A crowd gathers outside of the Children's Activity Room in anticipation of the mural unveiling

Friends President Shirley Sacks recognizes artist Sarah Huffard for her work on the mural.

Sarah, who just graduated from State College Area High School, cuts the ribbon to the Activity Room as Children's Librarian Anita Ditz looks on.

Sarah combined her love of the Library and art to create something with a lasting impact.

Patrons look on in amazement.

Finding the hidden books - as well as the obvious books - is fun!

But sometime you need a little bit of help.

It's not a birthday without cake.

Sarah is pictured with her parents, Robert and Wendy.

In the Downsbrough Meeting Room, books representing the five decades were on display.

Library Director Betsy Allen welcomes Jeff Kline to the event. Jeff is a former president of the Library's Board of Trustees.

Elected officials, patrons, current/former Friends Board members and current/former members of the Board of Trustees were there to celebrate 50 years.

Members of the Friends Board prepare for the Garden Party.

Friends Board member Katie O'Toole served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Anita introduced the 1950s and transformed herself into the Cat in the Hat by the end of her remarks.

State College Mayor Bill Welch talked about the Library's beginnings.

The mayor participated in the 8th grade book drive that started the first library.

Technical Services Librarian Ann Lindsay introduced the 1960s.

Anne was also among the 8th grade students to collect books for the Library. Ann has been with the Library for nearly 30 years.

Maynard Kohler reflected back on the Library's growth during the 1970s.

Maynard served on the Library's Board of Trustees from 1965-1970.

The 1970s were introduced by Friends Board member Sally Heffentreyer.

Betsy first came to the Library as a Children's Librarian in 1973.

She became director of the Library in 1976.

Needless to say, after being with the Library for 34 years, she has a lot of great stories to tell!

Amy Neil, who does public relations and development for the Library, welcomed in the 1980s.

Marilyn Shobacken talked about the growth the Library had experienced, leading to the Library's addition in the mid-1980s.

Marilyn served on the Library Board from 1981-1987.

Administrative Assistant Martha Musser, also a long-time Library employee, had the pleasure of introducing the 1990s.

Jeff, who served on the Library Board from 1996-2001, was witness to an exciting decade.

He reflected on the meetings and discussions that lead to the decision to build the new Library on its current site - which was the old location.

Library patron Rikki Betts introduced the 2000s - and the decade of the Schlow Centre Region Library.

Dan Hawbaker, who served on the Library Board from 1992-1997 and again in 1999-2005, also lead the capital campaign for the new building.

Betsy, Anita and Amy pose for the camera at the conclusion of the event.

Anita and Katie take advantage of a quiet moment.

Many thanks to everyone in the Centre Region for being part of Schlow Library's first 50 years. We look forward to the next 50!