History
2019
Novi Special Relocation and Youth Area Improvements
As of October 30, the Novi Special found a new home as a permanent display at the Novi Civic Center. The move allowed the Novi Public Library to dedicate an additional 200 square feet of space to their littlest guests, ages 0-5. During the fiscal year 20/21, improvements will be made to the play area, including the addition of safe and secure areas for babies and toddlers as well as more seating for parents and guardians.
iCube Makerspace
Libraries are known as places of learning, exploration, creativity, accessibility and sharing, as demonstrated in our motto of Inform. Inspire. Include = i³ or i-cubed. We are excited to see NPL’s iCube makerspace as a physical extension of these traits. In this fun, new space, visitors are encouraged to play, explore and try a variety of equipment and resources. We also introduced a new iCube makerspace book collection as well as drop-in Creative Kits. Each Creative Kit contains a self-guided make and take experience that appeals to beginners and experienced makers alike. New kits are introduced periodically. We also have subscriptions to CreativeBug, a go-to resource for high-quality, on-trend arts and crafts instructional videos, as well as Vidcode, a research-backed computer science curriculum and coding platform for tweens and teens.
2018
The Library of Michigan has awarded NPL a certificate of completion for meeting the Excellent Level of the Quality Services Audit Checklist (QSAC)! Out of over 400 public libraries in Michigan, the Novi Library was the first of two in Michigan to receive this certification! More information.
To earn this certification the Library demonstrated superior service to its patrons and community in a cost-effective manner, with a can-do attitude, and by always delivering on promises. With three levels of achievement such as Essential, Enhanced and Excellence offered by QSAC, NPL has officially reached all three levels! Huge thank you to Jessica Schenk Librarian, for working on this project this year!
2017
The first Virtual Reality weekend, held October 21-23, was a success with over 150 participants and spectators. It began with an after-hours event on Friday which was followed by two all day sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
The first NPL e-NABLE Community 3D Hand Assembly Day held on December 14 was a huge success!
- Patrons can now have access to Mobile Hotspots which shares unlimited data with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Use the hotspot to conduct research, complete homework, view entertainment or stay connected with family and friends.
- Held the first 3D Pinewood Derby program at the Library which gave patrons the opportunity to create and design their own car and race. Cars were created on the Library’s 3D printer.
- Unveiled 36 STEAM Kits (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) for our patrons to check out.
2016
A 3D printer is available for patron use. The printer’s purpose is to provide access to emerging technology that encourages the design and creation of innovative objects.
2014
The Novi Historical Commission designed eight markers commemorating areas in the city which preserve the historic landscapes associated with the automobile. The legendary Novi Special racecar, located at the library, stood out at its first Indianapolis 500 race in 1941 with its 450 horsepower engine.
2013
- The first Read Box debuted at Lakeshore Park. The goal is to encourage reading during the summer months.
- Annual circulation statistics reach 800,000 items.
2012
- The Novi Chamber of Commerce Recognition Award for Customer Service Excellence is given to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to meeting their customers’ needs. The library demonstrates the ability to interact effectively with patrons from diverse cultural backgrounds and a passion for quality customer service that runs through the entire staff.
- Unveiled the Business Resource Center which is a “one-stop-shop” for information on how to start or expand your business. This great resource also includes mentorships from the Senior Corp of Retired Professionals (SCORE).
2011
- RECEIVE THE LIBRARY OF THE YEAR AWARD! Julie Farkas, Director of Novi Public Library said, "It is both an honor and privilege to receive the State Librarian's Excellence Award. Our library works hard every day to be a destination place and information gateway for its community. Being honored with this award validates that the services, resources and programs we are providing is making a positive impact on our great community."
- The Washington-based International City/County Management Association (ICMA) announced Novi was a recipient of its Voice of the People Award for Transformation. The awards are given to communities in recognition of their use of citizen surveys to make significant improvements in service quality.
2010
- In a National Citizen Survey, the library received an impressive positive rating for superior customer service and general services from 94% of the city’s residents.
- Grand Opening of new library building on June 1, 2010 A Gem in Our Community – providing the resources and programs to support the educational, cultural, informational and recreational needs of our diverse community.
2008
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Library.
2004
The Charles and Myrtle Walker family has lived in Novi for nearly 30 years. The Walkers believe that the time has come for a larger library. They have donated $1 million to start a Library Building Fund. Following their generous donation the Library is renamed the "Charles and Myrtle Walker Public Library of Novi."
2003
The millage was rolled back to .78 of a mill.
Debut of the Novi Public Library's redesigned website and new logo.
2002
Novi Public Library becomes part of MiLE, Michigan Library Exchange, Michigan's largest virtual catalog.
Library added two computer stations with word processing capabilities.
1998
Six "Kids Net" (currently CyberZone) stations were added to provide Internet access for children.
1996
Annual circulation statistics reach 300,000 items. Public access Internet stations were installed in the Library.
1995
Online "shared" catalog adopted; users can access holdings of 50+ libraries.
1992
Computerized card catalog was introduced for public use.
The Novi Public Library received Number One ranking in a Novi News survey of city services.
1991
Library goes "online" for circulation transactions.
1990
The Library hours increase with the addition of Sunday hours from Labor Day to Memorial Day.
1989
On April 22, 1989 the "Dorothy Flattery Wing" of the Library is dedicated.
1988
Novi Public Library began an expansion project on the east wing.
1987
New Novi Civic Center opened next to the Library, the City offices were then moved into the new building.
1986
Old Novi Town Hall is relocated to Library property.
1985
Head librarian Dorothy Flattery retired after 22 years of service.
1978
The East side of the building is leased to the City, for administrative offices, for a cost of $1.00 a year.
1976
The 23,190 square foot Library opens, operating with an independent one mill.
1975
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for a new library building on seven acres of land on Ten Mile near Taft, its present location.
1969
Village of Novi becomes a city.
1968
Novi Public Library joined Wayne County (later Wayne Oakland) Library Federation.
1964
The Library got an addition that doubled its space.
1963
The Library became self-supporting when voters approved a one-half mill to support it. Dorothy Flattery became the head Librarian.
1960
The Novi Public Library opens in a former bank building on Novi Road near Grand River with approximately 150 donated books. Novi resident, Dorothy Paquette, spent countless hours cataloging the donations and setting up the Library. About 7,500 items circulated the first year the Library was open.