Livonia Public Library wanted a website that better showcased its identity, supported accessibility, and made everyday updates easier for staff. Like many websites that have evolved over time, its previous site relied on older technology and editing workflows that required specialized knowledge to maintain.
In April 2026, Livonia Public Library partnered with LocalHop to launch a new website on the Sculptr platform. Together, the teams focused on creating a modern, accessible website that would be easier to manage while delivering a better online experience for patrons.
The Challenge
The library's previous website had served the organization for years, but maintaining it had become increasingly difficult. Built using a basic HTML editor and later migrated to an older version of Elementor, updates required technical knowledge and could be cumbersome to process.
One moment illustrated the challenge particularly well. When staff needed to publish a building closure announcement, a simple text update unexpectedly disrupted much of the homepage layout. Tasks that should have taken only a few minutes could become much more involved, pulling staff away from serving patrons.
The library also wanted a website that could provide greater confidence that patrons using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies could successfully access information online.
The Solution
LocalHop rebuilt the website on its Sculptr platform using custom Gutenberg blocks designed around the way library staff work. Gravity Forms provided a structured approach for managing public-facing forms, while guided editing tools made it easier to publish updates without requiring specialized technical expertise. Changes could be made quickly, with updates appearing on the live site almost immediately.
Accessibility was built into the project from the beginning rather than addressed at the end. The website was developed to align with WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines, incorporating semantic structure, keyboard-accessible navigation, accessible forms, and support for alternative text throughout the site. These standards were verified through manual testing in addition to automated tools.
To help the library continue maintaining those standards after launch, LocalHop also provided staff training and documentation.
The project also preserved workflows that were already working well. Rather than replacing NextGEN Gallery, LocalHop integrated it into the new website, allowing staff to continue managing photo galleries while benefiting from improved search functionality, flexible content layouts for announcements and resources, and a responsive experience across desktop and mobile devices.
The Outcome
Following launch, Livonia Public Library transitioned back to livoniapubliclibrary.org. Because the domain was still connected to the previous hosting environment, the migration required careful coordination beyond a standard DNS update.
LocalHop audited the site's existing URLs, recreated redirect rules, and resolved redirect issues throughout the transition while coordinating the handoff between hosting environments.
Where the new site's structure differed from the previous one, page-level redirects ensured that bookmarked links and search results continued directing visitors to the correct pages. The transition was seamless for patrons, allowing the library to retain both its existing content and its search visibility while moving to its new website.
At launch, the site aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA standards through manual testing rather than relying solely on automated scanning. LocalHop's support continued beyond launch with documentation for staff and an ongoing commitment to addressing accessibility feedback as it arises.
Perhaps the biggest change, however, has been the day-to-day experience for library staff. Routine website updates are now clearer, faster, and easier to manage, allowing staff to spend less time working around technology and more time serving their community.
"The new website has a welcoming design with clear, accessible options for patrons. The backend design of the website has allowed a much greater ease of editing and updating for staff."
Nathan Shaw
Livonia Public Library
Key Features
- Custom Sculptr website platform with a simplified, staff-friendly editing experience
- Built to align with WCAG 2.1 AA standards from day one, verified through manual testing
- Enhanced site search and flexible content layouts for announcements and resources
- Responsive, mobile-friendly design across devices
- NextGEN Gallery integration to preserve existing photo workflows
- Staff training and documentation to support long-term accessibility maintenance
- Full domain migration, including URL audits and page-level redirects, while preserving search visibility
Why It Matters
For many patrons, a library's website is their first interaction with the organization. It should be welcoming, accessible, and easy to navigate while giving staff the confidence to keep information current without unnecessary complexity.
Through its partnership with LocalHop, Livonia Public Library now has a website that better reflects its identity, supports accessibility from the ground up, and provides staff with the tools they need to manage their online presence with confidence.
