an artistic masterpiece using fruit, and more!
Haunted StoryWalk®
Ages 2-10
Saturday, October 28 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!
September: Books and Libraries
October: Monsters
Craft Kit
Pick up a Children’s Craft kit at the Bennett Civic Center Library, while supplies last. New Crafts available every month. For even more fun, call in to our Dial-a-Story line (734-884-4400) and listen to stories read by your favorite librarians!
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.
Graphic Novel Book Club*
Grades 5-7
Monday, September 25 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 three weeks before the meeting date on Tuesday, September 5. Registration required beginning August 28.
Don’t Read This Book!*
Grades 5-7
Monday, October 9 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
A crafty, trivia, sometimes book club just for Tweens in grades 5-7! This month we are reading Loot by Jude Watson. All registered participants will be able to pick up a free copy of the book and some crafty goodies. During the program we’ll hang out, compete for trivia prizes, do a themed craft, and talk about the book! Registration required.
Chess Club
Grades 5-12
Thursdays, September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14 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!
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? Visit our Volunteer page for more information.
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.
*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.