The South Chattanooga branch of the Chattanooga Public Library will mark 20 years on Saturday, and residents of the community are invited to the party.
This is the first Saturday the South Chattanooga branch has ever been open, according to library officials. To better serve customers, evening hours also have been added. New hours, now in effect, are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The branch is closed Fridays and Sundays.
Robert Drake, the new branch manager, will be on hand to greet guests. Drake brings more than 25 years of experience to his post. He is the first professional librarian to head this branch, officials said.
Anniversary events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. Partyville will provide an inflatable bounce house, children can create sidewalk chalk art, and Rowdy Raccoon, the summer reading program mascot, will mingle with guests.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., there will be birthday storytime and crafts for all ages, including the chance to make cone-shaped birthday hats. Birthday cake and punch will be served.
Children who have not joined the library's summer reading program can register for "Dream Big -- Read." Logbooks are due back to any library location by July 21.
The South Chattanooga branch is at 925 W. 39th St. For more information, call 825-7237.