By Robert Haugh

The Mission Branch Library will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a community event on Saturday, November 1, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at 1098 Lexington Street, home to the library and City Park Plaza.

The event will honor seven decades of service to Santa Clara residents with a mix of music, art, and family-friendly activities. 

Visitors can enjoy a birthday cake, outdoor jazz concert by the Ricky Martinez Jazz Trio, and historical exhibits of the library’s evolution since its opening in 1954.

For children and families, the day will include indoor and outdoor crafts such as rock painting, button-making, birthday crown decorating, and a live letterpress demonstration. 

Beloved children’s book character Pete the Cat will make a special appearance, along with face painting, lawn games, and story sharing with longtime library patrons.

The Mission Branch Library remains one of Santa Clara’s most beloved community spaces, bringing generations together through books, learning, and creativity. 

The 70th anniversary celebration is free and open to the public.