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November 16, 2023 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 5

WESTLAND
WESTLAND

A new chapter

Library renovation is celebrated

The William P. Faust Public Library in space specifically designed for them. The
Westland has opened a new chapter fol- renovation also saw the return of com-
lowing a $5 million renovation. fortable seating throughout the library
City officials and library personnel and the creation of an outdoor patio area
celebrated the extensive renovation with where visitors can both plug-in and work
an official reopening Nov. 2. The renova- or relax.
tion was funded through the library along “With this update and expansion of
with savings incurred the Westland Public
from closures during Library has become
the COVID-19 pandem- ” more of a community
ic. A millage approved center for everyone to
by Westland voters The renovation enjoy,” commented
allowed the library to Library Director
use the funds while still work took Jennifer Roth.
being able to cover nearly a year. “Our library staff, led
their operating costs. by Library Director
The renovation work Jennifer Roth, worked
took nearly a year dur- very hard throughout
ing which time library this process to ensure a
services temporarily moved into the for- continuation of service for a vital amenity
mer Marshall Upper Elementary School for the Westland community,” comment-
building to continue to serve the commu- ed former Mayor Michael P. Londeau. “I
nity. am immensely thankful for all the work
The renovation included the creation they do, and I am incredibly thankful that
of better acoustics throughout the library, the people of Westland have such a great
the installation of seven new, state-of-the- amenity and resource in the public
art meeting rooms, a new program room library. City officials and library personnel welcomed crowds to the newly-renovated Willaim P.
for youth and families, and a new teen The library is located at 6123 Central Faust Public Library of Westland last week. Renovations included age and topic specif-
area where young adults can enjoy a City Pkwy. ic reading rooms and an outdoor patio along with new seating.
City of Westland wins workplace diversity award

The City of Westland has honor an organization that has Westland under the age of 65 is areas - from employment to spearheads the Diversity, Equity
been named as the winner of the fostered exceptional employ- currently 11.9 percent. housing - and keeping city build- and Inclusion (DEI) department
2023 Apex Award from ment opportunities for people Minorities, including Blacks, ings compliant with the efforts expressed gratitude to
InCompass Michigan, the lead- with disabilities and other barri- Asians and Hispanics, make up Americans With Disabilities Act Londeau, city council members,
ing statewide network of human ers to community access in over 30 percent of the popula- (ADA) remains an important his colleagues, members of the
service organizations. The Michigan and demonstrated a tion. part of Westland's strong com- Disability Advocacy Committee
award honors Westland as “an commitment to inclusion and “It is so heartwarming to mitment to accessibility and and the DEI Commission, and
outstanding employer with a diversity in hiring practices, know that our multifaceted other DEI priorities. others for joining forces to help
rich workplace culture that rec- training and talent develop- effort in encouraging and deep- Additionally, we plan to collabo- mainstream DEI citywide.
ognizes and celebrates diverse ment,” commented InCompass ening diversity, equity and inclu- ratively intensify and expand “I believe the award will bol-
backgrounds, perspectives, skills Michigan COO, Laurie Morse- sion (DEI) in all aspects of our effort to ensure greater sense of ster our collective resolve and
and abilities.” Dell, city is bearing good fruits, and belonging to all members of our commitment. And as I have
Westland was nominated for Westland has an increasingly getting recognized statewide,” community, especially minority often posited, we all win when
the award by Aimee Szabo of diverse population of 86,000 and commented former Westland groups, and persons living with our workplaces, marketplaces,
Services to Enhance Potential is Michigan's 10th largest city, Mayor Michael P. Londeau. disabilities,” he added. leisure and growth places reflect
(STEP). officials said. The persons with “Adherence to the city's Non- Chief Diversity Officer C. real inclusion and equity,” com-
“The award was designed to disabilities population in Discrimination Ordinance in all Paschal Eze, whose department mented Eze.