Martinez is Part of County Library Centennial

The Contra Costa County Library is celebrating a century from books to e-readers.

To the musical accompaniment of "You made me love you," take a video journey through 100 years of public libraries on the library system's website. You can also find a written chronology of your hometown library here.

A century ago, the first library opened in Walnut Creek, followed shortly by Concord. Then came a Danville library in 1915. The first county librarian was Alice G. Whitbeck.

The library system is scheduling events at local libraries to mark the centennial, starting this Saturday at the Lafayette and Martinez libraries.

The following listings are from the Contra Costa County Library website:

100th Birthday Celebration: A Walk Down Memory Lane
When: Saturday, February 09, 2013 - 2:00 PM
Where: Martinez Library
Join us for an afternoon of history and entertainment at the Martinez Library, celebrating the 100th birthday of the Contra Costa County Library.
Andrea Blachman, Director of the Martinez Museum will give a presentation on the history of the Martinez Library (founded in 1885). The presentation is followed by refreshments and music by Spinning Wheel.
Help us celebrate 100 years of "Bringing People and Ideas Together."

American Kid Tea Party
When: Saturday, February 09, 2013 - 11:00 AM
Where: Lafayette Library and Learning Center at Community Hall
Join us for an old fashioned kids' tea party as we celebrate a century of the Contra Costa Library's existence in our county! Bring your doll or stuffed animal and play with our American Girl dolls. Dress up as an American Girl (Kirsten, Kaya, Josefina,...) or any kid from the last 100 years: astronaut, sock hopper, Rebel Without a Cause, .... We'll eat, drink, play games, and have fun! Help us celebrate 100 years of "Bringing People and Ideas Together."