Hundreds of island residents, and others, came to the library this past Saturday, March 17 to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Bainbridge Public Library Branch Manager Rebecca Judd, wearing a shiny gold top in honor of the library’s golden anniversary, also wore a smile as hundreds of library patrons mingled about the two-story building, the gardens and even the parking lot, where a 1962 Falcon sat next to a 2012 electric car.

The event included an exhibit of 40 images taken by photographer Joel Sackett at the library during the last six weeks. In the teen room, patrons participated in a video moment where they were asked the question, “What is your favorite book?” Downstairs in the children’s section, photographer Brad Camp took old-time photos of patrons.

Kitsap Regional Library announced last week that it would waive past-due fines on March 17 in honor of the celebration.

Bainbridge Associate Librarian Libby Anderson said they had about a 30-percent increase in those returning late items that day.

At 3 p.m., Bainbridge Library Board Member George Shannon introduced Mayor Debbi Lester who read a proclamation. Then the crowd congregated near the checkout counter and sang “Happy Birthday” before a group photo was taken by Sackett. Cake was served in the meeting room following the photo.

“How can you not be proud to be part of the Bainbridge Library from either side of the desk,” Anderson said.

Some returned later in the evening to enjoy Island Theatre’s presentation of Edward Albee’s 1962 play, “Everything in the Garden.”