Novi Friends Celebrate 65th Anniversary
The 65th Anniversary celebration of the Novi Library and the Friends of the Novi Library was held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 and was lots of fun. There were speeches by Julie Farkas, Library Director, Justin Fischer, our mayor who grew up in Novi, Mark Sturing, Library Board President, and Sue Johnson, Friends of the Library Board President. All had heartwarming stories to tell.
We had a book cake made by Maria of Maria’s Italian Bakery in Novi. Sue Johnson had the dubious honor of cutting the cake but noted that it went pretty well with help.
Friends Board members, Mary Angela Winter and Sue Johnson, updated the Library History boards which were read by many. The first library in Novi was started by a group of dedicated women who went door to door collecting books. The library opened in September of 1960 with an all-volunteer staff. There is a great video that includes many Novi residents who remember the library and talk about their experiences.
Dress code was easy. The Friends purchased shirts for everyone involved in the day whether you served on the 65th committee, were on the Library or Friends board, were library staff or a speaker. The only choice was whether you wanted a blue or green shirt.
Tickets for the beautiful Library Quilt purchased by the Friends for the raffle were on sale at the event. The winner was picked on October 31st. Elizabeth Kopko, support services supervisor at the library, was the winner.