Join Farmington Community Library for a weekend-long celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library events are always free to the public and you do not need a library card to attend! All of the MLK Weekend events will take place at the Library’s FCL Farmington Hills location at 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334.
MLK Donation Drive
In honor of the MLK Day of Service, join us in making a difference by donating non-perishable food and personal care items to support CARES of Farmington Hills. Your contributions will provide essential supplies and comfort to individuals and families in our community.
We are accepting the following donations:
- Size 5 or 6 diapers
- Toilet paper
- Non-perishable food items
CARES is a 501(c)3 non-profit which operates a family pantry with food choices available to food insecure guests. On their Campus of Hope is a small community grocery store open to all, resource for AA, NA, WIC, suicide prevention, and other 12-step support group meetings.
2025 MLK Art Contest
Take part in the Library’s MLK Day Weekend Celebration by submitting your artwork for our MLK Day Art Contest! 
Who can Enter:
This contest is open to all Farmington Community Library cardholders! Submissions are categorized into the following age groups:
- Elementary School: Grades K-5
- Middle School: Grades 6-8
- High School: Grades 9-12
- Adults: Ages 18+
Theme:
The theme for this year’s contest is “Unity”, inspired by the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his July 1961 speech, "The American Dream":
“We must learn to live together.”
Prizes:
1st and 2nd place winners in each age group will win a gift certificate to use on any classes or workshops offered through the City of Farmington Hills Special Services! 1st place winners will receive a $50 certificate and 2nd place winners will receive a $25 certificate.
Prizes are generously sponsored by the City of Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Submission Deadline:
Submissions are due by 8 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Visit the MLK Art Contest page on our website for full details.
Events
The Henry Ford Protest Button Collection
Saturday, January 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Auditorium
AND Virtual on Zoom
Join Heather Bruegl, Curator of Political and Civic Engagement at the Henry Ford, for a presentation on the Henry Ford's Protest Button Collection. She will show highlights from the collection covering a range of decades and movements and discuss their historical significance. After the program participants will have the opportunity to create their own protest button! Registration is only required for virtual attendance to receive the Zoom meeting link.
Sponsored by the Farmington Friends of the Library.
Movie Talks: Selma (Ages 18+)
Sunday, January 19, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Auditorium
We will watch the film Selma (2014); afterwards the floor will be opened for discussion. You don’t have to be a professional movie critic to attend Movie Talks! This will be a fun and thoughtful environment open to all adults who have a love for watching films! You are also welcome to bring your own snacks! This program is intended for adults ages 18+. Registration is preferred.
Film Synopsis: "The marches from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery to secure voting rights for Black Americans are depicted in this docudrama set during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, and which focuses on the actions of Martin Luther King Jr."
Genre: Drama
Run time: 2 hours 8 mins
Rated PG-13: for brief strong language, a suggestive moment, disturbing thematic material, and violence.
Sign-Making
Monday, January 20, 10-11 a.m.
Lobby
Planning to join us for the Legacy March at 11 a.m.? Come early and make a sign for the march with us. Posterboards, sign handles, and markers will be provided. Find us on the main floor, near the entrance.
Legacy March
Monday, January 20, 11-11:45 a.m.
Parking Lot
A tradition dating back over 20 years, the Dr. King Legacy March is a favorite activity of families in the community. With our signs and posters, we will walk down the sidewalk along 12 Mile Road. Please wear appropriate clothing for cold temperatures and icy sidewalks.
Hot chocolate will be available in the lobby after the event!
FPS Dance Company
Monday, January 20, 12:30-1 p.m.
Auditorium
FCL proudly presents the students at the Farmington Public School's Dance Company, led by Toi Banks. High schoolers from North Farmington and Farmington High School will capture the spirit of the day with a contemporary performance that you won't want to miss.
FPS Student Panel
Monday, January 20, 6-7 p.m.
Auditorium
AND Virtual on Zoom
You're invited to an inspiring panel discussion with local students as they share their unique perspectives on identity, equity, and belonging. Our panelists from the Farmington IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Acceptance) Clubs represent a variety of voices from across Farmington Public Schools, and they’re ready to dive into a discussion about Dr. King's enduring legacy and their dreams for the future. Moderated by Greg Smith, FPS Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, this panel will be a celebration of youth voices and visions for a more inclusive world. Registration is only required for virtual attendance to receive the Zoom meeting link.
MLK Celebration: Art Contest Award Ceremony
Monday, January 20, 7-7:30 p.m.
Auditorium
Immediately following the FPS Student Panel, the 8 winners of the MLK Art Contest will be announced and prizes awarded. The Art Contest is generously sponsored by Farmington Hills Special Services.
Never Give Up - A Special MLK Day Talk with Poet Joel Fluent Greene
Monday, January 20, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Auditorium
AND Virtual on Zoom
Join FCL for our Martin Luther King Jr Day (MLK) Weekend of celebrations. For today’s program we have Joel Fluent Greene, an Emmy Award-winning Poet and Spirit of Detroit Awardee. During this special MLK Day talk and performance, Joel will discuss his almost 30-year journey as a working creative in Detroit, and what it means to be a “Bridge” and not a “Gatekeeper.” From hosting open mics at Detroit’s legendary Cafe Mahogany to writing commissioned work for The Detroit Lions, Delta Airlines, The Detroit Tigers, and more...Joel’s story is one of finding your footing and never giving up. The evening will also feature a short poetry reading. Registration is only required for virtual attendance to receive the Zoom meeting link.