Picnic in the Old Mill Park

The Mill Valley Public Library will toast its 100th birthday this summer, a milestone that marks the perfect opportunity for a celebration. To fete the occasion, the Library is hosting a “Centennial Birthday Picnic in the Park.” Free and open to all ages, the event will feature live bluegrass, old-timey music and an array of fun activities for the whole family.

The festivities will take place on Saturday, July 23rd from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. under the redwoods in the Library’s own backyard, Old Mill Park. Those in attendance will take a step back in time at this old-time get-together, which will be reminiscent of the early parties of Mill Valley, back in the days when the Library first opened its doors.

Bring a blanket to settle in and watch a great musical lineup. Over the course of the day, four musical acts will grace the Old Mill Park amphitheater. Marin locals and chamber musicians Steve Alter and Bill Horne will kick off the festivities, welcoming guests with the sounds of cello and piano. Next will be singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lorin Rowan. A member of the musical family the Rowan Brothers and the Marin County ska-rock/reggae band The Edge, Rowan will take the stage at 1:00 p.m. Northern California contemporary bluegrass band Savannah Blue will play at 1:45 p.m., followed by Emily Bonn & The Vivants, a hoot n’ hollerin’ act from San Francisco, at 3 p.m.

Against this festive backdrop, guests can take part in turn-of-the-century games, from tug-o-war and a three-legged race to chess and checkers. The Library will also have a craft table for kids and an oral history booth where attendees can videorecord their own personal stories. Librarians will be on hand, too, to provide personalized summer reading suggestions.

Sandwiches, old-fashioned sodas and beer will be available for purchase, and to blow out the candles on a milestone year, the Library will serve complimentary birthday cake.

Entry to the birthday party and all activities are free. Old Mill Park is located behind the Library at 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA  94941.