Tell the Mayor and Livonia City Council to save the Alfred Noble Library!

The Alfred Noble Library on the Southside of Livonia is a mid-century modern structure designed by world-renowned architect Gunnar Birkerts. After serving our community for 50+ years, the library was closed in 2019 due to water/mold issues in the basement. According to city officials, the issues were first discovered in the early 1980's but were never properly addressed. As the doors were shut for what could be the last time, we were told to be patient as assessment and outreach was done to determine the best plan moving forward. The building has sat relatively untouched for 3 years since. 

Then in October 2022, the City of Livonia shared their proposal to tear down Alfred Noble Library altogether, citing budget shortfalls and an unsustainable library model. It was also shared that this proposal would be presented to City Council quickly for a decision, but why? After three years of inactivity, why does the decision need to be rushed? This approach to managing is unacceptable and the people deserve an opportunity to be engaged in this critical community development decision. 

In January 2023, City Hall will be asking Livonia City Council to vote on this proposal — with no public plan for what's next. We are being told to be patient yet again as our public resources hang in the balance. We are being told to wait until the building is gone and then we can work together to determine what's next. This is not good enough and Southside Livonia deserves better! 

We need your help! Alfred Noble Library is a beautiful and historically significant building that has anchored Sheldon Park for over half a century. The resources it has provided this community as a library must be preserved and reimagined to address the more modern needs of Southside Livonia. 

If you feel powerless to affect change or that voicing your concerns won't make a difference, please think again. Your voice matters, and so does your vote — especially in local elections where a few hundred votes could easily affect the outcomes. Many of the local leaders involved in this decision are up for re-election in 2023. Let them know that the voters are watching and will remember their actions come election day. Sign this petition so they know that saving Alfred Noble must be a priority.

We don't have much time, so please act now!

How you can help:

1. Sign this petition. Bonus: Leave a comment sharing what you love about Alfred Noble Library! If you are a current or former Livonia resident, please note that in your comment as well (of course, you don’t have to be from Livonia to sign).

2. Share this petition with your family, friends, and on social media. We need to get the word out across all our networks.

3. Join the “Save Alfred Noble Library” Facebook group for updates on when and where to show up and speak out as the future of Alfred Noble Library will be decided. 

Thank you for your time, interest and support of this issue!