This Saturday the Warwick Public Library is holding its 50th anniversary party with a series of activities. Fifty Years of Storytelling: A Warwick Public Library Anniversary Celebration includes current and past mayors, children’s activities and even some famous literary characters.

Mayor Scott Avedisian said the celebration would be an opportunity for patrons, staff and lovers of the library to look back on the “small and humble beginnings” of the library as well as everything it has become. He noted the library has grown to become so much more than just a place to find a book but a resource center for the community.

“Through the years people have put a lot of good work into making the library what it is today,” Avedisian said. “For all it takes to run a library, it is a good return on investment.”

Wil Gregersen, community services librarian, agreed, noting that through all the changes the library and the city have experienced in the past 50 years, Warwick Public Library has continued to be an important institution in the community.

“Those of us who are lucky to work at the library today owe everything to the dedication, forethought and plain hard work of the people who came before us, whether they were members of the community, community groups, elected officials or library staff. September 26 is a day to celebrate everyone who made the library what it is today and to look forward to a bright and surprising future,” Gregersen said.

Avedisian said the library’s “legacy” is that how integral it is to the community and how it has become an everyday part of people’s lives.

“Just look at how many people go to the library every day,” Avedisian said. “It’s a place to socialize and better yourself. People interact with the library in so many different ways. It goes to show how well the library is thought of in this community.”

The event begins at 11 a.m. with a pizza and Yacht Club Soda lunch with automobiles from 1965, the year the library opened, and a vintage fire truck.

In the Children’s Library children can work on fun birthday projects, and at 11:30 a.m. there will be a visit from the Cat in the Hat for story time.

Warwick historian Henry Brown will speak at noon on the library through the ages.

Then, at 1 p.m. join Avedisian for a reception and cake and live music from Michael Goddard beginning at 2 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.